Weapons – Page 4 – Air Power Asia

Future is Directed Energy Weapons – India Fast Coming of Age

Anil Chopra, Airpowerasia, DEW, India, USA, China, Future Weapons

India successfully tested the Mk-II (A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool. This 30 kW (kilowatt) laser weapon is designed to neutralize drones, UAVs, and other aerial threats, placing India in a select group of nations with this capability. The DRDO (Defence Research andContinue reading “Future is Directed Energy Weapons – India Fast Coming of Age “

As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA

A British F-35B fighterjet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala nearly four weeks ago is finally being repaired by a team of UK specialists. If that fails, the aircraft will be dismantled and transported—likely in a C-17 Globemaster. The incident was closely observed by global and Indian security establishments, highlightingContinue reading “As China Accelerates Airpower, India Eyes Su-57 while Pushing AMCA “

China-Iran Strategic Closeness – Challenges and Choices India

Anil Chopra, Airpowerasia, Iran, China, India, Pakistan, USA, Israel

Iran is still recovering from the 12-day conflict with Israel and the June 22 attack on its nuclear facilities by the United States Air Force and Navy. The conflict has brought the Middle East to the brink of a new regional order, the one through which Israel tried to assert itself as an unrestrained militaryContinue reading “China-Iran Strategic Closeness – Challenges and Choices India”

The Houthis and the Red Sea Crisis – Unfolding Action and Options India

anil chopra, Air Power Asia, India, Yemen, Houthis, USA, Israel, Iran, Sanaa, Saudi Arabia,

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the Indian Navy (IN) has deployed ten ships in that (Gulf of Aden) region because we got a double problem. We have a piracy problem, and we’ve got a missile drone problem. In the last few days, actually, one of our ships extinguished a fire and rescuedContinue reading “The Houthis and the Red Sea Crisis – Unfolding Action and Options India”

Multiple Origin Fleets – Complexities for IAF – Time to Rationalise

anil chopra, air power asia, Aviation, IAF, DRDO, HAL, UK, USA, Russia, France,

At the time of independence, Indian Air Force (IAF) inherited some of the aviation assets left by the British including Hawker Tempest and Spitfires. India also procured more British aircraft like the Hawker Hunter, the Gnat, Devon, and Vickers Viscount. The USA was reluctant but offered some helicopters. The French offered fighter aircraft in theContinue reading “Multiple Origin Fleets – Complexities for IAF – Time to Rationalise”

Arctic: The New Great Game Arena – India must keep its Foothold

Anil Chopra, Air Power Asia, Arctic, India, China, Russia, Europe, USA

The Arctic region covers over one-sixth of the earth’s landmass and is set to play an increasing role in shaping the course of world affairs. The still less explored region is rich in exploitable natural resources, especially gas and oil and marine living resources. It is estimated that the Arctic could be home to nearlyContinue reading “Arctic: The New Great Game Arena – India must keep its Foothold”

Managing a Congested Airspace over the Future Battle Area

anil chopra, air power asia, TBA, Army, Air Force, India, ATC

The number of platforms and projectiles in the Tactical Battle Area (TBA) has increased exponentially. The friendly and adversary aerial systems are not only increasing in numbers but are also of a variety of sizes from micro UAVs to large aircraft, and they are also travelling from very slow speeds to many times faster thanContinue reading “Managing a Congested Airspace over the Future Battle Area”

US-China Strategic Competition in Indo-Pacific

Anil Chopra, Air Power Asia, Indo-Pacific, China, USA, India, ASEAN, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean

Indo-Pacific has become the new arena for great power rivalry. The region generally comprises the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas interlinking the two near the Indonesia archipelago. The region had seen some great battles between the U.S. and Japanese military after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour in December 1941,Continue reading “US-China Strategic Competition in Indo-Pacific”

The Game Changer of the future- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

air power asia, Anil Chopra, Prashant Chaudhry, AMCA, HAL, DRDO, IAF

There were several updates regarding the Advanced medium-weight combat aircraft (AMCA) in recent days, the most important of them being the commencement of manufacturing of 1st prototype of AMCA. The AMCA will be a futuristic 5th generation aircraft that would also incorporate some features of planned 6th generation aircraft all over the globe, the developmentContinue reading “The Game Changer of the future- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft”

Prioritising IAF’s Unmanned Offensive and Defensive Capability

anil chopra, UAV, Drone, Indian Air Force, Military, Warfare

“Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the changes in the character of war, not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur.”– Giulio Douhet For long, defence establishments around the world have been working and preparing for the future that would be unmanned. Videos of the Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, reportedly used by AzerbaijanContinue reading “Prioritising IAF’s Unmanned Offensive and Defensive Capability”