Indian Air Force (IAF) is now routinely exercising and demonstrating the long operational range of its fighter aircraft through missions deep into the neighbouring seas and the Indian Ocean. The global reach of its transport aircraft has been seen and appreciated during the Covid-19 pandemic and the support provided in various calamities and evacuations. ThisContinue reading “IAF’s Significant Global Air Reach “
Category Archives: Defence & Security
Impact of Defence Space Capabilities on National Security
Space has already emerged as the next great frontier, where geostrategic play is quickly unfolding. Space impacts all activities on planet Earth. More importantly, all major powers are not only building capabilities to harness the great potential of space but also evolving means to secure assets and dominate the domain. India is a significant playerContinue reading “Impact of Defence Space Capabilities on National Security”
Trends in Military Uncrewed Aerial Systems
Uncrewed aircraft technologies have now matured. The world is at a transition. Dual use (optionally crewed) aircraft are flying in larger numbers. Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV) are being intensively used in combat, with more and more drones being armed with aerial weapons. Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are taking off and landing by themselves, includingContinue reading “Trends in Military Uncrewed Aerial Systems “
Exercise Tarang Shakti – Largest Multilateral Air Exercise in India
The Phase I of Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Mother-of-all-Exercises “Tarang Shakti” concluded on 14 August at Sulur Air Base, near Coimbatore, in India’s southern peninsula. The ultimate show of multinational synergy on the concluding day was a joint fighter aircraft mission by four Air Chiefs of participating air forces. These included ACM VR Chaudhari, CASContinue reading “Exercise Tarang Shakti – Largest Multilateral Air Exercise in India “
The Great MRFA Competition – Mother of All Deals – G2G Best Option
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently revealed its intent to conduct an open tender for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project, aiming to procure 114 jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is poised to be one of the largest defence procurement projects in recent years. The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) forContinue reading “The Great MRFA Competition – Mother of All Deals – G2G Best Option”
77th Republic Day – Uncertain World – India Biding Time and Carving Own Geo-Strategic Place
As India prepares for its 77th Republic Day, it is all set to welcome European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as the chief guests. Republic Day is not merely a national celebration, but it is a tribute to the day the Indian Constitution came into force, shaping IndiaContinue reading “77th Republic Day – Uncertain World – India Biding Time and Carving Own Geo-Strategic Place”
NATO without USA – Time for Europe to Wake Up
Give me Greenland or else… President Trump has threatened Europe and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Trump the disruptor is being viewed by some as a “Bull in the China shop.” The world is being made and unmade by President Trump. At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, he took jabs at NATO, Canada,Continue reading “NATO without USA – Time for Europe to Wake Up”
As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important
Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to celebrate its 92nd anniversary. It has just wrapped the mother-of-all-exercises the “Tarang Shakti”, the greatest multi-lateral exercise ever in India. Earlier IAF conducted exercise “Vayu Shakti” in February, and participated in tri-services “Bharat Shakti” exercise in March 2024. The aerospace industry accounts for nearly 40 percent ofContinue reading “As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important”
Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities
For many decades after independence, Indian Armed Forces imported military hardware from long-term friend and strategic ally Soviet Union and Russia. Also France became a significant source for military aviation supplies to India. From the 1990s, Israel, and since 2008, the United States (US) have also been important sources. India continues to be one ofContinue reading “Modernization Priorities of Military Aviation & Make in India Options and Realities”
Need for Healthy Mix of Public Private Participation in India’s Defence Production
Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence is the flavour of the season in India. India’s defence manufacturing sector is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the country’s strategic and economic ambitions. The government policies and initiatives are driving “Design” or certainly Make-in-India. Over 5,000 items are in the Positive Indigenisation List (PIL), 75 percent defence capital budgetContinue reading “Need for Healthy Mix of Public Private Participation in India’s Defence Production”
Air Power Asia 