Su-57 the Only Fifth Generation Interim Choice for India

A British F-35B fighter jet that had made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala nearly three weeks back has been finally moved to a hangar for assessment and potential repairs. The current plan is to attempt repairs locally with a team of UK specialists. If repairs are not feasible, the aircraft will be dismantled and transportedContinue reading “Su-57 the Only Fifth Generation Interim Choice for India”

Chinese Working on Ejectable Cockpits for High Supersonic Flight – Time India Made Ejection Seats

China is reportedly developing ejectable cockpit systems for high-supersonic aircraft, with research papers and potential visual evidence of related test aircraft emerging. This technology aims to improve crew safety during high-speed flight and is linked to the development of advanced hypersonic and supersonic aircraft, potentially for both military and civilian applications. The research points to a modular escape system designed to detach from theContinue reading “Chinese Working on Ejectable Cockpits for High Supersonic Flight – Time India Made Ejection Seats”

5th Generation Aircraft Choices and Challenges India

India’s AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) program is considered urgent due to the country’s declining fighter squadron strength, the modernization of rival air forces, and the need to maintain a technological edge in air combat. The program aims to replace aging aircraft and introduce a fifth-generation fighter, addressing both operational and strategic requirements. The IndianContinue reading “5th Generation Aircraft Choices and Challenges India”

The Air Chief is Mincing No Words – Time for the Nation to Get Fighter Aircraft Act Right

​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”

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”

IAF’s MiG-21 Flies into History – Leaves Great Legacy Behind

As the sun sets on one of the most iconic fleets of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the MiG-21 flies into history, it is nostalgic times for a few generations of pilots, engineers, and other air warriors who were hands-on and rubbed shoulders with this great machine. The IAF finally winds down the lastContinue reading “IAF’s MiG-21 Flies into History – Leaves Great Legacy Behind”

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”