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: Defence
Can Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon’ be an Interim Fifth-Generation Aircraft for India
China has recently unveiled two sixth-generation fighter jets. Also, Pakistan has left the “cat-among-the-pigeons” by announcing plans to acquire 40 J-35 stealth fighters from China, marking the first export of Beijing’s fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally. It could mean induction by around 2029. That will change the entire air dominance dynamics in the sub-continent.Continue reading “Can Russian Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon’ be an Interim Fifth-Generation Aircraft for India”
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”
India & Israel – The Unshakable Aerospace Bond – Scope for More Cooperation
The possible Turkey-Pakistan–Saudi Arabia alliance became a major geopolitical development after reports emerged that Ankara was in advanced talks to join the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025. This pact treats any aggression against one member as an attack on all, mirroring NATO‘s Article 5. The trilateral bloc, if materialized, would combine Saudi Arabia’s massive financial resources, Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal & largeContinue reading “India & Israel – The Unshakable Aerospace Bond – Scope for More Cooperation”
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”
Global South Friend Brazil – Embraer Betting Big in India for C-390 Millennium
Embraer, a global aerospace leader, began a bold new chapter in the world’s fastest growing aviation market India, as it inaugurated its brand-new India office at the prestigious WorldMark 4 building in Aerocity, New Delhi. This visionary move proposes to participate in India’s aerospace and defence sector by partnering with Indian industry. The ceremony sawContinue reading “Global South Friend Brazil – Embraer Betting Big in India for C-390 Millennium”
Putin’s Visit to New Delhi – Hopes and Realities of Military Aviation Deals
Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4-5. The visit is part of the annual bilateral summit which started in 2000, and there have been 22 such summits alternatively in India and Russia. The visit is set to reinforce “special and privileged strategic partnership”, and exchange views on regional and global issues amid increasing Western pressure on India. ThisContinue reading “Putin’s Visit to New Delhi – Hopes and Realities of Military Aviation Deals”
HAL to Make 12 More Su-30 MKI – What it means For Atmanirbharta
A ₹13,500 crore ($1.5 billion) contract for procurement of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft along with associated equipment was signed between Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 12 December 2024. The aircraft would have an indigenous content of 62.6 percent. The percentage has got enhanced due to indigenisation of many components to be manufactured by Indian defence industry. In aContinue reading “HAL to Make 12 More Su-30 MKI – What it means For Atmanirbharta”
Rafale Orders Explode! India Eyes Becoming Production Hub For French Jets After ‘Biggest Ever’ IAF Deal
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a joint press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on November 17, 2025, and announced that Ukraine will acquire up to 100 Dassault Rafale warplanes over the next 10 years. Kyiv seeks to bolster its defences against Russia’s invasion. Air defence systems, munitions, and drones were also included in theContinue reading “Rafale Orders Explode! India Eyes Becoming Production Hub For French Jets After ‘Biggest Ever’ IAF Deal”
Air Power Asia 