SOURCE: AFI

As India approaches the centennial of its independence in 2047, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has set an ambitious target of expanding its fighter aircraft fleet to 60 squadrons, a significant leap from its current strength. This goal, articulated by senior IAF officials during recent discussions on modernization and self-reliance, reflects the force’s determination to ensure air dominance and safeguard India’s sovereignty amidst evolving regional and global security challenges.

Achieving this target will require a concerted effort involving indigenous production, strategic acquisitions, and technological innovation, aligning with India’s broader vision of becoming a fully self-reliant defence power by 2047.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant push towards bolstering the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) indigenous fighter fleet and accelerating India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has directed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to deliver 12 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas in the calendar year 2025. Furthermore, the MoD has outlined an ambitious roadmap for HAL to scale up production to 20 Tejas aircraft annually starting from 2026 onwards. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative and aims to ensure that the IAF’s operational requirements are met through domestically developed platforms.

HAL has already delivered a limited number of Tejas aircraft to the IAF, with the first squadron, No. 45 “Flying Daggers,” inducted in 2016, followed by the second squadron, No. 18 “Flying Bullets,” in 2020. However, production rates have historically lagged behind the IAF’s expectations due to supply chain constraints, delays in certification, and the complexity of integrating advanced systems into the Mk-1A variant. The MoD’s new targets of 12 aircraft in 2025 and 20 annually thereafter signal a renewed focus on overcoming these bottlenecks and ramping up production to meet the IAF’s operational timelines.

SOURCE: AFI

Recent images circulating on defense forums and social media platforms have revealed that the Armenian Spetsnaz, the elite special operations forces of Armenia, have been equipped with the advanced Spartan-S thermal monoculars developed by Tonbo Imaging, a Bengaluru-based Indian defense technology firm. This development marks a significant milestone in India’s growing role as a supplier of cutting-edge defense equipment to international partners, while also highlighting Armenia’s efforts to modernize its special forces with state-of-the-art technology.

The Spartan-S, described by Tonbo Imaging as the “next generation of CLIPON Thermal Weapon Sight,” is a versatile and lightweight thermal imaging system designed to meet the demanding needs of modern warfare. Weighing under 300 grams, this compact device is engineered for ease of use without compromising on performance, making it an ideal choice for elite units like the Armenian Spetsnaz.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic move that underscores a shift in Middle Eastern defence procurement, Saudi Arabia has turned its back on China’s much-touted J-35 stealth fighter jet. This decision was dramatically highlighted at the G20 Summit in mid-November, just as Beijing was celebrating its supposed advancements in aerospace at the Jew High Air Show.

Despite Beijing’s bold claims of interest from wealthy Middle Eastern buyers, the G20 summit revealed a different story. The UK, Italy, and Japan engaged with Saudi Arabia to discuss its inclusion in a collaborative sixth-generation fighter jet project, effectively sealing a deal expected to be finalized by year’s end. This development not only undermines China’s narrative of dominance in the global arms market but also casts doubt on the credibility of its military technology, particularly the J-35.

SOURCE: AFI

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has recently unveiled its expansive plans to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities through the development of 12 distinct hypersonic missile systems. This ambitious program encompasses a range of technologies, including Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs), anti-hypersonic missile systems, and hypersonic cruise missiles, positioning India as a formidable contender in the global race for advanced missile technology.

As nations like the United States, Russia, and China accelerate their own hypersonic programs, India’s multi-pronged approach aims to ensure strategic deterrence and operational superiority across diverse combat scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

At the India Today Conclave, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force (IAF), provided a riveting account of the performance of the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters during a tense standoff with Pakistan in 2019. Reflecting on the events following the Balakot airstrike, the Air Chief Marshal revealed how two Su-30MKIs successfully defended vital Indian installations against a potential raid by Pakistani F-16s armed with advanced AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) missiles. His remarks underscored the resilience and capability of the IAF’s frontline fighters in countering a sophisticated adversary, dispelling doubts about their effectiveness in modern aerial combat.

The 2019 aerial engagements between India and Pakistan occurred in the aftermath of the IAF’s airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Balakot, carried out on February 26, 2019, in retaliation for the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian CRPF personnel. The strike deep inside Pakistani territory escalated tensions, prompting Pakistan to retaliate the following day. On February 27, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched a large-scale operation, deploying multiple fighter jets, including F-16s armed with AMRAAMs, in an attempt to target Indian military installations near the Line of Control (LoC).

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with a critical shortfall of nearly 200 fighter jets as of March 06, 2025, a gap that threatens its operational edge in an increasingly volatile region. With an additional 250 aircraft slated for retirement by 2040—including aging MiG-21s, MiG-27s, Jaguars, and early Mirage 2000s—the IAF faces the daunting task of acquiring approximately 450 new jets over the next 15 years. This figure, equivalent to the entire current fighter fleet of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), underscores the scale of India’s modernization challenge. To bridge this gap, the IAF is banking on a multi-pronged strategy involving the Tejas Mk1A, Tejas MkII, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, though significant hurdles remain.

Currently, the IAF operates around 31 squadrons (each with 18-20 aircraft), well below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons needed to counter dual threats from China and Pakistan. The shortfall of 200 jets reflects delays in procurement, production bottlenecks, and the phased retirement of legacy platforms. Over the next 15 years, as 250 more aircraft retire, the IAF’s requirement balloons to 450 jets by 2040—a timeline critical to maintaining air superiority in the Indo-Pacific region.

SOURCE: AFI

The Sikorsky S-92, an American twin-engine medium-lift helicopter designed and manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is emerging as a strong contender in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) quest to fulfill its Very Very Important Person (VVIP) transportation requirements. Renowned for its versatility, safety, and reliability across civil and military helicopter markets, the S-92 is vying to secure a prestigious role in India’s defense ecosystem, catering to the high-profile travel needs of the nation’s top dignitaries.

The IAF’s VVIP requirement stems from the need to replace its aging fleet of Mi-8 helicopters, which have served as the backbone for transporting India’s President, Prime Minister, and other senior leaders since the 1970s. The quest for a modern replacement has been a long and complex journey, marked by the controversial cancellation of the AugustaWestland AW101 deal in 2014 due to bribery allegations. Since then, the IAF has sought a helicopter that meets stringent security, operational, and political criteria. The S-92, already a trusted platform for VVIP transport globally, is positioning itself as a frontrunner in this race, leveraging its proven track record and adaptability.

SOURCE: AFI

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on global arms transfers for the period 2020–2024, revealing a significant 61 per cent increase in Pakistan’s arms imports compared to the 2015–2019 period. The report underscores China’s growing dominance as Pakistan’s primary arms supplier, with Beijing accounting for 81 per cent of Pakistan’s arms imports in 2020–2024, up from 74 per cent in the previous five-year period. Meanwhile, China solidified its position as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, holding a 5.9 per cent share of global arms exports, though its efforts to expand its market face resistance from many large importers due to political considerations.

Pakistan’s 61 per cent surge in arms imports between 2015–2019 and 2020–2024 reflects its ongoing efforts to modernize its military amid persistent regional tensions, particularly with India, and security challenges along its borders with Afghanistan and Iran. The increase aligns with Pakistan’s strategic priorities, including countering India’s growing military capabilities and addressing internal security threats. The SIPRI report notes that this growth in imports occurred despite global trends showing a marginal decline in overall arms transfers, highlighting Pakistan’s position as one of the world’s significant arms buyers.