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China's J-36 6th-Gen Prototype Completes Second Test Flight, Unconventional Three-Engine Design Signals Enhanced Power and Stealth
Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), a major Chinese aerospace and defence company, has announced that its new J-36 fighter jet prototype, a potential sixth-generation aircraft, successfully completed its second test flight. This follows its first flight on December 26, 2024, demonstrating significant advancements in China's military aviation technology program. ad The J-36 represents a significant technological advancement. It is being developed by CAC, the same company that created the...
How HAL's Nashik Facility Could Produce 14 Su-57E Jets Annually, a Significant Increase from Su-30MKI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik facility, currently producing Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, could potentially be repurposed to manufacture the advanced Su-57E, the export version of Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter. According to Russia's state-owned defense conglomerate, Rostec, this transition could result in a significant increase in annual production capacity. ad Rostec officials have stated that the Nashik facility, which currently produces 12 Su-30MKI aircraft per...
India's Archer-NG MALE UAV Poised to Evolve into Multi-Role Combat Platform with Astra Mk1 BVRAAM and AESA Radar
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is reportedly working to develop a weaponized version of its Archer-NG unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), significantly expanding the drone's capabilities beyond its initial surveillance role. This development follows a showcasing of a scaled model of the Archer-NG at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held in Bengaluru in February. ad The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a DRDO laboratory, originally presented the Archer-NG as a...
HAL Explores Repurposing Retired Kiran MkII and MiG-27 as Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft for CATS Warrior Role
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to unveil a significant advancement in military aviation technology at the forthcoming Aero India exhibition in 2027. The focus is on the Combat Air Teaming System – Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft (CATS OMCA), a system designed to potentially transform retired military aircraft into modern, adaptable platforms, optionally piloted aircraft (OPA). The demonstration model will be based on the Kiran Mk2 trainer aircraft. This initiative...
Astra Microwave Emerges as Key Player in Uttam AESA Radar Production for Tejas, Has Capacity to Produce 36 Radars Annually
Hyderabad-based Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMP) has become a vital contributor to India's domestic defence production capabilities. The company has announced it can produce 36 Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars annually. This capacity highlights AMP's expanding contribution to providing the Indian armed forces with advanced technology, supporting the national "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) programs, which aim to decrease reliance on...
Armenia May Acquired 15 Akash 1S Launchers and 400 Missile, SIPRI Report Reveals, Aiming to Counter Aerial Threats Cost-Effectively
Armenia has strengthened its air defenses by procuring a substantial number of Akash 1S missile systems from India, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The deal reportedly includes approximately 15 launcher units and 400 of the advanced Akash-1S missiles. This move signifies a major step in Armenia's efforts to modernize its military and highlights India's growing role as a defence exporter. ad The Akash 1S is a modernized version of...
Can India's Astra MkIII Missile Hit 340km Target from 20km Height? Pak Analyst Claims It "Near Impossible", Citing IAF Jet Limitations
Recent claims about the capabilities of India's Astra MkIII, a domestically produced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), have been met with skepticism. A Pakistani defence analyst questioned the missile's advertised 340-kilometer range when launched from an altitude of 20 kilometers (approximately 65,600 feet), suggesting it's "near impossible" given the operational limitations of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. ad The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the...
Beyond IPR Transfer for AMCA Engine, Rolls-Royce Pledges Deep Collaboration with India for Complete Self-Reliance and Exports
Rolls-Royce, the British aerospace and defence giant, has signaled its strong interest in a deep partnership with India to co-develop a next-generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This collaboration aims to go beyond a simple transfer of intellectual property rights (IPR), focusing instead on building indigenous capabilities for India's long-term defence self-sufficiency and potential export opportunities. ad Rolls-Royce is proposing a collaborative model...
IAF Plans 60 Fighter Squadrons by 2047, Success Hinges on Tejas and AMCA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) aims to significantly increase its fighter aircraft strength to 60 squadrons by 2047, the year marking the centenary of India's independence. This ambitious goal, revealed by senior IAF officials, is part of a broader strategy to bolster air dominance and national security in response to evolving global and regional challenges. ad The expansion plan represents a substantial increase from the IAF's current operational capacity. To achieve this, a combination of...
How Indian-Made GaN AESA Radar Could Unlock Su-57 Jet's Full Potential, Surpassing Current Russian Capabilities
India's advancements in radar technology could significantly enhance the capabilities of Russia's Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, should India decide to collaborate on the project. A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official recently disclosed details of a Russian proposal involving the transfer of technology for the Su-57, with a focus on India's superior radar systems. ad The key to this potential upgrade lies in India's development of Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active...
