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

Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, took to X to share insights from a productive meeting with key figures at the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru. The discussions, involving NAL Director Dr. Abhay Pashilkar and his colleagues Dr. CM Ananda and Mr. Shreedhara, centered on emerging capabilities within India’s civil aviation ecosystem. Malhoutra described the talks as “excellent,” signaling a strengthening collaboration between one of India’s leading aerospace manufacturers and the country’s largest civilian aerospace research institution.

Dynamatic Technologies, a leading player in aerospace manufacturing and engineering, highlighted the significance of the dialogue in a post that read: “Excellent discussions at The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) with Dr. Abhay Pashilkar, Director and his colleagues Dr. CM Ananda and Mr. Shreedhara on emerging capabilities in the Indian Civil Aviation ecosystem. NAL is India’s largest civilian aerospace research institution.” The engagement underscores a growing synergy between private industry and public research institutions as India aims to bolster its position in the global aviation market.

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.

SOURCE: AFI

India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) announcing a missile firing exercise scheduled to take place in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a strategically vital archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. The NOTAM, effective from April 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM IST to April 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM IST, designates a firing range of 465 kilometers, sparking speculation that the Indian armed forces are gearing up to test the air-launched variant of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, known as BrahMos-A.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, positioned near the Malacca Strait—a critical global maritime chokepoint—have long served as a testing ground for India’s advanced missile systems. The specified range of 465 kilometers aligns closely with the capabilities of the BrahMos-A, an air-launched version of the BrahMos missile, which boasts an extended range of over 450 kilometers following India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016. This range extension, up from the original 290 kilometers, enhances the missile’s reach, making it a formidable asset for precision strikes from the air.

SOURCE: AFI

On March 26, 2025, Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) issued a statement predicting that Eidul Fitr would likely fall on March 31, based on scientific parameters indicating a high probability of moon sighting on March 30. What might have been a routine astronomical forecast quickly turned into a lightning rod for ridicule across the border, as Indian social media users seized the opportunity to mock Pakistan’s space agency, reigniting a decades-old rivalry in space exploration.

Suparco’s statement read, “Given scientific parameters, the likelihood of moon sighting on March 30, 2025 in Pakistan was high. Consequently, Ramazan is expected to complete 29 days, and the first day of Eidul Fitr will likely be observed on 31 March 2025.” The agency, tasked with advancing Pakistan’s space research, based its prediction on astronomical models—a task it has performed for years to assist the nation’s moon-sighting committees. But for many in India, the announcement was less about science and more about an opportunity to highlight the disparity between Suparco and its Indian counterpart, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

SOURCE: AFI

Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML Ltd), a leading Indian public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, has taken a significant step toward bolstering India’s armored capabilities. On March 26, 2025, the company announced an Expression of Interest (EoI) for a License and Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) aimed at the joint development of an Armoured Fighting Vehicle – Future Ready Combat Vehicle (AFV-FRCV) for the Indian Army. This move underscores BEML’s commitment to advancing indigenous defense manufacturing while aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative.

The EoI, highlighted in posts on X by @alpha_defense and others, invites prospective technology collaborators from around the globe to partner with BEML Ltd. The TCA will empower BEML to undertake a comprehensive scope of work, including the design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, supply, field installation, commissioning, repair, service, and retrofitting of the AFV-FRCV. This ambitious project aims to deliver a next-generation combat vehicle tailored to the Indian Army’s evolving operational needs, ensuring it remains future-ready in an era of rapidly advancing military technology.

SOURCE: AFI

On March 25, 2025, GE Aerospace marked a significant milestone by delivering the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A program. The delivery, celebrated as a step forward in the 40-year partnership between GE and HAL, came after a two-year delay that had sparked concerns within the Indian Air Force (IAF) and drawn scrutiny from New Delhi. While the arrival of the engine signals progress, GE’s accompanying statement subtly pointed to a deeper issue: a five-year gap in orders that left its production line dormant, contributing to the prolonged wait.

The F404-IN20, a customized variant of GE’s proven F404 engine family, powers the LCA Mk1A, an advanced iteration of India’s indigenous fighter jet designed to bolster the IAF’s combat capabilities. By 2016, GE had delivered 65 of these engines to HAL for the earlier Tejas Mk1 jets. With no further orders on the horizon, the company shuttered the F404-IN20 production line, citing a lack of visibility on future business. It wasn’t until 2021, when HAL placed an order for 99 engines following the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval of an 83-aircraft LCA Mk1A contract, that GE faced the daunting task of restarting a dormant supply chain.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent close-up images of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the J-20, have set off a firestorm of discussion on X, pitting Chinese aviation enthusiasts against Western skeptics. The detailed shots, which reveal exposed rivets, panel seams, and other surface imperfections, have led many to question the jet’s stealth credentials—and even its origins.

