SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant milestone for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, four leading Indian technology companies—Infosys Limited, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Limited, L&T Technology Services (LTTS) Limited, and Cyient Limited—have successfully cleared the technical evaluation phase for the detailed design and engineering of the airframe for India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The AMCA, a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather multirole combat aircraft, is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence to serve the Indian Air Force . Designed to feature advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise, thrust vectoring, and an internal weapons bay, the AMCA aims to position India among the elite nations with fifth-generation fighter technology.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s 2-ton CATS Warrior loyal wingman, currently under development, is poised to revolutionize the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational strategy by integrating advanced weaponry and cutting-edge avionics.

Designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets like the HAL Tejas, the CATS Warrior is evolving into a versatile platform capable of carrying not only the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) but also the indigenous Astra Mk1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). With an enhanced payload capacity and sophisticated guidance options, this unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) promises to extend the IAF’s reach and lethality while keeping pilots out of harm’s way.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

As part of its strategic roadmap to bolster capabilities along its volatile borders with China and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has outlined its key acquisition priorities for the financial year 2025-26.

Among these is the procurement of three advanced Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) and Communication Jamming (COMJAM) aircraft, a move aimed at enhancing the IAF’s electronic warfare (EW) and intelligence-gathering prowess. Signals and Communications Aircraft (SCA), a long-endurance, multi-mission platform will be based on the pre-owned Airbus A321 airframe. This aircraft promises to deliver cutting-edge passive intelligence collection and signal jamming capabilities, reinforcing India’s aerial dominance in contested regions.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s defense procurement strategy, the Indian Army has recommended that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) abandon plans to procure Stryker Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from the United States, following disappointing trial results. Instead, the Army is throwing its weight behind an improved indigenous variant of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, known as the Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) Wheeled, developed collaboratively by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector partners.

The Stryker, an 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems, was initially considered for induction into the Indian Army through a government-to-government (G2G) deal with the United States. However, trials conducted in high-altitude terrains, such as those in Ladakh, revealed significant shortcomings. Powered by a Caterpillar C7 360 hp engine, the Stryker struggled with underperformance in mountainous regions, a critical operational requirement for India given its border disputes with Pakistan and China. Reports from February 2025 highlighted the vehicle’s inability to meet the Army’s expectations, with sources noting its logistical simplicity—designed for U.S. expeditionary warfare—did not translate well to India’s diverse and rugged combat environments.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a pivotal development for India’s aerospace ambitions, a senior official from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), speaking exclusively to idrw.org, has confirmed that India will seek 100% Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and Transfer of Technology (ToT) for the engine intended to power the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

This stringent requirement underscores India’s determination to achieve self-reliance in critical defense technologies, particularly in aero-engine development—a domain where the country has historically lagged. Meanwhile, DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat has revealed that GTRE is pursuing a 6th-generation jet engine co-development for the AMCA program, with Rolls-Royce emerging as the frontrunner by offering full IPR, a deal sweetener that competitors Safran and General Electric (GE) have struggled to match.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its aerial combat capabilities with the Astra MkII, a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational edge. With a projected range of 140–160 km, the Astra MkII incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including a dual-pulse rocket motor, upgraded guidance algorithms, and an indigenous radio frequency (RF) seeker. The missile is slated to achieve operational readiness by 2026, with the IAF already placing orders for limited series production (LSP) units, marking a significant step toward self-reliance in defense technology.

The Astra MkII builds on the success of its predecessor, the Astra MkI, which is already integrated with the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI and HAL Tejas aircraft. While the MkI has a range of up to 110 km, the MkII extends this to 140–160 km, depending on launch altitude, placing it in the same league as advanced global BVR missiles like the AIM-120D AMRAAM and PL-15E. This extended range is achieved through a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, which enhances endgame performance by providing additional thrust in the terminal phase, improving maneuverability and kill probability against agile targets.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a bold move to deepen its footprint in the Indian defence market, Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer has announced plans to establish a final assembly line for its C-390 Millennium tactical transport aircraft in India, contingent on winning the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender.

This ambitious proposal not only aims to meet India’s requirement for 60-80 jets but also positions India as a potential export, maintenance, and training hub for the Asia-Pacific region. If successful, the IAF would emerge as the largest operator of the C-390 Millennium worldwide, surpassing the combined orders from existing customers, including the Brazilian Air Force.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A recent post on X by @FighterPiloting has sparked excitement among aviation enthusiasts, showcasing what appears to be the airframe fuselage of the Tejas MkII, an advanced variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The image, taken in what looks like a manufacturing or assembly facility, provides a glimpse into the ongoing development of this next-generation fighter jet.

The image shows a partially assembled airframe, likely the fuselage section of the Tejas MkII, in a production environment. The structure is painted in a primer coat, a common practice during aircraft manufacturing to protect the frame before final assembly and painting. The fuselage appears to be in an early stage of assembly, with visible structural components and scaffolding around it, indicating that it is still under construction.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Japanese government has initiated discussions with India to join the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet under the Global Combat Aviation Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort led by Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy. According to a government source, Japan aims to reduce the substantial financial burden of the project by expanding the number of participating nations while strengthening security ties with India, a key South Asian power.

