Category: Indian Air Force

Operation Sindoor Sent Shockwaves: Rajnath Singh Hails IAF Lightning Strikes, Air Power Dominance, and New Indian Warfare Doctrine

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Air Force’s successful execution of Operation Sindoor at the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave, highlighting its technological advancements and strategic confidence. He emphasized air power’s pivotal role in modern warfare, the need for innovative defence solutions, and the importance of joint operations among military branches.

Exclusive Interview: GA Global Chief Dr. Vivek Lall on India’s MQ-9B Deal, Make-in-India Push, L&T Partnership, and Future of Unmanned Warfare

In an interview, Dr. Vivek Lall of General Atomics discussed India’s MQ-9B programme, highlighting its role in enhancing ISR operations and industrial partnerships amid defense modernization. The USD 3-billion deal is underway, emphasizing “Make in India.” Opportunities in AI and cybersecurity signal deepening US-India defense collaboration, driven by technological advancements and local integration.

Why India’s Garuda-25 Deployment to France Signals a Major Shift in Global Air Power Politics

India’s deployment of Su-30MKIs to France for Exercise Garuda-25 signifies a strategic initiative beyond routine drills, aimed at enhancing defense partnerships and interoperability amidst growing geopolitical tensions. This exercise with French Rafale fighters showcases India’s evolving air power and commitment to multilateral defense cooperation, indicating its pivotal role in global security.

ISRO Achieves Major Milestone for Gaganyaan! Parachute Test Success Brings India Closer to First Human Spaceflight

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested the parachutes for the Gaganyaan Crew Module on Nov. 3, 2025, at the Babina Field Firing Range. This critical test ensures astronaut safety during re-entry and landing, utilizing a complex system with ten parachutes that performed flawlessly under extreme conditions, marking a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight efforts.

India USD 1 Billion Jet Engine Deal with American GE: Can It Finally Turbocharge the Tejas Fighter and Self-Reliance Dream?

India’s USD 1 billion deal with General Electric for 113 F404 jet engines marks a significant milestone for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program. It aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s fleet amid declining numbers and supports India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, signaling a strong shift towards domestic aerospace capabilities and broader military readiness.

India HAL Signs INR 6,000-Crore Deal with American GE for 113 F404 Engines to Power 97 Tejas Mk1A Fighters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a significant agreement with General Electric for 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, enhancing India’s indigenous fighter jet program. This deal supports the production of 97 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A for the Indian Air Force, reinforcing defense cooperation and advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Tender: What It Means for the Air Force and the Defence Industry

India is set to procure a new fleet of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force, estimated at INR 70,000 crore. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in airlift capabilities, bolster domestic manufacturing, and enhance defense partnerships, while ensuring technology transfer and local assembly to support ‘Make in India’.

Air Force Chief Says Theatre Command Plan Will Be ‘Nation-First’, Calls for India-Specific Joint Structure

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh emphasized that India’s military restructuring will focus on national interests, advocating for a tailored joint command model. He stated ongoing discussions on theaterisation aim to enhance synergy among the armed forces, and highlighted the need for formalized structures to improve operational effectiveness. Singh also acknowledged the limitations of drone warfare.

India Loses Strategic Depth: Geopolitics Forces Shut Down of First Overseas ‘Ayni’ Air Base in Tajikistan

India has vacated the Ayni air base in Tajikistan, losing strategic foothold near Pakistan. Despite operating there for 25 years, geopolitical pressures from China and Russia resulted in this decision. India’s efforts to maintain military presence included offering Sukhoi jets, but Tajikistan showed little interest. Ayni was crucial for Indian military operations.

India Defence Ministry Seeks More Talks with Dassault Over Rafale Deal, Insists on Higher Indian Production, Indigenisation

The Indian Ministry of Defence has raised concerns about the Indian Air Force’s request for acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft, deeming it incomplete. Focused on self-reliance, the MoD demands most aircraft be made in India with higher indigenous content. Dassault must establish local facilities to secure the deal.

India Stealth Fighter AMCA Advances: Two Panels to Evaluate Bids from Seven Defence Firms for Prototype Development

India’s government is evaluating seven defense firms for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, aiming to develop a homegrown sixth-generation fighter jet. With various industry collaborations, the process will conclude in a month, initiating subsequent contracts. The first prototype is expected to fly in 2029, enhancing India’s air superiority amid regional threats.

HAL Nashik Enters Indigenous Era with LCA Mk1A Production Line, Marking End of Imported Fighter Assembly

India’s HAL facility in Nashik has shifted focus to indigenous military aviation, modernizing to produce the LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 trainers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked a historic milestone with the LCA’s first flight. While production capacity is set to increase, concerns remain over timely delivery and meeting IAF’s fighter requirements.

India to Spend INR 65,400 Crore on Fighter Jet Engines by 2035, Pushes for Indigenous Powerplant Ecosystem

India plans to invest INR 65,400 crore (USD 7.44 billion) in fighter aircraft engines, aiming for self-reliance in aerospace. By 2035, approximately 1,100 engines will be needed, reducing foreign dependence. Collaboration with international firms for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and an emphasis on domestic capabilities will support this initiative.

Rajnath Singh Flags Off Maiden Flight of Tejas Mk1A; India Private Aerospace Firms Power Its Supply Chain

India is advancing towards replacing its MiG-21 fleet by launching the Tejas Mk1A, domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft, on October 17, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defense, targeting increased production and exports while incorporating private industry into the supply chain, enhancing capability and efficiency.