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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...
With Several Indigenous 3rd-Gen ATGMs Ready, Why Indian Army Still Relying on Older, 2nd-Gen Foreign Anti-Tank Guided Missiles?
The Indian Army's approach to modernizing its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) arsenal has raised questions. While the Army continues to depend heavily on older, 2nd-generation ATGMs, several domestically developed 3rd-generation systems are now available, developed both by the DRDO and private companies. These new, indigenous 3rd-generation ATGMs offer significant advantages. These include "fire-and-forget" technology, which allows the missile to lock onto and track a target autonomously...
How Tejas Mk2 Fighter Program Prioritizing Streamlined Manufacturing and Reduced Operational Costs Through Advanced Engineering
India's forthcoming Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, a significantly upgraded version of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is being developed with a strong emphasis on efficient manufacturing and reduced operational costs. The project leverages advanced engineering principles to ensure both high performance and affordability, a critical balance for the Indian Air Force (IAF). ad The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the design agency behind the Mk2, is incorporating several key design...
Mahindra Exits AMCA SPV Model Race, Leaving Tata and L&T to Lead India's Stealth Fighter Production
India's program to develop a domestically-built fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), has seen a major shift in its private-sector partnerships. Mahindra Defence Systems, a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra, is no longer in the running to participate in the aircraft's production, leaving Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as the primary contenders. ad The AMCA program represents a departure from India's traditional...
IAF Chief Casts Doubts on China's Recent 6th-Gen Jet, Citing Just Flight Testing An Airframe Can't Define A Jet's True Capabilities
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has expressed serious doubts regarding recent Chinese claims of having flown a sixth-generation fighter jet. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2025, the Air Chief Marshal emphasized that simply achieving flight with a new airframe is insufficient to categorize an aircraft as a true sixth-generation fighter. ad Earlier this year, reports originating from Chinese state media outlets and aviation publications...
Airbus and Boeing Resist Setting Up Final Assembly Lines in India, Fearing Rise of a New Competitor Like China's COMAC
Despite India's rapidly growing aviation market and strong government pressure, aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing are showing significant reluctance to establish Final Assembly Lines (FALs) within the country. This hesitancy is reportedly rooted in a desire to protect their existing manufacturing bases and, crucially, to avoid fostering a potential Indian competitor, mirroring their experience with China's COMAC. ad India is projected to require nearly 2,000 new aircraft over the next two...
Zomato-Backed LAT Aerospace to Develop Low-Cost, 24-Seater STOL Commercial Planes, Challenging HAL's Hindustan 228 and NAL's Saras
LAT Aerospace, a startup backed by Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal, is entering the Indian aviation market with plans to develop affordable, 24-seater Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft. This move positions the company as a direct competitor to established public sector projects, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Hindustan 228 and the National Aerospace Laboratories' (NAL) Saras MkII. ad Goyal has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, signaling a significant...
How MRFA Winner Could Play a Pivotal Role in Accelerating India's AMCA 5th-Gen Jet? Engine, Radar, and Stealth Techs Key Factors
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring ways to speed up the development of its ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), by potentially leveraging the expertise of the winner of a separate, large-scale fighter jet procurement. This was indicated by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, at the India Today Conclave held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi on March 7-8, 2025. Air Chief Marshal Singh suggested that the company winning the...
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