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As India continues its ambitious defence modernization drive, the potential acquisition of Russia's Tu-160M "White Swan" strategic bombers has emerged as a topic of considerable debate. These formidable aircraft, with their impressive range and payload capacity, could significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) strategic deterrence and power projection capabilities. However, this potential acquisition presents a complex set of opportunities and challenges for India. ad The Tu-160M, a...

Russia is keen to equip the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets with its advanced Kh-69 stealth cruise missiles, offering a significant boost to India's long-range strike capabilities. However, this ambitious proposal faces potential competition from India's own indigenous missile development programs. Russia's Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) and design bureau MKB Raduga are actively promoting the Kh-69 to the IAF, highlighting its stealth features, precision targeting, and...

In a move that could significantly enhance India's underwater stealth capabilities, France has offered its advanced pumpjet propulsion technology for the Indian Navy's ambitious submarine programs, Project-76 and Project-77. This offer underscores the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations. Project-76 aims to acquire 12 next-generation conventional diesel-electric submarines, while Project-77 focuses on developing nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). France's willingness...

While the Indian Air Force (IAF) is keen to refurbish its fleet of Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters, discussions with Russia are still ongoing, according to Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff. The Mi-26, one of the world's largest and most powerful helicopters, plays a vital role in the IAF's logistics and operational capabilities, particularly for transporting heavy cargo and providing disaster relief. ad Ageing airframes and the need for modernization have made refurbishment...

In a significant boost to India's indigenous engine development program, BrahMos Aerospace has designed a new afterburner section for the Dry Kaveri engine, aiming to achieve a total thrust of 80kN. This advanced afterburner, developed from scratch, marks a crucial step in optimizing the engine's performance for potential applications in advanced fighter aircraft and other platforms. ad The new afterburner section is engineered to provide an extra 29kN of thrust when engaged, significantly...

India is engaged in early discussions with Vietnam for the potential supply of Guided Pinaka Rockets, marking a significant step in defence cooperation between the two nations. This move aims to assist Vietnam in modernizing its artillery capabilities by replacing its aging fleet of BM-21 and BM-14 multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) of Soviet origin. ad While the negotiations are in their initial stages and a formal deal could be months away, both countries have expressed a keen interest in...

A forthcoming report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is expected to reiterate its call for the government to consider acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft "over the counter" if the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project faces further delays. This highlights growing concerns over the Indian Air Force's (IAF) dwindling fighter squadron strength and the urgent need to bolster its capabilities. ad The committee previously expressed concerns about the slow pace of...

India and Italy are strengthening their defence partnership, with a focus on potential collaboration in the development of the sixth-generation Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) fighter jet. This initiative, along with other key agreements, highlights the growing defence and industrial cooperation between the two nations, as outlined in the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29. ad This comprehensive plan aims to foster collaboration across multiple defence sectors. A key element is the...

After months of delays, the Indian Army is finally set to receive its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December 2024. This delivery signifies a major advancement in the Army's aerial combat capabilities, despite setbacks caused by global supply chain disruptions. Originally scheduled for February 2024, the delivery was postponed due to delays in critical components, highlighting the challenges faced by the global defence manufacturing industry. Boeing has...

India's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is on track for development trials completion by 2034 and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) by 2035, according to the DRDO Chief. This announcement marks a significant step forward for India's indigenous defence capabilities. The AMCA will place India among an elite group of nations capable of designing and manufacturing advanced stealth aircraft. "The development of AMCA is not just about creating a...

The Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene-class stealth submarine, INS Vagir, was recently involved in a minor collision with a fishing vessel off the Goa coast. The incident occurred while the submarine was transiting from Karwar Port to Mumbai Port for routine operations. According to sources, INS Vagir surfaced approximately 400-500 meters ahead of a wooden fishing vessel. Despite the submarine's sensors not detecting any nearby vessels at the time, the fishing boat, trailing behind the...

The CEO of Pakistan's Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) has made bold claims about the capabilities of their newly unveiled Shahpar-III unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at IDEAS 2024. With a purported wingspan of 67 meters, operational altitude above 35,000 feet, endurance of 30 hours, range of 2,500 kilometers, and a 500-kilogram payload capacity, the Shahpar-III is being touted as a game-changer. However, these ambitious claims have been met with skepticism, given Pakistan's...

Guyana is actively seeking to enhance its defence capabilities and is in discussions with Indian defence companies to procure a range of equipment, including Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), arms, ammunition, and other critical systems. This initiative reflects Guyana's commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure in the face of evolving security challenges, particularly in its maritime domain. ad With a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Atlantic...

At the recent IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed its ambitious PFX (Pakistan Fighter Program) to develop an indigenous 4.5+ generation fighter jet. This initiative aims to boost Pakistan's air combat capabilities and reduce its reliance on imported platforms, potentially positioning the PFX as a rival to India's Tejas Mk2. ad The PFX is envisioned as a twin-engine fighter with advanced features like canards for enhanced maneuverability and an AESA radar...

India's ambitious BrahMos-2K hypersonic missile program has been put on hold due to concerns over its high development costs, according to recent media reports. The BrahMos-2K, envisioned as a derivative of Russia's 3M22 Zircon missile, was intended to achieve speeds of Mach 6-7. However, the projected per-unit cost has prompted the Indian Armed Forces to re-evaluate the program's feasibility. ad With hypersonic missile technology still in its early stages globally, research, development...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical capability challenge as its combat squadron strength is projected to fall below the sanctioned 42 squadrons to under 30 in the coming years. This decline comes amidst a growing threat environment and delays in acquiring manned combat aircraft. To address this looming shortfall, the IAF needs to urgently prioritize the development and induction of highly autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) and cost-effective "loyal wingman"...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of equipping its new Airbus C-295 transport aircraft with air-to-air refueling (AAR) capabilities. This move could transform the C-295 into a versatile and cost-effective tactical tanker, capable of refueling both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. ad The proposed conversion involves integrating a roll-on/roll-off AAR kit, featuring a centre-line hose-and-drogue system that can be easily loaded through the C-295's rear ramp. This...

The Pakistan Navy recently announced a successful test of its "indigenously developed Ship-Launched Ballistic Missile" (SLBM), named the SMASH SLBM or P282. This new missile reportedly has a range of 350 km and can strike land and sea targets with precision. Equipped with advanced navigation systems and maneuverability features, the SMASH SLBM also possesses anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, posing a potential threat to carrier groups and other strategic assets in the region. ad...

The Indian Army is embracing the digital age by incorporating specialized expertise into its ranks. Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor announced a new initiative to recruit domain experts in cyber warfare, information technology, and linguistics, recognizing the evolving nature of conflict and the crucial role technology plays on the modern battlefield. ad Lt Gen Kapoor highlighted the Army's commitment to adapting its structure, strategy, and operational approach...

India has achieved a significant milestone in its defence export endeavors with the delivery of the first batch of Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MRBLs) to Armenia earlier this month. This delivery fulfills part of a contract signed between the two nations in 2022, marking a new chapter in their defence partnership and underscoring India's growing prominence in the global arms market. ad Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by private...