SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with Pakistani media, Air Commodore Khalid Farooq (Retd) provided an in-depth overview of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) current aircraft inventory, advanced technologies, and strategic capabilities, asserting a technological advantage over India’s air forces, particularly in first-look, first-shot capabilities. His remarks highlighted the PAF’s modern fighter jets, including the Chinese-made J-10C and the indigenously co-developed JF-17 Thunder Block III, positioning them as superior to India’s recently acquired Rafale jets.

Air Commodore Farooq revealed that the PAF currently operates approximately 400 aircraft, with a significant portion being combat-capable fighter jets. This figure aligns with estimates suggesting the PAF maintains around 418 jets, ranking it sixth globally in combat aircraft numbers, according to posts on X. In contrast, he noted that the Indian Air Force (IAF) possesses around 1,150 aircraft, nearly three times the PAF’s strength, a numerical disparity consistent since the 1965 and 1971 wars. “India has always had more numbers than us… We can never match the numbers, nor do we want to. We match them with passion, better training, and superior technology,” Farooq emphasized.

SOURCE: AFI

In March 2025, the United States Air Force unveiled the Boeing F-47, the world’s first sixth-generation fighter jet, under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Shrouded in secrecy for years, the F-47 promises to redefine air superiority with cutting-edge technology, advanced stealth, and collaborative drone operations. However, the announcement came on the heels of a surprising development in December 2024, when China showcased two sixth-generation aircraft prototypes, the Chengdu J-36 and Shenyang J-50, sparking global speculation and intensifying the U.S. response. This is the story of the F-47, a jet designed to counter Chinese advancements, secure Boeing’s future, and maintain American dominance in the skies.

While specific details about the F-47 remain classified, a 3D render released by the U.S. Air Force offers tantalizing clues. The jet appears to feature a tailless design with canards, reminiscent of the McDonnell Douglas X-36, a late-1990s experimental aircraft acquired by Boeing. The X-36, a scaled-down, unmanned prototype, tested technologies to reduce radar cross-section (RCS) by eliminating vertical stabilizers, enhancing stealth, maneuverability, and range while cutting weight. Its 31 successful flights provided critical data, and the F-47 likely builds on this legacy, adopting a tailless configuration similar to China’s J-36 and J-50 prototypes, which also prioritize stealth.

SOURCE: AFI

India has solidified its position as Armenia’s leading arms supplier, accounting for 43% of the country’s total weapons and ammunition imports between 2022 and 2024, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This marks a dramatic shift from 2016–2018, when India’s contribution to Armenia’s arms imports was nearly zero. With contracts totaling USD 600 million, India has surpassed Russia, Armenia’s traditional supplier, highlighting New Delhi’s growing influence in the South Caucasus and its strategic push to capture markets vacated by Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.

Armenia’s reliance on India for 43% of its arms imports reflects a deliberate diversification strategy, driven by dissatisfaction with Russia’s reliability as a supplier. Between 2020 and 2024, Russia’s global arms exports plummeted by 64%, with deliveries to Armenia hampered by Moscow’s focus on its war in Ukraine and trade sanctions limiting production capacity. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly criticized Russia for failing to honor arms contracts signed in recent years, prompting Yerevan to seek alternatives.

SOURCE: AFI

A series of provocative posts and videos from the X handle @SophiaNaga, claiming to represent a Naga nationalist, have stirred controversy by alleging Indian security forces’ brutality in response to burning the Indian flag in Nagaland. The account’s narrative, amplified by coordinated posts from other handles, paints a grim picture of oppression, with Sophia Naga claiming, “They came at night, broke my home, kidnapped my husband… tortured my mother,” for her act of defiance.

However, a detailed investigation by D-Intent Data, a digital intelligence firm, labels the campaign as propaganda likely backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), pointing to inconsistencies like a Filipino accent, a suspicious tattoo, and orchestrated social media activity. This article examines the claims, their debunking, and the broader implications for India’s Northeast.

SOURCE: AFI

The 39 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) in Varanasi, under the aegis of Surya Command, conducted a pioneering 3D Printing and First-Person View (FPV) Drone Development Course, marking a significant step in integrating cutting-edge technology into military training. The course, highlighted in a recent post by @suryacommand on X, created an unparalleled learning environment through a fusion of technology and rigorous training, empowering soldiers with hands-on skills in emerging fields. Participants successfully built and operated a fully functional live FPV drone, honing critical expertise in drone assembly, programming, and real-time flight control.

