SOURCE: AFI

A Pakistani defense analyst recently cast doubt on India’s claims regarding the Astra MkIII, also known as “Gandiva,” a ramjet-powered beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Speaking to a local forum, the analyst argued that the missile’s advertised range of 340 kilometers at a launch altitude of 20 kilometers (65,616 feet) is “near impossible” to achieve, citing that few aircraft in the Indian Air Force (IAF) inventory can operate at such heights.

The analyst contrasted this with an advertised range of 190 kilometers (120 miles) at an 8-kilometer (26,000 feet) altitude, suggesting a disconnect in the missile’s performance claims. This article explores how the Astra MkIII can realistically achieve its 340 km range and explains its climb profile post-launch, drawing parallels with the European Meteor missile, to address these skepticism-driven concerns.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s push to involve the private sector in fighter jet production, as part of its ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, promises to bolster indigenous defense capabilities and reduce reliance on imports. However, for private companies to establish viable production lines for aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A, Mk2, or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the venture must extend beyond meeting Indian Air Force (IAF) demands. Experts argue that profitability and investment recovery hinge on creating exportable jets, which in turn necessitates a fully localized supply chain—including engines—to ensure competitiveness in the global market and control production costs.

Unlike state-owned enterprises like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), private sector firms operate under stricter financial imperatives. Setting up a fighter jet production line involves massive capital expenditure—estimated at $1-2 billion for infrastructure, tooling, and R&D—alongside ongoing costs for skilled labor, testing, and certification. With the IAF’s orders typically limited to 100-300 units per program (e.g., 83 Tejas Mk1A, 120-150 Mk2, 150-200 AMCA), the per-unit cost remains high due to low economies of scale. For instance, the Tejas Mk1A’s price hovers around $45-50 million, partly because production is confined to domestic needs.

SOURCE: AFI

Saurav Jha, Director of Delhi Defence Review, has urged the Indian Air Force (IAF) to shift its focus toward enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), long-range missile mid-air refuellers, and a super-dense air defence network as the IAF grapples with a declining fighter jet squadron strength.

Speaking to News9 Plus, Jha emphasized that these investments are critical to maintaining air dominance and deterring adversaries, drawing lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

SOURCE: AFI

In a notable shift in global defence dynamics, several European Union (EU) countries are exploring the procurement of Indian-made weapons systems, including small arms, ammunition, and major defence platforms, to bolster their military modernization efforts. This development, gaining traction as of March 1, 2025, follows a stern warning from the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, urging EU nations to ramp up their weapons purchases to strengthen NATO and enhance collective security. With Trump’s push amplifying pressure on Europe to reduce reliance on U.S. arms and diversify suppliers, India’s burgeoning defence industry has emerged as an attractive option for cost-effective, reliable solutions.

During a series of statements in early 2025, President Trump reiterated his long-standing critique of NATO allies, particularly in the EU, for not meeting defence spending targets and over-relying on American military hardware. He warned that the U.S. might scale back its security commitments unless European nations significantly increased their weapons acquisitions, a stance that echoes his first term’s rhetoric but now carries added weight amid heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia and China. Posts on X from February 2025 reflect a mix of concern and defiance in Europe, with some leaders acknowledging the need for self-reliance while others criticize Trump’s approach as coercive.

SOURCE: AFI

In a bold move that marks a significant pivot from his food-tech roots, Zomato founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal has invested $20 million in LAT Aerospace, an ambitious aerospace startup focused on developing low-cost 24-seater short take-off and landing (STOL) passenger aircraft.

This private sector initiative aims to transform regional air connectivity in India by offering affordable and accessible aviation solutions, positioning itself as a direct challenger to public sector endeavors like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) 19-seater Hindustan 228 aircraft and the National Aerospace Laboratories’ (NAL) proposed Saras MkII, which has been under development for years.

SOURCE: AFI

The pro-Russian website Bulgarian Military published an article titled “J-20 and J-35 Are Real, China’s White Emperor Is a Big Fake,” authored by Boo Nikolov. The report swiftly ignited widespread discussion within defense circles, dissecting China’s aerospace claims with a critical lens. What followed was even more unexpected: the next day, China’s military media channel Guang Vision on the NetEase platform issued a response that effectively acknowledged the White Emperor as a conceptual aircraft rather than a functional fighter jet.

This rare admission from Chinese media, coupled with international skepticism, has exposed the White Emperor as a piece of strategic propaganda rather than a groundbreaking military asset, raising broader questions about the credibility of China’s military technology claims.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant revelation, Lt Gen P R Shankar (Retd), a noted defence expert and former artillery officer of the Indian Army, has highlighted the strategic importance of India’s newly developed BM-04 missile system, describing it as a “China-specific” weapon designed to target People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces stationed in the Tibetan Plateau. The retired general emphasized that the hypersonic nature of the BM-04 makes it a formidable weapon, capable of penetrating even the most advanced Chinese air defence systems deployed in the region.

The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” has emerged as a critical theatre in the ongoing India-China military standoff, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Over the past decade, China has significantly bolstered its military infrastructure in the region, including the deployment of a dense network of air defence systems. These include advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems like the HQ-9, HQ-16, and possibly even the S-400, acquired from Russia. This multi-layered air defence network poses a significant challenge to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as penetrating such heavily guarded airspace with conventional fighter jets or traditional surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) carries a high risk of interception.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant display of military collaboration, the Indian Army was recently given a first-hand demonstration of Japan’s cutting-edge Type-16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle (MCV) during the annual joint military exercise, Dharma Guardian, held between India and Japan.

The exercise, which has become a cornerstone of Indo-Japanese defense ties, provided a platform for both nations to showcase their military prowess, exchange tactical expertise, and strengthen interoperability. This year’s iteration of Dharma Guardian saw Japan deploying its advanced Type-16 MCV, a formidable 8×8 wheeled platform that left a lasting impression on the Indian contingent.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant step towards enhancing its operational capabilities in the challenging terrains of the Northeast, the Indian Army recently showcased its newly inducted Polaris RZR Pro 4×4 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in Sikkim.

During the recent demonstration in Sikkim, the Indian Army showcased the Polaris RZR Pro 4×4’s capabilities in a series of simulated exercises designed to replicate real-world operational scenarios. The ATV navigated through steep mountain trails, crossed shallow streams, and maneuvered through dense undergrowth with remarkable ease, proving its adaptability to the region’s diverse terrain. Army personnel also demonstrated the vehicle’s ability to carry troops and equipment to forward positions rapidly, highlighting its role in enhancing last-mile connectivity in areas inaccessible to larger vehicles.