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India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is on track for development trials completion by 2034 and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2035, according to the DRDO Chief. This announcement marks a significant step forward for India's indigenous defence capabilities. The AMCA will place India among an elite group of nations capable of designing and manufacturing advanced stealth aircraft. "The development of AMCA is not just about creating a...

The Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene-class stealth submarine, INS Vagir, was recently involved in a minor collision with a fishing vessel off the Goa coast. The incident occurred while the submarine was transiting from Karwar Port to Mumbai Port for routine operations. According to sources, INS Vagir surfaced approximately 400-500 meters ahead of a wooden fishing vessel. Despite the submarine's sensors not detecting any nearby vessels at the time, the fishing boat, trailing behind the...

The CEO of Pakistan's Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) has made bold claims about the capabilities of their newly unveiled Shahpar-III unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at IDEAS 2024. With a purported wingspan of 67 meters, operational altitude above 35,000 feet, endurance of 30 hours, range of 2,500 kilometers, and a 500-kilogram payload capacity, the Shahpar-III is being touted as a game-changer. However, these ambitious claims have been met with skepticism, given Pakistan's...

Guyana is actively seeking to enhance its defence capabilities and is in discussions with Indian defence companies to procure a range of equipment, including Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), arms, ammunition, and other critical systems. This initiative reflects Guyana's commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure in the face of evolving security challenges, particularly in its maritime domain. ad With a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Atlantic...

At the recent IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed its ambitious PFX (Pakistan Fighter Program) to develop an indigenous 4.5+ generation fighter jet. This initiative aims to boost Pakistan's air combat capabilities and reduce its reliance on imported platforms, potentially positioning the PFX as a rival to India's Tejas Mk2. ad The PFX is envisioned as a twin-engine fighter with advanced features like canards for enhanced maneuverability and an AESA radar...

India's ambitious BrahMos-2K hypersonic missile program has been put on hold due to concerns over its high development costs, according to recent media reports. The BrahMos-2K, envisioned as a derivative of Russia's 3M22 Zircon missile, was intended to achieve speeds of Mach 6-7. However, the projected per-unit cost has prompted the Indian Armed Forces to re-evaluate the program's feasibility. ad With hypersonic missile technology still in its early stages globally, research, development...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical capability challenge as its combat squadron strength is projected to fall below the sanctioned 42 squadrons to under 30 in the coming years. This decline comes amidst a growing threat environment and delays in acquiring manned combat aircraft. To address this looming shortfall, the IAF needs to urgently prioritize the development and induction of highly autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and cost-effective "loyal wingman"...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of equipping its new Airbus C-295 transport aircraft with air-to-air refueling (AAR) capabilities. This move could transform the C-295 into a versatile and cost-effective tactical tanker, capable of refueling both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. ad The proposed conversion involves integrating a roll-on/roll-off AAR kit, featuring a centre-line hose-and-drogue system that can be easily loaded through the C-295's rear ramp. This...

The Pakistan Navy recently announced a successful test of its "indigenously developed Ship-Launched Ballistic Missile" (SLBM), named the SMASH SLBM or P282. This new missile reportedly has a range of 350 km and can strike land and sea targets with precision. Equipped with advanced navigation systems and maneuverability features, the SMASH SLBM also possesses anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, posing a potential threat to carrier groups and other strategic assets in the region. ad...

The Indian Army is embracing the digital age by incorporating specialized expertise into its ranks. Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor announced a new initiative to recruit domain experts in cyber warfare, information technology, and linguistics, recognizing the evolving nature of conflict and the crucial role technology plays on the modern battlefield. ad Lt Gen Kapoor highlighted the Army's commitment to adapting its structure, strategy, and operational approach...

India has achieved a significant milestone in its defence export endeavors with the delivery of the first batch of Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MRBLs) to Armenia earlier this month. This delivery fulfills part of a contract signed between the two nations in 2022, marking a new chapter in their defence partnership and underscoring India's growing prominence in the global arms market. ad Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by private...

A surprising claim emerged from the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi, where Awais Rauf, a film producer and Chairman of the University of Lahore, unveiled what he described as Pakistan's first long-range air surveillance radar system, the AM350S. Rauf, also the Director of Blue Search Private Limited, asserts the radar has a range of 350 kilometers. ad The radar, showcased as a mobile platform, is reportedly being developed in collaboration with Pakistan's...

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a cornerstone of India's naval shipbuilding industry, has announced a major expansion plan aimed at doubling its production capacity in the next 4-5 years. This ambitious undertaking involves a ₹5,000 crore (approximately $600 million) investment in new infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art dry dock facility measuring 180 meters long and 60 meters wide. This expansion will enable MDL to enhance its production rate, modernize operations, and...

The 27th Bengaluru Tech Summit provided a stage for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to showcase India's latest advancements in defence aviation technology. DRDO scientists, Satish Kumar and Pragya, detailed three groundbreaking projects: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) systems, Multi-Mode Maritime Aircraft (MMMA), and Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platforms. ad ISTAR: A Game-Changer in Battlefield Intelligence...

The Indian Army is preparing to submit a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer guns, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move aims to further bolster the Army's artillery capabilities along its borders with China and Pakistan. ad The K-9 Vajra, a 155mm, 52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer with a range exceeding 50 kilometers, has already been deployed by the Indian Army at the Line of...

Following the successful deployment and trials of an initial six Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), Armenia is reportedly in advanced negotiations with India's Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) to procure 78 more units. This potential deal underscores the growing defence cooperation between the two nations and highlights India's emergence as a key supplier of advanced defence technology. ad The initial batch of ATAGS howitzers, delivered in 2023, underwent rigorous testing...

India's defence industry is rapidly growing, with the nation emerging as a significant exporter of weapon systems and military equipment. To further solidify its position in the global market, India should explore barter agreements with key partners like France and Brazil. These agreements would involve exchanging Indian-made defence products for equipment procured from these nations, offering both strategic and economic advantages. ad This approach builds on India's existing success in...

France's recent transfer of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine has inadvertently opened a potential window for India to bolster its own fleet of these capable aircraft. While the primary aim of the French move is to strengthen Ukraine's defenses amidst ongoing conflict, the resulting surplus of Mirage 2000-5Fs in France's inventory could present a valuable opportunity for India. ad France initially committed to sending six of these multi-role fighters to Ukraine, with three already...

The unveiling of the J-15D electronic warfare (EW) fighter jet at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024 has sent ripples through the defence community, highlighting China's growing emphasis on electronic dominance in modern warfare. Developed from the J-15 carrier-based fighter, the J-15D signifies a significant leap in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) EW capabilities, potentially prompting India to accelerate its own stalled EW programs. ad The J-15D, developed by Shenyang Aircraft...

In a strategic move to accelerate the development of the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has announced that the first prototype will be equipped with Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) from the existing Tejas Mk1. This decision allows for quicker prototyping and initial trials without delays caused by waiting for the development of new-generation LRUs. ad The Tejas Mk2, envisioned as a 4.5-generation fighter, bridges the gap between the Tejas Mk1/Mk1A and the...