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Dr. Devanahalli Krishnamurthy Sunil (DKS) has taken the helm at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), assuming the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the state-owned aerospace behemoth, as it navigates challenges surrounding the delivery timeline of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet and the concurrent development of the Tejas MkII. ad Dr. Sunil's immediate focus will be on mitigating the delays in the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule and...

In a significant development signaling closer defence ties between India and Brazil, Brazil's Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, has expressed interest in India's Tejas fighter jets as a potential replacement for its aging F-5 fleet. This comes amidst India's consideration of the Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its own air force, highlighting a potential reciprocal defence procurement arrangement between the two nations. ad Damasceno, during...

Brazilian aerospace giant, Embraer, is actively seeking to expand its supply chain footprint in India, recognizing the country's robust aviation and defense industry. Embraer's Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, Roberto Chaves, highlighted the potential for Indian manufacturers to become key suppliers across Embraer's diverse portfolio, encompassing defense, commercial aviation, and executive jets. ad A high-level Embraer delegation recently concluded a visit...

Dassault Aviation, the prominent French aerospace manufacturer, has announced the resumption of new contract signings following a strategic reorganization of its production and supply chain. Among the anticipated agreements, a major deal with India for 26 Rafale M carrier-based fighters, estimated at Rs 50,000 crore, is nearing finalization. This procurement will establish the Indian Navy as the second operator of the Rafale M, following the French Navy. ad Dassault has outlined its...

In an effort to bolster its long-range unmanned surveillance capabilities, India is aiming to finalize a substantial Rs 32,000 crore deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States by October 31. The urgency stems from the impending expiration of the American proposal, which, if not signed by the deadline, would necessitate fresh proposals and paperwork, potentially causing significant delays. ad The Indian Navy is spearheading efforts to expedite the agreement, aiming to secure all...

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache helicopter, stranded in the challenging terrain of Ladakh since an emergency landing in April, has finally been recovered following a complex and arduous operation. The Boeing Apache, forced to land north of the towering Khardung La pass at an altitude of 12,000 feet, has been meticulously dismantled and is now being transported by road to Leh. ad The rescue mission, which spanned several months, showcased the IAF's unwavering resolve and technical expertise...

The annual India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise, "Yudh Abhyas 2024," kicked off at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan on September 9th. This year's exercise boasts an extensive range of military activities, including live-fire drills and various training exercises. Notably, the U.S. Army contingent participating in the exercise has brought Stryker infantry vehicles and, more significantly, the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). This deployment of HIMARS in India...

The allure of developing cutting-edge 6th generation fighter jets is undeniable. However, India should proceed with caution, considering the significant strategic and economic challenges such an endeavor presents. The United States Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program offers a sobering reality check. With an estimated cost of $300 million per unit, 6th generation jets represent an astronomical leap from the current generation of fighters. To put this in perspective, they...

A recent Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) simulation by YouTube channel "Grim Reapers" has sparked interest in the potential impact of the Philippines' new BrahMos anti-ship missile batteries. In the simulated scenario, the BrahMos missiles, known for their high speed and maneuverability, were pitted against both Chinese and US carrier groups. The simulation began by testing the effectiveness of a single BrahMos missile against a Chinese Type 052D destroyer, which successfully intercepted...

India's recent approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for its Su-30 MKI aircraft highlights a pressing need for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to boost the indigenous content in these engines. While the acquisition, valued at over Rs 26,000 crore, is a step towards maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30 MKI fleet, the current level of indigenous content in the AL-31FP engines, at less than 54%, raises concerns about India's...

Former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has given a resounding endorsement to the export potential of India's indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A. The former Air Chief, who also has experience as a test pilot on the LCA-Tejas program, believes that the Tejas Mk1A, with its world-class capabilities and competitive pricing, is poised to make a significant mark in the global fighter jet market. ad Bhadauria has described the LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Air Marshal Anil Chopra has made a strong case for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet as a crucial interim solution to counter China's growing air power, particularly the rapid deployment of its J-20 fighters. ad In a recent interview, Chopra emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to China's plans to have 1,000 J-20s operational by 2035. While he acknowledged the significance of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft...

Renowned defence analyst Bharat Karnad has issued a clarion call for the Indian government to take decisive action in accelerating the production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In his recent column, Karnad, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, advocates for a bold strategy to break free from India's dependence on foreign military equipment. ad Karnad's proposal centers on transferring the Tejas source codes from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) ambitious quest for a new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is gaining momentum, with early indications suggesting the Embraer C-390 Millennium might present a cost-effective solution compared to its rivals. Sources reveal that Embraer's proposal for the IAF includes not only the C-390 aircraft but also a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) package, enabling local manufacturing. ad This offering comes with an estimated per-unit cost of $140-160 million...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has issued a tender inviting bids for a state-of-the-art Engine Performance Measurement and Monitoring System (PMMS). This advanced system is intended for use in GTRE's Mobile Test Facility (MTF), where it will play a critical role in evaluating the performance of various gas turbine engines under real-world operating conditions. ad The PMMS is envisioned as a comprehensive and integrated solution, capable of acquiring, recording, and analyzing...

The Indian Army's acquisition of the highly anticipated Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters faces an unexpected delay due to safety concerns arising from recent US Army crashes involving the platform. Investigations have pinpointed potential issues with the AH-64E's electrical power generator, which could result in hazardous smoke accumulation in the cockpit, endangering pilots. ad In response, Boeing has temporarily halted all new AH-64E Apache deliveries until these concerns are...

The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant leap forward in its naval capabilities with the acquisition of the P17B frigates. As the successors to the Nilgiri-class frigates, these vessels are expected to bolster the Navy's frontline combat strength. However, the project has raised eyebrows due to the staggering cost of $1.19 billion per ship, marking a 50% increase compared to the preceding P15B frigates. ad This substantial price hike has ignited discussions among defence analysts...

The Indian Navy is poised to take a significant step towards modernizing its fleet by seeking approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) to construct 8 to 10 advanced Project 18 class destroyers. These cutting-edge warships are envisioned to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including anti-ballistic missile systems and the capability to launch drones, further bolstering India's maritime defence capabilities. ad Emerging concept details provide a tantalizing glimpse into...

India's defence capabilities are set for a major boost with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) developing the Long Range Radar (LRR), "SASTRA." This radar, with a range exceeding 2000 kilometers, is designed to detect and track both conventional and stealth aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing crucial early warning and situational awareness. ad The SASTRA radar, originally a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) project, is now in its fabrication stage...

GE Aerospace is poised to begin delivering F-404 engines to India this month, with two engines already scheduled for shipment. This development is expected to significantly accelerate the production of Tejas light combat aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The US aerospace giant has committed to delivering an additional six F-404 engines by the end of March 2025. This timely supply will enable HAL to provide at least eight Tejas Mk1 Trainer and Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force...