India has some of the world’s most advanced weapons programs, driven by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private industry, that are rapidly advancing indigenous defence capabilities and taking India towards self-reliance. Key programs include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Agni Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), and the two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence system, placingContinue reading “India’s World-Class Missile and Radar Programs”
Tag Archives: DRDO
Defence of Air Defence Systems
The US lost nearly $2B worth of military equipment in the first 4 days of operations in Iran. Losses include SATCOM terminals, F-15E Strike Eagles, and radar equipment. The chief driver of the cost is a US AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, valued at $1.1 billion, which wasContinue reading “Defence of Air Defence Systems”
LCA the Flagship of Atmanirbharta – Need to Succeed Quickly
The IAF Chief expressed serious concerns with the sluggish pace of Tejas production. “Technology delayed is technology denied,” said Air Chief Marshal AP Singh while speaking at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar. Only 40 aircraft have been handed over in 10 years, averaging just four a year. Further, the deliveries of Tejas LCA Mk1A haveContinue reading “LCA the Flagship of Atmanirbharta – Need to Succeed Quickly “
As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important
Indian Air Force (IAF) is all set to celebrate its 92nd anniversary. It has just wrapped the mother-of-all-exercises the “Tarang Shakti”, the greatest multi-lateral exercise ever in India. Earlier IAF conducted exercise “Vayu Shakti” in February, and participated in tri-services “Bharat Shakti” exercise in March 2024. The aerospace industry accounts for nearly 40 percent ofContinue reading “As IAF Hits 92 – Atmanirbharta in Military Aviation Most Important”
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”
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”
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”
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”
AEW&C an Important Combat Asset to Rule the Sky – Time to Push Forward India
An airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system is an airborne platform designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battle-space in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance overContinue reading “AEW&C an Important Combat Asset to Rule the Sky – Time to Push Forward India”
Are AEW&C Conceding Space to Satellites in View of Long-Range Missiles?
War in Ukraine and the Indo-Pakistan “Op Sindoor” have demonstrated an environment of “Aerial Denial”. This has happened because of ground-based mobile air defence systems with considerably long-range engagement capabilities and very long air-to-air missiles (AAM) with high no-escape zones. This has meant preventing the adversary aircraft from not only crossing into own territory, but keeping a farther distanceContinue reading “Are AEW&C Conceding Space to Satellites in View of Long-Range Missiles?”