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The Indian Air Force's (IAF) acquisition of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A has encountered another setback due to delays in engine deliveries from General Electric (GE). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft's manufacturer, is now preparing to install used engines as a temporary solution, casting further doubt on the November delivery timeline. ad A defence official revealed, "Not a single engine has been received so far. They are now expected to be delivered from September...

The Indian Navy is set to significantly bolster its submarine fleet with talks advancing to acquire three more Kalvari-class (Scorpène) submarines. State-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is reportedly in the final stages of negotiation for a deal estimated at a substantial ₹35,000 crore (US$4.19 billion). While the final price remains subject to negotiations, the projected cost per submarine falls between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. This marks a substantial 62% increase...

In a move that could significantly bolster India's indigenous defense capabilities, Rolls-Royce has proposed a revolutionary collaboration for the development of the engine for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Alex Zino, the company's future programs chief, has committed to a complete transfer of intellectual property (IP) rights to India for a jointly developed engine. ad This unprecedented offer is a departure from traditional models, empowering India with full ownership of...

In a bid to replace India's aging MiG-29 fleet, Russia has intensified its efforts to attract India's interest in its Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet. The single-engine, lightweight stealth fighter, unveiled in 2021, is being positioned as the ideal successor to the MiG-29s, which India and several other nations are looking to replace. ad Russia is particularly focused on India, a long-standing partner with a pressing need to upgrade its fighter jet fleet. A 2021 promotional video for the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to miss its target of adding nine new squadrons to its fleet by 2025-26, despite ongoing efforts to address its fighter jet deficit. The original plan was to induct nine additional squadrons, but only two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets and one squadron of the Tejas Mk1A are confirmed for induction at this time. The delivery of the Tejas Mk1A has been hampered by production challenges, further hindering the IAF's plans. ad Hindustan Aeronautics Limited...

The Indian Army is on the brink of a substantial artillery upgrade as the government prepares to approve the procurement of an additional 100 K9 Vajra tracked, self-propelled howitzers. The decision, expected to be finalized in a cabinet committee meeting this month, will significantly enhance India's firepower capabilities, particularly along the sensitive border with China. ad This repeat order comes in the wake of the successful delivery of the initial 100 K9 Vajras by Larsen & Toubro...

India and the United States had previously initiated discussions on co-developing an engine for AMCA program. These talks had stalled due to disagreements over technology transfer. However, last month, during the second meeting of iCET between NSA Ajit Doval and Jake Sullivan, US officials have expressed renewed enthusiasm for the collaboration, signaling a willingness to reconsider India's demands for greater technology sharing. ad US officials have privately conveyed that American engine...

India's burgeoning aerospace industry continues to push boundaries with the development of its indigenous fighter jet, the Tejas Mark 1A. While the aircraft boasts impressive capabilities and advanced avionics, a persistent challenge lies in its reliance on foreign engine suppliers. A supply agreement with GE for their GE-404 engines has faced delays due to supply chain issues, prompting HAL to explore alternatives. One option under consideration is the Safran M-88-3 engine, which powers...

India and China, both significant military powers in Asia, have taken contrasting paths in their acquisition and utilization of the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet program. While China opted to reverse-engineer the less advanced Su-30MKK variant to develop its own indigenous versions, India pursued a different approach focused on technology transfer and long-term self-reliance. ad India's decision to engage in a complex technology transfer agreement with Russia for the Su-30MKI program aimed to...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) Marshal Anil Chopra's recent suggestion to revisit the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program has ignited discussions within the defence community. However, credible sources within the industry have confirmed that there are no plans to reconsider the FGFA program for procurement. ad Experts reiterate that India's decision to withdraw from the FGFA program, which was based on the Russian Su-57 platform, was justified due to significant...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) are collaborating on Project-76, an ambitious endeavor to design and develop a new generation of indigenous conventional submarines for the Indian Navy. This project is expected to significantly bolster India's self-reliance in underwater warfare capabilities. By late 2025, the DRDO and WDB are anticipated to finalize the design of these 3,000-4,000-ton submarines. The project approval is expected...

India's ambitious plans for acquiring 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) under a new "Make in India" policy may face challenges due to the reluctance of Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale fighter jet, to comply with technology transfer requirements. The Indian government's new policy mandates that the chosen aircraft for the MRFA program not only be purchased but also fully manufactured within India. This shift in policy signifies a strong push for self-reliance in the defence...

India's ambitious plan to jointly produce Stryker armored vehicles under the 'Make in India' initiative is facing a significant hurdle due to the steep estimated cost. Sources suggest that the initial cost of the project could exceed $1.5 billion, with each unit carrying a substantial $5 million markup. A key element of the deal involves a transfer of technology (ToT) from the United States, facilitating local production and assembly of the vehicles. This includes transferring technical...

The recent surge of diplomatic exchanges between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and South Korea has sparked speculation of a potential collaboration on the KF-21 "Boramae" fighter jet program. This development could open a significant opportunity for India's own 5th generation fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). While the KF-21 is an advanced 4.5 generation fighter, it lacks an internal weapons bay, a defining characteristic of true 5th generation...

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the Indian Air Force pilot who became a national hero in 2019 after shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, continues to be shrouded in a veil of silence regarding the details of his daring mission. Abhinandan's story is one of valor and resilience. Following the downing of his MiG-21, he was captured in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). His swift return to India was hailed as a diplomatic victory, and he was awarded the Vir Chakra for his exceptional...

After losing out on the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) contract with its F-18 E/F fighter jets, Boeing is re-entering the competition with renewed confidence in its F-15EX Eagle-II. The IAF is currently seeking to procure 114 new fighter jets, and Boeing believes the F-15EX is a strong contender due to its advanced technology and exceptional performance capabilities. Boeing's optimism stems from significant improvements made to the F-15EX compared to its...

The upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled for August 2024, is set to be a significant event in the global defence landscape. The participation of the United States Air Force (USAF) with its F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft holds particular relevance for India, given Boeing's proposal of the F-15EX, an advanced variant, for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. ad F-15E: A Proven Workhorse in the USAF Arsenal The F-15E Strike...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) officials have revealed the rationale behind the development of a unique engine thrust system for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The AMCA, a fifth-generation fighter jet, will be equipped with two 110kN thrust class engines specifically engineered to excel in India's demanding operational environment. ad Why 110kN Thrust? Supercruise Capability: A key feature of the AMCA is its ability to sustain supersonic speeds without relying on...

Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the DRDO, recently revealed a significant advancement in India's aviation capabilities. The nation's ambitious 5th-generation fighter jet program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is projected to be ready for production by 2033-34, with induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) anticipated from 2035 onwards. ad This confirmation marks a substantial stride forward for India's air power, as the AMCA...

India's nuclear journey has been fraught with challenges, international isolation, and eventual recognition as a responsible nuclear power. The inception of India's nuclear program can be traced back to the visionary physicist Homi Bhabha, who convinced Prime Minister Nehru to invest in nuclear technology despite international reservations. This led to India's first Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) in Pokhran in 1974, a significant achievement that triggered international backlash. The...