A recent agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea regarding the KF-21 Boramae fighter jet highlights a crucial lesson for India's own advanced aircraft program: securing international collaboration early is essential for export success in the competitive global defence market.
On April 16, 2025, the UAE Air Force and Air Defence (AFAD) signed a letter of intent with the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) aimed at comprehensive cooperation on the South Korean...
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly reshape its attack helicopter capabilities, confirming plans to retire its fleet of ageing Mi-35 Hind gunships by the 2030s.
These Soviet-era helicopters will be succeeded by the domestically produced Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, marking a major boost for India's indigenous defence sector.
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The IAF currently operates one squadron of Mi-35 helicopters, which entered service in the 1980s. These robust aircraft have served...
An aerial engagement between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the Line of Control (LoC) on February 27, 2019, brought India's air-to-air missile capabilities under sharp focus.
During this clash, which followed India's airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistani F-16 jets equipped with US-made AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM missiles demonstrated a range advantage over IAF aircraft, including Su-30 MKIs using Russian R-77 missiles.
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The 2019 confrontation led to the loss of an...
A senior Indian delegation recently visited the Rolls-Royce facility in Bristol, UK, highlighting strengthening defence industry collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.
The delegation included India's Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the High Commissioner of India to the UK, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, along with other high-ranking Ministry of Defence officials and industry leaders.
During the visit, the group examined Rolls-Royce's advanced capabilities in...
The Indian private sector possesses significant capabilities to develop the advanced 120kN engine required for the nation's futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), according to V. Venkat Raju, Managing Director of Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies.
However, speaking at a recent discussion, Mr. Raju emphasized that crucial government support, particularly in research, development (R&D), and establishing sophisticated testing infrastructure, is essential for the project's success...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly enhanced its aerial combat capabilities with the introduction of the French-made Dassault Rafale fighter jet equipped with the advanced Meteor missile.
This combination is changing the dynamics of air power in South Asia, providing India with a substantial advantage, particularly against potential threats from Pakistan.
Often compared to a sniper due to its exceptional range and precision, the Rafale armed with the Meteor allows the IAF to...
India is approaching a significant decision in its military aerospace programme, with expectations set for selecting an international partner by July 2025 to co-develop a sophisticated sixth-generation jet engine. This crucial engine is destined for the country's future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
Negotiations have recently concluded with three global aerospace leaders: General Electric (GE) of the United States, Safran of France, and Rolls-Royce from the United Kingdom, marking...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly preparing to launch a significant procurement process for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to enhance its combat fleet, a program that has been anticipated for some time.
Alongside this major long-term initiative, the IAF is also considering a more immediate, smaller-scale purchase of a specific aircraft type to rapidly address pressing operational requirements and fill gaps in its current capabilities.
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This push for new aircraft comes as...
State-owned aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is optimistic about receiving approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) later this year for its significant Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) project.
The CCS, India's top body for security decisions, needs to greenlight the funding required for developing this new 13-tonne class helicopter.
The IMRH is designed to be a modern replacement for the long-serving Mi-17 helicopters used by India's Army, Air Force...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to acquire 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) to address its declining number of fighter squadrons, which currently stands at 31 compared to the officially sanctioned strength of 42.
The Dassault Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter already operated by the IAF, is considered a strong candidate for this significant purchase.
However, acquiring an additional 110 Rafale jets, potentially the advanced F4 variant, carries substantial financial...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has formally proposed to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) that a dedicated Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program receive full government funding and priority status.
This significant push draws inspiration from a recent initiative by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which focuses on teaming autonomous drone aircraft with manned fighter jets to enhance overall air combat capability.
The IAF views this strategy as essential for modernizing its fleet and...
State-owned aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is increasing collaboration with private Indian companies to expedite the production of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
This strategy supports a major order for 97 additional Tejas jets, valued at approximately ₹650 billion ($7.8 billion), which received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in November 2023.
This new order follows an earlier contract from January...
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), India's foremost submarine construction company, is embarking on an independent project to design a new conventional diesel-electric submarine.
This initiative positions MDL in direct competition with a parallel design effort being undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy's future Project-76 submarine program.
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An official from MDL confirmed on March 18, 2025, that the company's internal design team...
India's primary border protection agency, the Border Security Force (BSF), has commenced trials of the 'Ugram', a new assault rifle developed within the country.
This 7.62mm rifle, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is being seriously considered as a replacement for the BSF's current standard-issue 5.56mm INSAS rifles.
According to a report in The Tribune dated April 21, 2025, the BSF has obtained 10 Ugram rifles along with ammunition to conduct thorough...
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in advanced weapons technology with its Dhvani Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) program.
The recent public display of a full-scale Dhvani model, measuring approximately 9 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, signals India's growing capabilities in the complex field of hypersonic systems, an area previously dominated by nations like the US, Russia, and China.
This development follows earlier successful...
The procurement process for essential heavyweight torpedoes (HWT) for the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines has entered a decisive phase.
Italy's Black Shark torpedo, produced by Leonardo Electronics, is now considered the primary option after Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) unexpectedly withdrew from the competition, as reported by The Economic Times on April 15, 2025.
The tender aims to acquire 48 advanced HWTs to arm India's modern submarine fleet.
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The withdrawal of...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly advocating strongly for access to the source codes for key systems within its fleet of Dassault Rafale fighter jets, according to defence sources.
This strategic push aims to allow India greater control over integrating its domestically developed weapons onto the advanced aircraft, thereby boosting operational independence and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers for future upgrades.
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India has acquired a full fleet of 36 Rafale jets, which...
India's acquisition of 272 Su-30MKI multirole fighter jets from Russia, starting in the late 1990s, significantly bolstered the Indian Air Force (IAF). Valued at roughly ₹55,000 crore (around $6 billion at the time), this agreement provided the IAF with what remains its primary combat aircraft, procured to counter potential threats from neighbouring China and Pakistan.
However, the structure of this major defence deal has provided critical lessons for India's future procurement strategies...
United States Vice President JD Vance has strongly advocated for India acquiring advanced F-35A stealth fighter jets during his ongoing official visit.
Speaking in Jaipur, Mr. Vance highlighted the aircraft's potential, stating, “American F-35s will give the Indian Air Force the ability to defend airspace and protect your people.”
This emphasis on the high-tech fighter comes during a four-day trip (April 21-24, 2025) aimed at significantly strengthening the strategic partnership between...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly pursuing the acquisition of 40 additional Rafale fighter aircraft directly from France, signalling a move to rapidly enhance its operational strength.
According to recent information cited by the Bharat Shakti portal, the IAF has made a formal request through a government-to-government channel with French manufacturer Dassault Aviation.
If approved, this purchase would significantly bolster the existing fleet of 36 Rafales inducted between 2020 and...
