SOURCE: AFI

Hyderabad-based AZAD Engineering Limited has entered a Long Term Contract & Price Agreement (LTCPA) with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Japan, for the supply of sophisticated and precisely engineered rotating and stationary airfoils for use in advanced gas and thermal power turbine engines. Valued at $82.89 million (approximately INR 700 crore), this contract underscores AZAD Engineering’s capabilities in delivering high-precision components critical for the global power generation market.

This contract marks a significant advancement in the longstanding partnership between AZAD Engineering and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, one of the world’s most respected names in power generation and heavy engineering. Over the years, AZAD has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality, complex components that meet the stringent demands of international standards. The current phase of this contract further solidifies AZAD Engineering’s standing as a strategic supplier to MHI, reinforcing its position within the global supply chain of advanced gas and thermal turbine components.

SOURCE: AFI

Traders along the Indo-Nepal border in Uttarakhand have expressed strong disapproval of Nepal’s recent decision to introduce a new Rs 100 currency note that depicts the disputed regions of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepalese territory.

This move has reignited tensions between the two neighboring countries, particularly in border areas like Dharchula, Pithoragarh, where strong cultural and economic ties exist. The region, known for its “roti-beti” relationship, has seen centuries-old traditions of intermarriage and cross-border trade.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Ministry of Defence is nearing completion of financial arrangements for an extensive upgrade to the first batch of 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets, according to an official familiar with the project. Once approved, the comprehensive upgrade will see India’s formidable Su-30MKI fleet undergo significant enhancements, aligning it with the latest technological and combat-readiness standards to ensure its relevance for future combat scenarios.

The Su-30MKI, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with Russia’s Sukhoi, is a mainstay in the Indian Air Force (IAF). With nearly 260 units in operation, the Su-30MKI fleet serves as the backbone of India’s air defense and strike capabilities. However, the aircraft, inducted in the early 2000s, now requires modernization to keep pace with advancements in avionics, electronic warfare, radar systems, and weaponry.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender has attracted global aerospace leaders, each offering their state-of-the-art aircraft to meet the Indian Air Force’s needs for a high-performance, versatile fleet. An essential factor in selecting the best fit for the MRFA program is production rate, as India aims to maintain a steady and reliable acquisition timeline.

Production rate not only affects the timely delivery of aircraft but also highlights the manufacturing capacity and export viability of each contender. This article compares the production capabilities of top MRFA candidates to determine which aircraft has the best track record in terms of production rate.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move underscoring the government’s focus on indigenous defense production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur today. This facility, part of Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), is a cornerstone of India’s artillery manufacturing capabilities. Known for producing critical components like barrels and breach assemblies for major artillery systems, including the T-90 tank and Dhanush gun, the factory plays a vital role in strengthening India’s defense self-reliance.

Rajnath Singh’s tour included reviews of crucial units like the Heat Treatment facility and the New Assembly Shop, where various manufacturing stages for artillery and tank components take place. Both these facilities are pivotal in the production process, ensuring that artillery systems meet rigorous quality standards for performance, safety, and durability.

SOURCE: AFI

As part of ongoing Indo-French strategic ties, a high-level delegation from the Indian Navy visited EURONAVAL 2024 in Paris, one of the world’s premier exhibitions focused on naval defense and maritime security. This year’s edition of EURONAVAL highlighted advanced maritime technologies and defense solutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among global defense players.

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, led the Indian delegation, engaging with top-tier global defense manufacturers and discussing strategic projects that align with India’s defense modernization goals. The visit underscored India’s focus on strengthening its naval capabilities through international partnerships, especially with France, a long-standing ally in defense cooperation.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, while initially aimed at addressing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) need for an indigenous fighter jet, has also presented an opportunity to showcase Indian aerospace capabilities on the global market.

However, India’s first attempt to export the Tejas Mk1A faced significant challenges, from limited marketing to tough international competition, which has underscored the need for a more strategic approach with the upcoming Tejas MkII. Learning from the Mk1A’s marketing shortfalls, India can take several key steps to create a competitive export strategy for the Tejas MkII, positioning it as a viable, cost-effective option for countries seeking modern fighters without the high price tags of Western alternatives.

SOURCE: AFI

For the first time, a clear photograph has emerged of the elusive side weapon bay on Russia’s Su-57, offering a detailed glimpse into one of the most mysterious aspects of the country’s fifth-generation fighter jet. Known for its emphasis on agility, advanced avionics, and stealth capabilities, the Su-57 represents Russia’s response to similar platforms like the F-22 and F-35, with unique engineering solutions tailored to meet both air superiority and multirole requirements.

The newly revealed image sheds light on the Su-57’s side weapon bay, a component that has been the subject of speculation since the aircraft’s early development. Here’s a breakdown of what this weapon bay means for the Su-57’s capabilities and how it reflects broader Russian design philosophy.

