SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: 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.

SOURCE: AFI

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.

SOURCE: AFI

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.