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A leading Indian defence expert is advocating for a significant deepening of India-Israel defence collaboration, suggesting that India could become a major manufacturing hub for Israeli arms. Bharat Karnad, Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Centre for Policy Research in New Delhi, proposes a model where Israel's defence industry focuses on research and development, while India takes on the bulk production of critical defence equipment. This partnership, he argues, would...

India is significantly bolstering its naval power with the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) that will also function as guided missile submarines (SSGNs). This ambitious program, a collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is set to enhance India's strategic deterrence and maritime dominance. ad A key feature of these advanced submarines will be their ability to launch a new generation of long-range cruise...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the development of its SWiFT stealth UAV program, a move driven by the need for unmanned aircraft capable of operating effectively in modern, contested airspace. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards integrating advanced stealth technology into the IAF's unmanned aerial capabilities. ad Recent conflicts have exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional UAVs, which are easily detected and neutralized by modern air defence systems. The...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is forging ahead with production of the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft despite delays in the delivery of GE F-404 engines. Facing a potential production bottleneck, HAL, under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Mr. D.K. Sunil, has adopted an innovative "engine-agnostic" approach to keep the Tejas Mk1A program on track. According to a HAL official, the company is building Tejas Mk1A airframes and equipping them with Category B F-404...

Israel's recent acquisition of 25 F-15 fighter jets from Boeing for $5.2 billion has sparked a debate in India: could the Indian Air Force (IAF) secure a better deal by opting for the F-15 over the Dassault Rafale in its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender? Israel's deal translates to a per-unit cost of approximately $208 million for each F-15, inclusive of infrastructure, logistics, and training. This figure is significantly lower than the estimated $236 million per unit cost of the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly enhance its combat capabilities with the planned upgrade of 84 SU-30MKI fighter jets under the "Super Sukhoi" program. The Ministry of Defence is nearing the finalization of this ambitious project, which aims to transform the SU-30MKI into a near fifth-generation platform. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) granted approval for the upgrade on November 30, 2023, with an estimated budget of ₹63,000 crore. The proposal is now awaiting...

Delays in the supply of F-404 engines from General Electric (GE) Aerospace have cast a shadow over India's Tejas Mk1A program, raising concerns about potential setbacks in aircraft delivery. This has ignited a debate about the feasibility of transitioning to the more powerful GE F-414 engines, currently earmarked for the Tejas Mk2. While the F-414 promises enhanced performance, integrating it into the Tejas Mk1A would necessitate significant modifications. ad F404 vs. F414: A Comparative...

In a move aimed at bolstering operational readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is seeking environmental clearance to construct additional ammunition storage facilities in the strategically crucial Ladakh region. This initiative focuses primarily on forward areas in Eastern Ladakh, a region that has witnessed heightened tensions with China in recent years. ad The proposals, submitted between April and July, highlight the "urgent necessity" to...

As the recent Israel-Hamas conflict casts a shadow over the future of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), India is increasingly focusing on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as a crucial trade route. And within this strategic shift, Armenia is emerging as a pivotal partner for India, offering a secure and reliable passage for goods bypassing potentially problematic routes through Azerbaijan. ad This development comes as Iran's Ambassador to Armenia...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a lighter version of its Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), aiming to provide the Indian Army with a more agile and readily deployable artillery solution. This new Towed Gun System (TGS) is being designed with a reduced chamber capacity of 23 litres and a lighter barrel, ensuring it falls under the 15-ton weight limit mandated by the Army. ad This move comes in response to the Army's increasing need for...

The Indian Army is looking to significantly enhance its logistical capabilities with the introduction of heavy-lift cargo drones, capable of transporting 1-2 tons of supplies. This ambitious plan aims to overcome the challenges of supplying troops stationed in remote and inaccessible areas, particularly along the challenging Himalayan border. ad Currently, the Army utilizes cargo drones with payload capacities ranging from 5kg to 250kg. These have proven effective in transporting light loads...

In a significant boost to India's armored vehicle capabilities and self-reliance, the WhAP 8x8 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) will soon be equipped with a powerful, indigenously developed 600 HP V8 diesel engine. Jayem Automotives Private Limited has been tasked with integrating this advanced engine into the WhAP platform, replacing the existing Cummins engine. ad This new powerplant, jointly developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) and Ashok Leyland...

Russia's United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of Rostec, is making a significant debut at Airshow China by showcasing its latest fifth-generation engine for operational-tactical aviation to the international community. This marks the first time the engine has been publicly displayed outside of Russia. Alongside this cutting-edge technology, UEC is also presenting an upgraded line of its widely recognized AL-31F/FN engine family and the new SM-100 engine. ad The AL-31F/FN engine...

The Indian Army's plans to acquire Stryker armored vehicles from Canada have been thrown into uncertainty as diplomatic tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. The recent public disagreement, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against India regarding the death of a Sikh separatist leader, has cast a shadow over bilateral relations, including defence cooperation. ad The potential disruption of the Stryker deal is a significant development for...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) may be looking to acquire 90 additional Rafale fighter jets if Dassault Aviation’s entry emerges victorious in the ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition. This revelation comes from a senior IAF official, who indicated that such a move would effectively fulfill the original intent of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, which sought 126 aircraft to address a critical capability gap. ad The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets...

While American defence giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin vie for India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract with their F-15EX, F-21, and F/A-18 Super Hornet platforms, an intriguing possibility has emerged. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), could offer an advanced, indigenized version of the Su-30MKI – dubbed the "Super Sukhoi" – as a compelling contender. This approach aligns seamlessly with India's 'Make in...

Following delays in the delivery of F404 engines from GE Aerospace, the Indian government is exploring strategies to localize the supply chain for this critical component of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program. With the Indian Air Force (IAF) set to induct nearly 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, ensuring a reliable and timely supply of engines is paramount. ad The IAF's ambitious plan to bolster its fleet with the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A has hit a snag due to recent delays in F404 engine...

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) take center stage in modern warfare and surveillance, experts are calling for India to accelerate its domestic UAV manufacturing capabilities by actively involving the private sector. While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the indigenous TAPAS (Tactical Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance) MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV, leveraging private sector expertise could significantly boost innovation and...

India's evolving security landscape has ignited debate over the potential acquisition of a strategic bomber, with Russia's Tupolev Tu-160 "White Swan" emerging as a prominent contender. While the high cost of such platforms often raises concerns, the Tu-160 could offer India unique capabilities in long-range strikes and large-scale ordnance delivery. ad Extended-Range Precision Strikes The Tu-160, with its impressive 12,000-kilometer range, could significantly enhance India's power...

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially introduced the J-15T, a catapult-capable variant of its J-15 carrier-based fighter jet. While boasting enhancements like advanced avionics, a powerful AESA radar, and indigenous WS-10 engines, the J-15T continues to face limitations rooted in its reverse-engineered origins. The J-15T's design is based on the Russian Su-33 Flanker-D, a Soviet-era naval fighter. China acquired the Su-33's blueprints by purchasing a prototype from...