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”
Tag Archives: Aviation
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”
The Indian Air Force Bids Adieu to Iconic MiG-21
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is finally all set to retire its MiG-21 fleet in September 2025 after over 60 years of glorious service. India was among the three major operators after the Soviet Union and China (licensed variant Chengdu J-7). The iconic MiG-21 protected the Indian skies through all major conflicts. Its retirement isContinue reading “The Indian Air Force Bids Adieu to Iconic MiG-21”
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”
As Putin Arrives in New Delhi – High Expectations on Military Aviation Programs
Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit India on December 05, 2025 for a bilateral summit. The visit is very significant as it will reaffirm and strengthen the “special and privileged strategic partnership” amid a challenging global geopolitics and increasing Western pressure on India. This visit, the 23rd annual summit, will be Putin’sContinue reading “As Putin Arrives in New Delhi – High Expectations on Military Aviation Programs”
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”
USA Chooses Boeing F-47 as Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter – What it means for the World
Unveiling the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) air superiority fighter at the White House on March 21, an aircraft that has been shrouded in secrecy for years, President Trump said, “It’s something the likes of which nobody has ever seen before.” Present in the Oval Office were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and Lt. Gen. Dale White, the Air Force’s military deputy for acquisition,Continue reading “USA Chooses Boeing F-47 as Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter – What it means for the World”
India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection
The primacy of air power in future military operations has once again been re-established in the Ukraine conflict, West Asian showdowns, and most recently during Op Sindoor. Indian Air Force (IAF) is down to 29 fighter aircraft squadrons vis-à-vis the authorized 42.5. The last MiG-21 “Bison” squadron is being decommissioned this September. The LCA Mk1A is still mired by delays and will enter IAF serviceContinue reading “India’s Deepening Military Aviation’s French Connection”
Make in India Rafale Fuselage – A Strategic Move Forward
In a big boost to Make-in-India, Dassault Aviation of France and India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will partner for Rafale aircraft fuselage manufacturing at a dedicated facility in Hyderabad. The key structural sections of the aircraft to be manufactured in India include the central fuselage, rear section, lateral rear shells, and the front section.Continue reading “Make in India Rafale Fuselage – A Strategic Move Forward”
Air Power Asia 