SOURCE: AFI

A growing number of Indian defense enthusiasts and veterans are advocating for the revival of the HAL HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenous fighter-bomber, as part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Heritage Flight. The Marut, which first flew in 1961, holds a unique place in Indian aviation history as the nation’s first indigenously designed and manufactured combat aircraft. The push for its restoration reflects a wider movement to preserve India’s rich aerospace legacy, with many seeing the Marut as a symbol of India’s pioneering spirit in aircraft development and its early aspirations for aerospace self-reliance.

Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the guidance of famed German aircraft designer Dr. Kurt Tank, the HF-24 Marut was a remarkable achievement for India’s nascent aerospace industry. As the first combat jet to be designed and built entirely within India, it marked a milestone in the nation’s defense capability during a period when indigenous aerospace technology was still in its infancy.

SOURCE: AFI

The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has entered into an agreement with Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. (NASA) for the supply of heavy water for pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) over the next four years. This virtual signing ceremony was attended by key officials from both sides, including S. Satyakumar, Chairman and Chief Executive of Heavy Water Board (HWB), Alberto Lamagna, President of NASA, and Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia from the Indian Embassy in Argentina.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s commitment to international cooperation in advanced technology areas, particularly in the nuclear energy sector. It aligns with the celebration of DAE’s Platinum Jubilee year, highlighting India’s role as a global leader in nuclear technology.

SOURCE: AFI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently provided insights into the delays surrounding the handover of the first Tejas Mk1A fighter jet to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Although the jet achieved its maiden flight in March 2025, HAL has yet to deliver it, citing complex integration and testing requirements for the ELTA ELM-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems. In addition, last-minute software configuration changes requested by the IAF have contributed to the delay, as rigorous testing is required to ensure the aircraft meets the IAF’s updated operational standards.

The ELM-2052 AESA radar is a pivotal upgrade for the Tejas Mk1A, offering enhanced target tracking, superior situational awareness, and better overall performance compared to the previous radar system. Integration of this advanced radar, however, has proven to be a meticulous and time-intensive process, particularly because it involves collaboration with a specialized team from Israel’s ELTA Systems, who are overseeing its implementation on the Tejas Mk1A.

SOURCE: AFI

China has officially introduced the J-35A, its latest fifth-generation fighter, at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024. This marks China’s second fifth-generation stealth platform after the Chengdu J-20, underscoring the nation’s accelerated advancements in next-generation fighter technology. The J-35A is the land-based, air force-oriented variant of the J-35, initially developed for the Chinese Navy. Designed to enhance China’s air combat capabilities, the J-35A boasts significant design upgrades aimed at making it an agile, highly survivable fighter, comparable to other fifth-generation jets worldwide.

The J-35’s origins trace back to its naval variant, which has been operationally flying for the past few years. Initially, this stealth platform was tailored for carrier operations with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). However, the latest unveiling shows how the aircraft has evolved to suit the needs of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in a land-based configuration. Notable design enhancements reflect both operational adaptability and technological improvements that position the J-35A as a versatile addition to the PLAAF’s arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

Pakistan’s missile program has long been viewed with suspicion by defense analysts, who have pointed out its heavy reliance on imported technology, particularly from China. Many of Pakistan’s missiles — ranging from man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) like the Anza series to its medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) — show signs of being repurposed or rebranded versions of Chinese missiles.

This arrangement allows Pakistan to bolster its missile capabilities without extensive domestic research and development, creating a perception of indigenous advancements while relying on Chinese technology.

SOURCE: AFI

The unveiling of China’s J-35A at Zhuhai 2024 has reignited a fiery debate among defense enthusiasts and nationalists on both sides, as comparisons with the U.S. F-35A have led to a spirited war of words. While both jets are fifth-generation fighters, each designed for stealth, agility, and multirole capability, their side-by-side comparison has sparked controversy, humor, and debate across social media.

Many Chinese netizens have praised the sleek design of the J-35A, with some saying it even surpasses the aesthetics of the F-35A. “I didn’t think the F-35 was so ugly before, but now it’s really ugly. The J-35 is currently the best-looking stealth fighter in the world,” commented a Chinese user, echoing the sentiment that the J-35A’s design surpasses the American F-35A in appearance. Others compared it to a “stealthier Mig-29,” nodding to its aesthetic similarity to Russia’s twin-engine jet, while maintaining that the aircraft has distinct Chinese engineering.

SOURCE: AFI

A recent attack by a violent Khalistani mob on Hindu devotees at a temple in Brampton, Canada, has ignited controversy due to the involvement of an off-duty Canadian police officer. Sgt. Harinder Sohi, an officer with Peel Regional Police, has been suspended following allegations of his presence during the mob assault. This incident has sparked a heated debate, with some calling it a “state-sponsored” attack on the Hindu community, given the involvement of a serving police officer in the violent mob.

The attack took place at a Hindu temple in Brampton, a city that has witnessed escalating tensions due to a rise in Khalistani activism. Witnesses describe a mob of Khalistani supporters storming the temple premises, threatening worshippers, vandalizing property, and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Videos and reports from the scene depict a chaotic situation, with temple devotees, including families with children, attempting to escape the violence.