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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria this weekend is expected to significantly bolster defence ties between India and the African nation. Nigeria has expressed strong interest in acquiring Indian-made defence equipment, including small arms, ammunition, armored vehicles, and the indigenously developed Prachand light combat helicopter, according to sources familiar with the matter. ad This visit builds upon a recent trip by an Indian defence industry delegation to Lagos, which...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of replacing its aging fleet of An-32 transport aircraft with the recently inducted Airbus C-295M. While the C-295M was originally procured to replace the Hawker Siddeley HS 748, its capabilities have prompted the IAF to consider it for the more demanding role currently filled by the An-32. ad The An-32, a rugged Soviet-era workhorse, has been the backbone of the IAF's tactical airlift operations for decades, especially in challenging...

In a move that marks a potential shift in India's defence procurement landscape, the Indian Navy is reportedly reconsidering the Italian-made "Black Shark" torpedo for its Kalvari-class submarines. This comes after the Italian defence company Leonardo, formerly Finmeccanica, was removed from a blacklist that had prevented it from participating in Indian defence contracts. ad The Navy is seeking to procure 48 heavyweight torpedoes, with the contract estimated to be worth ₹3,000 crore...

The potential acquisition of long-range strategic bombers, such as the Russian Tu-160 "White Swan", has ignited a debate within India's defence circles. Defence analyst VatsRohit recently weighed in on the advantages and disadvantages of such a move, highlighting the strategic flexibility offered by these aircraft, but also emphasizing the significant financial implications. ad VatsRohit argues that the Tu-160, with its supersonic speed, intercontinental range, and massive payload capacity...

The Indian Navy is taking a significant step towards enhancing the survivability of its aircraft on the ground by investing in the development of a Radar Obscurant Cloak. This initiative, launched under the iDEX DISC (Defence India Startup Challenge) 13 program, aims to create a protective shield that renders aircraft virtually invisible to enemy radar. In modern warfare, airbases and grounded aircraft are prime targets for enemy strikes. This new technology seeks to mitigate this threat...

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has achieved significant milestones in the development of key technologies for India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a crucial initiative in India's pursuit of defence self-reliance. NAL's advancements in hybrid composite materials and Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) radome technology represent crucial steps towards realizing the AMCA's stealth and performance objectives. ad The AMCA, envisioned as a fifth-generation stealth...

A former Indian Air Force (IAF) navigator with experience on IL-76 transport aircraft has voiced concerns over the IAF's decision to combine the tenders for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and the replacement of the aging IL-76 heavy transport fleet. This approach, he argues, risks creating a significant gap in the IAF's cargo-carrying capabilities. ad The IL-76 has been a cornerstone of the IAF's heavy lift capacity, capable of transporting large payloads over long distances. In contrast...

Russia is making a renewed push for its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-75 "Checkmate," hoping to attract international customers, particularly India. Recent updates to the aircraft, including an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 26 tons and a planned upgrade to the AL-51FI engine, aim to make it a more competitive offering. However, despite these improvements, the Su-75 faces an uphill battle in the Indian market, where the indigenously developed Advanced Medium Combat...

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is poised to receive a significant order for 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers from the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD). This follows the successful delivery of an initial 100 units in 2021, a project valued at ₹4,500 crore that showcased India's growing indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. The K-9 Vajra, a collaborative effort between L&T and South Korean defense firm Hanwha Defense, has proven its effectiveness within the Indian Army. This...

The Indian Army's next-generation main battle tank (MBT), developed under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program, will be officially known as "Ranjeet." The name, steeped in history, honors Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a legendary Sikh ruler renowned for his military acumen and staunch defence of sovereignty. This choice reflects the tank's intended role in bolstering India's defence capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key goal of the Atmanirbhar Bharat...

In the hotly contested race to supply India's Air Force with 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Saab has presented a compelling offer: the Gripen E fighter jet equipped with the capability to carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) simultaneously. This, Saab asserts, will provide the IAF with a decisive tactical advantage in aerial combat. ad The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is considered one of the most advanced BVRAAMs currently available...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is rapidly expanding its fleet of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) with plans to procure 66 more units of the HAL-developed Prachand, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. This announcement comes on the heels of the successful induction and operationalization of the first ten Prachand helicopters, which have already demonstrated their capabilities in various operational scenarios, including the recent international exercise Tarang Shakti. ad During...

The 5.56mm Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), developed in India for close-quarters combat, has been praised by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel for its effectiveness and lightweight design. However, feedback suggests that the weapon's charging handle requires further refinement. ad Veteran defence journalist Sandeep Unnithan recently reported on the experiences of CISF personnel using the JVPC, which was procured in 2019. While the carbine has been generally...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is pushing forward with the development of its Dual Band Multirole Helicopter (DBMRH) platform, issuing two Requests for Information (RFI) for advanced radar systems. These RFIs seek to equip two DBMRH variants with specialized radar capabilities: an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar for the DBMRH-AEW and a Surveillance radar for the DBMRH-S Special Operations variant. ad The first RFI targets an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) radar system for the...

In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, Russia continues to be a favored defence partner for India, largely due to its willingness to share advanced military technology and support local production. Unlike many Western nations, particularly those in NATO, who often prioritize the sale of finished defence products, Russia has actively pursued joint development and technology transfer agreements with India. This approach has been crucial in supporting India's drive for...

India's indigenously developed Light Battle Tank (LBT), named "Zorawar", is gearing up for extensive Army trials in 2025. This marks a crucial step in India's modernization of its armored forces, specifically for deployments in challenging high-altitude regions like Ladakh. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Zorawar represents a significant stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology. ad...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reactivating its Nashik plant to fulfill a $1.3 billion order for 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets. This move comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to replenish its fleet and strengthen domestic aircraft production. The Nashik facility, once a dedicated Su-30MKI production site, will now play a crucial role in delivering these essential aircraft, bolstering India's air capabilities. ad Beyond this immediate order, HAL is proposing an ambitious plan to the...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is aiming to procure over 200 Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) in the long term, offering a significant incentive to private sector companies to join the ambitious indigenous stealth fighter program. This commitment was highlighted during a recent supplier meeting organized by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), where IAF officials emphasized both domestic requirements and potential export opportunities. ad The ADA recently issued an Expression of...

India achieved a significant milestone in its pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology with the successful test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) yesterday. This test was particularly noteworthy as it featured the indigenously developed Manik engine, marking a breakthrough for domestic missile propulsion systems. ad The Manik engine, a product of the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a...

A leading defence expert has called upon the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to accelerate the development of the indigenous Kaveri engine, suggesting its integration into future Tejas Mk1A fighter jets. This call to action comes in light of ongoing delays in the supply of F404 engines from GE Aerospace, highlighting India's vulnerability to disruptions in the global supply chain. ad The expert emphasized the urgent need for a reliable domestic engine solution to avoid setbacks in India's...