SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

As U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for India to buy more American weapons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) found itself under increasing pressure to procure U.S. fighter jets. The expectation was that such a purchase would facilitate concessions from the Trump administration in broader trade negotiations. However, the options available to India—Lockheed Martin’s F-21 and Boeing’s F-15EX—pose significant strategic and operational concerns for the IAF.

The F-21 and F-15EX, though modernized, originate from designs developed nearly five decades ago. While both aircraft have undergone substantial upgrades to remain relevant in modern warfare, they do not match the stealth and technological superiority of China’s J-35A or J-20 fifth-generation fighters. Given that Pakistan may eventually field Chinese stealth fighters, India is wary of procuring jets that do not provide a technological edge over its adversaries.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Manoj Jain, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has shed light on the anticipated defense collaboration with Russia involving a long-range early warning radar system. Speaking recently, Jain confirmed that the deal is structured at the government-to-government (G2G) level, emphasizing that while the broad framework is in place, the specific role of BEL in the project is yet to be crystallized and will be determined by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The deal, which has been making headlines, is speculated to be worth around $4 billion. A significant aspect of this agreement includes a commitment to local manufacturing, with at least 60% of the radar system expected to be produced in India. This aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, aiming to bolster domestic defense capabilities while fostering technology transfers and reducing reliance on foreign systems.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

A significant report by the French think tank, the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), titled “The Future of Air Superiority: Mastering the Skies in High Intensity,” has cast a spotlight on the limitations of the French model, particularly the Rafale fighter jet, in contemporary high-intensity warfare scenarios. Authored by two experts from the French Air and Space Forces, the 114-page document was highlighted by the French media outlet L’Opinion.

The report suggests that the “French model is reaching its limits” when it comes to functioning effectively within a coalition in high-intensity conflicts. French pilots flying Rafale jets have encountered significant difficulties when pitted against fifth-generation fighters like the American F-35 in exercises. The report points out that “the combat mission against stealth fighters is impossible to win with the current state of the sensors.”

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a strategic move that could significantly enhance India’s air force capabilities, French aerospace company Safran has expressed its readiness to develop a high-thrust 110kN engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. More intriguingly, Safran has proposed that this new engine could also be retrofitted into India’s existing and future Rafale fleets, promising substantial performance upgrades.

Safran’s proposal comes with the assurance that the dimensions of the new 110kN engine will be similar to the current M-88 engines that power the Rafale jets. This compatibility means that the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy would not require major modifications to the airframe or the engine bay of the Rafale to accommodate the new powerplant. This aspect is particularly appealing as it bypasses the need for extensive redesign or structural changes, thereby keeping costs down and maintenance straightforward.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a notable development for this year’s Aero India air show, the United States Air Force has officially confirmed through its website that flight demonstrations of the F-35A Lightning II will not take place at Aero India 2025, corroborating an earlier report by idrw.org. However, in a twist of events, ‘The Hindu’ has clarified that while the F-35 fighters will indeed participate in the event, they will be featured solely in a static display, with no aerial maneuvers planned.

Reports from ‘The Hindu’ indicate that two F-35s will be present at the air show, but they will remain grounded, offering visitors an opportunity to observe the aircraft up close rather than in flight. This decision aligns with the information previously shared by idrw.org, which suggested that no flight demonstrations were scheduled for the F-35A at this year’s event.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Amidst the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s administration’s keen interest in expanding U.S. arms sales to India, there’s speculation that the long-delayed deal for local production of the Stryker Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) could finally move forward. This potential agreement comes into the spotlight despite the fact that India’s indigenously developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shown superior capabilities in technical comparisons.

The Stryker APC, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, has been on India’s radar for enhancing its mechanized infantry capabilities, especially along its contentious borders with China and Pakistan. U.S. officials have been keen to promote this deal as part of the broader strategic partnership between the two nations, which includes defence cooperation, technology sharing, and countering regional security threats. The proposal includes not just the procurement of the Strykers but also setting up manufacturing in India, which aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, although with significant American oversight and technology transfer.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally requested the Indian Navy to transfer one of its aging Kilo-class submarines. This move aims to utilize the vessel as a testbed for new technologies under the ambitious Project-76, which plans to introduce a next-generation class of submarines.