The GCAP, a trilateral initiative to design and build an advanced fighter jet to replace aging fleets, involves significant development costs estimated in the billions. By inviting India, Japan hopes to distribute these expenses and leverage India’s growing defense capabilities. Additionally, the move aligns with Japan’s broader strategy to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region, where India plays a pivotal role.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army, having already placed initial orders for the indigenously developed Pralay tactical ballistic missile, is now planning to procure additional units to strengthen its strategic capabilities. This decision comes in response to escalating regional tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan, prompting a heightened focus on enhancing the Army’s precision strike capabilities to neutralize critical enemy infrastructure, including command centers and key military installations.

The Pralay missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a quasi-ballistic missile with a range of 150-400 kilometers and a payload capacity of up to 800 kilograms. Its ability to follow a low-altitude, non-linear trajectory makes it difficult to intercept, offering a significant tactical advantage. The missile’s precision and rapid deployment capabilities make it ideal for targeting high-value assets such as enemy headquarters, communication hubs, and logistical nodes in a conflict scenario.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is poised to redefine aerial combat with the Astra MkIII, christened ‘Gandiva’ after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata. According to sources close to idrw.org, this next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is designed to achieve a staggering range exceeding 300 km, powered by a cutting-edge solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. With captive trials underway and full-scale production targeted for 2030, the Gandiva is set to elevate the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities to rival global benchmarks like the MBDA Meteor.

The Astra MkIII ‘Gandiva’ leverages a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, a technology that uses atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer, eliminating the need for onboard oxidizers and enabling a lighter, more efficient design. This throttleable ramjet allows the missile to sustain supersonic speeds of up to Mach 4.5 over extended ranges, reportedly reaching 300–350 km under optimal conditions, such as high-altitude launches from 20 km. The SFDR’s ability to modulate thrust mid-flight enhances the missile’s no-escape zone (NEZ), making it highly effective against maneuvering targets, including advanced fighters and high-value assets like AWACS.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

In a landmark achievement for India’s defense sector, Nagpur-based JSR Dynamics Private Limited has emerged victorious in the Indian Navy Open Challenge 8.0, securing a contract to develop a cutting-edge Long Range Powered Precision Guidance Munition (LRPGM). The company recently revealed the specifications and design of this advanced weapon system, marking a significant step toward enhancing the Indian Navy’s precision strike capabilities. This development underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technology amid heightened regional tensions, particularly following its withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in 2025.

JSR Dynamics, a private firm specializing in defense and aerospace solutions, won the Indian Navy’s Open Challenge 8.0, a competitive initiative aimed at fostering innovation in military technology. The LRPGM project aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The company’s success highlights the increasing role of private players in bolstering India’s military capabilities, especially as the nation navigates complex geopolitical challenges with neighbors like Pakistan and China.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has significantly strengthened its Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) inventory, positioning itself as a formidable aerial power in South Asia amid rising tensions with Pakistan and China. As of April 2025, the IAF’s stockpile includes 250 Meteor missiles acquired through the Rafale deal, a fresh order of 400 R-77 missiles, 400 indigenous Astra Mk1 BVRAAMs, over 500 R-77s from previous stocks, and an undisclosed number of MICA-IR and MICA-RF missiles procured for the Mirage-2000 and Rafale fleets. This robust arsenal, detailed in recent defense updates, underscores the IAF’s focus on maintaining air superiority as it prepares for potential conflicts along its contested borders.

The Meteor missile, integrated with the IAF’s 36 Rafale jets, is a game-changer. With a range exceeding 150 km (some estimates suggest up to 200 km), the Meteor’s ramjet propulsion and active radar seeker enable it to engage targets at extreme distances with a “no-escape zone” of over 60 km—three times that of the AIM-120 AMRAAM used by Pakistan’s F-16s. The 250 Meteors, delivered as part of the ?63,000 crore Rafale deal signed in 2016, give the IAF a decisive edge in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, particularly against China’s J-20, which relies on the PL-15 with a comparable 200 km range but lacks the Meteor’s sustained maneuverability.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

A new design of the CATS Hunter Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), part of India’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) program, has surfaced, revealing a significant departure from the prototype showcased by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Aero India 2021. The updated CATS Hunter, now powered by the indigenous PTAE-7 engine, boasts a range exceeding 350 km and a sleek, stealth-oriented configuration, as seen in images circulating .

The CATS Hunter ALCM, initially unveiled as part of the broader CATS ecosystem to complement manned fighters with unmanned systems, has evolved dramatically. The earlier design at Aero India 2021 featured a more conventional missile layout with prominent wings and a cylindrical body, resembling traditional cruise missiles like the Storm Shadow. The newly revealed design, however, adopts a streamlined, low-observable profile with a flattened, angular body, likely aimed at reducing its radar cross-section (RCS). The missile appears to have blended winglets and a more integrated exhaust, suggesting a focus on stealth and aerodynamic efficiency—key for penetrating contested airspace along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.

SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its air combat capabilities with the induction of the Astra MkII Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), which has quietly entered Limited Series Production (LSP). This advanced missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology and strengthens its strategic posture in the region.

The Astra MkII, designed to outperform the Chinese PL-15E missile showcased by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on its J-10CE and JF-17 fighters, boasts a superior range and advanced technological features. Extensive testing of the missile, including captive flight trials on the IAF’s Su-30 MKI platform, has paved the way for its LSP approval earlier this year. Reports from idrw.org indicate that the Astra MkII has been tested in unguided mode and equipped with a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, enhancing its precision and effectiveness against modern aerial threats.