The viral nature of the images has fueled a broader online war of words, with users dissecting every visible feature and drawing comparisons to established stealth aircraft like the American F-22 and Russia’s Su-57.

SOURCE: AFI

Veteran submariner Commodore Shailesh Bhalachandra Jamgaonkar (Retd.), Indian Navy, assumed charge as Director (Submarine and Heavy Engineering) at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on March 25, 2025. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Mumbai-based shipyard, just one week after it commenced production of India’s first Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for the Indian Navy’s Scorpene-class submarines. With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in the Navy’s Submarine Arm and a proven track record at MDL, Cmde Jamgaonkar is poised to steer the organization toward new heights in submarine technology and indigenous defense manufacturing.

Cmde Jamgaonkar’s journey with MDL began in September 2023, when he joined as Executive Director (Technical-East Yard) following his retirement from the Indian Navy. His rapid rise within the organization reflects his exceptional leadership and technical expertise. Prior to his current role, he served as Executive Director (Services) at MDL’s East Yard, where he oversaw critical operational enhancements. Now, as Director (Submarine and Heavy Engineering), he takes on a broader mandate to advance MDL’s submarine programs and heavy engineering initiatives, aligning with India’s strategic naval ambitions.

SOURCE: AFI

ata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a leading Indian defense and aerospace company, has taken a significant step toward expanding its international footprint by incorporating a wholly owned subsidiary in the Kingdom of Morocco. The new entity, named “Tata Advanced Systems Maroc SARLAU,” operates as a Limited Liability Company and has been greenlit for an investment of up to 16 million USD by TASL’s board of directors. This strategic move underscores TASL’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global defense market, with a particular focus on North Africa and beyond.

The establishment of Tata Advanced Systems Maroc SARLAU comes on the heels of a major order from the Royal Moroccan Army for 150 Wheeled Armoured Platforms (WhAP) 8×8. The WhAP, developed in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Motors, is a versatile, amphibious armored vehicle designed for a range of battlefield roles, from troop transport to infantry combat. This contract, one of the largest for Indian-made armored vehicles both domestically and internationally, marks a pivotal moment for TASL as it transitions into a defense Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) with an overseas presence.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking, has taken a proactive step to refine its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) by issuing a Request for Quotation (RFQ) through its Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre (RWR&DC) in Bangalore. Released in late March 2025, the RFQ calls for consultancy services to address internal noise attenuation challenges identified during developmental testing of the LUH. With a submission deadline of April 4, 2025, at 14:00 HRS IST, HAL is signaling its dedication to enhancing the performance, comfort, and operational readiness of this versatile rotary-wing platform, designed for both the Indian Armed Forces and civilian use.

The LUH, a 3.0-ton class single-engine helicopter, represents a cornerstone of HAL’s rotary-wing innovation. Developed by the ISO 9001-certified RWR&DC, it features a side-by-side pilot and co-pilot configuration, a four-bladed hinge-less main rotor, and a four-bladed bearing-less tail rotor. Engineered for reliability and adaptability, the LUH is poised to replace aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters in military roles—such as reconnaissance, troop transport, and casualty evacuation—while also targeting civilian applications like search and rescue and utility missions. With its glass cockpit, Shakti-1U engine (co-developed with Safran), and a maximum speed of 220 km/h, the LUH promises to be a workhorse across diverse terrains.

SOURCE: AFI

GE Aerospace has officially kicked off a critical phase of support for India’s indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, confirming the delivery of the first F404-IN20 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 25, 2025. Following this milestone, the American defense giant has committed to supplying 11 more F404 engines before the end of 2025, ensuring a steady flow of powerplants to keep HAL’s production lines humming for the LCA Mk1A jets. This development marks a turning point after years of delays, reinforcing GE’s 40-year partnership with HAL and bolstering India’s defense manufacturing ambitions.

The F404-IN20, a high-thrust variant of GE’s renowned F404 engine family, is tailored specifically for the single-engine Tejas Mk1A, offering enhanced performance with features like a higher-flow fan and single-crystal turbine blades. The delivery of the first engine, which left GE’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, on March 25 and is expected to arrive in India by mid-April, ends months of anticipation. HAL, tasked with delivering 83 LCA Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF) under a ?48,000-crore contract signed in February 2021, had faced setbacks due to GE’s supply chain challenges, compounded by a five-year production gap between 2016 and 2021. With this initial delivery now complete, GE’s accelerated schedule promises to stabilize the program.

SOURCE: AFI

In a landmark achievement for India’s defence and aerospace sector, Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) has successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Sheshnag-150, a long-range precision strike Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Named after the mythological serpent Sheshnag, this 150kg UAV represents a significant step forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence manufacturing and its strategic push to bolster unmanned combat capabilities. With its advanced features and swarm-based operational design, the Sheshnag-150 is poised to strengthen India’s border security and address emerging threats in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.