SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has approached Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for a proposal to lease four HJT-36 Yashas Stage-2 trainers for evaluation. These four aircraft will be Limited Series Production (LSP) airframes that have been upgraded to meet the new Yashas standard.
The HJT-36, now officially renamed as ‘Yashas,’ has undergone extensive modifications to enhance its performance. The upgrades primarily focus on resolving departure characteristics and improving spin resistance across the aircraft’s entire flight envelope. These enhancements make the Yashas a more reliable and capable intermediate jet trainer for the IAF’s pilot training program.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant development at Aero India 2025, Russia’s Rostec has revealed that the VK-650V engine has now replaced the French Safran Arrius 2G1 on the Kamov Ka-226T helicopter. This move comes after years of collaboration and negotiations, aiming to localize production in India.
The Ka-226T, originally equipped with the French-made Arrius 2G1 engines, faced delays and complications due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting engine supply. The transition to the VK-650V, a domestically produced engine by Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), marks a pivotal shift towards self-reliance and independence from foreign supply chains.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s indigenous defense capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the upcoming Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2, which will be equipped with two cutting-edge sensors designed to detect threats and deploy countermeasures autonomously.
A scientist from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) revealed that the new sensors—namely the Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and the Infrared Search and Track System (IRST)—are being developed by the Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE) in Dehradun, a key laboratory under the DRDO umbrella. These advancements underscore India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology and its commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of its air force.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The 17th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the 8th edition of the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) commenced on February 17, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, this year’s events mark a significant milestone in their 32-year history, emerging as the largest editions to date.
Organized by the ADNEC Group in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence and the Tawazun Council, IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 bring together leading global defense companies, military leaders, policymakers, and experts to showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster international collaboration in the defense and security sectors.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Tonbo Imaging, a leader in advanced imaging solutions, has confirmed the integration of its cutting-edge Skeye multi-sensor camera into the nose cone of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman, an advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing the operational capabilities of India’s indigenous defense platforms, particularly in challenging environmental conditions.
The Skeye multi-sensor camera is specifically designed to augment pilot vision during critical phases of flight, such as landing and flying, across a wide range of conditions. Whether operating during the day, night, or in adverse weather scenarios, Skeye excels at penetrating darkness, smoke, smog, and fog, ensuring enhanced situational awareness and safety. This capability is crucial for both manned and unmanned aircraft, making Skeye a versatile solution for modern aerial platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
Martin-Baker, the world-renowned British manufacturer of ejection seats and aviation safety systems, is set to deepen its footprint in India with the establishment of a new facility in Bengaluru, scheduled to open later in 2025.
This development marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to supporting the Indian Air Force (IAF) and aligns with India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. The announcement was made by Steve Roberts, Head of Business Development at Martin-Baker, during an interview with FlightGlobal at the Aero India 2025 air show, held from February 10-14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
According to reports from Pakistani media, India has been accused of orchestrating a series of subversive activities along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing the disputed region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan. These allegations point to a deliberate campaign involving the transportation and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), weapons, and drugs, aimed at destabilizing the region and targeting Pakistani civilians and security forces. The claims, backed by purported evidence, paint a picture of escalating tensions and covert operations that threaten the fragile peace along the LoC.
Pakistani media reports assert that since 2016, there have been 54 documented incidents of Indian-planted IEDs along the LoC. These incidents have reportedly increased in frequency, with IEDs being discovered and detonated in areas such as Chakothi, Neza Pir, Chirikot, Rakh Chakri, Dewa, Battal, Kot Kotera, and other border regions. The explosions have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with many innocent lives lost or injured, further exacerbating tensions in an already volatile region.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
For the personnel of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other security forces who tirelessly guard India’s borders and critical institutions, a groundbreaking innovation promises enhanced safety and operational efficiency. The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) – Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC) in Chennai has developed a fully-indigenous prototype bullet-resistant security booth, unveiled at Aero India. This innovation marks a significant step forward in providing robust protection to security personnel stationed in some of the harshest and most vulnerable environments.
Titled the “High-Velocity Multi-Hit Resistant Movable Protective Booth,” this advanced security solution is designed to withstand the toughest conditions while offering mobility, durability, and affordability. With its debut at Aero India, the booth has already garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize the way security personnel operate in high-risk zones.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
Airbus, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce are expanding parts sourcing from India, driving growth in the country’s emerging aerospace sector and pushing local firms to elevate their games, industry insiders say.
Bengaluru-based Hical Technologies and JJG Aero are among those riding the wave. Hical, a supplier to Raytheon Technology and Boeing among others, aims to double revenue to 5 billion rupees ($57.57 million) from its aerospace division in three years, said Yashas Jaiveer Shashikiran, joint managing director.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
The indigenously developed 10-tonne propellant mixer for solid motors is a testament to India’s growing tech prowess, said the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The propellant mixer was developed and realised by the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, ISRO in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru — a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
The 10-tonne vertical mixer weighs about 150 tonnes with a length of 5.4 metres, breadth of 3.3 metres, and height of 8.7 metres.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Ocean is veritably a global lifeline, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday, as he asked the countries in the region to look out for each other, supplement their strengths and coordinate their policies to fulfil its development, connectivity, maritime and security aspirations.
Jaishankar addressed the inaugural session of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”. “The Indian Ocean is veritably a global lifeline. Its production, consumption, contribution and connectivity are central to the manner in which the world runs today,” he said.“Our voyage to new horizons is best done as a coordinated flotilla of the Indian Ocean. We are understandably a diverse group in terms of history, geography, development, politics or culture. But what unites us is a common devotion to the well-being of the Indian Ocean region,” he said.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The BJP on Monday cited Indian Overseas Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s reported comments downplaying Chinese threat to India to target the opposition party, claiming that his remarks are in line with its leaders’ statements in support of China.
Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that what Pitroda has said symbolises the mindset of the Congress.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday that the Army is fully capable of dealing with any situation on the border and is giving befitting response to the enemy.
“There is no pause in anti-terror operations and clear directions have been given to security forces to wipe out the menace and ensure peace and tranquillity in the region,” the Lt Governor said in reply to a question about the martyrdom of two soldiers, including a captain near the Line of Control (LoC) in Akhnoor sector of Jammu district on February 11. He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a sports event here.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi on Sunday rejected the report that a US agency funding was used for raising voter turnout in India when he headed the poll body. His reaction came after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk announced a series of expenditure cuts, including USD 21 million allocated for “voter turnout in India”.
The DOGE in a post on X on Saturday announced cancelling many programmes costing hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars. The department said, “US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all (of) which have been cancelled…”The list included USD 486 million in grants to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening including USD 21 million for “voter turnout in India”.
Continue readingSOURCE: ANI
Women and children were not restrained on the deportation flight carrying the second batch of Indian nationals that arrived in Amritsar on February 15, sources confirmed to ANI.
Meanwhile, the aircraft carrying the third batch of Indian nationals who had allegedly migrated illegally to the US also landed at Amritsar Airport on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured that the deportees would be treated properly and that all necessary arrangements had been made.
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