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.