SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on an ambitious project to revive its collection of vintage aircraft, aiming to bring back to life some of the historic planes that have graced its skies. Currently, the IAF’s vintage fleet includes the de Havilland Tiger Moth and the Harvard trainer, both of which have rich histories within the force. Now, there’s a buzz about potentially adding another legendary aircraft to this collection – the Hawker Hunter.

Dakota DC-3, Hurricane, and Spitfire aircraft, which have been part of IAF’s history, are slated for restoration. The Dakota DC-3, known for its versatility in transport and numerous military roles, the Hurricane, a formidable fighter from WWII, and the Spitfire, renowned for its speed and agility, are set to be brought back for flying displays, showcasing India’s aviation heritage.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The eagerly anticipated first trial of the Pinaka naval variant is slated to occur later this year, marking a significant milestone in naval defense technology. Developed as an advanced iteration of the renowned Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, this naval version is tailored specifically for underwater operations and submarine countermeasures.

Unlike its land-based predecessor, the Pinaka naval variant is engineered to tackle maritime threats, boasting an impressive range of 75 kilometers. This capability positions it as a formidable asset for naval forces, enhancing their ability to neutralize submarine-based threats from a safe distance. The system’s design reflects a strategic shift toward versatile, long-range underwater defense solutions, addressing the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a landmark development for Indo-US defense cooperation, India and the United States have signed a new pact to jointly produce advanced autonomous weapon systems, announced during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025. This initiative, named the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), aims to forge robust industry partnerships between the two nations, focusing on the co-production of cutting-edge drone technologies. The systems developed under this alliance will not only bolster the defense capabilities of India and the US but also hold the potential for export to friendly nations, enhancing security in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.

The ASIA initiative builds on the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation, reflecting the growing importance of autonomous systems in modern warfare and maritime security. The pact, formalized during the Modi-Trump summit, underscores a shared commitment to counter regional challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions with China have heightened the need for advanced surveillance and defense technologies.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s decision to prioritize the development of nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) over acquiring additional aircraft carriers represents a significant shift in naval strategy, according to Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). This response follows reports that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has halted plans for procuring a third aircraft carrier in favor of accelerating the indigenous SSN program.

Dr. Buchanan stated, “India’s decision to throw everything at the SSN program signals a major doctrinal shift.” The move reflects a reassessment of India’s strategic priorities, emphasizing undersea warfare capabilities as a means to counter emerging regional threats and enhance naval deterrence.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense technology, Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL), a Hyderabad-based leader in RF and microwave systems, has showcased its indigenously developed S-Band Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU) Radiating Plate Assembly (RPA).

This cutting-edge system, realized in collaboration with the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a milestone in India’s radar technology development. The AAAU was demonstrated at AMPL’s state-of-the-art Radar Research and Development (R&D) facility in Bengaluru, where it underwent rigorous testing and validation, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in advanced defense electronics.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian defense sector has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of captive trials for the RudraM-III missile system, integrated with the Su-30 MKI fighter jet. According to recent updates, the trials have been concluded, and the data gathered is now being analyzed to pave the way for inflight testing scheduled later this year. This development marks a crucial step forward in enhancing India’s indigenous missile capabilities.

During the captive trials, two RudraM-III missiles were mounted on the Su-30 MKI, a mainstay of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet. In addition to the captive trials, release trials using dummy missiles were also conducted to assess the missile’s integration and performance under simulated conditions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

At a recent defense demonstration, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army unveiled an impressive upgrade to its Smerch Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS), with the addition of a Cope Cage for the first time. This enhancement is a significant development in the Army’s ongoing efforts to bolster the survivability and security of its heavy artillery against modern threats, including small kamikaze drones and FPV (First-Person View) drones.

While Cope Cage technology had previously been seen on the Indian Army’s T-90 and T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), this marks the first time the system has been integrated into rocket artillery systems like the Smerch MLRS. The move underscores the Army’s recognition of the evolving threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become a major concern on modern battlefields.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The 2025 edition of Aero India, held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru from February 10-14, has once again proven to be a pivotal platform for showcasing India’s advancements in aerospace and defense technology. Among the standout exhibits this year, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) unveiled its rebranded Intermediate Jet Trainer-36 (IJT-36) Yashas, a significantly upgraded version of its long-troubled Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36).

