“The most advanced is the MiG-29UPG, implemented in India in collaboration with local industry” These were the words of Sergei Korotkov, the director-general of MiG. It was his reference to the Indian upgrade of MiG-29 to UPGs standard where he directly said that the India MiG-29 UPG is the most advanced variant of Mikoyan Mig-29Continue reading “The BAAZigars: All you need to know about the MiG-29 UPG”
Author Archives: Anil Chopra
Tejas Mk2: The Pride & Future of Indian Air Force
Tejas Mk2 has been the talk of the town recently when the new IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stated recently that 7 squadrons of Tejas Mk2 are projected for induction in the coming years while discussing the future roadmap of the Indian Air Force’s modernization plan. This is an important announcement not onlyContinue reading “Tejas Mk2: The Pride & Future of Indian Air Force”
QUAD – Significant Air Power
In March this year, the leaders of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the United States, Japan, Australia and India, held a virtual meeting and released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to “a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion.” Finally, a check is evolving on belligerent China who isContinue reading “QUAD – Significant Air Power”
Greatest Air Aces of all Time. A chat with the Author Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd)
Very early in aviation, aerial platforms began being used for air-strikes and air combat. A flying Ace, fighter Ace, or Air Ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The concept of the “Ace” emerged in 1915 during World War I, at the same time as aerial dogfighting. It was a term oftenContinue reading “Greatest Air Aces of all Time. A chat with the Author Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd)”
Aircraft Jet Engine Manufacturing Challenges
The gas turbine jet engines are the most widely used means of aircraft propulsion. The engine burns fuel in the combustion chamber to run a gas turbine to accelerate airflow and in turn create forward thrust. Both the fan and the jet contribute to the process. Normally large airliners and transport aircraft have large fansContinue reading “Aircraft Jet Engine Manufacturing Challenges”
The Formidable General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper for Indian Armed Forces
Two General Atomics “Predator B” drones, also called the MQ-9 Reaper Sea Guardian, has been leased by the Indian Navy, in November 2020, from the USA for extended surveillance in the Indian Ocean. These drones are operating from INS Rajali near Arkonnam on the east coast. They are under the operational control of Indian NavyContinue reading “The Formidable General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper for Indian Armed Forces”
Theatre Commands. Interactive Session With Three Stalwarts
India has ambitious plans for setting up theatre commands for its armed forces. These are expected to facilitate better planning and unified military response to any future contingency. But, are these theatre commands really necessary? Need to hasten slowly? We need to have a National Security Doctrine from which should flow the Military Doctrine. IntegrationContinue reading “Theatre Commands. Interactive Session With Three Stalwarts”
Air Space Control – Challenges and the Way Ahead
The action in air and space continues to increase. The friendly and adversary platforms and projectiles are not only increasing in numbers but are also travelling at speeds many times faster than sound. Civil traffic is also increasing manyfold. Air space is a finite resource. It thus becomes imperative that appropriate control is exercised forContinue reading “Air Space Control – Challenges and the Way Ahead”
Lethal Autonomous Aerial Weapon Systems – Realities of the Future
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region in late 2020, included the heavy use of missiles, drones, and rocket artillery. Clearly, Azerbaijani drones were the centre of attention in this war and helped Azerbaijan take control of the skies. Azerbaijani drones provided significant advantages in ISR as well as long-range strikeContinue reading “Lethal Autonomous Aerial Weapon Systems – Realities of the Future”
IAF’s Fighter Fleet Requirements and Options Ahead
The Galwan showdown of June 2020 and the continuing stand-off between the world’s two powerful nations India and China has brought the focus back on Indian Armed Forces capability building. Indian Air Force‘s (IAF) fighter fleet modernisation has been in discussion. The convergence of strategic interests between China and Pakistan and their rapidly modernizing airContinue reading “IAF’s Fighter Fleet Requirements and Options Ahead”
Air Power Asia 