Project-76 is envisioned as a leap forward in India’s indigenous submarine manufacturing, focusing on creating advanced, air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped diesel-electric attack submarines. The project represents India’s commitment to reducing dependence on foreign technology while bolstering its maritime defense infrastructure.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Recent media reports suggesting that India is actively opposing Bangladesh’s prospective acquisition of JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jets have been contradicted by statements from the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to an IAF official speaking to idrw.org, the Indian government harbors no objections to this deal, refuting earlier narratives that portrayed India as vehemently against the procurement due to the aircraft’s origin from Pakistan and China, nations considered as adversaries by New Delhi.

Bangladesh has expressed interest in upgrading its air force capabilities, which currently rely on an aging fleet of F-7 and MiG-29 fighters. The JF-17, developed jointly by Pakistan and China, offers a modern alternative with its multi-role capabilities, which include air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The interest was visibly demonstrated during a January visit by a high-ranking Bangladeshi military delegation, led by Lt. Gen. SM Qamarul Hassan, to Pakistan, where they showed keen interest in the JF-17 among other advanced defense systems.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that the development of the Sukhoi Su-75 “Checkmate” is approaching its final stages, setting the stage for its introduction into the international arms market. This revelation comes from Sergei Korotkov, a senior official at UAC, who emphasized the aircraft’s status as a fifth-generation, single-engine stealth fighter jet, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.

The Su-75 “Checkmate” is designed to be a cost-effective yet advanced combat aircraft, aiming to compete with other fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 Lightning II from the U.S. and China’s Shenyang FC-31.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride for India’s defense innovation and export capabilities, Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a winner of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, has successfully exported the first unit of its groundbreaking Vajra Super Shot to the Kenyan Ministry of Defence. This achievement, facilitated by the Department of Defence Production (DefProdnIndia), underscores the growing impact of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in global defense innovation.

The Vajra Super Shot is a cutting-edge counter-drone system designed to address emerging threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Official United States Air Force Website has announced the cancellation of the much-anticipated F-35 and F-16 demonstrations scheduled for the Aero India 2025 to be held in Bengaluru from February 10th to 14th, 2025.

This decision marks a notable change to the lineup of the event, which is one of the largest aerospace exhibitions in Asia, showcasing the latest in military and civilian aviation technology. The cancellation comes as a surprise, given the historical presence of U.S. Air Force (USAF) aircraft at such international platforms to demonstrate their capabilities and foster military cooperation.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The first image of the Kiran UAV, repurposed under the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Optionally Manned Combat Aircraft (OMCA) program, has captured the attention of defense enthusiasts and professionals alike, going viral on X. This striking image showcases the aircraft in a unique two-tone blue scheme, hinting at its transformation from a venerable trainer to a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle.

The aircraft in question, initially manufactured in 1985 by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is now nearly 40 years old. Originally designed as the HAL HJT-16 Kiran Mk.2 trainer, this jet has been reimagined for modern warfare.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The ambitious Project 75I (P-75I) of the Indian Navy, aimed at procuring six advanced diesel-electric submarines, has seen a dramatic escalation in costs. Initially projected in 2022 to be around ?40,000 crore ($4.89 billion), recent reports now estimate the total expenditure for the project to have soared to an astonishing ?70,000 crore ($8.55 billion).

This significant increase in the budget for the P-75I program, which seeks to enhance India’s underwater capabilities with submarines featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, has raised eyebrows and sparked debates on the fiscal management of defense projects. The project, which has been long in the making, is crucial for the Indian Navy to replenish its aging submarine fleet and to counterbalance regional naval challenges.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Adani Defence has recently provided a sneak peek into the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) latest innovation, the ULM-ER (UAV Launched Missile – Extended Range), an advanced variant of the existing UAV Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM). This new missile system is designed to significantly extend the operational reach of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in combat scenarios.

The ULM-ER is anticipated to boast an impressive range of over 10 kilometers, a substantial upgrade from its predecessor’s capabilities. This extended range allows for greater standoff distances, thereby enhancing the safety of the launching UAV and providing a strategic advantage in target engagement.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The skies over Bengaluru have witnessed the second flight of the Tejas Mk1A, with keen observers spotting the fighter jet bearing the number ’34’ on its landing gear doors, strongly suggesting this is LA-5034, the second aircraft in the Mk1A series. This milestone marks another step forward in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) modernization efforts, showcasing the prowess of India’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing capabilities.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, has been pushing forward with production, and there’s an anticipation that the first two Tejas Mk1A jets will be handed over to the IAF by March 2025. This development follows closely on the heels of the first Tejas Mk1A’s successful maiden flight, with HAL confirming their commitment to meet the delivery schedules set by the IAF.