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The Indian Air Force (IAF) may be looking to acquire 90 additional Rafale fighter jets if Dassault Aviation’s entry emerges victorious in the ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition. This revelation comes from a senior IAF official, who indicated that such a move would effectively fulfill the original intent of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, which sought 126 aircraft to address a critical capability gap. ad The IAF currently operates 36 Rafale jets...

While American defence giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin vie for India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract with their F-15EX, F-21, and F/A-18 Super Hornet platforms, an intriguing possibility has emerged. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), could offer an advanced, indigenized version of the Su-30MKI – dubbed the "Super Sukhoi" – as a compelling contender. This approach aligns seamlessly with India's 'Make in...

Following delays in the delivery of F404 engines from GE Aerospace, the Indian government is exploring strategies to localize the supply chain for this critical component of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet program. With the Indian Air Force (IAF) set to induct nearly 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, ensuring a reliable and timely supply of engines is paramount. ad The IAF's ambitious plan to bolster its fleet with the indigenously developed Tejas Mk1A has hit a snag due to recent delays in F404 engine...

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) take center stage in modern warfare and surveillance, experts are calling for India to accelerate its domestic UAV manufacturing capabilities by actively involving the private sector. While the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the indigenous TAPAS (Tactical Advanced Platform for Aerial Surveillance) MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV, leveraging private sector expertise could significantly boost innovation and...

India's evolving security landscape has ignited debate over the potential acquisition of a strategic bomber, with Russia's Tupolev Tu-160 "White Swan" emerging as a prominent contender. While the high cost of such platforms often raises concerns, the Tu-160 could offer India unique capabilities in long-range strikes and large-scale ordnance delivery. ad Extended-Range Precision Strikes The Tu-160, with its impressive 12,000-kilometer range, could significantly enhance India's power...

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially introduced the J-15T, a catapult-capable variant of its J-15 carrier-based fighter jet. While boasting enhancements like advanced avionics, a powerful AESA radar, and indigenous WS-10 engines, the J-15T continues to face limitations rooted in its reverse-engineered origins. The J-15T's design is based on the Russian Su-33 Flanker-D, a Soviet-era naval fighter. China acquired the Su-33's blueprints by purchasing a prototype from...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) are set to commence the construction of a full-scale model of the Ghatak stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This significant advancement comes after the Indian government allocated funding for both the Ghatak and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs, marking a crucial step in India's pursuit of indigenous stealth aircraft technology. ad The Ghatak is...

A recently surfaced photograph has provided the first clear look at the Su-57's side weapon bay, a previously shrouded feature of Russia's advanced fifth-generation fighter jet. This revelation offers valuable insights into the aircraft's stealth capabilities and combat doctrine. The Su-57, Russia's answer to the American F-22 and F-35, is designed for both air superiority and multirole missions. Its emphasis on agility, advanced avionics, and stealth technology places it among the most...

India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) competition is heating up, with global aerospace giants vying to supply the Indian Air Force (IAF) with its next generation of fighter jets. While technological prowess and capability are paramount, production rate is a critical factor that can significantly impact the timely delivery and overall success of the program. ad The IAF seeks to rapidly modernize its fleet and maintain a steady acquisition timeline. This necessitates a supplier with the...

In a powerful demonstration of joint combat readiness, India is set to launch a major tri-services military exercise named 'Poorvi Prahaar' in the eastern region on November 8th. This 10-day exercise comes in the wake of the recent disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh and signifies a strategic shift towards a more proactive defense strategy. 'Poorvi Prahaar' will witness the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force operating in synergy, deploying a wide array of assets...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the primary manufacturer of India's Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is facing significant production delays for the Tejas Mk1A due to a shortage of F-404 engines from GE Aerospace. This setback has impacted the planned rollout of the first Tejas Mk1A jet from HAL's new production line in Nashik, pushing the milestone from November 2024 to March 2025. ad HAL currently produces 16 Tejas LCA aircraft per year at its two facilities in Bangalore. The...

In the race to secure India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract for 114 new fighter jets, Saab is making a strong pitch with its Gripen-E, emphasizing its commitment to "Make in India" and offering seamless integration of Indian-made weapons. Saab India has reiterated its pledge to manufacture the Gripen-E in India if selected, and is open to incorporating a range of indigenous weapons, including the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile, the Rudram anti-radiation missile...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long relied on Russian-made MiG fighters, such as the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27, which formed the backbone of its fleet for much of the late 20th century. While initially viewed as cost-effective solutions to bolster India's air power, these aircraft ultimately impacted the IAF's squadron strength due to their faster-than-anticipated aging and operational limitations. ad The MiG-21, inducted in the 1960s, was lauded for its agility, ease of maintenance, and...

The Indian Army is rapidly modernizing its forces with a focus on creating "SMART Soldiers" equipped with cutting-edge technology to dominate the battlefields of the future. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, speaking at the 64th National Defence College (NDC) Course, announced this ambitious vision, which includes the integration of F-INSAS (Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System), advanced mobility vehicles, and enhanced night combat capabilities. General Dwivedi emphasized...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has shed light on the reasons behind the delay in delivering the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Despite its maiden flight in March 2025, the handover has been postponed due to the intricate integration of the ELTA ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and last-minute software modifications requested by the IAF. ad The ELM-2052 AESA radar, developed by Israel's ELTA Systems, represents a crucial upgrade for...

India's pursuit of 114 new foreign fighter jets has reignited the debate surrounding the Indian Air Force's (IAF) dwindling squadron strength. While the need for new aircraft is undeniable, the wisdom of launching another costly and time-consuming Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition is questionable. This article argues that, given past experiences and current realities, India should opt for a more pragmatic approach to fulfill the IAF's urgent requirements. ad The MMRCA...

The recent unveiling of China's J-35A stealth fighter at the Zhuhai Airshow has ignited a fierce debate, with comparisons to the US F-35A dominating discussions among defence enthusiasts and nationalists worldwide. The side-by-side comparisons of these fifth-generation fighters, both designed for stealth, agility, and multirole capabilities, have flooded social media, sparking controversy, humor, and intense debate. ad Many Chinese netizens have praised the J-35A's sleek design, with some...

India's ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is set to soar to new heights with a cutting-edge "brain" at its core. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is developing a next-generation Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) for the AMCA, boasting processing power nearly 25 times greater than that of the Tejas Mk1A and MkII fighter jets. ad In modern fighter aircraft, the DFCC acts as the central nervous system, responsible for managing flight control systems...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a mission to restore two MiG-23UB trainer aircraft to flying condition, marking a significant step in preserving its rich aviation history. The IAF's Headquarters Maintenance Command (HQ MC) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI), inviting qualified Indian firms to participate in this ambitious project. ad The MiG-23, a Soviet-designed swing-wing fighter, holds a prominent place in IAF history. Introduced in the early 1980s, the MiG-23...

In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has seemingly outmaneuvered its Indian counterpart in modernizing its fleet, despite facing significant economic hurdles. While India boasts a larger defence budget and a booming economy, bureaucratic delays and procedural complexities have hampered the Indian Air Force's (IAF) acquisition efforts. ad Pakistan's success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the PAF enjoys a more centralized decision-making process...