The 39 Gorkha Training Centre, a historic institution established to train recruits for the 3rd and 9th Gorkha Rifles, has long been a cornerstone of military excellence in India. Known for transforming raw recruits from Nepal and India into disciplined soldiers over 42-week programs, the Centre has recently embraced modern technology to prepare soldiers for evolving battlefield challenges. Building on the establishment of a state-of-the-art 3D Printing Lab in February 2025, the 3D Printing and FPV Drone Development Course represents a forward-thinking approach to military training.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), defense enthusiast Indranil Roy (@Indrani1_Roy) highlighted India’s remarkable progress in the development of precision-guided munitions, particularly gliding bombs, marking a significant evolution from its early challenges to today’s emerging capabilities.

India’s journey into indigenous precision-guided munitions began with the Sudarshan laser-guided bomb, which despite being a significant milestone at the time, faced a number of performance limitations. “The bomb would oscillate a lot after release,” noted Roy, referencing the stability issues that plagued Sudarshan. Engineers experimented with various damping mechanisms, but the weapon system struggled with both range and accuracy. While Sudarshan did not meet operational expectations, it laid crucial groundwork.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a critical challenge in maintaining its strategic deterrence and operational effectiveness due to the absence of a dedicated bomber fleet and limited air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) capabilities. As regional security dynamics evolve, particularly with China’s growing military prowess, the IAF must address this gap to ensure credible deterrence and precision strike capabilities.

Unlike major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China, which maintain fleets of long-range strategic bombers, the IAF lacks a comparable platform. India’s current fighter aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, and Rafale, are multi-role jets with limited range and payload compared to dedicated bombers like China’s H-6 or Russia’s Tu-95. These fighters, while versatile, are not optimized for deep-penetration strikes or delivering large payloads over extended distances, critical for strategic missions against heavily defended targets.

SOURCE: AFI

At the inaugural THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025 held on April 17, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), underscored the urgent need for India to significantly increase its research and development (R&D) spending to address emerging defense challenges. Speaking during a panel on ‘Future-Proofing India’s Defence,’ Dr. Kamat welcomed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent announcement to raise R&D allocation to 10% of the defense budget over the next five years but stressed that even this may not suffice to keep pace with global technological advancements.

India currently allocates approximately 5-6% of its ?6.21 lakh crore (around $75 billion) defense budget to R&D, significantly lower than global leaders like the United States (11-14%) and China (estimated 15-20%). Dr. Kamat argued that this gap hinders India’s ability to develop cutting-edge technologies critical for modern warfare, such as hypersonics, quantum computing, and directed energy weapons (DEWs). “We invest only 5% of our defense budget on R&D. This has to increase to 10-15% if we are to achieve our goals,” he said, echoing sentiments shared earlier at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar in January 2025.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking achievement for defense infrastructure, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup Simpliforge Creations and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has constructed the world’s highest on-site 3D-printed structure—a protective military bunker—at an altitude of 11,000 feet in Leh, Ladakh. Completed in just 14 hours of printing time under Project PRABAL, this feat marks a monumental leap in rapid, resilient construction technology, showcasing India’s innovation prowess in extreme environments and bolstering its strategic preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Named PRABAL (Pioneering Rapid Additive Building in Adverse Landscapes), the initiative represents a pioneering effort to deploy advanced 3D printing technology for military infrastructure in high-altitude, low-oxygen (HALO) conditions. The bunker, designed to protect troops from harsh weather and potential threats, was constructed using a specialized robotic 3D printing system and a custom-engineered concrete mix tailored to withstand Ladakh’s sub-zero temperatures, low humidity, and high ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The structure’s form-optimized design, built with locally sourced materials like sand and aggregates, enhances its durability while reducing logistical dependencies.

SOURCE: AFI

The competition between India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and South Korea’s KAI FA-50 has been a focal point in the global light fighter market, particularly in countries like Malaysia and Egypt. However, allegations of corruption and bribery have cast a dark shadow over the procurement processes in these nations, with claims that KAI’s FA-50 secures contracts not through merit but through illicit financial incentives.

