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Initial assessments suggest that Embraer's C-390 Millennium transport aircraft is gaining traction as the most likely choice for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. Sources within the IAF point to the C-390M's design as a critical advantage, offering superior potential for future adaptations compared to rival platforms. ad The flexibility of the C-390M's design to evolve into diverse roles such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) or Maritime...

Turkey's recent move to procure 100 F404 engines for its Hurjet light fighter jet has significant implications for India's Tejas Mk1A program. As both aircraft rely on the same engine family, the increased demand from Turkey could potentially expedite GE Aerospace's production expansion, ultimately benefiting India by ensuring a more steady supply of F404 engines for its Tejas fleet. ad India's Tejas Mk1A program has been facing delays partly due to challenges in securing its share of F404...

India is set to refurbish and upgrade its aging fleet of T-72 tanks, with plans to export them to interested buyers in Africa, the Middle East, and Far East Asia. A senior defence official revealed that the tanks, which have been a mainstay of the Indian Army since the 1970s, will be modernized domestically before being offered on the international market. ad Despite their age, the T-72 tanks continue to be highly regarded for their reliability and are still in demand globally. India...

India's aerospace industry is gearing up for a major milestone as the Tejas MkII, the advanced version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, is set to begin assembly this month in Bangalore. The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), a leading Indian Air Force (IAF) institution, will play a critical role in testing and preparing the Tejas MkII for its inaugural flight, which is expected to occur next year. ad Small equipment and fuselage sections have already...

Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a subsidiary of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), has revealed its ambitious endeavor to develop an indigenous engine, codenamed "Arjun," for India's Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This announcement has sparked speculation and questions, particularly due to its apparent similarity to the existing German-made MTU 838 Ka-501 engine currently powering these tanks. ad Prior reports indicated that EFA was focused on localizing the MTU 838 engine in...

The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, the US Air Force's ambitious foray into 6th generation fighter jet technology, has become a topic of intense discussion due to its projected high cost. Recent estimations place the cost of each NGAD fighter at around $300 million, raising questions about the affordability and long-term sustainability of the program, particularly considering the intended fleet size of 200 fighters. ad US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has addressed...

NEW DELHI - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is in a race against time to deliver the last four LCA Mk-1 trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force by March 31, 2025. This comes as the more advanced LCA Mk-1A program faces delays, causing concern for the IAF's combat readiness. The LCA Mk-1 program itself has been plagued by delays, with the initial operational clearance (IOC) contract signed in 2006 and final operational clearance (FOC) contract inked in 2010, both missing their original...

The delivery of the Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force is facing yet another setback, this time due to an export ban imposed by Denmark on a critical component, the engine charge amplifier. This delay compounds the existing hold-up caused by the non-delivery of engines by General Electric and necessary software iterations. While the Ministry of Defence is actively engaging with Denmark to resolve the export ban, HAL has taken proactive measures by contracting a local firm to...

In a move to bolster India's anti-tank capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has embarked on the development of the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). This next-generation missile, designed to be mounted on the BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, is expected to feature a range of performance enhancements, including increased range and reduced weight. ad A significant aspect of this development is the appointment of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as the...

In a major boost for India's self-reliance in the aerospace sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a complete transfer of technology (ToT) for the Shakti 1H1 engines from Safran. This landmark achievement empowers HAL to take full control of the manufacturing process for these crucial engines that power a variety of Indian helicopters, including the ALH MKIII (Dhruv), MK IV (Rudra – WSI), and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter). ad The Shakti engine, a derivative of Safran's...

In a significant advancement for India's defence capabilities, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) has unveiled a new Truck-Mounted Howitzer (TMH), leveraging their renowned Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This innovative artillery system enters the arena to compete directly with the Kalyani Group's MGS, both built upon the foundation of the ATAGS gun. The Tata TMH stands out due to its utilization of the Tata LPTA 3945 / 3138 8×8 Truck platform, ensuring remarkable mobility and...

GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are nearing finalization of a landmark deal for the transfer of technology (ToT) for the F-414 engine, set to be concluded later this year. This agreement will grant HAL access to nearly 80% of the ToT, facilitating local production of the engine in Bangalore. GE Aerospace has emphasized that this ToT package surpasses any previous agreement for the F-414 engine. Notably, South Korea, utilizing the same engine for its KF-21 fighter jet...

India's growing geopolitical ambitions necessitate a robust and versatile air transport capability for its Air Force. The aging Ilyushin IL-76 fleet, a cornerstone of India's strategic airlift since the 1980s, faces mounting challenges in terms of maintenance, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity. This underscores the urgent need for modernization. ad China's Xian Y-20A, with its advanced avionics, impressive payload capacity, and extended range, serves as a relevant benchmark. Its ability...

A retired Naval Aviation Commodore and former Chief Test Pilot for the LCA-Navy program, Jaideep Maolankar, has raised concerns about the slow progress of the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program and its impact on India's Second Aircraft Carrier (IAC2). Maolankar, in a post on X, questioned the government's plans for the IAC2 in the absence of a sanctioned TEDBF program, highlighting the fighter jet's crucial role in the carrier's capabilities. ad He criticized the government for...

As Brazil seeks to strengthen its air defence capabilities, the competition between India's Akash and China's Sky Dragon-50 missile systems has intensified. Both systems offer advanced technology and formidable defence capabilities, but several factors tip the scales in favor of India's Akash for the Brazilian contract. ad Firstly, Akash's proven operational history with the Indian armed forces sets it apart. While the Sky Dragon-50 boasts impressive specifications, it lacks the extensive...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to complete all trials for the advanced Astra Mk-2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile by 2026, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) within the next two to three years. This significant development, confirmed by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, marks a major stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology. The Astra Mk-2, with its...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally set to receive a much-needed boost to its fighter strength as the first of the 83 Tejas Mk 1A combat aircraft is scheduled for delivery by October-end. This comes as a relief to the force, which has been grappling with depleting fighter squadrons for several years. The Tejas Mk 1A project has faced several delays, with the initial delivery target of March 2024 being pushed back due to a combination of factors, including necessary software iterations and...

Brazil, a nation rich in uranium and possessing advanced nuclear technology, is actively seeking India's expertise and technical assistance in the development of nuclear-powered submarines. This strategic collaboration was highlighted during the recent visit of Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, to New Delhi. ad Admiral Olsen, in discussions with senior Indian Navy officials, emphasized Brazil's keen interest in working with India in the nuclear submarine...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to embark on an extensive testing schedule next month, aimed at propelling its missile program to new heights. The trials will encompass a diverse range of missile systems, encompassing both conventional and strategic weapons, further solidifying India's commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities. ad These tests hold significance beyond mere performance enhancement of existing systems. They are also poised to usher...

Jodhpur: In a move that will provide relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), American engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) has assured India of a revised delivery schedule for the crucial F404-IN20 engines that power the Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The new schedule, set to commence in November this year, aims to address the significant delays that have hampered the delivery of these advanced fighter jets. ad The commitment from GE comes after Defence...