SOURCE: AFI

In a recent campaign, Russian media outlet Sputnik India has spotlighted the Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback,” promoting it as a potent addition to India’s air arsenal. This push comes on the heels of the Russian Aerospace Forces receiving their fifth batch of these advanced fighter-bombers in late 2024, underscoring the aircraft’s continued relevance in modern warfare. Sputnik India claims the Su-34’s unique blend of speed, payload, and endurance makes it a compelling choice for India’s evolving strategic requirements. Let’s dive into why this twin-seat, long-range strike aircraft is being pitched as a game-changer for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

One of the Su-34’s most distinctive features is its side-by-side cockpit, a rarity among modern fighter-bombers. This design provides ample space for the two-person crew to move, stretch, or even stand during long missions, significantly enhancing comfort and focus. For India, whose air operations often involve extended missions over vast distances—such as in the northern or western theatres—this feature could be a significant advantage, ensuring crews remain alert and effective during prolonged operations.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a 5.5-generation stealth fighter critical to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization, requires a next-generation engine to meet its ambitious performance goals. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is evaluating proposals from France’s Safran and the UK’s Rolls-Royce to co-develop a 110–130 kN thrust engine for the AMCA Mk2.

According to Indian media reports, Safran’s offer is based on a prototype derived from the M88 engine family, which powers the Rafale fighter, with promises to leverage offset obligations from the Rafale deal and potentially revive the indigenous Kaveri engine program. However, the M88’s fourth-generation roots and Safran’s retention of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) raise concerns. In contrast, Rolls-Royce’s proposal for a clean-sheet, high-thrust turbofan engine with full IPR ownership and applications beyond fighters offers India greater strategic autonomy and long-term benefits, making it the superior choice for GTRE.

SOURCE: AFI

As India, one of Russia’s largest defense markets, intensifies efforts to diversify its arms procurement and reduce reliance on Russian military supplies under its “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, Moscow faces growing pressure to offer cutting-edge and niche weapons systems to maintain its strategic partnership.

Recent reports indicate that Russia is responding with unprecedented offers, including the Su-57E stealth fighter, Tu-160 strategic bomber, refurbished Kilo-class submarines, S-500 air defense systems, and advanced Kalibr subsonic cruise missiles. However, for India to continue investing in Russian platforms, Moscow may need to provide its most advanced and previously restricted technologies, coupled with significant technology transfers, to counterbalance India’s pivot toward Western and indigenous defense solutions.

SOURCE: AFI

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is poised to sign two landmark contracts worth ?1.06 lakh crore ($12 billion) by March 31, 2026, to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. The deals include the acquisition of six advanced diesel-electric submarines under Project-75I (P-75I) and three additional Scorpène-class (Kalvari-class) submarines, both to be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with foreign partners. These contracts aim to address the Navy’s critical submarine shortage while advancing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

The ?70,000-crore P-75I program, one of India’s largest defense acquisition projects, involves building six diesel-electric submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, advanced sensors, and modern weaponry. The MoD has selected MDL, partnered with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), as the preferred bidder following rigorous technical evaluations in January 2025. The submarines, based on the HDW Class 214 design, will feature a sea-proven fuel-cell AIP system, enabling them to remain submerged for up to two weeks, a significant improvement over the 48-hour endurance of conventional diesel-electric submarines. This enhances stealth and operational flexibility, critical for missions in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

SOURCE: AFI

A “hidden” Chinese research vessel operating in the Bay of Bengal has been flagged by French maritime intelligence firm Unseenlabs, sparking concerns about Beijing’s expanding maritime presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Detected during a 16-day satellite surveillance mission, the vessel’s suspicious activities, including disabling its Automatic Identification System (AIS), have raised questions about its intentions, with potential implications for regional security and India’s maritime interests.

Unseenlabs, a France-based pioneer in space-based radio frequency (RF) detection, revealed that the Chinese research vessel was operating covertly near Indian waters for several days in early July 2025. The firm’s 16-day survey of the Bay of Bengal tracked 1,897 vessels using RF emissions, a technology that allows detection of ships even when they disable their AIS—a mandatory system under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that broadcasts a vessel’s identity, position, and navigation status. Approximately 9.6% of the tracked vessels, including the Chinese ship, showed no AIS activity, indicating deliberate attempts to evade detection.