Recent shifts in the international defence market, spurred by US tariff policies and geopolitical realignments, could present India with a unique opportunity to rapidly acquire fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a highly advanced multirole combat aircraft, is facing potential order cancellations from several countries, potentially opening a door for India to bolster its air power.
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The primary driver of these potential cancellations is the...
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India's indigenous defence manufacturing sector has received a major boost with the introduction of a new robotic drilling system by Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
This advanced technology significantly accelerates the production of wings for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a crucial fighter jet program for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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In collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), that manufactures the Tejas, L&T has implemented a robotic drilling machine that reduces the time...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver its first domestically-produced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF) by the end of next month, marking a significant milestone in India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The aircraft is rolling out of HAL's Nashik Division, a facility with a long history of building and maintaining Russian-designed MiG and Sukhoi aircraft.
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The Nashik facility, sometimes referred to as the "MiG Complex" due to its history, is...
A significant majority of the MQ-9B Predator drones recently purchased by India from the United States will be assembled in India, marking a major step forward for the country's defense manufacturing capabilities.
Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of General Atomics Global Corporation (the drone's manufacturer), confirmed that 21 of the 31 drones included in the $3.5 billion deal will be assembled domestically.
This initiative aligns with India's "Make in India" program, which promotes domestic...
India is set to significantly enhance its high-altitude combat capabilities with a major order for 156 domestically-produced Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) in the 2025-26 financial year.
This decision, confirmed by the Standing Committee on Defence in a report presented to Parliament, represents a substantial step in India's ongoing military modernization and its commitment to indigenous defence production.
The same period will also see the procurement of Light Utility Helicopters...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to accelerate the purchase of 114 new fighter jets through its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, with a crucial Request for Proposal (RFP) expected to be released to potential suppliers by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This expedited timeline is the result of recommendations from a high-level committee tasked with addressing the IAF's urgent need for new aircraft.
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The IAF currently faces a significant shortfall in its operational capabilities...
The Indian Navy will extend the operational service life of its MiG-29K fighter jet fleet to 2040, five years beyond the originally planned retirement date of 2035. This decision is a direct result of delays in the development of the indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program, which is intended to be the MiG-29K's successor.
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The TEDBF, a domestically designed and developed combat aircraft, is crucial to the Indian Navy's modernization plans. The program, managed by the...
The Indian Navy is preparing to significantly upgrade its maritime combat capabilities, with the first delivery of Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets expected in late 2029.
This development follows a planned agreement to purchase 26 of the advanced aircraft. The deal, which includes 22 single-seater Rafale M planes and four twin-seater Rafale B trainer aircraft, is expected to be finalized in April 2025 when the French Defence Minister visits India.
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The purchase, estimated to be worth...
A recent report reveals that the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) newest JF-17 Block III fighter jet, despite significant upgrades, faces a key operational constraint: its onboard radar has a shorter range than expected, limiting its ability to fully utilize advanced long-range missiles.
This information comes from Air Forces Monthly (AFM), a respected military aviation publication produced by Key Publishing Ltd in the UK.
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The JF-17 Block III, the latest version of the fighter jointly...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is supporting a proposal to place the development of the crucial engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
This move aims to ensure the project, which is of critical national importance, is completed on time and with rigorous monitoring.
The development of a 110kN thrust engine is essential for the AMCA to meet its planned production timeline of 2035. The project has reached a vital...
India has significantly boosted its naval defence capabilities with the Agni-1P missile, which is capable of striking moving targets at sea, including warships and aircraft carriers.
This confirmation comes from Avinash Chander, the former Chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in a statement to the Bharat-Shakti Defence portal.
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The Agni-1P represents a major advancement in India's missile technology. It's comparable to China's DF-21D, often called the world's...
The Pentagon has formally refuted claims of a "kill switch" within the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a rumor that suggested the United States could remotely disable the advanced fighter jet.
While this clarification alleviates some international concerns, India should still exercise considerable caution before potentially adding the F-35 to its air force, due to significant strategic, financial, and operational considerations.
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The speculation surrounding a potential "kill switch"...
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik facility is rapidly transforming into the central hub for India's ambitious fighter jet production programs.
Already gearing up for the production of the indigenous Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the facility is also slated to be the manufacturing base for the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and potentially even the Russian Su-57E, making it a cornerstone of India's aerospace capabilities.
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The Nashik plant, located...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) may see an upgraded version of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, potentially designated as the Tejas Mk1B, incorporating advanced technologies like the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This development could bridge the capability gap before the more advanced Tejas Mk2 enters service.
The Tejas program, a cornerstone of India's indigenous defense production led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is continuously evolving. While the...
Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace giant, is unlikely to offer its fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter jet for India's upcoming Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, according to company officials.
The tender, seeking 114 new fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF), is expected to be a highly competitive procurement process.
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The primary reasons for excluding the F-35 from consideration are the relatively small order size and stringent US government restrictions on...
New projections from the United States indicate a rapid expansion of China's nuclear arsenal, potentially reaching 1,500 warheads by 2035. This substantial growth raises serious concerns about the balance of power in Asia, particularly for India's nuclear deterrent.
Current U.S. estimates put China's nuclear stockpile at approximately 600 warheads in 2025, growing to 1,000 by 2030. The 2035 projection of 1,500 warheads represents a significant and sustained build-up. This expansion is part...
The international effort to create cutting-edge fighter jets and the engines that power them is heating up, with Turkey and South Korea making considerable progress in their own projects.
While India also aims to develop a homegrown engine for its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, it is falling behind due to funding uncertainties and a lack of clear partnerships.
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Turkey has committed a substantial $3 to $5 billion towards developing the TF-35000 engine for its Kaan fighter...
India's military relies heavily on its fleet of transport aircraft for the swift movement of troops, equipment, and crucial aid across varied landscapes and during emergencies.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently depends on aging Soviet-era aircraft, namely the Ilyushin Il-76 and Antonov An-32, for its medium and heavy-lift requirements. However, a pressing need exists to modernize this fleet.
As these older aircraft approach retirement and face increasing maintenance difficulties, India...
India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started limited production of the AD-1 missile, a significant step forward for the country's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Phase-II program.
The AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile designed to destroy both incoming ballistic missiles and enemy aircraft, strengthening India's ability to defend against aerial threats.
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The AD-1 missile is a key component of India's plan to create a multi-layered defence system against a...
In a major step towards self-reliance in defense production, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has commenced manufacturing the first indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy's Scorpene-class submarines.
A formal production ceremony was held yesterday at MDL's Mumbai facility, attended by MDL Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Biju George, along with representatives from the Indian Navy and other senior officials.
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This AIP system is a crucial upgrade...
