SOURCE: AFI

In the annals of Indian aviation history, few stories are as poignant—or as frustrating—as the saga of the HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenously designed jet fighter, and its eventual sidelining in favor of the British-built SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft. Recent revelations have shed new light on this episode, highlighting the irony that many Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots who transitioned from the HF-24 to the Jaguar found the latter inferior in certain critical roles, particularly as a low-level strike aircraft.

This decision not only marked the end of the HF-24 program but also led to the resignation of its brilliant designer, Dr. Raj Mahindra, whose departure signaled the demise of purely Indian-designed combat aircraft until the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas program decades later. The episode remains a stark reminder of the institutional shortsightedness that has, at times, hampered India’s quest for self-reliance in defence aviation.

SOURCE: AFI

On March 28, 2025, the Indian Army took a significant step into the future of tactical warfare with the successful trial of indigenous First-Person View (FPV) drones equipped with explosive payloads. Developed in-house by Major Cephas Chetan of the Fleur-De-Lis Brigade, in collaboration with a team from the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, led by Dr. Raghvendra, this kamikaze drone marks a historic milestone.

With an initial batch of five drones inducted and 95 more in procurement, each costing ?1.4 lakh, the Army is dipping its toes into a technology that’s reshaping battlefields globally. Yet, these numbers feel modest—too modest—for a capability that could redefine India’s military edge if scaled ambitiously to, say, 100,000 units.

SOURCE: AFI

India has issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) signaling an upcoming missile test slated to occur from April 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM IST to April 12, 2025, at 4:30 PM IST. The designated test zone spans a range of 475 kilometers, sparking speculation about the nature of the missile system set to be evaluated. This announcement, made on March 29, 2025, underscores India’s ongoing efforts to bolster its missile capabilities, a critical component of its defense strategy in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.

The NOTAM, a standard aviation alert designed to ensure airspace safety by notifying pilots of potential hazards, outlines a restricted area covering 475 kilometers. While the exact location—whether over land or sea—remains unspecified in public disclosures, the range provides key clues about the missile in question. The test window, spanning four days, suggests a comprehensive evaluation, possibly involving multiple launches or a complex flight profile to assess performance under varying conditions.

SOURCE: AFI

In the dense, rugged forests of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, where the threat of Naxal insurgency looms large, cutting-edge technology is transforming the battlefield. Superintendent of Police (SP) Neelotpal, the dynamic IPS officer leading Gadchiroli’s police force, has spotlighted the game-changing role of ideaForge’s SWITCH UAV in bolstering anti-Naxal operations. In a recent statement shared on March 26, 2025, via ideaForge’s official channels, Neelotpal detailed how this indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) enhances security efforts—tracking threats, monitoring movements, and enabling precision action—particularly along the volatile Chhattisgarh border.

Gadchiroli, a district long plagued by Left-wing extremism, shares a porous frontier with Chhattisgarh, a hotspot of Naxal activity. The region’s thick forests and hilly terrain have historically provided cover for Maoist cadres, making traditional policing a daunting challenge. Under Neelotpal’s leadership since October 2022, the Gadchiroli police have adopted a multi-pronged strategy, combining tactical operations, community engagement, and now, advanced aerial surveillance. The introduction of the SWITCH UAV, developed by Mumbai-based ideaForge, marks a significant leap in this fight, offering real-time intelligence and operational agility in one of India’s most intractable conflict zones.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant development for India’s military aviation capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday, March 28, 2025, signed a contract with Metrea Management, a private company specializing in air-to-air refuelling services, for the wet leasing of one Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA). The agreement stipulates that Metrea will provide a KC-135 aircraft within six months, marking the first time the Indian Air Force (IAF) has opted for a wet-leased FRA. This move is aimed at enhancing the air-to-air refuelling training for pilots of both the IAF and the Indian Navy.

