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China's recent unveiling of two 6th generation fighter jet programs has sent ripples through the global defence community, prompting nations like India to re-evaluate their strategies for maintaining a cutting edge in military aviation. In this context, the question of whether India should join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer has gained renewed relevance, especially given the interest expressed by founding members Italy, Japan, and the UK to expand their collaborative...

The Indian defence community is voicing a strong call to action on social media, urging the Government of India to prioritize funding for critical defence projects, particularly the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This surge in online activism comes in the wake of China's recent revelation of its 6th generation fighter jets, highlighting a widening gap in aerial capabilities between the two nations. ad The AMCA, India's ambitious 5th generation fighter jet project, has the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF), a cornerstone of India's defence strategy, has faced persistent challenges in maintaining and modernizing its fighter jet fleet over the past two decades. Examining the acquisition patterns under two successive governments reveals a story of delays, cancellations, and a struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancements in aerial warfare technology. ad From 2004 to 2014, under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, the IAF ordered 122 fighter jets...

Airbus, in partnership with the Federal Republic of Germany, is gearing up to offer the advanced Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 5 for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. This tender, expected to be issued by mid-2025, seeks to procure 110 modern fighter jets to enhance India's air combat capabilities. ad The Eurofighter Typhoon proposal is a collaborative effort involving the Eurofighter consortium nations, with key industrial partners Leonardo and BAE...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is proactively enhancing the defences of its critical force multiplier aircraft, such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and in-flight refuelling tankers, to counter the growing threat of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). These high-value assets, crucial for extending operational range and enhancing situational awareness, are increasingly vulnerable to advanced SAMs, including MANPADS (man-portable air-defence systems), laser-guided threats, and...

The Indian Navy's P17A Nilgiri-class frigates are setting a new standard in naval warfare capabilities by becoming the first warships to integrate the 76/62 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) with the advanced Strales fire control system and Dart programmable guided ammunition. This cutting-edge weapon system significantly boosts the frigates' ability to neutralize a wide range of modern threats, including swarm drones and anti-ship subsonic cruise missiles. ad Manufactured indigenously by...

In a move that could significantly advance India's submarine capabilities, Spanish shipyard Navantia has offered a complete Transfer of Technology (ToT) for its cutting-edge Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, known as Bio-Ethanol Stealth Technology (BEST). This unprecedented offer positions Navantia as a strong contender in India's strategic submarine programs, including the ambitious Project-75 (I) and future initiatives like Project-76. ad The BEST system represents a major leap in...

Images and claims circulating on social media suggest that China's sixth-generation fighter jet has taken to the skies for its inaugural flight, marking a potential leap forward in aerospace technology and challenging the United States' dominance in military aviation. While these reports remain unverified by official sources, the implications of this development could be significant for the global balance of power. ad The images, which have resurfaced on platforms like X (formerly Twitter)...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) recent plan to significantly expand its fighter jet fleet with 4.5+ generation aircraft has sparked debate among defence analysts. While acknowledging the IAF's need to modernize, some experts have raised concerns that this strategy may not be aligned with the global trend towards 5th and 6th generation fighter technology, potentially hindering India's ability to maintain technological parity in the long term. ad The IAF has placed orders for 83 Tejas Mk1A and...

India's efforts to boost domestic production of the AL-31FP aero engines, which power the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fighter jets, have encountered resistance from Russia. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) currently produces these engines under license at its Koraput division, with an indigenous content level of less than 54%. HAL aims to increase this to 63% in the coming years, but Russia's reluctance to approve further localization efforts poses a significant challenge. ad The primary...

Brazil has expressed strong interest in acquiring the BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) supersonic cruise missile, a cutting-edge weapon system jointly developed by India and Russia. With its Mach 3 speed and compact design, the BrahMos-NG is being considered as a potential armament for Brazil's Gripen-E fighter fleet. This missile, currently under development by BrahMos Aerospace, is garnering international attention due to its unique blend of speed, size, and versatility. ad The BrahMos-NG is...

India's indigenous defence capabilities are set for a major boost as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) prepares to conduct the first live firing test of the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) next month. This crucial trial will utilize the advanced ELTA Systems' ELM 2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Fire Control Radar (FCR) for guidance, marking a significant upgrade from previous tests that relied on the older ELM 2032 radar. ad The Astra Mk1...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up for the final stages of development and delivery of the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Despite facing some delays, HAL is now targeting a March 31, 2025 deadline for the delivery of the first fighter jet. ad Starting in January 2025, HAL will conduct critical trials involving the testing of key systems, including the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the locally made electronic warfare...

The Toyota Hilux has emerged as a strong contender for expanding the Indian Army's vehicle fleet after a successful round of trials conducted by the Northern Command. Following the delivery of an initial batch of Hilux pickups by Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) in 2023, the rugged vehicles underwent a rigorous two-month evaluation in some of India's most challenging terrains and climates. ad The Hilux, renowned for its legendary durability and off-road capabilities, was tested in extreme...

The Indian Navy's upcoming Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) are generating significant international interest. Designed to replace the Navy's aging fleet of corvettes, these warships offer a compelling blend of compact size and formidable firepower, making them attractive to smaller nations seeking potent naval capabilities. ad The NGMVs are armed with four BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, renowned for their long-range, high-speed strike capabilities. This provides the vessels with...

In a move that could significantly reshape the landscape of international defence collaboration, the United Kingdom and Italy have voiced their support for inviting India to join the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This ambitious initiative, which already includes Japan, aims to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet by 2035. ad This isn't the first time India has been approached to participate. Two years ago, the UK extended an initial invitation for India to join the Tempest...

In a recent diplomatic overture, Pakistan has reportedly approached the United States with a proposal aimed at de-escalating regional tensions through missile program controls. According to some posts on X, Pakistan has offered to halt its own missile development program if the U.S. can persuade India to do the same. The proposal suggests a mutual cessation of missile development between India and Pakistan, with the United States acting as a mediator or facilitator. This would theoretically...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is facing yet another setback in the delivery schedule for India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. The first two F-404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aviation, crucial for the aircraft's performance, are now expected to arrive in March 2025, highlighting the persistent challenges within the global aerospace supply chain. ad These engines were initially slated for delivery much earlier, with the first batch anticipated in March 2024...

Some defence analysts have criticized the Indian Army's decision to prioritize lighter towed artillery systems over the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) for high-altitude warfare. They argue that the ATAGS, with its superior range and firepower, could provide a significant advantage in mountainous terrain, surpassing any comparable Chinese artillery systems. ad The ATAGS boasts a 155mm/52-caliber gun with an extended chamber size, enabling it to achieve an...

India's growing fleet of nuclear submarines is set for a major upgrade with the integration of Conformal Flank Array Side Array Sonar systems. This advanced technology will significantly boost the detection and tracking capabilities of India's nuclear attack submarines (SSNs), allowing them to better identify and evade potential threats in the depths of the ocean. ad Flank array sonars are a type of side sonar system that employ hydrophones strategically positioned along the submarine's...