SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s quest to modernize its air force has led to discussions about acquiring advanced fighter jets, with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Dassault Rafale F4 emerging as potential contenders. This article compares the acquisition costs for 110 units of each aircraft and estimates their 40-year life cycle costs (LCC) if procured by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Life cycle costs include acquisition, operating, maintenance, and support expenses over the aircraft’s operational lifespan, providing a comprehensive view of the long-term financial commitment.

The F-35, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, is available in three variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). For the IAF, the F-35A is the most likely option due to its compatibility with land-based operations and lower cost compared to the B and C variants.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s private defense and aerospace sector, Hyprix, a Bangalore-based startup founded in June 2024, has successfully tested Tezz—the country’s first privately developed ramjet engine. This milestone, accomplished in just five months from design to testing, was achieved in collaboration with the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) at IIT Madras. Tezz, a next-generation liquid-fueled ramjet engine, is designed to operate at speeds ranging from Mach 2 to Mach 4, heralding a new era of high-speed aviation and defense technology in India.

Hyprix emerged on the scene in June 2024 with a mission to revolutionize India’s defense and aerospace industries through innovative, indigenous solutions. Founded by a team of visionary entrepreneurs, the startup has quickly made its mark by focusing on advanced propulsion technologies—an area critical to the future of high-speed aviation and defense systems. With government support under the Startup India initiative and grants, Hyprix has leveraged its resources to achieve rapid progress, culminating in the successful development and testing of Tezz.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards bolstering India’s defense capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a leading Indian defense public sector undertaking, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Advanced Defense Systems, a subsidiary of RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems, to co-produce the Ice Breaker stand-off air-to-surface missile in India. This collaboration marks a milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing and strengthens its strategic partnership with global defense technology leaders.

The Ice Breaker is a cutting-edge, long-range, stand-off, autonomous, precision-guided weapon system designed to deliver exceptional attack performance against a wide array of high-value targets. Developed by RAFAEL, a global leader in defence technologies, the missile is engineered to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare, offering a complete solution for countering diverse threats on land and at sea. Its design is rooted in RAFAEL’s operational experience and incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, making it a formidable addition to India’s defence arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aero India 2025 air show, held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10-14, has become a stage for an unprecedented display of military technology and a surprising showcase of mutual curiosity between rival nations. Following reports that the ground crew of Russia’s Su-57E stealth fighter were caught taking pictures of the American F-35A Lightning II, new images have emerged showing U.S. Air Force ground crew members enjoying the Su-57’s aerial performance and snapping photographs of the Russian jet. This rare interaction between personnel from two opposing military powers highlights the unique environment of Aero India, where cutting-edge technology and geopolitical rivalries intersect in a neutral setting.

Aero India 2025 has drawn global attention as the first air show where the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and the American Lockheed Martin F-35 have shared the same tarmac and airspace. The Su-57E, the export variant of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, made its debut in India, while the F-35A, a mainstay of the U.S. Air Force’s advanced fighter fleet, returned for its second appearance at the event, having previously participated in 2023. The presence of these two aircraft, representing the pinnacle of Eastern and Western military aviation technology, has provided a rare opportunity for side-by-side comparison and observation.