This has led to a narrative that the Tejas, despite its competitive capabilities, is unlikely to win in such environments where systemic corruption allegedly influences decisions, as reported in Malaysian local news and echoed in recent developments in Egypt.

SOURCE: AFI

A fascinating glimpse into the evolution of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has emerged, courtesy of Review Vayu’s 50-year anniversary edition. An early concept design of the LCA, showcased in the publication, reveals a striking similarity to the General Dynamics F-16XL, an experimental variant of the F-16 developed by the United States in the 1980s. This conceptual plan-view drawing offers a window into the formative stages of India’s ambitious journey to build a homegrown fighter jet.

The LCA Tejas, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a cornerstone of India’s quest for self-reliance in defence aviation. The early design, as depicted, features a cranked-arrow delta wing configuration, a hallmark of the F-16XL. The F-16XL, an experimental prototype, was designed to enhance the F-16’s range, payload, and aerodynamic performance, boasting a distinctive double-delta wing that improved lift and fuel efficiency. The resemblance in the LCA’s early concept suggests that Indian designers may have drawn inspiration from the F-16XL’s aerodynamic innovations during the program’s nascent stages in the 1980s.

SOURCE: AFI

German regional aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has been actively promoting its 40-seater D328eco turboprop, a next-generation aircraft designed for efficiency, sustainability, and regional connectivity. With strong backing from its local suppliers in India, the D328eco is being positioned as a transformative solution for regional air travel. But does this aircraft truly align with India’s aviation demands? A closer analysis reveals that the D328eco is not only a viable option but potentially a perfect fit for India’s burgeoning regional aviation market.

India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by rising air travel demand, economic expansion, and government initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016 to enhance regional connectivity. The India Aviation Market is projected to reach USD 14.78 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.03% to USD 26.08 billion by 2030, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion. With 50% of India’s 1.458 billion population under 25 years old, there is a significant young demographic eager to travel for business, education, and leisure, particularly to underserved regions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a testament to India’s growing stature as a hub for advanced military training, six trainees from a Friendly Foreign Country are undergoing practical training on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) at the Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), from April 19 to 30, 2025. The trainees, part of a broader program at the 12 TETTRA School, Air Force Station Hakimpet, are benefiting from MCEME’s state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering technical excellence and international collaboration in aerospace training .

The ALH, also known as the Dhruv, is a versatile, indigenously developed helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), widely used by the Indian armed forces for roles ranging from reconnaissance to medical evacuation. The practical training at MCEME focuses on hands-on learning, allowing the trainees to gain in-depth knowledge of the ALH’s systems, maintenance, and operational intricacies. This program, running under the aegis of the 12 TETTRA (Technical Type Training) School, is designed to equip air maintenance professionals with the skills needed to handle modern rotorcraft in diverse operational scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Balochistan, a resource-rich province in southwestern Pakistan, has long been a region of unrest due to its history of marginalization and insurgency. The Baloch people, an ethnic minority, have often voiced grievances over exploitation by the Pakistani state, lack of economic benefits from their resources, and cultural suppression. This discontent has fueled a decades-long separatist movement seeking greater autonomy or outright independence.

Enter China, which has made Balochistan a centerpiece of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC, often described as a flagship project of the BRI, is a $60 billion-plus infrastructure and energy development plan connecting China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea via the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. This port is pivotal for China’s strategic ambitions: it provides an alternative trade route bypassing the Strait of Malacca—a potential chokepoint in times of conflict—and positions China closer to Middle Eastern energy markets, reducing shipping times and costs.

SOURCE: AFI

India is rapidly emerging as a competitive player in the global defense manufacturing sector, offering high-quality artillery ammunition and weaponry at a fraction of the cost of Western alternatives. According to two Indian sources, India can produce 155 mm artillery shells for approximately $300 to $400 per unit, a stark contrast to European equivalents, which often retail for upwards of $3,000. This significant price differential underscores India’s growing capability to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

In addition to ammunition, Indian firms are making strides in the production of howitzers. One source revealed that Indian-made howitzers are priced at around $3 million each—roughly half the cost of comparable European models. This affordability is attracting attention from nations seeking to bolster their defense capabilities while managing constrained budgets.