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India's next-generation Tejas Mk2 fighter jet will be significantly harder for enemy radar to detect than its predecessor, according to a key official overseeing the project. Dr. V. Madhusudana Rao, Project Director for the Mk2 program at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), stated recently that the aircraft's frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS) is just 25% of that of the Tejas Mk1A. This represents a major improvement in the aircraft's stealth capabilities. ad Radar Cross Section (RCS)...

The Indian Navy is considering a significant modernization effort focused on acquiring Landing Helicopter Docks (LHDs) optimized for operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. This strategic move aims to enhance the Navy's capabilities in the crucial Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while maintaining cost-effectiveness. ad LHDs are multi-role warships traditionally used for amphibious operations, capable of deploying troops, helicopters, and landing craft. However, the Navy's...

At the Aero India 2025 airshow, which took place in Bengaluru from February 10-14, GE Aerospace expressed its plans to partner with India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) to create a more powerful engine for India's future fighter jets, mainly AMCA Mk2. ad GE Aerospace confirmed the F414-GE-INS6 engine, a version of the F414 specifically designed for India, will power the initial production runs of the AMCA Mk1. This engine generates approximately 98 kilonewtons (kN) of thrust...

India could potentially save billions of dollars and rapidly modernize its air force by opting for a "Made in India" version of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet over the American F-35, according to recent claims by Russian officials. This move could also open significant export opportunities for India in the global defence market. ad At a recent defence event, representatives from Rostec, Russia's state-owned defence corporation, stated that an Indian-manufactured variant of the Su-57 Felon...

The Indian Navy is preparing for a significant advancement in its defensive capabilities with the first trial of the naval variant of the Pinaka rocket system, expected later this year. This new system represents a major step forward in underwater defence technology, being a specially adapted version of the successful Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher already used by the Indian Army. ad The naval Pinaka is designed to address threats specifically in the maritime environment. It possesses...

India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets, a deal estimated to be worth around €7 billion (approximately $7.6 billion USD). A formal signing of the agreement is anticipated in April, coinciding with a visit from the French Defence Minister to India. ad This procurement represents a vital move in bolstering the Indian Navy's air capabilities at sea. The advanced Rafale-M fighters are slated for deployment on India's aircraft...

A recent photograph circulating online depicts an Indian Army unit employing a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle as a mobile platform for launching an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) at the Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan. The image has quickly gained traction on social media, generating considerable interest in the Indian armed forces' innovative approach to combat readiness. ad The photograph illustrates a practical and inventive adaptation by the Indian Army, showcasing its...

Russia is actively promoting its updated Ilyushin Il-114-300 turboprop aircraft as a potential solution for India's growing regional aviation needs. The plane, capable of accommodating up to 68 passengers, is specifically designed for shorter flights, making it a possible fit for India's "Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik" (UDAN) regional connectivity scheme. ad The Il-114-300 is a substantial upgrade from the original Il-114, which had limited production. The -300 version has been modernized with...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) may embark on the development of a significantly upgraded unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), tentatively called "CATS Warrior 2," contingent on the successful operational testing of its smaller predecessor, the CATS Warrior. ad At the Aero India 2025 exhibition held in Bengaluru earlier this month, HAL showcased the CATS Warrior, a nearly 2-ton "loyal wingman" UCAV designed to operate in conjunction with manned fighter jets like the Tejas and Su-30MKI...

India is making a significant change in its naval strategy, prioritizing the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) over the acquisition of more aircraft carriers. This shift, confirmed by reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has paused plans for a third aircraft carrier, underscores a focus on bolstering undersea warfare capabilities. ad Experts, including Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), view this decision...

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is facing a significant operational challenge as a large portion of its fighter jet fleet approaches retirement age. The PAF is under pressure to modernize its capabilities while facing the impending obsolescence of many of its aircraft, in order to maintain readiness against evolving regional threats. ad A considerable number of the PAF's aircraft are reaching the end of their operational lifespan. The force currently operates over 150 French-made Mirage III/V...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is undertaking a significant redesign of its proposed Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer (HLFT-42), incorporating feedback from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and expanding its potential roles beyond advanced pilot training. The aircraft, initially presented at Aero India 2023, is now envisioned as a versatile platform capable of serving as a light combat aircraft and a command center for unmanned aerial systems. ad The HLFT-42, a next-generation supersonic...

India's domestically developed UTTAM radar has demonstrated a significant capability by successfully tracking a Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) at a range of 140 kilometers. The test, conducted at Aero India 2025, showcases the radar's potential to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) air combat capabilities. The UTTAM radar was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). ad The successful tracking of the Tejas Mk-1, a relatively small...

The Indian Navy has strengthened its underwater warfare capabilities by ordering Kalibr-PL anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles are designed to significantly enhance the firepower of the Navy's Kilo-class (Sindhughosh-class) submarine fleet, improving India's maritime deterrence, especially within the crucial Indian Ocean Region (IOR). ad The Kalibr-PL, specifically the 3M-14K variant, is engineered for launch from submarines. This is distinct from the 3M-14T Kalibr-NK, a land-attack...

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...