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India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing for one of its largest defense procurements in recent years: the acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the MoD is prioritizing rapid delivery of these jets, potentially aiming for 20-24 aircraft per year, sources suggest this ambitious goal may require a temporary compromise on India's commitment to local production. ad India's defense policy, particularly under the "Make in India" and...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) homegrown LCA-Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is set to boast a remarkably diverse arsenal of advanced munitions, solidifying its position as a truly versatile and adaptable combat platform. This indigenous fighter will be equipped with a range of precision-guided weapons sourced from multiple countries, including the US, France, Israel, the UAE, and, of course, India itself. ad This strategic approach to weapons integration underscores India's commitment to both...

In a move that significantly bolsters India's artillery capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing new variants of its Guided Pinaka Rocket System with extended ranges of 120 km, 150 km, and 200 km. This development marks a major advancement in India's indigenous rocket artillery program, providing the Indian Army with enhanced precision and reach to address a wider range of battlefield scenarios. Originally designed as a multi-barrel rocket...

BrahMos Aerospace, the Indo-Russian joint venture, is set to significantly enhance the capabilities of its BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) with a range extension to nearly 800km. This upgrade will further solidify the BrahMos-A's position as one of the world's most formidable precision strike weapons. ad Currently, the BrahMos-A has a range of 450km and is deployed on 40 Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets. The IAF plans to equip an additional 20 Su-30MKIs, bringing the...

India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is forging ahead with its ambitious Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) program, with the Astra MkIV now on the horizon. This new missile concept is being specifically designed to counter the advanced stealth aircraft expected to dominate the skies in the mid-to-late 2030s. ad The DRDO's Astra program has already delivered the Astra MkI, a reliable BVRAAM currently operational within the Indian Air Force (IAF). Building...

A new chapter is unfolding in India's aerospace industry with the establishment of a C295 aircraft production line in Vadodara, a collaboration between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This landmark project, India's first private-sector aircraft manufacturing venture, is set to not only equip the Indian Air Force (IAF) with 56 new transport aircraft but also propel India into the global aerospace market. ad This initiative marks a significant shift in India's defence...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria this weekend is expected to significantly bolster defence ties between India and the African nation. Nigeria has expressed strong interest in acquiring Indian-made defence equipment, including small arms, ammunition, armored vehicles, and the indigenously developed Prachand light combat helicopter, according to sources familiar with the matter. ad This visit builds upon a recent trip by an Indian defence industry delegation to Lagos, which...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of replacing its aging fleet of An-32 transport aircraft with the recently inducted Airbus C-295M. While the C-295M was originally procured to replace the Hawker Siddeley HS 748, its capabilities have prompted the IAF to consider it for the more demanding role currently filled by the An-32. ad The An-32, a rugged Soviet-era workhorse, has been the backbone of the IAF's tactical airlift operations for decades, especially in challenging...

In a move that marks a potential shift in India's defence procurement landscape, the Indian Navy is reportedly reconsidering the Italian-made "Black Shark" torpedo for its Kalvari-class submarines. This comes after the Italian defence company Leonardo, formerly Finmeccanica, was removed from a blacklist that had prevented it from participating in Indian defence contracts. ad The Navy is seeking to procure 48 heavyweight torpedoes, with the contract estimated to be worth ₹3,000 crore...

The potential acquisition of long-range strategic bombers, such as the Russian Tu-160 "White Swan", has ignited a debate within India's defence circles. Defence analyst VatsRohit recently weighed in on the advantages and disadvantages of such a move, highlighting the strategic flexibility offered by these aircraft, but also emphasizing the significant financial implications. ad VatsRohit argues that the Tu-160, with its supersonic speed, intercontinental range, and massive payload capacity...

The Indian Navy is taking a significant step towards enhancing the survivability of its aircraft on the ground by investing in the development of a Radar Obscurant Cloak. This initiative, launched under the iDEX DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) 13 program, aims to create a protective shield that renders aircraft virtually invisible to enemy radar. In modern warfare, airbases and grounded aircraft are prime targets for enemy strikes. This new technology seeks to mitigate this threat...

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has achieved significant milestones in the development of key technologies for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a crucial initiative in India's pursuit of defence self-reliance. NAL's advancements in hybrid composite materials and Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) radome technology represent crucial steps towards realizing the AMCA's stealth and performance objectives. ad The AMCA, envisioned as a fifth-generation stealth...

A former Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator with experience on IL-76 transport aircraft has voiced concerns over the IAF's decision to combine the tenders for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and the replacement of the aging IL-76 heavy transport fleet. This approach, he argues, risks creating a significant gap in the IAF's cargo-carrying capabilities. ad The IL-76 has been a cornerstone of the IAF's heavy lift capacity, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances. In contrast...

Russia is making a renewed push for its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-75 "Checkmate," hoping to attract international customers, particularly India. Recent updates to the aircraft, including an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 26 tons and a planned upgrade to the AL-51FI engine, aim to make it a more competitive offering. However, despite these improvements, the Su-75 faces an uphill battle in the Indian market, where the indigenously developed Advanced Medium Combat...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is poised to receive a significant order for 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers from the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD). This follows the successful delivery of an initial 100 units in 2021, a project valued at ₹4,500 crore that showcased India's growing indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The K-9 Vajra, a collaborative effort between L&T and South Korean defense firm Hanwha Defense, has proven its effectiveness within the Indian Army. This...

The Indian Army's next-generation main battle tank (MBT), developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, will be officially known as "Ranjeet." The name, steeped in history, honors Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a legendary Sikh ruler renowned for his military acumen and staunch defence of sovereignty. This choice reflects the tank's intended role in bolstering India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat...

In the hotly contested race to supply India's Air Force with 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Saab has presented a compelling offer: the Gripen E fighter jet equipped with the capability to carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) simultaneously. This, Saab asserts, will provide the IAF with a decisive tactical advantage in aerial combat. ad The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is considered one of the most advanced BVRAAMs currently available...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is rapidly expanding its fleet of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) with plans to procure 66 more units of the HAL-developed Prachand, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful induction and operationalization of the first ten Prachand helicopters, which have already demonstrated their capabilities in various operational scenarios, including the recent international exercise Tarang Shakti. ad During...

The 5.56mm Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), developed in India for close-quarters combat, has been praised by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel for its effectiveness and lightweight design. However, feedback suggests that the weapon's charging handle requires further refinement. ad Veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan recently reported on the experiences of CISF personnel using the JVPC, which was procured in 2019. While the carbine has been generally...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing forward with the development of its Dual Band Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) platform, issuing two Requests for Information (RFI) for advanced radar systems. These RFIs seek to equip two DBMRH variants with specialized radar capabilities: an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar for the DBMRH-AEW and a Surveillance radar for the DBMRH-S Special Operations variant. ad The first RFI targets an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar system for the...