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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to complete all trials for the advanced Astra Mk-2 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile by 2026, paving the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) within the next two to three years. This significant development, confirmed by Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, marks a major stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology. The Astra Mk-2, with its...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally set to receive a much-needed boost to its fighter strength as the first of the 83 Tejas Mk 1A combat aircraft is scheduled for delivery by October-end. This comes as a relief to the force, which has been grappling with depleting fighter squadrons for several years. The Tejas Mk 1A project has faced several delays, with the initial delivery target of March 2024 being pushed back due to a combination of factors, including necessary software iterations and...

Brazil, a nation rich in uranium and possessing advanced nuclear technology, is actively seeking India's expertise and technical assistance in the development of nuclear-powered submarines. This strategic collaboration was highlighted during the recent visit of Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, to New Delhi. ad Admiral Olsen, in discussions with senior Indian Navy officials, emphasized Brazil's keen interest in working with India in the nuclear submarine...

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to embark on an extensive testing schedule next month, aimed at propelling its missile program to new heights. The trials will encompass a diverse range of missile systems, encompassing both conventional and strategic weapons, further solidifying India's commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities. ad These tests hold significance beyond mere performance enhancement of existing systems. They are also poised to usher...

Jodhpur: In a move that will provide relief to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), American engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) has assured India of a revised delivery schedule for the crucial F404-IN20 engines that power the Tejas Mk1A aircraft. The new schedule, set to commence in November this year, aims to address the significant delays that have hampered the delivery of these advanced fighter jets. ad The commitment from GE comes after Defence...

Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has called for a significant ramp-up in the production of the indigenously developed Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft (LCA). This move aims to fulfill the air force's growing requirements and capitalize on potential export opportunities. Chaudhari suggested that the defense and aerospace industry could play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. ad "The issue is matching production capacity with our requirements," Chaudhari stated...

Dr. Devanahalli Krishnamurthy Sunil (DKS) has taken the helm at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), assuming the role of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD). This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the state-owned aerospace behemoth, as it navigates challenges surrounding the delivery timeline of the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet and the concurrent development of the Tejas MkII. ad Dr. Sunil's immediate focus will be on mitigating the delays in the Tejas Mk1A delivery schedule and...

In a significant development signaling closer defence ties between India and Brazil, Brazil's Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, has expressed interest in India's Tejas fighter jets as a potential replacement for its aging F-5 fleet. This comes amidst India's consideration of the Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its own air force, highlighting a potential reciprocal defence procurement arrangement between the two nations. ad Damasceno, during...

Brazilian aerospace giant, Embraer, is actively seeking to expand its supply chain footprint in India, recognizing the country's robust aviation and defense industry. Embraer's Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, Roberto Chaves, highlighted the potential for Indian manufacturers to become key suppliers across Embraer's diverse portfolio, encompassing defense, commercial aviation, and executive jets. ad A high-level Embraer delegation recently concluded a visit...

Dassault Aviation, the prominent French aerospace manufacturer, has announced the resumption of new contract signings following a strategic reorganization of its production and supply chain. Among the anticipated agreements, a major deal with India for 26 Rafale M carrier-based fighters, estimated at Rs 50,000 crore, is nearing finalization. This procurement will establish the Indian Navy as the second operator of the Rafale M, following the French Navy. ad Dassault has outlined its...

In an effort to bolster its long-range unmanned surveillance capabilities, India is aiming to finalize a substantial Rs 32,000 crore deal to acquire 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States by October 31. The urgency stems from the impending expiration of the American proposal, which, if not signed by the deadline, would necessitate fresh proposals and paperwork, potentially causing significant delays. ad The Indian Navy is spearheading efforts to expedite the agreement, aiming to secure all...

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache helicopter, stranded in the challenging terrain of Ladakh since an emergency landing in April, has finally been recovered following a complex and arduous operation. The Boeing Apache, forced to land north of the towering Khardung La pass at an altitude of 12,000 feet, has been meticulously dismantled and is now being transported by road to Leh. ad The rescue mission, which spanned several months, showcased the IAF's unwavering resolve and technical expertise...

The annual India-U.S. bilateral Army exercise, "Yudh Abhyas 2024," kicked off at the Mahajan field firing ranges in Rajasthan on September 9th. This year's exercise boasts an extensive range of military activities, including live-fire drills and various training exercises. Notably, the U.S. Army contingent participating in the exercise has brought Stryker infantry vehicles and, more significantly, the M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). This deployment of HIMARS in India...

The allure of developing cutting-edge 6th generation fighter jets is undeniable. However, India should proceed with caution, considering the significant strategic and economic challenges such an endeavor presents. The United States Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program offers a sobering reality check. With an estimated cost of $300 million per unit, 6th generation jets represent an astronomical leap from the current generation of fighters. To put this in perspective, they...

A recent Digital Combat Simulator (DCS) simulation by YouTube channel "Grim Reapers" has sparked interest in the potential impact of the Philippines' new BrahMos anti-ship missile batteries. In the simulated scenario, the BrahMos missiles, known for their high speed and maneuverability, were pitted against both Chinese and US carrier groups. The simulation began by testing the effectiveness of a single BrahMos missile against a Chinese Type 052D destroyer, which successfully intercepted...

India's recent approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for its Su-30 MKI aircraft highlights a pressing need for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to boost the indigenous content in these engines. While the acquisition, valued at over Rs 26,000 crore, is a step towards maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30 MKI fleet, the current level of indigenous content in the AL-31FP engines, at less than 54%, raises concerns about India's...

Former Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria has given a resounding endorsement to the export potential of India's indigenously developed light combat aircraft, the LCA-Tejas Mk1A. The former Air Chief, who also has experience as a test pilot on the LCA-Tejas program, believes that the Tejas Mk1A, with its world-class capabilities and competitive pricing, is poised to make a significant mark in the global fighter jet market. ad Bhadauria has described the LCA-Tejas Mk1A as a...

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Air Marshal Anil Chopra has made a strong case for India to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter jet as a crucial interim solution to counter China's growing air power, particularly the rapid deployment of its J-20 fighters. ad In a recent interview, Chopra emphasized the urgency of the situation, pointing to China's plans to have 1,000 J-20s operational by 2035. While he acknowledged the significance of India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft...

Renowned defence analyst Bharat Karnad has issued a clarion call for the Indian government to take decisive action in accelerating the production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In his recent column, Karnad, a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Policy Research, advocates for a bold strategy to break free from India's dependence on foreign military equipment. ad Karnad's proposal centers on transferring the Tejas source codes from the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and the...

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) ambitious quest for a new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) is gaining momentum, with early indications suggesting the Embraer C-390 Millennium might present a cost-effective solution compared to its rivals. Sources reveal that Embraer's proposal for the IAF includes not only the C-390 aircraft but also a comprehensive Technology Transfer (ToT) package, enabling local manufacturing. ad This offering comes with an estimated per-unit cost of $140-160 million...