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With Russian Deal Stalled, HAL Aggressively Pushes Its Light Utility Helicopter for Domestic Order of Up to 400 Units
India's Ministry of Defence has officially revived its long-delayed effort to acquire modern light helicopters, launching a formal search for approximately 200 new rotorcraft. The move, initiated through a Request for Information (RfI) in August 2025, is a critical step towards replacing the military's obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleets, which have been in service for over half a century. This procurement process gains added significance as it prioritises indigenous manufacturing, creating...
Building on Su-30MKI Success, HAL Signals Readiness to Build Russian Next-Gen Fighters Like Su-57 for India
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, has formally expressed its readiness to deepen its long-standing partnership with Russia by collaborating on new, advanced military aircraft. Citing a successful history of joint projects, a company representative confirmed that HAL is prepared to extend its manufacturing legacy to include next-generation platforms, potentially including Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter. This announcement comes as the...
How India’s Stalled TEDBF Naval Fighter Could Have Solved the IAF’s Expensive MRFA Dilemma
India's ambitious plan to develop a homegrown, carrier-based fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), is currently facing significant delays, pushing its development timeline into uncertainty. Envisioned as a cornerstone of the nation's Atmanirbhar Bharat policy in defence, the state-of-the-art aircraft was intended for the Indian Navy. However, defence analysts argue that this stalled program represents a major missed opportunity for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which could...
After Receiving 7 Bids, Defence Ministry and ADA to Select Production Partner for AMCA Program by Mid-2026
The Ministry of Defence, alongside the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), is set to make a crucial decision by the middle of 2026, selecting the industrial partners who will help build India’s first indigenous stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This selection follows the submission of seven bids from leading defence firms for the aircraft's Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) phase. Valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore, this phase is critical for moving...
India to Transform 75% of Su-30MKI Fleet into Super Sukhoi, Targeting 80% Indigenisation with Next-Gen Combat Capabilities
In a landmark announcement, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed its plan to upgrade a vast majority of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet to the advanced "Super Sukhoi" standard. Speaking ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that approximately 75% of the fleet, numbering over 200 aircraft, will be equipped with next-generation indigenous technology. This ambitious initiative aims to significantly enhance the jet's combat capabilities and...
India Requests Pricing for 114 Rafale Jets from Dassault, Aims for Direct G2G Deal to Fast-Track Induction in IAF
In a major move to bolster its air power, the Indian Ministry of Defence has formally requested pricing information from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation for a potential large-scale purchase of Rafale fighter jets. A report from French publication La Tribune indicates that a letter was sent in early August 2025, inquiring about the cost for a minimum of 40 to a maximum of 114 aircraft. This initiative represents a new strategy for fleet expansion, separate from the country's ongoing...
Amid IAF's Depleting Airlift Capabilities, Defence Ministry to Pit Global Giants for $5B 'Make in India' MTA Contract
The Ministry of Defence is preparing to launch a global tender for the acquisition of 60 to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) in a deal estimated to be worth over $5 billion. This significant procurement aims to urgently address the Indian Air Force's (IAF) critically declining transport capabilities and bolster the nation's self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative. The program, revived after years of delay, will seek strategic partnerships between...
AMCA Prototype Fabrication on Fast Track for 2027 as Seven Industry Giants Bid for a Crucial Manufacturing Role
India's flagship program to develop a fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is rapidly advancing. The project has received a major boost with seven of the nation's leading industrial firms submitting bids to take part in its critical manufacturing and development phase. According to the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which spearheads the program, contracts are expected to be awarded shortly, setting a clear path for the fabrication of the...
IAF Chief Expresses Strong Confidence in AMCA Jet's 2028 First Flight and 2035 Induction, Dispelling Rumors on Interim Su-57 Deal
The Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has voiced strong optimism for India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day, he confirmed that the aircraft's first flight is on track for 2028, with formal induction into the IAF expected by 2035. The Air Chief also addressed recent speculation about a potential purchase of Russia's Su-57 fighter...
Citing Proven MMRCA Trials, Air Chief Marshal Calls Rafale Top Choice for Quick Induction, Insists 'Make in India' is Key to Deal
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, has identified the French-made Dassault Rafale as the leading contender to quickly bolster the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter fleet. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day, he highlighted the aircraft's successful performance in past trials and its seamless integration with existing IAF infrastructure as key advantages. However, the Air Chief made it clear that any future purchase would be strictly...
