SOURCE: AFI

At Aero India 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcased its groundbreaking CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman, a cutting-edge unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to work in tandem with manned aircraft for deep strike missions. With notable advancements in both size and capabilities, the CATS Warrior represents a significant leap in India’s defense technology, providing a versatile solution for modern aerial combat and mission planning.

One of the most significant updates to the Warrior’s design is its increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW), which now exceeds 2 tons—substantially higher than the previous MTOW of around 1,300 kg. This increase in weight allows the Warrior to carry more substantial payloads, enhancing its operational capabilities and mission flexibility.

SOURCE: AFI

At the ongoing Aero India 2025, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A made a spectacular appearance, showcasing its advanced capabilities and potential for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The event saw four LCA Mk1A aircraft fly in a stunning ‘finger four’ formation, aptly named the Yodha Formation, drawing gasps of awe from the crowd. This captivating aerial display was a highlight of the program, as the second prototype of the LCA Mk1A took to the skies, leaving a lasting impression on all those present, including the esteemed Raksha Mantri.

The LCA Mk1A (Alpha) is a major leap forward in India’s defense aviation, representing an upgraded and more capable version of the aircraft. It incorporates a new suite of advanced sensors, a cutting-edge Mission & Digital Flight Control System, and a variety of enhanced weapons systems. These include the integration of the Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile, as well as precision-guided munitions, all contributing to the aircraft’s heightened combat effectiveness. Furthermore, the Mk1A is equipped with net-centric warfare capabilities, providing the Indian Air Force with an unmatched strategic edge in modern warfare.

SOURCE: AFI

At the prestigious Aero India 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) revealed that the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), a critical aircraft in the Indian Air Force’s training fleet, has undergone extensive modifications and has now been officially renamed ‘Yashas’. The new name was unveiled by Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Department of Defence Production), in the presence of Dr. D.K. Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director of HAL, and other senior officials.

The HJT-36, originally designed as an intermediate trainer aircraft, has undergone significant changes aimed at enhancing its departure characteristics and spin resistance across the entire flight envelope. These improvements were made after comprehensive testing, ensuring the aircraft’s enhanced safety, performance, and suitability as a training platform for future military pilots. The upgrades to the aircraft address vital aspects of its handling and stability, making it a modern, highly capable training tool for the evolving needs of military aviation.

SOURCE: AFI

In a recent development, China has raised concerns regarding the depiction of territorial boundaries in two Bangladeshi textbooks and a map of Asia displayed on the website of the Department of Survey. According to Beijing, the depiction of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin as part of India in the materials constitutes a “factual discrepancy,” with China asserting that both regions are historically part of Chinese territory.

Additionally, China has objected to the portrayal of Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate entities from China in the textbooks and the survey department’s website, insisting that both territories should be recognized as integral parts of China. These objections have prompted a diplomatic exchange between China and Bangladesh, with the latter seeking to address the issue in a more coordinated manner at a later stage.

SOURCE: AFI

At the pre-Aero India 2025 conference, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) officials revealed critical updates regarding the Tejas MkII program, offering a glimpse into the aircraft’s production timeline and developmental plans. According to the latest details, the Tejas MkII is on track to enter production by late 2028 or early 2029, with a projected order for 120 units to be completed by 2035 or early 2036.

Once the Tejas MkII is fully cleared for production, ADA officials anticipate a production rate of approximately 18 units per year. This rate will likely increase as the production process matures and the required infrastructure is set up. The planned production ramp-up will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to gradually phase in the aircraft into its fleet, reinforcing India’s military airpower and reducing its dependence on foreign aircraft.

SOURCE: AFI

At the Aero India 2025 event, US officials have clarified their stance on potential military sales to India, particularly concerning the Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal. According to a report by idrw.org, the United States is not currently planning to offer the F-35 Lightning II in the MRFA procurement, which also involves Transfer of Technology (ToT). Instead, the options on the table for India are the F-15EX Eagle II and the F-21, a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon tailored for the Indian market.

During discussions with idrw.org staff, it was elucidated that while the F-35 is not part of the initial offerings, there’s a pathway for India’s request to be considered under a Government-to-Government (G2G) deal. However, this would not guarantee the transaction. The US officials mentioned that if India formally requests the F-35, the matter would be taken up for further discussion, potentially leading to negotiations, but there is no assurance that such a deal would be finalized.

SOURCE: AFI

The skies above Bengaluru are set to host an unprecedented display at Aero India 2025, where the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II are both showcasing their capabilities. Amidst this backdrop, Sergey Bogdan, a Hero of Russia and a seasoned test pilot, has stirred the aviation community with his insights into a hypothetical dogfight between these two fifth-generation fighters.

Bogdan emphasized the Su-57’s superior maneuverability, particularly its ability to perform complex aerial maneuvers thanks to its advanced thrust vectoring technology. He noted that in close quarters, the Su-57’s agility could give it an edge over the F-35, which is designed more as a strike fighter with less emphasis on dogfighting.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant move to bolster its underwater capabilities, the Indian Navy has finalized a deal exceeding Rs 36,000 crore with Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) for the construction of three additional Scorpene-class submarines. The contract, which is poised to be signed by March 31, 2025, marks a new chapter in India’s naval strategy but raises questions due to the steep increase in costs compared to previous acquisitions.

Each of the new submarines is set to cost around Rs 12,000 crore, a figure that has sparked considerable debate. This is nearly three times the cost of the six Scorpene submarines acquired under the initial Project-75, where each submarine was priced at approximately Rs 3,500 crore, totaling Rs 21,000 crore for all six. The significant price hike has not been thoroughly explained by officials, leaving room for speculation and concern over budgetary implications.

SOURCE: AFI

At Aero India 2025, a significant display of India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology was witnessed as the indigenously developed RudraM-II Air-to-Surface missile was seen positioned near the Indian Navy’s MiG-29K. This visual confirmation indicates that RudraM-II, designed to neutralize a variety of enemy assets, is on track to be integrated with the naval fighter jet, expanding its tactical capabilities.

The RudraM-II is designed to be a game-changer in India’s air-to-surface missile capabilities, adding a significant edge to the Navy’s ability to target and neutralize enemy radar systems, missile defense installations, and other critical infrastructure from both low and high altitudes. It promises to enhance the Mig-29K’s strike capabilities, further strengthening India’s naval air power.