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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. ad 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 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. ad 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...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is embarking on an ambitious project to develop a powerful airborne laser weapon system, according to official sources. Plans are underway to create a megawatt (MW)-grade Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) designed to be mounted on an aircraft, marking a significant advancement in the nation's defence capabilities. ad This initiative follows DRDO's progressive work on laser-based weapon systems. Officials confirm the completion of...

India is advancing its naval air power capabilities with the development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF). This aircraft is being created by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) working alongside the Indian Navy. However, there has been discussion about whether the TEDBF represents a cutting-edge 5th-generation fighter or a slightly less advanced "5-Minus Class" platform designed specifically for aircraft carriers. Recent information indicates that the decision to focus...

The Indian Navy harbours a significant ambition: to operate a fleet of 175 to 200 warships by the year 2035. This goal is driven by the increasing need to safeguard India's maritime interests and counter growing naval activities, particularly by China, in the crucial Indian Ocean region. However, realising this vision faces a substantial hurdle stemming from the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) longstanding preference for awarding shipbuilding contracts primarily to state-owned enterprises. ad...

India's pursuit of advanced aerial weaponry includes the proposed CATS Hunter Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Designed as a stealthy, subsonic missile capable of flying close to the surface, the Hunter can be launched from both crewed aircraft and unmanned platforms. Despite its modern design, featuring the PTAE-7 turbojet engine, the project currently awaits approval from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). ad The...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) remains committed to making its domestically developed Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE-25) ready for production by 2030, despite recent reports highlighting significant delays in the programme, according to company officials. The project is seen as vital for India's goal of self-reliance in aerospace propulsion technology. ad The HTFE-25 is a 25 kilonewton (kN) thrust turbofan engine intended to power a variety of aircraft, including trainer jets...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its indigenous capabilities in armoured vehicle technology. A key project is the DATRAN-1500 HP engine, currently developed for the country's upcoming Futuristic Main Battle Tank (FMBT) and the upgraded Arjun Mk1A Main Battle Tank (MBT). This engine marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in critical defence systems. ad DRDO officials recently shared plans indicating that the DATRAN engine platform is...

India's selection of the engine to power its future fighter aircraft, the Tejas Mk2 and the initial version of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA Mk1), involved a significant choice between leading global powerplants. An advanced version of the Eurojet EJ200 engine, known as the EJ230, was a strong competitor but ultimately did not secure the contract. ad The EJ230 engine, derived from the EJ200 that powers the Eurofighter Typhoon jets used by several European air forces, was...

Nagpur-based defence company JSR Dynamics Pvt. Ltd. has introduced a new weapon system, the Miniature Ground Launched Drone-Weaponized (MGLD-W). This advanced missile drone, weighing 400 kg and launched from the ground, is designed for high-speed precision attacks. Powered by a 150 kgf turbojet engine, it can reach targets up to 297 kilometres away and travel at a maximum speed of Mach 0.85. ad The MGLD-W is a relatively lightweight, autonomous aerial system built for flexibility in modern...

India is nearing a significant milestone in its military aviation capabilities, with a partnership agreement for the joint development of a powerful sixth-generation fighter jet engine expected to be finalized within the next two to three months. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), confirmed this development on April 13, 2025. ad Speaking at a defence technology event in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kamat announced that discussions are in...

As major global powers like the United States, China, and European nations push forward with developing sophisticated sixth-generation fighter jets across at least four distinct programs, experts are highlighting the increasing need for India to begin its own conceptual work on future air combat platforms. With the world's fourth-largest air force, India faces a critical window to start planning to ensure its long-term aerial competitiveness. ad The Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently...

India's aspirations to export its domestically developed Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) to France appear to have stalled, as Paris shifts focus towards creating its own advanced rocket artillery. French defence authorities are reportedly prioritizing a national program to develop a system similar to the American High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), with aims to demonstrate the new technology by mid-2026. This strategic direction, emphasising French defence...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly upgrade the combat potential of its Rafale fighter jets by replacing their current French-made MICA air-to-air missiles with domestically developed Astra Mk1 and Mk2 missiles. This strategic decision aims to boost the IAF's aerial capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, aligning with India's goals for self-sufficiency in defence technology. ad The 36 Rafale aircraft procured from France's Dassault Aviation in a deal...