From Astra Missiles to Litening Pods: Tejas Mk2 Jet's New Poster Reveals a Potent Mix of Indigenous and Advanced Weaponry
India's growing strength in aerospace technology is on full display in a newly released poster of the Tejas Mk2, the next generation of the domestically produced Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The image showcases the aircraft's enhanced design and impressive array of weapons, highlighting its evolution into a versatile, multi-role fighter jet ready to meet the demanding operational needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Tejas Mk2, an upgraded version of the LCA Tejas, is a joint project of...
Sri Lanka Seeks Indian Partnership to Boost Local Small-Arms Manufacturing Capabilities
Sri Lanka is in talks with India to establish a facility for manufacturing small arms within the country, according to Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Tennakoon. This initiative signals a strengthening of defence cooperation between the two nations and a move towards greater self-reliance in defence production for Sri Lanka. ad The discussions represent a deepening of the relationship between Sri Lanka and India, motivated by shared security interests in the Indian Ocean...
Lockheed Martin Pledges Completion of Indian Navy's MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Deliveries by the End of 2026
Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace and defense company, has announced that the Indian Navy will receive all remaining MH-60R Seahawk helicopters by the end of 2026. This commitment reinforces the company's dedication to strengthening India's maritime defense capabilities. The Indian Navy currently operates ten MH-60R helicopters. Lockheed Martin confirmed, "Ten MH-60R helicopters are presently operational with the Indian Navy. The complete order of 24 MH-60Rs will be delivered to India...
HAL Expands Tejas Production Lines and Tackles Component Availability to Deliver 12 Jets in 2025, 20 Annually Thereafter
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is significantly increasing production of the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to meet the needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and support India's drive for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has mandated that HAL deliver 12 Tejas aircraft in 2025, followed by an ambitious target of 20 aircraft annually from 2026 onwards. This directive highlights the government's commitment to the "Make in India" initiative...
How AMCA's 130kN Engine Tech Could Help India to Develop Indigenous Replacement of Aging IL-76 Transport Aircraft
India has the potential to domestically develop a replacement for its aging fleet of Ilyushin IL-76 transport aircraft, leveraging technology derived from the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, according to a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator. The navigator, Mr. Vaidya, a veteran of the IL-76, believes that India can create a successor to the IL-76 by utilizing advancements made in engine technology during the AMCA project. Specifically, the development of a new...
Indian Rafale Jet's Superiority in Kinematics, Electronic Warfare, and Meteor Missiles Surpasses Pakistan's J-10CE, Confirms European Think-Tank
A recent analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a highly respected European defence think-tank, has dispelled claims that the Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet offers the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) an advantage over the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Rafale. The report definitively concludes that the Rafale maintains superiority in key areas crucial for modern aerial combat. ad The RUSI analysis, authored by airpower expert Justin Bronk, directly addressed claims often promoted by...
Why India's Rafale Jets Aren't Upgrading to Indigenous GaN-Based Uttam AESA Radars? French IP Rights is the Main Roadblock
India's unveiling of its domestically produced Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, intended for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Super Sukhoi upgrade, has sparked debate in defense circles. This indigenous radar, created by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), signifies a major advancement in India's pursuit of self-reliance in crucial military technology. ad However, this development raises a key question: why...
India Includes Russia in Negotiations for 5th-Gen AMCA Fighter Jet Engine, 177S Engine with 146kN Thrust Emerges as Potential Contender
In a major development for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has opened the door for Russia to participate in negotiations regarding the engine for the indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet. This represents a change in strategy, as previous discussions had largely centered on Western engine manufacturers like General Electric (US), Safran (France), and Rolls-Royce (UK). ad The inclusion of Russia reflects a growing acknowledgement of the...
9 Tejas Mk1 Trainers Ready, HAL to Ramp Up Production to Complete Remaining 9 Trainers by End of 2025
India's state-owned aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has reached a key milestone in strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the completion of nine Tejas Mk1 trainer aircraft. This achievement is part of a larger order of 18 trainers from the IAF, intended to modernize the force's training capabilities. The total order of 18 trainers comprises 10 requested in 2021, supplementing an earlier order of 8. These new aircraft will provide pilots with a cutting-edge...
IAF Equips Tejas Mk1A with European ASRAAM Missile for Enhanced Close Combat Prowess, Potentially Replacing Russian Old R-73 Missiles
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is upgrading its Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), a modern European missile, signaling a move away from the older, Russian-made R-73 missiles. Recent confirmations of the ASRAAM being fitted on the Tejas Mk1A demonstrate the IAF's commitment to improving the aircraft's close-combat fighting ability. ad The R-73 (known by NATO as AA-11 Archer) has served as the IAF's main short-range air-to-air...
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