In the customary annual press interaction ahead of 93rd Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh dwelt at length on the very successful “Operation Sindoor”, and the capability-building plans of Indian Air Force (IAF). After retirement of the MiG-21 fleet, the IAF is down to 28 squadrons. The first LCA Mk1A has still toContinue reading “The Air Chief is Mincing No Words – Time for the Nation to Get Fighter Aircraft Act Right”
Category Archives: Aircraft
Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) to Power 6th Generation Fighters
The Next-Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program is a U.S. Air Force (USAF) initiative to develop advanced, adaptable jet engines with features like enhanced fuel efficiency, increased thrust, improved thermal management, and better survivability for future combat aircraft, such as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, now also known as the F-47. Pratt & WhitneyContinue reading “Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) to Power 6th Generation Fighters”
Su-57 and GCAP Goading India – What are Best Fifth Generation Options India
Russia’s Su-57 “Felon” fifth-generation stealth fighter once again enthralled spectators at the recent Dubai Airshow. As India prepares to host President Putin, defence cooperation has moved to the centre. Expectations around Putin’s visit are high. Su-57 collaboration and five additional S-400 systems are expected to be the starred points of discussion. It could mean theContinue reading “Su-57 and GCAP Goading India – What are Best Fifth Generation Options India”
IAF Becoming a Future Ready Force Imbibing Next-Gen technologies
Wars in Ukraine, West Asia, and closer home, “Op Sindoor” have been dominated by use of air power. Aerospace has become the most preferred means of prosecution of war and has seen the fastest evolution since WW II. Recent wars have highlighted the importance of cheaper drones, air defence systems, and innovative exploitation of platformsContinue reading “IAF Becoming a Future Ready Force Imbibing Next-Gen technologies”
Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal
A suspected leak from France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces a few days back suggests that India intends to procure 90 Rafale F4 multirole fighter aircraft, with an additional option for 24 next-generation Rafale F5 variants for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had also reportedly moved a case for possible purchase of 114Continue reading “Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal”
Global Aggressor Fighter Aircraft Squadrons – IAF’s CoBRA a Unique Blend
After the Balakot air strikes and the more recent Op Sindoor, aerial engagements remained a subject of intense debate and continue to do so. Aerial engagements have hogged maximum news headlines since aviation began. Baron von Richthofen, or the Red Baron, was a fighter pilot with the German Air Force during World War I. HeContinue reading “Global Aggressor Fighter Aircraft Squadrons – IAF’s CoBRA a Unique Blend”
As India Pakistan Tensions Heighten – Let us look at the Air Power
The dust has still to settle, and the blood continues to boil as India unfolds a slew of harsh responses after the gruesome massacre of innocent holiday makers at Pahalgam. Practically all world leaders have condemned the attack and stand in solidarity with India. UN Security Council has passed a resolution, albeit made milder by Pakistan’s iron-brother China. This will not be allowedContinue reading “As India Pakistan Tensions Heighten – Let us look at the Air Power”
Su-35s for Iran How Does it Change Dynamics with Israel
Iran has purchased Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, amid Western concerns about Iran and Russia’s growing military cooperation. Ali Shadmani, the deputy coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, who was quoted by media, did not clarify how many jets were purchased or whether they had already been delivered to Iran. “Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and navalContinue reading “Su-35s for Iran How Does it Change Dynamics with Israel”
Pakistan Pushing for J-35 Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India
Midst of Op Sindoor, Pakistan once again announced that it will start acquiring around 40 Chinese fifth-generation fighter J-35A, as early as August 2025. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly finalized the logistics and financing details of the J-35 fighter jet deal during his visit to China immediately after Op Sindoor. Can China fast-track the production and deliveries of an aircraft which has just begun production remains aContinue reading “Pakistan Pushing for J-35 Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India”
HAL to Make 12 More Su-30 MKI – What it means For Atmanirbharta
A ₹13,500 crore ($1.5 billion) contract for procurement of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft along with associated equipment was signed between Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 12 December 2024. The aircraft would have an indigenous content of 62.6 percent. The percentage has got enhanced due to indigenisation of many components to be manufactured by Indian defence industry. In aContinue reading “HAL to Make 12 More Su-30 MKI – What it means For Atmanirbharta”
Air Power Asia 