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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...

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a vital part of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), continues to advance the nation's capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). ADE has developed a variety of UAV platforms, including tactical UAVs, surveillance UAVs, and target drones, each designed for different missions and equipped with versatile payloads. Now, ADE is focusing on developing advanced radomes for its Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE)...

In a move that could reshape India's indigenous fighter jet program, Russia has offered to supply a cutting-edge turbofan engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This offer includes a crucial Transfer of Technology (ToT) element, aligning with India's ambition to bolster its domestic defence industry. ad The proposed engine is an advanced derivative of the Klimov RD-33, currently powering India's MiG-29 fighters. This new iteration will incorporate fifth-generation technology...

In a major step towards bolstering India's defence aviation capabilities, the first C-295 military transport aircraft entirely manufactured in India under the "Make in India" initiative is expected to be delivered by September 2026. The final aircraft in the order is slated for delivery in August 2031. This ambitious project, a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, will not only strengthen India's defence capabilities but also significantly advance the...

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the nation's ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project, is incorporating sophisticated countermeasure systems to bolster its survivability in contested airspace. These include concealed chaff countermeasure flares and radio frequency countermeasures (RFCM), crucial for protecting the aircraft from a wide array of missile threats. ad A defining characteristic of fifth-generation fighter jets is their low observability (LO)...

The Indian Army is taking a significant step towards modernizing its infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) by equipping the 30mm cannons of its BMP-2 and BMP-2K vehicles with air burst ammunition. This upgrade will provide the Army with a crucial edge in neutralizing aerial threats, particularly drones, which are increasingly being used by adversaries for combat and surveillance missions. ad The Indian Army operates a substantial fleet of approximately 2,900 BMP-2/2Ks. This new ammunition is...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully integrated Heron MK-2 drones into its fleet, demonstrating their exceptional capabilities in high-altitude operations. Deployed from a forward air base in the northern sector, these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have proven their ability to cruise at an impressive 32,000 feet, with the flexibility to operate at altitudes up to 35,000 feet. This development significantly enhances the IAF's surveillance, reconnaissance, and...