The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical need to upgrade the firepower of its time-tested Mirage-2000 fighter jets to maintain combat relevance against the advanced aerial threats posed by China and Pakistan.
Experts and defence analysts suggest that equipping the fleet with the indigenous Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is a crucial and immediate step to counter the superior missile capabilities of regional adversaries.
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The IAF currently operates a fleet...
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In a significant move that could deepen India-Europe defence cooperation, a customized version of the Eurodrone has been offered to India.
The proposal, extended by Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), includes the potential for integrating technologies from India's indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmes, creating a unique hybrid platform tailored to the nation's specific operational needs.
The offer has gained momentum following India's decision to...
In a significant move towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing to commence extensive mobility trials for its new, domestically developed tank engine.
The Datran 1500, a 1500-horsepower engine with 90% indigenous content, has successfully completed most of its ground-based evaluations, paving the way for integration into an Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) for on-field testing.
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This development represents a major...
In a major boost to India's indigenous defence capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to roll out the first Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) from its Nashik production facility by the end of July 2025.
This milestone marks a significant expansion of the Tejas manufacturing ecosystem, aimed at accelerating deliveries to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil, the Nashik plant is on schedule to deliver an additional three...
India's landmark initiative to develop a homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is facing turbulence as private defence firms raise alarms over a perceived bias towards state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Despite government assurances of a level playing field, industry sources claim that the terms laid out in the initial tender documents effectively sideline them from meaningfully competing for the prestigious project.
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The...
Progress on India's futuristic Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior drone is accelerating, with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) confirming the completion of critical engine integration tests.
In a recent update, HAL's leadership affirmed that the program is on schedule for the unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV) maiden flight in 2027, marking a major step forward in the nation's indigenous military aviation capabilities.
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HAL Chairman and Managing Director, DK Sunil...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing plans to significantly enhance its strategic reach by wet leasing one Airbus A330-200 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air and Space Force.
Negotiations for the government-to-government agreement are in their final stages and are expected to conclude in the coming months, providing a crucial boost to India's mid-air refuelling capabilities.
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This strategic move follows the recent induction of a leased KC-135 Stratotanker from a...
The Indian Army has identified a critical requirement for a new generation of medium-lift helicopters equipped with advanced stealth features, specifically for its elite special forces units.
A senior Army official has clarified that these specialised aircraft are needed for high-risk operations, including deep penetration missions behind enemy lines, a capability distinct from the military's more conventional transport needs.
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This demand comes as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its modernisation and self-reliance goals with a planned follow-on order for 97 Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
This new batch of the indigenous fighter jet will feature a higher percentage of Indian-made components and upgraded software, incorporating feedback from the initial batch of aircraft set for delivery.
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The formalisation of the order for the additional 97 jets is anticipated in the coming year, with production scheduled to...
In a significant step to enhance its strategic strike capabilities, India is equipping its domestically developed long-range cruise missile with an advanced self-protection system.
The Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), a subsonic weapon with a range of 1,500 kilometres, will be integrated with flare-dispensing technology to defend against heat-seeking projectiles, according to official sources.
This crucial upgrade is designed to improve the missile's survivability during...
A landmark agreement for the co-production of advanced F-414 jet engines in India, a cornerstone of the nation's military modernisation, is facing significant delays, with the final deal now expected to be signed by March 2026.
This revised timeline was confirmed by DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), more than two years after a preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with US-based GE Aerospace in June 2023.
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The prolonged...
India's ambitious plan to develop an indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is encountering serious delays, casting significant doubt on its initial goal of a first flight by 2026.
The program, crucial for the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier capabilities, is bogged down by stalled design reviews and uncertainty over funding, potentially forcing the Navy to rely on its aging fleet of MiG-29K jets well into the next decade.
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The TEDBF is envisioned as a cutting-edge, 5-minus...
An ambitious Indian Air Force (IAF) plan to lease a fleet of Russian-made Tupolev Tu-160M "White Swan" strategic bombers is confronting significant obstacles, casting serious doubt on the future of a deal that would dramatically enhance India's long-range strike capabilities.
The proposed agreement faces headwinds from the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has strained Russia's defence production, and a complex geopolitical environment.
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The proposal involved the lease of six to eight newly...
In a major advancement for India's indigenous defence capabilities, two separate High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) drone programs are being fast-tracked with formal endorsement from the Indian Army and Air Force.
State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) are leading parallel projects to develop turbojet and turboprop-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), respectively.
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These initiatives are designed to meet distinct...
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a major programme to extend the service life of its rugged Antonov An-32 transport fleet until at least 2040.
This life-extension will be achieved through a comprehensive overhaul conducted within India, marking a significant step in the nation's push for self-reliance in defence maintenance.
The project will see IAF’s Base Repair Depots collaborating with private Indian companies to modernise at least 60 aircraft.
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The An-32, a Soviet-era...
An unconfirmed strategic proposal from India to supply Greece with its advanced Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) has ignited speculation across the Aegean.
According to Greek media reports, the offer could provide Athens with a formidable weapon capable of neutralizing high-value targets, including Turkey's sophisticated S-400 air defence system, potentially shifting the regional balance of power.
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The discussions, reportedly initiated during the DEFEA 2025 defence...
In a significant move that underscores the enduring strategic partnership between Moscow and New Delhi, Russia has reportedly offered India the opportunity to lease a second Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN).
This proposal comes as India works to modernise its underwater fleet and project power across the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming deep-rooted trust in bilateral defence technology collaboration.
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The offer is for a vessel in addition to the Akula-class submarine...
In a major boost to India's combat aviation capabilities, the indigenous Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) is scheduled to begin captive trials on the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets by the end of 2025.
Live firing tests of the advanced missile are anticipated to take place in 2026.
This critical integration project is being jointly executed by French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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The...
In a significant advancement for India's indigenous military aviation, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is redesigning the internal weapons bay of the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2.
The primary goal of this optimisation is to enable the fifth-generation fighter to carry up to six Astra Mk2 air-to-air missiles internally, substantially boosting its firepower while preserving its crucial stealth characteristics.
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The AMCA is a cornerstone of India's future air...
India is taking significant strides to modernise its nuclear triad, the three-pronged capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, sea, and air that forms the bedrock of its strategic defence.
While the sea and land-based legs of this triad are being fortified with advanced submarines and missiles, the air component, managed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), faces a growing capability gap, raising concerns about its effectiveness in a high-threat environment.
The principle of a nuclear...
