Featured News

The Indian Army's artillery is set for a major upgrade with the introduction of the Guided Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system later this year. This advanced system, boasting a range of over 75 kilometers and pinpoint accuracy, successfully completed its final flight tests in November 2024, paving the way for its induction into service. ad Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Guided Pinaka represents a significant leap in India's...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering India's naval capabilities with the development of the Electric Heavy Weight Torpedo (EHWT). This advanced torpedo, designed for submarine launch, marks a crucial step towards achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the national vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. ad The EHWT is a cutting-edge anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon system, building upon the success of...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to conduct trials of the third iteration of its Unmanned Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM V3), marking a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial warfare capabilities. This latest variant promises enhanced range, precision, and adaptability compared to its predecessors, further strengthening India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology. ad The ULPGM V3 is a product of collaboration between DRDO and...

In a decisive move to address its dwindling combat strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) are establishing a committee to expedite fighter jet procurement. This committee will prioritize the long-delayed Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, with a major decision expected by May 2025. This urgency stems from the critical need to prevent the IAF's squadron strength from falling to a precarious low of 28 by year's end, a mere 3-4 squadrons more than the...

India-France defence relations are poised for a significant boost as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to finalize the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three additional Scorpène-class submarines during his visit to Paris in February. This visit coincides with the AI Action Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, which aims to leverage artificial intelligence for global development. ad Last month, India's Ministry of Defence approved the acquisition of these 26...

In a significant boost to undersea surveillance capabilities, India and the U.S. have announced a partnership for the co-production of American sonobuoys for the Indian Navy. This initiative, a first-of-its-kind collaboration, will see U.S.-based Ultra Maritime (UM) and India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) jointly manufacture these critical underwater surveillance devices. ad Sonobuoys are a key technology for tracking submarines in deep seas and oceans, playing a vital role in...

India's decision to withdraw from the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program with Russia was a significant turning point in its pursuit of advanced fighter capabilities. While concerns about the aircraft's technical limitations, particularly its stealth capabilities, were widely reported, the program's exorbitant cost appears to have been the decisive factor in India's withdrawal. ad Initially, the FGFA program, based on Russia's PAK-FA or Sukhoi T-50 platform, was envisioned as a...

India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is actively working to optimize the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), also known as the Kaveri Dry engine. This non-afterburning engine variant generates 46 kN of thrust but currently weighs approximately 1180 kg, considered heavy for its class, even without an afterburner. ad The KDE's weight is a concern because it is comparable to, or even exceeds, the weight of some engines...

A recent acquisition in the aviation industry has raised red flags in India and beyond. The purchase of Rotax engines by a Chinese group has sparked concerns about potential security risks and strategic implications, particularly for countries that rely on these engines for their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. ad Rotax engines, manufactured by Austria's BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (owned by Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products), are renowned for their reliability and performance in...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is accelerating the development of a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) designed specifically for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations. This advanced UAV is poised to significantly enhance India's aerial surveillance capabilities with its impressive specifications. ad The UAV boasts a robust 5-tonne platform, enabling it to carry a substantial payload of 2...

India's next-generation BrahMos-NG missile program has reached a critical milestone with the finalization of its design blueprint. The program is now progressing towards the development phase, with trials anticipated to commence by late 2027 or early 2028. This advancement signifies a major step in bolstering India's aerial strike capabilities with a versatile missile designed for deployment across a wider range of fighter jet platforms. ad An official closely associated with the program...

A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official has revealed that the Su-57E, Russia's export variant of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, is facing significant delays. According to the official, the Su-57E equipped with the advanced AL-51F engine and 2D Thrust Vector Control (TVC) nozzles is at least 4-5 years away from being production-ready. ad While Russia has showcased the Su-57E with a stealth engine casing and other enhancements, it remains uncertain whether the export version offered to...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has commenced production of the second prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank, marking significant progress in India's indigenous defence capabilities. This development comes as the Indian Army prepares to conduct extensive trials on the first prototype of this new light tank, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare. ad The production of the second prototype signifies an acceleration in...

The Indian Navy is setting its sights on developing long-range, jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance its surveillance capabilities across the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This initiative reflects a broader strategy to bolster maritime domain awareness and improve the Navy's ability to monitor naval activities in the region, ensuring quicker reaction times to emerging situations. ad While the Navy is already in the process of acquiring MQ-9 Reaper drones...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is experiencing a surge in inquiries from countries operating Su-30 fighter jets seeking spare parts for the AL-31F engines. This increased demand stems from disruptions in Russian supply chains, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the heavy operational use of the Su-30SM in frontline combat. ad The AL-31F, developed by Russia's Ufa Engine Industrial Association (UMPO), is a crucial component of the Su-30 aircraft, including the Indian...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a crucial part of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is reportedly seeking approval to develop an upgraded Kaveri engine with a significantly increased thrust of 90kN. This ambitious project aims to power the Tejas Mk1A fighter program and potentially the Tejas MkII, but it requires substantial advancements, including a completely redesigned core and significant funding. ad The current Kaveri engine core can only...

A former Indian Air Marshal has sharply criticized the decision to scrap the 126-aircraft Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal and opt for a smaller purchase of 36 Rafale jets in flyaway condition. Air Marshal M. Matheswaran (retired), who oversaw the MMRCA tendering process, argues that this move was a costly mistake that hindered technology transfer and industrial growth in India. ad The MMRCA saga began in 2007 and spanned nearly 15 years of evaluations, negotiations, and...

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a flagship program of India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, recently marked 24 years since its maiden flight on January 4, 2001. While the platform represents a significant step towards self-reliance in defence technology, the program has faced criticism for its slow pace of development, production delays, and limited induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) even after two decades. ad Developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency...

The race to develop advanced fighter jets in South Asia is intensifying, with both Pakistan and India pushing the boundaries of their respective indigenous programs. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is poised to introduce the JF-17 Block 4 under its PF-X (Pakistan Fighter Experimental) program, with a projected debut in 2028. This development raises questions about how India's Tejas Mk2 could have potentially evolved beyond its current 4.5 generation designation. ad The JF-17 Block 4 is...

In a significant move to bolster its naval defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is actively planning to integrate Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) onto its aircraft carriers. This initiative is in direct response to the evolving threat landscape, particularly the increasing proliferation of loitering munitions and subsonic cruise missiles, which pose a significant challenge to naval assets worldwide. ad Loitering munitions, often referred to as "suicide drones," and subsonic cruise missiles...