China unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets on December 26, 2024, in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, representing the next evolutionary leap, drawing on lessons from two decades of R&D. While it stunned the world, China’s fighter aircraft had made a huge leap since the introduction of the J-10 in the 2000s. The J-20, unveiled in 2011, wasContinue reading “China’s Sixth Generation Aircraft and its Geo-Political Signals “
Category Archives: Fighter Jet
Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India
China unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets on December 26, 2024 in Chengdu, representing their next evolutionary leap based on two decades of R&D. The first, Chengdu J-36 was a large tri-jet tailless double-delta winged aircraft. The second, Shenyang J-50 featured a cranked arrow configuration with sharply swept lambda wings, two ventral intakes with diverterless supersonicContinue reading “Fifth Generation Aircraft – Way Ahead India”
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”