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”
Tag Archives: History
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”
Russia Needs Skilled Workforce – Old Friend India, Best to Make Good Shortages
Since the war with Ukraine, Russia is grappling with a major labour shortage in its industrial hubs and plans to bring in up to one million foreign workers, including Indians. The shortfall could widen to 3.1 million workers by 2030, says Russian Labour Ministry. To address the gap, the ministry wants to increase the quota for qualified foreign workersContinue reading “Russia Needs Skilled Workforce – Old Friend India, Best to Make Good Shortages”
World Needs Skilled Workforce – India Best to Make Good Shortages – Win-Win for Both
Since the war with Ukraine, Russia is grappling with a major labour shortage in its industrial hubs and plans to bring in up to one million foreign workers, including Indians. The shortfall could widen to 3.1 million workers by 2030, says the Russian Ministry of Labour. To address the gap, the ministry wants to increaseContinue reading “World Needs Skilled Workforce – India Best to Make Good Shortages – Win-Win for Both”
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”
Turkey-Pakistan Strategic Closeness – Implications & Challenges India
Turkey’s support to Pakistan during Op Sindoor is well known and was flagged by India during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China, in early September. Turkey has provided Pakistan with defence hardware, including uninhabited aerial systems (UAS) and drones. Pakistani engineers and technicians have been working at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI),Continue reading “Turkey-Pakistan Strategic Closeness – Implications & Challenges India”
Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal
A suspected leak from France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces a few days back suggests that India intends to procure 90 Rafale F4 multirole fighter aircraft, with an additional option for 24 next-generation Rafale F5 variants for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF had also reportedly moved a case for possible purchase of 114Continue reading “Rafale F4/F5 Getting Closer to the Make in India Deal”
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”
USA vs Chinese Air Power – Is China Catching Up?
China has just become the first country to fly what it calls a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. China’s PLA Air Force (PLAAF) is already good and improving quickly, but it is yet not a match to the air combat capabilities of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), according to the Pentagon’s 2024 annual report on Chinese military power. The report mentions that ChinaContinue reading “USA vs Chinese Air Power – Is China Catching Up?”
Air Power Asia 