SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has announced a major milestone in the development of its next-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Archer-NG, as the platform has successfully completed both Low-Speed Taxi Trials (LSTT) and High-Speed Taxi Trials (HSTT). With these critical pre-flight tests concluded, ADE confirmed that preparations for the maiden flight are now underway, with the first flight tentatively scheduled for the first week of August 2025, pending clearance from CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification).
The Archer-NG UAV represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous UAV capabilities. Designed for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack roles, Archer-NG is powered by a 177hp indigenous turbocharged engine and has an All-Up Weight (AUW) of 1,800kg. It is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet and offers an impressive endurance of 29 hours, making it suitable for persistent ISR missions across land and maritime domains.
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In a significant step toward enhancing India’s aerial surveillance and combat management capabilities, the Government of India has cleared the long-awaited AWACS India project, which aims to develop and field next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&C) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The ambitious program, with an estimated cost of ?20,000 crore, will propel India into a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design, develop, and integrate airborne early warning systems.
Under this strategic project, the IAF will receive six advanced AEW&C aircraft, based on modified Air India A-320 family airframes. These aircraft—previously handed over to the DRDO—will undergo major structural modifications, including the integration of a large dorsal radar dome mounted on top of the fuselage, enabling 360-degree radar coverage.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant leap forward for India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities, the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has confirmed that the Ghatak Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) is on track to be rolled out by 2026. This timeline closely aligns with the anticipated rollout of the Tejas MkII, marking 2026 as a milestone year for the Indian Air Force (IAF) as it prepares to induct two of its most advanced homegrown aerial platforms.
Together, the Ghatak stealth UCAV and the Tejas MkII 4.5-generation fighter represent a transformative shift in IAF’s operational doctrine—from manned-only platforms to a hybrid force structure of manned and unmanned assets, capable of precision strikes, autonomous missions, and high-end combat versatility.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
DG Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL), a Delhi-based aerospace startup, has marked a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in propulsion technology. Prateek Dhawan, co-founder and director of DG Propulsion, announced the successful completion of a dual engine test run, a critical step toward integrating their indigenous jet engines into a drone flying testbed. The announcement, shared via social media platform X on July 16, 2025, underscores the company’s rapid progress in developing advanced aerospace technologies.
The dual engine test run involved two Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADECs) operating under a single command, demonstrating the reliability and synchronization of DG Propulsion’s DG J40 micro-turbojet engine. The DG J40, with a thrust capacity of 40 kgf, is designed to power unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other defense applications. The successful test, which included variable throttle adjustments and sustained performance, highlights the engine’s potential for real-world applications, particularly in powering a drone testbed. Dhawan hinted at the broader implications of this achievement, stating, “You probably already know where we are going with this!” with a promise of a video showcasing the test to be released soon.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
India’s quest for air superiority and strategic dominance in a complex geopolitical environment necessitates a forward-looking approach to its air force capabilities. The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces multifaceted challenges, particularly from adversaries like China, whose military modernization and territorial ambitions pose significant threats. To counter these challenges, India’s 6th generation combat platform should be conceptualized as a long-range strike bomber, designed to operate from secure airbases in southern India, deliver precision-guided munitions across northern borders, and return safely. This approach accounts for the potential vulnerability of northern airbases to enemy attacks in a high-intensity conflict, ensuring operational resilience and strategic reach.
India’s northern borders, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, are among the most contested and militarized regions in the world. In a potential conflict, China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and its advanced missile systems, such as the DF-21D and DF-26, could target IAF airbases in northern India, rendering them temporarily unusable. The loss of forward airbases would severely hamper the IAF’s ability to project power and respond effectively to threats. A 6th generation strike bomber, designed for ultra-long-range operations, would mitigate this vulnerability by enabling the IAF to operate from secure bases in southern India, far from the reach of enemy missile systems, while still delivering decisive strikes across the theater of operations.
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The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), achieved a significant milestone in bolstering India’s air defence capabilities with the successful high-altitude trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system. Conducted at an altitude exceeding 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector on July 16, 2025, the trials saw the Akash Prime score two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets in a rarified atmosphere, demonstrating its precision and operational readiness under extreme conditions. This achievement underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology and highlights the strategic importance of testing such systems at high altitudes.
The Akash Prime, an advanced variant of the original Akash missile system, was tested by the Army Air Defence Corps in the presence of senior DRDO officials. The surface-to-air missiles successfully engaged and neutralized two high-speed aerial targets, showcasing the system’s enhanced guidance and accuracy, thanks to its indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker. Designed to operate in extreme weather and terrain, the Akash Prime is equipped to counter a range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones, at altitudes up to 4,500 meters and ranges of 25-30 km. The system’s proven performance during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where it thwarted attacks by Pakistan’s Chinese-origin aircraft and Turkish drones, further validates its combat readiness.
