Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to make a significant announcement at Aero India 2025 with the unveiling of its modernized Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT-36), the "Sitara" Neo Star. This revamped aircraft boasts substantial upgrades, notably in its avionics suite, and is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming air show.
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Sources indicate that the "Sitara" Neo Star will not only sport a striking new livery but will also showcase advanced technology designed to fulfill...
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India has achieved a significant milestone in its defence manufacturing capabilities, with defence exports reaching a record high of ₹21,083 crore ($2.6 billion) in the fiscal year 2023-24.
This achievement underscores the success of government initiatives such as "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance), aimed at bolstering domestic defence production and export capabilities. The surge in exports also reflects a threefold increase in the value of defence production since...
A recently unveiled scale model of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet has provided a glimpse into India's growing indigenous combat capabilities. The model showcases an advanced configuration designed for both strike and air missions, highlighting the aircraft's versatility as a multirole fighter.
The model boasts an impressive array of weaponry, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, emphasizing its capacity for deep strike operations and defensive counter-air missions. This diverse...
The Indian Navy is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to develop a deck-based Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) specifically designed for carrier operations. This ambitious project will leverage the Ghatak UCAV, currently under development for the Indian Air Force (IAF), and will be powered by the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine.
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The Navy has initiated discussions with the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the agency responsible for the Ghatak UCAV's development, to...
India is reportedly planning to open its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program to international collaboration following the jet's first flight. This strategic decision seeks to position the AMCA as an export-ready fifth-generation stealth fighter while also mitigating the substantial financial burden associated with its development and production.
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The AMCA, a flagship project for India's indigenous defence industry, is crucial for modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF). However...
Russia is set to make a strong pitch for its advanced fighter jets at Aero India 2025. The nation has confirmed that its Su-57E, the export version of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, will not only be on display but will also take to the skies for aerial demonstrations, showcasing its capabilities to potential buyers.
Adding to the excitement, sources indicate that Russia will also unveil a static prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate, its single-engine fifth-generation fighter aircraft...
In a groundbreaking development, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has revealed that the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas boasts one of the smallest Radar Cross-Sections (RCS) in its class.
This remarkable achievement is attributed to the extensive use of composite materials in the aircraft's construction, highlighting India's leadership in composite technology for defence applications.
While not originally intended as a stealth fighter, the Tejas's...
Former Pakistani High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, has sparked controversy with his recent assertion that Pakistan's Nasr (Hatf 9) short-range ballistic missile is superior to India's Pralay tactical missile. This claim has been met with widespread skepticism and dismissal from Indian defence experts. The Nasr, with a range of 60-70 kilometers, is designed for battlefield use and tactical nuclear deterrence.
Basit argues its strength lies in its ability to deliver quick and precise...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exercising caution in considering American fighter jets like the F-21, F-15EX, and F/A-18 Super Hornet due to concerns over potential U.S. arms embargoes during future conflicts, particularly with Pakistan or China. This apprehension is deeply rooted in historical instances where the U.S. has leveraged its military supply chain for political influence.
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Past experiences have shown how U.S. foreign policy can directly impact India's access to critical military...
A recent debate on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has ignited discussions about the development of India's Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for submarines.
While some claim that the technology is entirely indigenous, others argue that the French Naval Group played a crucial role. This article aims to clarify the facts surrounding the development and integration of this critical technology.
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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is aggressively scaling up its production capacity for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to 30 units per year. This strategic move is aimed at overcoming delays in engine supply, addressing the existing order backlog, and preparing for anticipated future contracts.
HAL currently has orders for 73 Tejas Mk1A aircraft and expects to secure an additional order for 97 units later this year, bringing the total to 170. In addition, HAL is also...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to expand its fleet of C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifters. Sources indicate that the IAF intends to submit a request to the United States Air Force (USAF) for the purchase of five additional C-17s. This move aims to enhance the IAF's long-range heavy airlift capabilities and replace its aging fleet of Il-76 transport aircraft.
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The IAF currently operates 11 C-17s, making it the second-largest operator of this aircraft type in the world, after...
BrahMos Aerospace has embarked on the development of the BrahMos-LR (Long Range), a new variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This enhanced version will boast a remarkable 800km range while maintaining its impressive Mach 3 speed.
This development comes on the heels of the successful BrahMos-ER (Extended Range) variant, which already pushed the boundaries with a 450km range, exceeding the previous limitations imposed by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
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The...
A leading defence analyst has cast serious doubt on the potential acquisition of either the American F-35 or the Russian Su-57 fighter jets by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), argues that procuring either aircraft would be a detrimental move for India's air power. Instead, he strongly advocates for prioritizing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
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Mitra highlights significant...
The Indian Navy is pushing for the acquisition of six additional Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft to bolster its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This renewed effort comes amidst growing concerns over the increasing presence of the Chinese navy in the region and a renewed push from the United States for greater defence cooperation.
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India currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, deployed on both its eastern and western...
There is ongoing debate among defence experts regarding India's potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II. A key point of contention revolves around the level of control India would have over the aircraft's systems.
Some analysts argue that India should follow Israel's lead and demand full access to the fighter's source code and AESA radar system to ensure compatibility with indigenous weapons and communication systems.
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The F-35A, while a highly advanced stealth...
Pakistan is embarking on a significant naval endeavor with the development of the Jinnah Class Frigates (JCF), marking its first foray into the indigenous design and construction of a frigate-sized warship. This ambitious project leverages the expertise gained from the MILGEM project, a collaborative effort with Turkey that saw the delivery of four Babur-class corvettes to the Pakistan Navy.
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The MILGEM project has been crucial in bolstering Pakistan's shipbuilding capabilities. The...
In a strategic shift, the Indian Navy has decided to replace its aging aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, with the upcoming Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2), rather than expanding to a three-carrier fleet as previously planned. This decision marks a significant change in the Navy's force structure and has ignited debate regarding India's naval capabilities and strategic priorities.
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The Indian government has overruled the Navy's long-held desire for a three-carrier fleet, which was...
Following the recent loss of an MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) in the Bay of Bengal, General Atomics has swiftly moved to replace the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ensuring continued surveillance capabilities for the Indian Navy.
The original drone crashed on September 18th 2024 due to a power failure, rendering it unsalvageable.
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The incident occurred during a routine surveillance mission. A technical malfunction led to a loss of power, preventing the drone's systems...
In a move aimed at bolstering India's air power, the government has earmarked a substantial Rs 48,614 crore in the upcoming defence budget specifically for the acquisition and development of advanced aircraft and aero engines. This investment underscores a commitment to modernizing the Indian Air Force (IAF) amidst concerns over its dwindling fighter squadrons.
The allocation reflects a two-pronged strategy: procuring cutting-edge aircraft and fostering self-reliance in critical engine...