Tejas Mk1A Aces Astra & ASRAAM Missile Trials, Paving the Way for Imminent IAF Induction
India's push for self-reliance in the defence sector has achieved a landmark success as the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A has successfully completed its final weapons integration trials. This critical phase involved live-firing demonstrations of the Indian-made Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile and the UK-developed ASRAAM close-combat missile, clearing a major hurdle for the aircraft's formal induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF). ad Developed by Hindustan...
GTRE Eyes Global Partners for 6th-Gen Engine Beyond Safran Partnership, Weighing Bespoke Deals or Joining Tempest Program
India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is strategically exploring international collaborations to develop a sixth-generation fighter engine, signalling a major step towards securing the nation's future air combat capabilities. Officials suggest that beyond the current French partnership for the fifth-generation fighter, India may either negotiate a new, dedicated agreement with a global aerospace leader or join a multinational consortium like the UK-led Global Combat Air...
India-Russia Developing Mach 4.5 BrahMos Variant with Enhanced Ramjet, Aiming to Cement Its Global Dominance and Boost Export Potential
In a significant move to advance one of the world's most formidable cruise missiles, India and Russia are collaborating on a major upgrade for the BrahMos supersonic missile. The joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace, is developing a new variant designed to reach speeds of Mach 4.5, a substantial increase from its current Mach 3 capability. This initiative focuses on enhancing the missile's ramjet engine to achieve higher velocities while maintaining its operational range of 450 to 800...
Russia Pitches Su-57 Stealth Jets with Kinzhal Hypersonic ALBM to Fill India's Squadron Gap, IAF May Consider 63 Units
Russia has reportedly presented India with a comprehensive proposal for its Su-57 'Felon' fifth-generation stealth fighter, potentially including the integration of the formidable Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is said to be considering the acquisition of approximately 63 aircraft, equivalent to three squadrons, as it seeks to urgently address a significant shortfall in its combat fleet. This development comes as the IAF grapples with the phasing out of...
After S-400's Battlefield Success in Op Sindoor, IAF Eyes More Units and a Potential S-500 Deal
Following the exceptional performance of the S-400 Triumf air defence system during a recent military engagement with Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly considering an expansion of its long-range missile capabilities. This potential procurement includes additional S-400 units and the next-generation S-500 'Prometheus' system from Russia, signalling a major step to bolster India's strategic defences. ad The foundation for this consideration was laid in the original $5.43...
Govt Explores Splitting HAL to Tackle ₹2.7 Lakh Cr Order Backlog, Plans Include Specialised Fixed-Wing, MRO and Helicopter Units
The Indian government is actively considering a major overhaul of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace and defence giant, as it struggles to manage a massive and growing order book. To enhance production efficiency and ensure timely delivery of critical military equipment, an external consulting firm has been hired to develop a restructuring plan. The proposal involves breaking up the monolithic company into smaller, specialised business units, a move seen as...
Future Zorawar Light Tank Batches to Get Indigenous 800HP Engine and Transmission, Potentially Ending US Engine Dependency
India is taking a significant step towards self-reliance in its armoured vehicle capabilities, with plans to equip future batches of the Zorawar light tank with a domestically developed 800 horsepower (HP) engine and transmission. This strategic move is set to replace the American-made Cummins engine currently used in the prototypes, thereby reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defence technology. ad The Zorawar light tank project was fast-tracked in response to operational...
Indian Defence Giants L&T, HAL, and BEML Submitted Bids for Key Role in 5th-Gen AMCA Fighter Project as Deadline Ended on 30 Sept
In a major step forward for India's indigenous military aviation programme, leading national defence and engineering firms have submitted proposals to partner with the government on the development of the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The deadline for the Expression of Interest (EoI) concluded on September 30, marking the start of a new phase for India's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project. ad The AMCA is being developed by the Aeronautical...
IAF Eyes More Rafale and Tejas Mk1A to Maintain Air Superiority Amid Su-30MKI Modernization by 2030
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is implementing a strategic plan to enhance its combat fleet by inducting additional Dassault Rafale and indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This move is designed to increase its squadron strength and provide the operational flexibility needed to proceed with a critical upgrade for its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, the current backbone of India's air power. ad The Su-30MKI, a versatile twin-engine fighter, constitutes the largest part of the IAF's combat assets, with...
US to Court India with $4 Billion Boeing P-8I Deal and More Chinooks to Effectively Counter Agressive China
A senior delegation of officials from the United States Department of Defense and aerospace giant Boeing is scheduled to arrive in India this week for crucial negotiations on major defence acquisitions. The talks will focus on a landmark $4 billion agreement for six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and a renewed proposal for more CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, signalling a significant deepening of strategic ties between the two nations amid...
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