SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is grappling with significant delays in several critical modernization programs, raising concerns about its readiness to counter the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which is making strides in developing fifth-generation fighter capabilities. While the PAF pushes forward with its next-generation programs, the IAF’s indecision and bureaucratic hurdles are stalling key initiatives, potentially undermining India’s air superiority in the region.
One of the most glaring delays is in the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, which aims to procure 110 advanced fighter jets to bolster the IAF’s depleting squadron strength. Despite years of discussion, the IAF has yet to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the program. The prolonged delay in even initiating the tender process has left experts puzzled, as the IAF has failed to provide a clear explanation for the holdup. Industry insiders warn that once the RFP is issued, the program could face further delays due to the complex approval process, negotiations, and final contract signing, potentially stretching the timeline by several more years.
Continue readingSOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Indian aerospace startup DG Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL) is making strides in the defense sector with its indigenously developed DG J40 turbojet engine, designed specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and defense applications. Boasting a thrust capacity of up to 40 kgf, the engine has established itself as a reliable and versatile option within DPPL’s jet engine lineup, offering a balanced mix of power, efficiency, and performance.
The company has now introduced an improved variant, dubbed the DG J40 V2 or Version 2, which focuses on enhancing ease of maintenance—a critical factor for operational readiness in demanding environments. This upgrade addresses key challenges faced by users, streamlining repair and upkeep processes to reduce downtime and improve lifecycle costs. The V2 variant retains the original’s 40 kgf thrust capacity while incorporating design refinements aimed at simplifying component access and improving serviceability, making it an even more attractive solution for defense platforms.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
At a recent seminar hosted by the Indonesian Air Force University, focused on analyzing the May 2025 India-Pakistan air conflict, an Indonesian Air Force official presented a detailed slide outlining significant losses suffered by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during India’s Operation Sindoor.
The seminar, attended by Captain (Indian Navy) Shiv Kumar, Defence Attaché at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, highlighted the IAF’s tactical and operational success, with the slide detailing the destruction of six PAF fighter jets, two Saab-2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a C-130 Hercules at Nur Khan Air Base, and various other assets. These revelations, corroborated by posts on X, underscore the IAF’s dominance and Pakistan’s air defense vulnerabilities during the four-day conflict.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In a significant revelation from the recent India-Pakistan conflict, debris of an Indian Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM), also known as Barak-8, has surfaced in Pakistan, suggesting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) may have successfully engaged targets deep inside Pakistani airspace. According to posts on X by user Arihant Ray (@Ray70409890), images of the missile’s front section, including its seeker, were found near Pakpattan, Pakistan. The absence of the missile’s body indicates a successful interception, potentially targeting a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet, air-to-ground (A2G) missile, or surface-to-surface missile (SSM) during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. This marks the first public evidence of the IAF’s MR-SAM squadron operating beyond Indian borders, showcasing its advanced air defense capabilities.
The MR-SAM, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is a cornerstone of India’s multi-layered air defense architecture, with an operational range of 70–100 km and the ability to intercept aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. During Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025), launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, the IAF conducted precision strikes on 11 PAF airbases and other strategic targets. The operation saw the deployment of advanced munitions, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, SCALP air-launched cruise missiles, and Harop loitering munitions, which overwhelmed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defense systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
In May 2025, the Indonesian Air Force organized two seminars at its Air Force University, focusing on the analysis of the India-Pakistan air battle and Indonesia’s anticipatory air power strategies. The events, titled “International Seminar: Analysis of the Pakistan – India Air Battle and Indonesia’s Anticipatory Strategies from the Perspective of Air Power,” aimed to provide a detailed examination of recent aerial conflicts and their implications.
The seminars featured presentations and discussions, with the Indian defence attaché to Indonesia actively participating in one of the sessions. However, the Pakistani defence attaché declined to attend, citing the inclusion of satellite images of damaged Pakistan Air Force (PAF) bases in the seminar’s brochure and slides. These images, which were part of the visual materials presented, appeared to be a significant factor in the decision to abstain from participation.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
The Congolese military has reportedly placed orders for loitering munitions from an Indian private sector firm, according to a report by Africa Intelligence. While Indian media has yet to confirm these developments, the move underscores India’s growing influence in the African defence market as it competes with China to supply cost-effective and reliable weapons systems. The deal comes amid increasing dissatisfaction among African nations with Chinese-made arms, particularly due to their poor quality and inadequate after-sales support.
