SOURCE: AFI

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), an integral part of India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), currently boasts a workforce of 227 employees dedicated to the advancement of gas turbine technology. With the ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) engine program on the horizon, GTRE is preparing for a significant recruitment push.

The AMCA project, central to India’s fifth-generation fighter jet aspirations, has been a focal point for technological self-reliance in aerospace engineering. GTRE’s role in this project is to develop an indigenous high-thrust engine, which is expected to be a collaboration with a foreign contractor. The specifics of this collaboration are still under negotiation, but the anticipation is high, with potential partners including global giants like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and General Electric.

SOURCE: AFI

The realm of aerospace technology, particularly the development and enhancement of fighter jets, is an arena where nations often push the boundaries of innovation. Reverse engineering has historically been a method employed by various countries to leapfrog technological gaps and bolster their military capabilities. However, India’s approach to reverse engineering fighter jets has been notably cautious, shaped by both its capabilities and its commitment to international Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws.

Modern fighter jets are complex systems integrating advanced materials, aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion technologies. The process of reverse engineering such sophisticated equipment requires not just access to the hardware but also deep expertise in multiple engineering disciplines. India has made significant strides in indigenous aircraft development, like the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, but the journey from reverse engineering to full indigenous production has been fraught with challenges. The technical intricacies of jet engines, avionics, and stealth technology, for instance, have proven particularly difficult to master through reverse engineering alone.

SOURCE: AFI

In the realm of global military aviation, only a select few nations possess fleets of strategic bombers (SB), which are designed for long-range, deep-penetration strikes into enemy territory. Currently, these nations are the United States, Russia, and China. Notably, India, despite its significant military prowess and strategic interests, particularly in light of the regional dynamics with China, has not ventured into this domain.

India’s military doctrine has historically prioritized regional defense rather than global power projection, which strategic bombers would serve. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has focused on multi-role fighters that can handle a variety of missions from air superiority to ground attack, aligning with India’s defense needs against its immediate neighbors. The acquisition of strategic bombers would represent a significant doctrinal shift, requiring not only a change in military strategy but also substantial financial investment. Strategic bombers are expensive to acquire, operate, and maintain, and with India’s defense budget stretched across multiple modernization programs, the cost-benefit analysis has so far not favored such a move.

SOURCE: AFI

In a gesture of goodwill and military cooperation, Pakistan has delivered an FT-7P fighter aircraft to the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) in January 2025. This aircraft, a Chinese-manufactured J-7 in its export trainer configuration, was provided as a grant, highlighting the ongoing military ties between the two nations.

The FT-7P, essentially a dual-seat training variant of the F-7, has been a part of Pakistan’s Air Force inventory for training purposes. With the introduction of the more advanced JF-17B dual-seat trainer aircraft, Pakistan found itself with surplus FT-7 aircraft. These planes were previously used to train pilots destined for the F-7PG fleet, for weapons tactics training, and as adversary aircraft in simulated combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing military cooperation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF) convened for the Executive Steering Group Meeting, also known as Air Staff Talks, in London on January 28 and 29, 2025. The two-day event was a platform for reinforcing the defence relationship between the two nations, focusing on joint training, the exchange of ideas, and professional military education.

The discussions were co-chaired by Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall CBE from the RAF and Air Vice-Marshal Prajual Singh VM from the IAF. This meeting underscored the commitment of both air forces to not only maintain but also expand their mutual engagements in various military domains.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Army’s evaluation of the Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) has reached its conclusion, with trials being conducted in the challenging high-altitude terrain of Ladakh in September 2024, according to recent media reports.

The trials took place in Ladakh, a region known for its extreme climatic conditions and high-altitude challenges, providing a rigorous test for the Stryker’s capabilities. The evaluation spanned three weeks, where the Stryker was subjected to a variety of tests to gauge its mobility, durability, and combat effectiveness in an environment similar to potential operational areas along India’s borders.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent feature, Russian media outlet Sputnik has extolled the capabilities of the Su-57, Russia’s advanced fifth-generation fighter jet, positioning it as a formidable force in modern aerial warfare. According to Sputnik, the Su-57, which celebrated its maiden flight 15 years ago, is not just a match but an outright superior to its international counterparts.

Sputnik describes the Su-57 as a dual-role aircraft, adept at both attack and fighter missions. Its design incorporates stealth technology, making it “nearly invisible” to enemy radar systems while boasting exceptional maneuverability. The jet is claimed to have a service ceiling of 20 kilometers, a range extending up to 5,500 kilometers, and a top speed reaching 2,470 kilometers per hour, which positions it as one of the fastest in its class.

SOURCE: AFI

In this year’s Aero India show, set to be held in Bengaluru, the participation of the Indian Air Force’s acclaimed Sarang display team hangs in the balance. The uncertainty stems from the grounding of all 330 HAL Dhruv advanced light helicopters (ALH Dhruv) after a concerning crash in January.

Sarang, renowned for its intricate and visually stunning aerial maneuvers, has been a staple attraction at Aero India, contributing to the spectacle that draws aviation enthusiasts from around the globe. This biennial event has traditionally featured both Sarang and the Suryakiran aerobatic team, showcasing India’s aerial prowess alongside international teams.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant upgrade to their combat gear, Indian Army troops deployed at the strategically vital Uri sector in Jammu and Kashmir have been observed sporting new Armasen plate carriers alongside advanced Level III+ Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH). This development points to a continuing effort by the Indian military to bolster the protection and operational effectiveness of its soldiers in forward areas.

The troops were equipped with the Armasen plate carriers, known for their robust design and ergonomic features. These carriers are designed to accommodate various types of ballistic plates, offering flexibility in terms of protection levels. The Armasen gear, particularly the SF RIG (Special Forces Rapid Interchangeable Gear) and GRIP Combat Belt, is noted for its compatibility with both standard and custom ballistic plates, enhancing mobility and comfort in combat situations.