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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance the defensive capabilities of its Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet with the integration of the indigenously developed Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DC-MAWS). This advanced system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will provide crucial missile detection and warning capabilities, addressing a long-standing gap in the Su-30MKI's defensive suite. ad The DC-MAWS is a cutting-edge system...

India is significantly bolstering its naval capabilities with the approval to construct two indigenously designed nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at a new submarine facility in Visakhapatnam. This project marks a major step forward in India's long-term vision to strengthen its underwater fleet and enhance its maritime power projection. Construction is set to commence by the end of 2029, with the steel-cutting process marking the official start. ad While the initiation of...

The Indian Navy's planned acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones marks a significant step towards enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while optimizing operational costs. These advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are expected to complement the Navy's fleet of 12 P-8I Neptune Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), which have been extensively deployed to monitor the IOR, particularly in response to the growing presence of the Chinese Navy. ad While...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the development of its Loyal Wingman program, a crucial initiative aimed at boosting its combat capabilities amidst declining squadron levels. This program, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with private sector company NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), is gaining momentum with the CATS Warrior unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) taking center stage. ad Recent meetings between HAL, NRT, and the IAF have...

Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), a leading German maritime company, is aiming to capitalize on the potential P75I submarine contract with India to establish a major shipbuilding hub in the country. The company believes that this hub could significantly reduce the cost of submarine and warship production, potentially by up to 50%, while also creating a global export center for naval vessels. ad TKMS, in partnership with Mazagaon Dockyards Limited (MDL), is competing for the P75I contract...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ambitious plans for its acquisition of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighter jet. Sources indicate that the IAF intends to initially procure two squadrons of the AMCA MkI, powered by the F-414 engine, and four squadrons of the more advanced AMCA MkII, equipped with a new 110kN thrust engine. However, this is just the beginning of a long-term vision that aims to expand the AMCA fleet to at least 300 units...

India's burgeoning aerospace industry has a unique opportunity to leverage its long-standing partnership with Russia to accelerate its indigenous development of medium transport aircraft (MTA). By acquiring blueprints for unused MTA designs from Russian design bureaus like Antonov, India could significantly advance its capabilities and potentially replicate China's success with its Y-20 heavy transport aircraft. ad Russia possesses a rich history of aircraft design, particularly in the...

Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defence company, has unveiled a full-scale replica of its Gripen E fighter jet in Bengaluru, signaling its strong interest in India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. Kent Åke Molin, Head of the Gripen for India Programme, emphasized Saab's commitment to not just selling aircraft, but to establishing a deep technological partnership with India. ad Saab has been actively pursuing the MRFA contract since responding to the Indian government's Request...

In a significant move to boost its presence in the global arms market, India is establishing a dedicated Export Promotion Council (EPC) for the defence sector. This initiative, driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, aims to dramatically increase India's defence exports, more than doubling the current value of ₹21,083 crore (recorded at the end of March 2024) to over ₹50,000 crore by 2029. ad This dedicated EPC signals India's commitment to streamlining and enhancing its...

The Indian Navy is poised to significantly enhance its maritime capabilities in early 2025 with the commissioning of two key vessels: the final Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vagsheer, and the first of the new Nilgiri-class stealth frigates. Originally slated for December 2024, the commissioning of both vessels has been shifted to January 2025, according to sources within the defence establishment. ad INS Vagsheer, the sixth and last of the Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarines, marks...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in its Tejas program with the completion of the Nashik production line for the advanced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This new facility is poised to significantly ramp up production, aiming to deliver eight jets annually, with the first aircraft rollout expected in March 2025. ad This development marks a major step forward for India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The Nashik plant, inaugurated in 2023, will...

India's indigenously developed Zorawar light tank is currently undergoing rigorous trials in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, marking a significant step towards enhancing the Indian Army's capabilities in challenging mountainous terrains. The trials, which involve testing the tank's firepower, mobility, and protection, are expected to be completed by the end of this month. ad The Zorawar light tank is a product of collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation...

The international conversation surrounding 5th generation fighter jets has resurfaced discussions regarding India's options to strengthen its air force, particularly in light of reports that Pakistan is acquiring the J-35A. Amidst this discourse, one fact remains clear: India's domestically developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is not merely a necessity, but the only practical choice for a true 5th generation fighter. ad Several factors contribute to this conclusion. Firstly...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is ready to advance the development of the Futuristic Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) but is currently awaiting the Indian Army's issuance of Preliminary Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQRs). This crucial step follows the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) granted on September 3, 2024, which officially recognized the need for the FRCV and paved the way for its procurement. The FRCV represents a critical...

The Indian Army is actively pursuing the development of advanced robotic systems to enhance the safety and efficiency of mine clearance operations. These multi-functional robots will be designed to detect, identify, and neutralize unexploded ordnance (UXO) and explosive devices, minimizing the risks faced by personnel engaged in these hazardous tasks. This initiative reflects the Army's increasing focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology in modern military operations. ad...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in partnership with Lokesh Machines Limited, has developed the ASMI 9mm Submachine Gun (SMG), an indigenously designed firearm with potential beyond its adoption by Indian military and security forces. The ASMI is poised to enter the lucrative US civilian market, where its combination of low cost, lightweight design, and Glock magazine compatibility could disrupt the established order. ad The United States represents one of the...

Brigadier Arvind Dhananjayan (Retd) has outlined a compelling vision for the future of maritime transportation and rescue operations, highlighting the potential of hydrofoil craft and Ground Effect Marine Vehicles (GEMVs) to revolutionize how personnel and supplies are moved across vast distances. These technologies, known for their speed, efficiency, and unique tactical advantages, represent a significant leap forward in both military and commercial maritime transport. ad Hydrofoil...

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) MkII, expected to be operational by 2032-33, is set to break new ground in aerial warfare. It will be the first fighter jet to integrate an AI-operated Heavy Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) – the Ghatak – as part of a revolutionary "family of systems" approach. This innovation signifies a major leap forward in combat autonomy and aircraft-drone coordination. ad The Ghatak UCAV, a 13-ton unmanned aircraft with a stealthy flying-wing design...

The Indian Air Force's pursuit of new fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program has brought American contenders like the F-35, F-16, and F/A-18 Super Hornet into the spotlight. While these aircraft boast advanced capabilities, persistent concerns about the potential inclusion of a "kill switch" or backdoor technology raise critical questions about sovereignty and operational independence that India must carefully consider. ad A "kill switch" refers to a hidden...

India's defence procurement strategy has come under scrutiny, with the high cost of acquiring advanced fighter jets like the Rafale raising questions about whether alternative approaches could have saved billions. Specifically, some experts argue that India missed an opportunity to leverage its existing fleet of Su-30MKI fighters by reverse-engineering and upgrading them, potentially reducing the need for expensive imports. ad India invested $12 billion in acquiring 259 Su-30MKI fighters...