According to an official statement from the MoD, the KC-135, a proven aerial refuelling platform, will bolster the operational readiness of India’s armed forces by providing critical training opportunities. Wet leasing, which includes the provision of the aircraft along with crew, maintenance, and insurance, offers a flexible and efficient solution for the IAF, which has been seeking to augment its refuelling capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

In a move that appears to signal a strategic shift in its maritime defense posture, the Pakistani Navy (PN) is reportedly planning to procure the Chengdu J-10CE fighter jet from China. This development comes as a potential counter to India’s acquisition of the Dassault Rafale M, a naval variant of the advanced French fighter jet tailored for carrier operations.

The J-10CE, a 4.5-generation multirole aircraft, is being considered as Pakistan phases out its aging fleet of Mirage-III fighters, currently operated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) but assigned to the PN for maritime protection roles. However, ambiguity surrounds whether the PN will directly operate these new jets or if the PAF will bolster its own J-10CE fleet to take over maritime surveillance and defense duties over the Arabian Sea.

SOURCE: AFI

As the race to develop sixth-generation fighter jets accelerates, manufacturers and developers remain tight-lipped about the specifics that set these advanced platforms apart from their fifth-generation predecessors. Unlike the well-documented capabilities of fifth-generation jets like the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Russia’s Su-57, and China’s J-20, the details of sixth-generation designs are shrouded in secrecy, often cloaked under classified programs or vague press releases.

Yet, recent observations from prototype unveilings, industry hints, and expert analyses suggest a clear evolution in design and performance. Here’s what sets sixth-generation fighters apart from their fifth-generation counterparts, based on emerging trends and informed speculation.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant realignment of military resources, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Division of the Uniform Force, previously redeployed to Eastern Ladakh, is set to return to its original operational area in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). This shift comes as the newly established 72 Infantry Division, whose raising has been underway for months, prepares to assume responsibility for securing India’s northern frontiers in Ladakh. The redeployment reflects the Indian Army’s evolving strategy to balance security challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.

The RR Division, known for its counter-insurgency expertise, was moved to Eastern Ladakh following heightened tensions with China, particularly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The clash prompted a major reassessment of India’s military posture, leading to an increased focus on bolstering defenses along the LAC. However, this shift left a security gap in Jammu, where Pakistan-based terrorist groups have exploited the reduced troop presence to escalate attacks. The return of the RR Division to J&K aims to address this vulnerability and restore stability in the region.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier defence public sector undertaking, announced on Thursday, March 27, 2025, a significant amendment to its contract for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 Final Operational Clearance (FOC) variant. Originally signed with the Indian Air Force (IAF) on December 23, 2010, the contract’s value has been revised upward from ?5,989.39 crore to ?6,542.20 crore, reflecting adjustments in the delivery timeline.

In a regulatory filing, HAL stated, “We wish to inform that the company has signed today an amendment to the LCA Mk1 FOC Contract dated 23rd December, 2010. The value of the contract has been revised from ?5,989.39 crore to ?6,542.20 crore, on account of revision in the delivery schedule.” While HAL did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the delay, industry observers point to challenges such as supply chain disruptions, integration of new systems, and the need for additional components as likely factors contributing to the rescheduling.

SOURCE: AFI

In a major boost to its defence portfolio, Force Motors Limited has clinched a landmark contract with the Indian Defence Forces to supply 2,978 Force Gurkha light vehicles, cementing its position as a key player in India’s military logistics ecosystem. The deal, awarded by the Directorate General of Capability Development (CD-13/14) under the General Staff Branch, was announced on March 27, 2025, and underscores the Pune-based automaker’s growing stature in meeting the nation’s security needs.

The contract centers on the Force Gurkha GS 4X4 800 kg Soft Top model, a Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) tailored to the exacting standards of military operations. Known for its rugged design and versatility, the Gurkha has earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse, capable of tackling the harshest environments—be it the arid deserts of Rajasthan, the flooded plains of the Northeast, or the treacherous heights of the Himalayas. This order, valued implicitly through the scale of 2,978 units, represents a significant vote of confidence in Force Motors’ engineering prowess and its ability to deliver mission-critical solutions.