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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...

In a significant move to bolster its defence capabilities, the Indian Army is accelerating its plans to establish Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) along its borders with China and Pakistan. These agile and self-sufficient units represent a major shift in India's military strategy, designed to respond swiftly to any border threats. ad The Army recently submitted a draft Government Sanction Letter (GSL) seeking official approval for the creation of IBGs. This comes as China has been rapidly...

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. has officially entered the era of "Next Generation" warship construction with the keel laying of two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Navy. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was graced by the presence of Dr. C V Ananda Bose, Governor of West Bengal, along with Cmde P R Hari (IN Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, and senior officials from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Army. ad This...

Chennai, India – The Indian Navy is setting its sights on a significant expansion, aiming to have a fleet of over 200 ships by 2035, with nearly 90% of components sourced domestically. This ambitious goal was announced by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, during his keynote address at THE WEEK Maritime Conclave 2024 in Chennai. ad Vice Admiral Pendharkar emphasized the Navy's commitment to "Aatma Nirbharta" (self-reliance), with the goal...

In a significant boost to India's maritime defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed advanced Electronic Support Measures (ESM) modules for the Indian Navy's Dornier Do-228 maritime patrol aircraft. This achievement, under the ambit of Project SHYEN S-22, marks a crucial step towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies. ad Electronic Support Measures are vital in modern naval warfare, enabling the detection...

In a move reflecting the complexities of regional geopolitics, Pakistan has reportedly sought to acquire Russia's S-350 Vityaz air defence system after its initial request for the more advanced S-400 was turned down. Sources suggest that Russia's decision to decline the S-400 sale stems from a desire to avoid supplying identical high-end defence capabilities to neighboring nations with a history of conflict, especially as India already operates the S-400. This careful approach underscores...

The Russian Su-57 stealth fighter, a highly anticipated entry in the world of advanced military aviation, has made its international debut at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. This marks the first time the aircraft, known as "Felon" by NATO, has been showcased outside of Russia, signaling a potential push by Moscow to promote its fifth-generation fighter on the global stage. ad Piloted by the renowned test pilot Sergey Bogdan, the Su-57 is expected to perform a series of demonstrations highlighting...

In a significant win for India's defence industry, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (RMAF) has selected the Indian-made WhAP 8x8 armored fighting vehicle (AFV) over the Chinese Type-08 following rigorous comparative trials. This decision, confirmed by the Atlantic Observatory, marks a major step in Morocco's military modernization efforts and highlights the growing capabilities of India's defence sector. ad The WhAP, designed by Tata Advanced Systems in collaboration with India's Defence...

In a major boost to India's indigenous defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has finalized the configuration of the Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet. This advanced radar, developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), will be integrated into the Tejas Mk1A fleet starting from the 51st aircraft. ad The finalized Uttam AESA radar boasts a significant upgrade in the number of...

In a significant modernization effort, the Indian Army has begun integrating First-Person View (FPV) drones into its T-90 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs). This move aims to provide tank crews with real-time aerial surveillance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and tactical advantage on the battlefield. Recent observations confirm earlier reports of this initiative, with a T-90 tank spotted carrying a specialized nesting case designed to house an FPV drone. This integration allows for...

In a move to bolster its combat readiness and operational efficiency, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is increasingly turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics for the maintenance and overhaul of its fighter jets and helicopters. Driven by the motto "minimal human intervention, maximum combat potential," the IAF aims to automate various levels of maintenance, optimize inventory management, and enhance weapons production. ad To achieve these goals, the IAF has partnered with leading...

The Indian Air Force's recent acquisition of Predator drones from the United States has ignited debate surrounding the potential of domestically produced alternatives. While the Predator offers proven capabilities, the acquisition raises questions about why the IAF didn't prioritize the indigenous Grob G 180 SPn aircraft, for which Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) holds the intellectual property rights. ad Proponents of the Grob G 180 SPn argue that it presents a compelling case as a...

The Tata Group's recent inauguration of its C-295 production facility in Gujarat marks a significant step towards bolstering India's domestic aircraft manufacturing capabilities. While the facility's primary focus is fulfilling the Indian Air Force's (IAF) order for 56 C-295 transport aircraft, Tata is actively exploring the development of a civilian variant of this versatile aircraft. This move could see Air India, also owned by the Tata Group, become the first operator of the civilian...

India's ambitions to bolster its air power with an additional 36 Rafale fighter jets may be facing a significant hurdle. A recent report indicates that Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of the Rafale, is grappling with a substantial production backlog, potentially delaying deliveries to India by 6-7 years. ad This situation presents a stark contrast to the 2016 deal, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) received its first Rafales within four years of the agreement. Dassault currently...

Sources close to the matter have revealed that establishing a separate production line for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas by the private sector is not economically feasible. This dismisses suggestions to involve a second company in manufacturing the fighter jet to expedite production. Instead, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will increase its production capacity to 24 jets annually, with significant involvement from the private sector in the existing program. ad...

India's Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is developing the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), a promising new naval fighter designed to operate from the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers. While drawing inspiration from the formidable Dassault Rafale M, the TEDBF incorporates several key distinctions that position it as a unique and potentially superior platform. ad Visually, the TEDBF shares a similar frontal shape and canopy layout with the Rafale M, but a closer look reveals...