Sources indicate that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been engaging with Indian defence firms over the past few years, with Congolese military officials making multiple visits to India to explore its defence offerings. India has been actively promoting its indigenous weapons systems, including loitering munitions, drones, small arms, and artillery, to African countries as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s dominance in the region’s arms market. These efforts are bolstered by India’s offer of long-term financial facilities, which facilitate smoother transactions and make Indian-made systems more accessible to African militaries with constrained budgets.
Continue readingSOURCE: AFI
At the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Greece, India unveiled its cutting-edge Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM), a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the LRLACM underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous missile technology and its strategic ambitions on the global stage.
The LRLACM is a versatile, high-precision weapon system designed for both land and naval platforms. With a range of 1,500 km when launched from land and 1,000 km from naval platforms, the missile is capable of carrying either conventional or nuclear warheads, offering flexibility for a range of strategic and tactical missions. Its advanced navigation systems enable pinpoint accuracy, while its ability to perform complex maneuvers enhances its survivability against modern air defense systems.
Continue readingSOURCE: REUTERS
India and Russia discussed the supply of S-400 missile systems, upgrades to Su-30 MKI fighter jets, and the procurement of critical military hardware, the Indian government said on Friday.
The defence ministers of both countries met on Thursday on the sidelines of the SCO meet in China.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Nearly two weeks after it made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, the UK F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet will be moved to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport as it awaits repairs, the British High Commission stated on Friday.
“A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” said a British High Commission spokesperson.
Continue readingSOURCE: UNI
Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth held a bilateral meeting with Minister of Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin and discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation, particularly in the areas of maritime security and capacity building.
Seth led a high-level Indian delegation on an official visit to Antananarivo, Madagascar, from June 25 to 27. During the visit, he represented India at the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of Madagascar’s Independence and the creation of the Malagasy Armed Forces, a Defence Ministry statement said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
Two weeks after it made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, the UK’s F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet continues to remain grounded, awaiting a specialised team of engineers.
In the meantime, the high-tech jet has become the subject of viral jokes and memes across social media. Renowned for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, the fifth-generation fighter — part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group — was returning from joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific when it was forced to land in Kerala’s capital.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
Bangladesh paid USD 384 million to Adani Power in June, significantly reducing its outstanding dues under a power supply agreement with the Indian firm, according to sources. In June (till June 27), Bangladesh has paid USD 384 million of the committed USD 437 million to be paid during the month, two sources aware of the matter said. This would clear Bangladesh’s “admitted” claims till March 31.
With this, Adani’s “claimed” dues, while still substantial, will come down to around USD 500 million (assuming Bangladesh meets its month-end commitment), they said.
Continue readingSOURCE: IANS
In a quiet but consequential shift at the helm of India’s external intelligence apparatus, Parag Jain, a seasoned officer of the 1989 IPS batch from the Punjab cadre, is set to take charge as the next chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) on July 1 for a two-year term.
His appointment, cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marks a transition from the understated tenure of Ravi Sinha to a leadership style shaped by field-craft, precision, and a deep familiarity with the subcontinent’s most volatile theatres. Jain’s career has unfolded across some of India’s most sensitive security landscapes. From counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir to diplomatic intelligence roles in Canada and Sri Lanka, his trajectory has been defined by a blend of discretion and operational acuity.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday apprehended three Sri Lankan nationals for allegedly trying to enter into the country illegally, a PIB (Defence) release said. The Coast Guard Hovercraft ACV H197 sighted a group of three people at the “4th Island at about 0800 hrs today while being on routine surveillance”.
“The ACV swiftly moved and apprehended them. The interrogation established that all three personnel are Sri Lankan nationals attempting illegal migration from Mannar,” it said. The three men were brought to Mandapam and handed over to the Tamil Nadu Marine Police for further investigation, it added.
Continue readingSOURCE: PTI
The search operation to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in a forested area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur entered its third day on Saturday amid heightened aerial surveillance, officials said.
The cordon and search operation is being carried out by a joint team of security forces. A Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Thursday, while three of his associates remain trapped in the forested area of the Basantgarh belt.
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