Featured News

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) plan to acquire 110 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) could become significantly more expensive than initially anticipated. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) official has indicated that opting for the advanced Rafale F4 configuration, as opposed to earlier variants, may drive the total cost to around $27 billion, considerably exceeding the allocated budget of $20 billion. ad This potential cost increase is linked to several factors. Firstly, the UAE's recent purchase...

India has significantly bolstered its air defence capabilities with the acquisition of a new VHF (Very High Frequency) radar system developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This advanced radar, featuring an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna, is designed to detect and track stealth aircraft, including those employing advanced stealth technologies like China's J-20 fighter and the potential J-35A that Pakistan is reportedly considering. This new system provides crucial...

In a major boost to India's indigenous fighter jet programs, General Electric (GE) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are close to finalizing a deal for 99 F414-GE-INS6 engines. The deal, estimated to be worth $1.5 billion, represents a significant increase from the 2010 agreement, reflecting both inflation and a substantial rise in the level of technology transfer (ToT) from 56% to 80%. This enhanced ToT is a key factor in the increased value, as it allows HAL to gain greater...

In a major boost to India's national security, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the successful deployment of the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This significant advancement, known as "Mission Divyastra," substantially enhances India's nuclear deterrence capabilities. ad During a press conference, Singh emphasized the strategic importance of this development, stating, "Agni-V with MIRV...

India's recent decision to award the entire Project-75I submarine contract to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has raised concerns about potential monopoly-related challenges and delays. Under this project, MDL will construct all six German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)-designed submarines, solidifying its position as the primary builder of conventional submarines in India. While this approach streamlines production in the near term, it may have unintended consequences for the...

India's reliance on Russian technology for its Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet has exposed a significant contrast in military technology independence compared to China. While India faces strict limitations on modifying its aircraft due to Russian oversight, China has successfully reverse-engineered and upgraded similar Russian jets with domestically developed technology. ad India, a long-standing partner of Russia in defence procurement, operates one of the largest Su-30MKI fleets outside of...

India's latest defence budget has allocated significant funding for the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) program and the development of the Remotely Stealthy Powered Autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (RSPA UCAV), also known as Ghatak. This investment underscores India's commitment to modernizing its naval aviation capabilities and bolstering its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in the face of China's growing influence. ad The budget statement explicitly mentions that...

Redon Systems, a Hyderabad-based defence technology startup, has announced a groundbreaking advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment with its new Multi-Barrel UAV Launcher (MBUL). This innovative system is poised to revolutionize military operations with its ability to rapidly launch a swarm of 16 UAVs for both precision strikes and coordinated attacks. ad The MBUL system, mounted on a 6x3 wheeled vehicle, utilizes a pneumatic barrel system to launch up to 16 loitering...

Russian state-owned media outlet Sputnik recently published a feature article praising the capabilities of the Sukhoi Su-57, Russia's fifth-generation fighter jet. The article, celebrating 15 years of Su-57's first flight, claims the aircraft surpasses its Western counterparts, including the American F-35, in several key areas. ad Sputnik describes the Su-57 as a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. It highlights the aircraft's stealth...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing mounting pressure from the United States to select either Lockheed Martin's F-21 or Boeing's F-15EX fighter jet for its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition. This pressure comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, with the US implying concessions in exchange for an Indian purchase of American fighters. However, the IAF has reservations about both aircraft due to concerns about their technological capabilities in the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) with the successful completion of engine ground runs for the CATS-Warrior full-scale demonstrator. This breakthrough paves the way for upcoming taxi trials and eventually the much-anticipated maiden flight of this advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). ad Sources indicate that HAL is preparing to initiate taxi trials in the coming weeks. This critical...

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a leading laboratory of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is enhancing the Archer Short-Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SRUAV) with the domestically developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). This integration will transform the Archer SRUAV into a potent platform for precision strikes against enemy airfields. ad The SAAW is a long-range, precision-guided munition specifically designed to neutralize airfield...

The Indian Army has concluded its evaluation of the Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) with trials held in the challenging high-altitude terrain of Ladakh in September 2024. According to recent reports, while the Stryker demonstrated its capabilities over three weeks of rigorous testing, the Army has expressed reservations about the vehicle's current engine. ad The trials, conducted in Ladakh's extreme climatic conditions, aimed to assess the Stryker's mobility, durability, and combat...

India's indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155x52 is gaining traction in the international market. Following a successful deal with Armenia, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a potential customer for this cutting-edge howitzer developed by Bharat Forge. This signifies a growing global recognition of India's prowess in defence manufacturing. ad The ATAGS, a collaborative effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Forge, is a testament to...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) quest for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) has rekindled the debate surrounding technology transfer (ToT) from international vendors, particularly concerning the Dassault Rafale. However, with India's own Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program making significant strides, the strategic value of acquiring Rafale technology through ToT is now being called into question. ad Several factors contribute to this reassessment. Firstly, the AMCA, India's...

In a potential game-changer for India's air power, French aerospace giant Safran has offered to develop a powerful 110kN engine tailored for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. What makes this offer particularly attractive is Safran's assertion that this new engine could also be integrated into India's existing and future Rafale fighter jets, providing a substantial boost to their capabilities. ad Safran emphasizes that the new 110kN engine will have similar dimensions...

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key laboratory within India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is gearing up for a major recruitment drive. This expansion is in preparation for the development of an indigenous engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet program. ad Currently, GTRE has a dedicated workforce of 227 employees focused on advancing gas turbine technology. The AMCA project represents...

A recent report from the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), a leading French think tank, has raised concerns about the capabilities of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet in modern aerial combat, particularly against advanced stealth aircraft. The report, titled "The Future of Air Superiority: Mastering the Skies in High Intensity," was authored by two experts from the French Air and Space Forces and has been highlighted by the French media outlet L’Opinion. ad The Ifri report...

While a few powerful nations like the United States, Russia, and China maintain fleets of strategic bombers (SBs) for long-range attacks, India has chosen a different path. Despite facing potential threats from China and Pakistan, India has opted not to acquire these aircraft, focusing instead on other military capabilities. ad India's defense strategy centers on regional security, relying on multi-role fighter jets capable of various missions, including air-to-air combat and ground...

India's pursuit of advanced aerospace technology, particularly in the development of fighter jets, is marked by a cautious approach to reverse engineering. Unlike some nations that have utilized reverse engineering extensively to advance their military capabilities, India has chosen a path that balances technological advancement with respect for international Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). ad Reverse engineering, while a viable method for gaining insights into complex technologies...