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The potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet by India has raised significant questions about the nation's long-term strategic autonomy. Unlike other fighter aircraft options, the F-35 is deeply integrated into a US-controlled operational and logistical network, prompting concerns that purchasing the jet could significantly limit India's independent military capabilities. ad The F-35 is not designed to be a standalone platform. Its operation relies heavily...

A new, indigenously developed radar system is vying to become a key component of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet upgrade program. DATA Patterns, a prominent Indian defence electronics firm, showcased its "Hawk I 2700" X-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar at the recent Aero India 2025 exhibition. Company representatives stated that the Hawk I 2700 is not a modified version of the existing "Virupaksha" AESA radar, but rather a direct competitor...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to propose the purchase of fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to the government, according to a senior government official. This move is primarily in response to a changing security landscape in the region, where neighboring countries are quickly improving their air forces. Acquiring such advanced aircraft is considered crucial for India to maintain its air dominance and address emerging threats, especially from China and its increasing military...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is at a critical juncture in its modernization efforts, seeking to replace its aging aircraft in response to evolving regional security challenges and advancements in military technology. India's strategy involves a combination of domestic development and international collaborations, leading to several potential scenarios for acquiring new fighter jets. These scenarios primarily focus on the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, aiming to procure 114 new...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is setting its sights on the international defense market with "Yashas," a significantly upgraded and weaponized version of its Intermediate Jet Trainer-36 (IJT-36). Formerly known as the HJT-36 "Sitara," the redesigned aircraft was unveiled at the Aero India 2025 show, held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10-14. The airshow serves as a major event for demonstrating India's progress in the aerospace and defense sectors. ad...

A leading Pakistani defense analyst has cautioned that India's potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet could present significant logistical and financial difficulties, mirroring some of the challenges Pakistan has faced with its F-16 fleet. Retired Air Commodore Zia Ul Haque Shamsi, in comments to regional media, suggested the F-35 could become a costly burden for the Indian Air Force (IAF) due to high operational costs and ongoing availability concerns...

India's domestically-produced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet is set to undergo a crucial test within the next 15 days, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirmed. The test will involve firing the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) while utilizing the aircraft's new, advanced radar system.This confirmation was made by HAL Chairman, D.K. Sunil, on February 18, 2025. ad The upcoming test represents a vital step towards full certification and operational deployment of the Tejas...

India is reviewing a significant proposal from Russia for the domestic production of the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This potential agreement could reshape the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries. Dmitry Shugaev, Director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), revealed this development at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The proposal falls under India's "Make in...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is undertaking a significant initiative to increase the production rate of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet, aiming for an ambitious 30 aircraft per year by 2027. In a statement released on February 18, 2025, HAL Chairman DK Sunil said that the company is engaging private sector firms to provide fully assembled fuselages, complete with internal components, to streamline the final assembly process. ad To achieve this increased production rate, HAL is...

India is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring a limited number of F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft from the United States as a temporary measure to address potential capability gaps while its domestic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program matures. The acquisition, if pursued, is expected to mirror the government-to-government (G2G) framework employed in the 2016 purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France. ad Sources indicate that any potential F-35...

India's ongoing efforts to modernize its Air Force (IAF) have brought two advanced fighter jets into focus: the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Dassault Rafale F4. A detailed cost analysis, considering both acquisition and 40-year life cycle costs (LCC), reveals a significant financial disparity between the two platforms if India were to procure 110 units of either aircraft. Life cycle costs provide a holistic view of the long-term financial implications, encompassing not only...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is taking proactive steps to prepare for a potential order of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from the Indian Air Force (IAF), officials said at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. The state-owned aerospace and defence company has initiated discussions with its supply chain partners to expedite the procurement of necessary materials and equipment. This forward-looking approach is intended to ensure a...

The Indian Navy's ambitious project to develop a next-generation, carrier-borne fighter jet, the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), is making significant progress. An official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) confirmed that the program is on schedule to achieve its Critical Design Review (CDR) by 2026. This information was shared during the Aero India 2025 exhibition, which took place from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station. ad The TEDBF is envisioned as an...

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has announced that India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will undergo a further critical design review (CDR) following the results of recent stress and load testing. This development was revealed by an ADA project official during Aero India 2025, held from February 10-14, where a full-scale model of the fifth-generation fighter jet was a key attraction. ad Initial stress and load tests, conducted using the finite element method (FEM), a...

Former Indian Army Chief, General MM Naravane (Retd), has offered a critical perspective on the progress of India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project. In a recent commentary, Gen. Naravane highlighted the project's protracted design phase and suggested that the fighter jet may not achieve full operational status until 2035-2040, a decade or more from now. He drew a parallel with the F-35 program, which required 16 years from initial concept to operational deployment...

Retired Major General Zahid Mahmood of the Pakistani Army has voiced concerns regarding the potential acquisition of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets by India from the United States. In a recent interview with local media, he stated that this acquisition could significantly destabilize the regional strategic balance, particularly concerning Pakistan. ad Maj Gen Mahmood suggested that the introduction of the F-35 into the Indian Air Force (IAF) could embolden India to pursue more aggressive...

At Aero India 2025, held at Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 10th to 14th, Rostec officials confirmed the Izdeliye 177S (Product 177S) engine is being offered to India for both Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fleet upgrades and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) fifth-generation fighter program. ad Displayed prominently at the United Engine Corporation (UEC) stand, the Izdeliye 177S is a fifth-generation engine designed for tactical aircraft. Rostec representatives emphasized its advanced...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is gearing up for crucial inflight trials of the Kaveri Engine Derivative (KDE) in Russia later this year. According to officials speaking at Aero India 2025, these trials will focus on validating recent upgrades and modifications to the engine, paving the way for its use in future indigenous aircraft programs. ad The KDE, a derivative of the original Kaveri engine, has undergone significant improvements. Older Kaveri engines were modified and...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is taking a step towards potentially incorporating the upgraded HJT-36 Yashas trainer aircraft into its fleet. The IAF has reached out to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a proposal to lease four of the Yashas Stage-2 trainers for evaluation purposes. These aircraft will be from the Limited Series Production (LSP) and modified to meet the latest Yashas standards. ad Originally developed as a basic jet trainer, the HJT-36, now officially designated 'Yashas'...

At Aero India 2025, Russia's Rostec announced a significant development in the Ka-226T helicopter program. The Ka-226T, previously reliant on French Safran Arrius 2G1 engines, will now be powered by the domestically produced VK-650V engine. This transition aims to address past supply chain challenges and bolster India's self-reliance in defence technology. ad The switch to the VK-650V engine comes after years of collaborative efforts and negotiations between India and Russia, with a focus on...