The aircraft, previously known as “Sitara,” has undergone extensive modifications to address its technical challenges, and HAL is now confident that the Yashas will soon enter production. Furthermore, HAL is positioning a weaponized variant of the Yashas for the export market, targeting countries seeking a low-cost combat trainer for operations in less contested airspace.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Bengaluru-based defense technology firm Tonbo Imaging has achieved a significant milestone with its WaveStrike high-power microwave (HPM) directed energy weapon (DEW) system, unveiled at the Aero India 2025 show in Bangalore. The innovative system, designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other electronic targets, has secured contracts from militaries outside the Asia-Pacific region, marking a notable success for India’s growing defense industry on the global stage.

The WaveStrike HPM DEW was a standout feature at Aero India 2025, held at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore from February 10-14, 2025. This third-generation system, developed indigenously by Tonbo Imaging, integrates advanced HPM technology with search and track radars and an electro-optical (EO) system for precise targeting. Mounted on a trailer connected to a Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) 4×4, the WaveStrike is designed for mobility and rapid deployment across diverse operational terrains.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant update for India’s defence sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman DK Sunil recently announced that the Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) will be test-fired from the advanced Tejas Mk1A fighter jet within the next 15 days. This development, shared on February 18, 2025, marks a critical step toward enhancing the combat capabilities of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and meeting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) stringent requirements.

According to DK Sunil, the upcoming test firing is one of the final hurdles before the Tejas Mk1A can be fully certified and deployed operationally. Posts on X and defence news outlets have echoed this sentiment, with users and analysts noting that the test will provide crucial data on the missile’s performance when guided by the ELTA ELM-2052 AESA radar, a marked improvement over the older ELM-2032 radar used in earlier Tejas variants. The revalidation process is vital to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance, especially as the IAF plans to deploy the aircraft at forward airbases closer to potential conflict zones.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

At the Aero India 2025 exhibition, held from February 10-14 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore, Russia’s state-owned defense export agency, Rosoboronexport, showcased the advanced capabilities of the Pantsir-S1M, the latest variant of its renowned Pantsir family of air-defense systems. The event provided a platform for Rosoboronexport to reveal intricate details about the sensors integrated into the Pantsir-S1M, drawing significant attention from military experts, defense officials, and industry stakeholders. Amidst this unveiling, speculation is rife that Russia is actively pitching this cutting-edge system to India, bolstered by a recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

The Pantsir-S1M is an advanced evolution of the Pantsir-S1, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and missile (SPAAGM) system developed by Russia’s Konstruktorskoe Byuro Priborostroeniya (KBP) Instrument Design Bureau. Designed to counter a wide range of modern aerial threats—including drones, stealth aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and high-speed missiles—the Pantsir-S1M represents a significant upgrade in terms of technology, range, and tactical flexibility. It combines short- to medium-range surface-to-air missiles with dual 30mm autocannons, offering a multi-layered defense capability that is highly mobile and adaptable to various operational environments.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

At Aero India 2025, held between February 10 and 14, a full-scale model of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) was prominently displayed, drawing significant attention from the defense community. However, alongside the showcase, a project official from the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) revealed to Janes that the AMCA is set to undergo another critical design review (CDR) due to insights gained from enhanced stress and load testing.

The official explained that initial stress/load tests on the AMCA were conducted at 90% of the projected load, adhering to the agency’s established methodology. However, after further analysis, ADA management has decided to revise the design standards to ensure the airframe and overall structure can support 100% of the required loads. This decision underscores the commitment to safety, performance, and reliability of the aircraft, which is intended to be a cornerstone of India’s future air combat capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Martin-Baker, the world’s leading manufacturer of ejection seats, is strengthening its partnership with India’s aerospace sector by offering its advanced Mk18 ejection seat for the production versions of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Twin-Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF). This development, announced in the context of Martin-Baker’s growing presence in India, reflects the company’s commitment to supporting India’s indigenous fighter programs. The company is collaborating with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the nodal agency under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) responsible for these aircraft, to customize the Mk18 seat to meet the specific requirements of the AMCA and TEDBF.

The Mk18 seat, tailored specifically for these advanced platforms, will be a bespoke solution, potentially receiving a new designation to reflect its unique integration with Indian aircraft designs. This collaboration is poised to enhance pilot safety and survivability in India’s next-generation fighters, aligning with the country’s ambitious goals under the “Make in India” initiative.