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In a landmark collaboration, Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, has partnered with a leading U.S.-based helicopter manufacturer to develop a state-of-the-art Lidar-based Rotor Proximity Warning System (R-PWS). This innovative solution is designed to enhance helicopter safety by detecting potential obstructions during critical operations, such as landings, takeoffs, and hovering, particularly in high-risk scenarios like disaster response, medical emergencies, and evacuations. By leveraging advanced Lidar technology and Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processing, the R-PWS delivers unparalleled precision and situational awareness, marking a significant advancement in helicopter collision avoidance and aviation safety.
Helicopter operations, especially in challenging environments, are fraught with risks posed by rotor downwash, nearby obstacles, and adverse weather conditions. The R-PWS addresses these challenges by providing pilots with real-time auditory and optional visual alerts about potential obstructions to both the main and tail rotors. With 360-degree azimuth coverage and a detection range of up to 300 feet, the system is effective during critical phases of flight, including taxiing, departure, hover, and landing.
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The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to boost its revenues through focussed efforts on the export of accessories related to aircraft and other platforms, a senior official has said. In an interaction with mediapersons at the HAL’s accessories division here on Wednesday, the official also said the platforms and components made by the state-run firm now reach “nearly 30 countries”.
He emphasised that the HAL is already working with the government to deepen domestic capability across aircraft systems, while endeavouring to widen its export footprint.
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Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful space odyssey has provided expertise for India’s future voyages and the next Indian astronaut will travel in an indigenously built spacecraft, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said In an exclusive video interview to PTI, Mr Singh said Shukla’s three-week stay at the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission has given India valuable insights and experience in handling space missions as it prepares for its own Gaganyaan project.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch its human spaceflight mission – Gaganyaan – that will take two astronauts to a low earth orbit sometime in 2027.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said a strong message has gone out to the world that no one should mess with India’s citizens, its borders or its defence forces, and those who do so will have to face consequences.
Referring to Operation Sindoor carried out to destroy terrorist camps in Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done the biggest job of securing the country. During Congress rule, the country had to face terror attacks almost every day.
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Pakistan’s advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets are set to participate in a UK military airshow, the Air Force announced in a statement here on Thursday. “PAF’s participation in RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo), one of the world’s largest military airshows, underscores Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to showcasing its professional excellence,” the statement said, adding that the aircraft have already landed at the Royal Air Force Base Fairford.
“JF-17 Block-III is an EASA Radar and Long Range BVR equipped 4.5 generation multi-role fighter aircraft which is capable of undertaking a wide variety of combat missions, bolstering airpower application in the face of contemporary challenges, thereby strengthening national security,” the statement added.
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India should resist the US pressure to stop purchasing oil from Russia and continue buying the commodity from Moscow as it has helped India manage inflation and maintain economic stability in a volatile global environment, economic think tank GTRI said on Thursday.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100 per cent tariffs on Russian oil buyers.
“India must reject this pressure and stay firm on its Russia strategy. Buying discounted Russian oil has helped India manage inflation and maintain economic stability in a volatile global environment,” the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) Founder Ajay Srivastava said.
SOURCE: PTI

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut who along with three others returned recently from a successful space mission, is in Houston in the US, as he readjusts to life on Earth, his father said on Thursday.
Mr Shukla, or “Shux”, his call sign among colleagues and nickname for friends, splashed down on Earth on Tuesday after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He is the first Indian on the ISS and the second after legendary Rakesh Sharma to venture into space.
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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) on Thursday asked the government to reassess possible technical misinterpretation or mechanical faults in Air India’s Boeing 787-8 plane that crashed last month and sought inclusion of subject matter experts in the probe.
Flagging concerns about Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report into the crash that killed 260 people on June 12, the federation said the report failed to sufficiently consider or acknowledge two plausible and previously documented technical scenarios, either of which could have triggered an automated shutdown of both engines.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS

A senior Maoist couple of the banned CPI(Maoist) surrendered before Telangana Police on Thursday. Mala Sanjeev alias Lengu Dada, Secretariat Member of Dandakarnya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC) of the CPI(Maoist) and his wife, Perugula Parvathi alias Bontala Parvathi alias Deena, State Committee member, DKSZC, surrendered before Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sudheer Babu.
Sanjeev was a founder member of Jana Natya Mandali (JNM) and a contemporary of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar, who had founded JNM as the cultural wing of the CPI(ML) in the 1970s.
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