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.

SOURCE: AFI

The Aero India 2025 Air Show, held from February 10 to February 14, 2025, at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, has drawn significant attention from Chinese media outlets, notably The Global Times. In a mix of critique and strategic analysis, Chinese commentary has framed the event as India’s attempt to assert its international influence and keep pace with China’s rapid advancements in aerospace technology. An article published on February 11, 2025, in The Global Times reflects China’s perception of India’s ambitions, its strategic partnerships, and the broader geopolitical implications of the air show, while subtly underscoring China’s confidence in its own technological superiority.

The Global Times article portrays Aero India 2025 as a deliberate effort by India to showcase its international clout, particularly by inviting the United States and Russia—described as “two mortal enemies”—to participate. The piece states, “India, unwilling to lag behind China, invited the United States and Russia to showcase its strong international influence. To save Modi’s face, the US sent the F-35 Lightning II, while Russia sent the Su-57.” This framing suggests that China views India’s hosting of these global powers as a face-saving exercise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, driven by a desire to project power and relevance on the world stage.

SOURCE: AFI

In a sharp escalation of political rhetoric, India’s principal opposition party, the Indian National Congress, has launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government over reports of a potential acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet from the United States.

The Congress party, leveraging social media platforms like X, has labeled the proposed deal as “Modi’s Mega Blunder,” raising concerns about its cost, operational viability, and strategic implications for India. This criticism comes amid growing discussions about India’s defense modernization and its relationship with global powers, particularly the United States.

SOURCE: AFI

On February 13, 2025, a delegation from the French Army visited the School of Artillery in Devlali, Maharashtra, where they were briefed on the design features and operational capabilities of India’s indigenous Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The visit, which included detailed discussions and a live firing demonstration, underscores the growing interest of the French military in India’s advanced artillery systems and highlights the deepening defense ties between the two nations.

The French delegation, comprising senior military officers and technical experts, was welcomed at the School of Artillery, a premier training institution for India’s artillery forces. During the visit, Indian Army officials and representatives from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) provided an in-depth briefing on the Pinaka MLRS. The presentation covered the system’s design features, operational capabilities, and its role in modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

At Aero India 2025, one of the much-anticipated highlights was the unveiling of the unmanned Kiran Mk2, also known as the Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) platform. The aircraft was expected to be showcased on the tarmac for static display, drawing significant attention for its potential in reshaping India’s defense capabilities. However, as the event unfolded, the aircraft was noticeably absent, leaving attendees and experts wondering about the reasons for its missing display.

The Kiran Mk2, a development from the well-known HAL Kiran trainer aircraft, has been developed with the potential to serve as an unmanned or optionally manned platform for various military roles, such as surveillance, combat training, and potentially even light combat missions. The aircraft was designed to provide a versatile and cost-effective solution for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to enhance its operational flexibility while reducing the risk to pilots in certain high-risk missions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant advancement for India’s aerospace industry, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), showcased a breakthrough at Aero India 2025. Sudhanshu Mohan Jena, Executive Director of HAL Koraput, and Shri A.K. Sharma, General Manager (Marketing) of MIDHANI, unveiled the newly developed SuperNi 41 plates, an indigenous high-performance material tailored for aero engine applications.

Known as SuperNi 41, this material is a precipitation-hardenable nickel-chromium base superalloy. It boasts exceptional strength retention at temperatures ranging from 649°C to 982°C, making it ideal for environments where thermal loads are extreme. Its design caters to severely stressed components that require superior corrosion and oxidation resistance.

SOURCE: AFI

At Aero India 2025, Adani Defence showcased the Prahast Modular Range Extension Kit, a cutting-edge technology designed to transform conventional bombs into precision-guided “smart bombs.” The Prahast kit is a long-range precision-guided munition (PGM) developed in collaboration with Al Tariq, a part of EDGE Group, a state-owned defense conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). idrw.org reports that this advanced system has garnered attention for its modular capabilities and its to be integrated into LCA-Tejas Mk1A.

The Prahast Range Extension Kit is designed to provide a rapid, cost-effective solution to upgrade existing bomb inventories. The kit enables conventional bombs, such as the Mk81, Mk82, and Mk83, to be converted into highly accurate, long-range precision-guided munitions (PGMs). By integrating a variety of modern technologies into these traditional ordnance, the Prahast Kit ensures that India’s air forces can extend the reach and lethality of their strike capabilities without the need for entirely new bomb designs.

SOURCE: AFI

Bangalore’s Alpha Design Technologies has clinched a significant deal to supply its newly developed mobile very-high-frequency (VHF) radar to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This development was highlighted by Vishal Anand, Assistant Vice-President of Projects at Alpha Design, during the Aero India 2025 show in Bangalore.

According to Anand, the radar system is designed to enhance the IAF’s ability to detect stealth aircraft, which are characterized by a low radar cross-section (RCS). The contract involves the delivery of six VHF radars, with the first unit anticipated to be delivered by mid-March.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards enhancing the reliability, serviceability, and maintainability of helicopters, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter MRO Division, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This collaboration, formalized recently, aims to address critical issues related to helicopter tail-rotor vibrations, a persistent challenge in rotary-wing aircraft operations, through innovative research, advanced engineering solutions, and practical mitigation strategies.

Helicopters, by design, are complex machines that operate under extreme aerodynamic and mechanical stresses. The tail rotor, a critical component, plays an essential role in counteracting the torque produced by the main rotor, ensuring stability and directional control. However, tail-rotor systems are prone to vibrations, which can lead to several operational and maintenance challenges, including:

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Adani Defence and Aerospace has announced plans to locally produce the R-73E, a Within Visual Range (WVR) air-to-air missile (AAM), in India. Rebranded as “Raya” for its indigenous production, this initiative aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programs, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign imports and strengthening domestic defense production.

The R-73E, developed by Russia’s Vympel NPO, is a highly agile, short-range air-to-air missile widely regarded as one of the most effective WVR missiles in the world. Known by its NATO reporting name “AA-11 Archer,” the missile is a critical component of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) arsenal, equipping fighter aircraft such as the MiG-29, Su-30 MKI, and MiG-21 Bison. With a range of up to 30 kilometers, the R-73E is renowned for its infrared homing (heat-seeking) capabilities, exceptional maneuverability, and ability to engage targets at off-boresight angles of up to 45 degrees, making it a formidable weapon in close-combat aerial engagements.

SOURCE: AFI

The recent announcement by US President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025, that the United States will provide India with the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jet has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s media and strategic circles. This development, made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., has sparked widespread concern and alarm in Pakistani media outlets, which view the potential transfer of advanced military technology to India as a threat to regional stability and Pakistan’s security.

The Pakistani media’s reaction has been marked by a mix of panic, criticism, and calls for diplomatic action, reflecting deep-seated fears about the shifting military balance in South Asia. Below, we explore this reaction and cite specific examples from Pakistani media outlets to illustrate the extent of their concern.