SOURCE: AFI

China has recently constructed a new Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) site in Yunnan Province, near its border with Myanmar, signaling a significant enhancement to its ballistic missile early warning capabilities. This advanced radar system, reportedly boasting a range of approximately 5,000 kilometers, is poised to extend China’s surveillance reach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and deep into Indian territory. The development has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, as the radar’s primary function appears to include tracking Indian ballistic missile tests—an escalation in the ongoing strategic rivalry between the two Asian powers.

The LPAR, a sophisticated ballistic missile early warning radar, represents a cornerstone of China’s expanding defense architecture. Designed to detect and monitor missile launches at vast distances, the Yunnan site’s 5,000-kilometer range covers not only the IOR but also much of South and Southeast Asia, including the entirety of India. This capability positions China to closely observe India’s missile development program, particularly tests conducted from facilities like the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off India’s eastern coast, where ballistic missiles such as the Agni-V and K-4 are routinely launched.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long sought to modernize its fighter fleet, with a mix of Western and Russian platforms defining its combat capabilities. However, history may be repeating itself as the Rafale, the highly capable 4.5-generation fighter from France’s Dassault Aviation, might end up facing the same fate as the Mirage-2000—a potent but limited-in-number platform that was initially procured with plans for further indigenous production, only to be sidelined in favor of cheaper alternatives.

India acquired the Mirage-2000 in the 1980s after evaluating various Western and Soviet fighter jets. The initial batch of 40 aircraft proved to be a game-changer, offering superior air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. The original plan was to procure more units and eventually produce them in India. However, instead of expanding the Mirage fleet, the Indian government opted for the more cost-effective MiG-29A from the Soviet Union, leading to the Mirage-2000 remaining a niche platform in the IAF. Over the decades, this limited fleet size became a challenge, especially as the aircraft aged and required expensive upgrades.

SOURCE: AFI

ideaForge Technology Limited, India’s leading drone manufacturer, is set to captivate the aerospace community at Aero India 2025 with the launch of their latest innovation, the SWITCH V2. This new iteration of the SWITCH UAV series promises unparalleled performance, making it an all-terrain dominator in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.

With an operational range expanded to 20 kilometers, SWITCH V2 significantly exceeds its predecessor’s capabilities, allowing for broader surveillance and operational scope. The UAV now boasts a flight time of 150 minutes, a substantial increase that supports prolonged missions, whether for military, homeland security, or industrial applications.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking move for military logistics in India’s rugged Himalayan regions, the Surya Command of the Indian Army has successfully integrated civil aviation helicopters into its operational strategy. This initiative, aimed at bolstering air maintenance for far-flung forward posts in Himachal Pradesh and the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand, began operations this Thursday, following the signing of contracts with Thumby Aviation Private Limited.

The use of civil helicopters will ensure the timely build-up of logistics stocks, crucial for the sustenance of troops stationed at high altitudes, often in sub-zero temperatures. This will also facilitate the forward delivery of construction materials needed for infrastructure development in these remote locations.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to recommend the acquisition of stealth aircraft when consulted by the government, a senior government source revealed. This strategic push is driven primarily by India’s evolving threat assessment in its neighborhood, where regional adversaries are rapidly advancing their aerial capabilities. The potential purchase of such advanced platforms is seen as a critical step to maintain air superiority and counter emerging challenges, particularly from China and its growing influence over Pakistan.

At the heart of the IAF’s advocacy lies China’s expanding stealth technology prowess. Beijing has already operationalized fifth-generation stealth fighters like the J-20 and is reportedly in the process of developing sixth-generation jets, which promise even greater advancements in stealth, sensor fusion, and autonomous capabilities. More alarmingly for India, China is said to be finalizing a deal to supply 40 fifth-generation J-35 fighters—an export variant of its stealth aircraft—to Pakistan, India’s long-standing rival. This development could significantly tilt the balance of air power in the region, compelling India to bolster its own capabilities.

SOURCE: AFI

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd., made a significant mark at IDEX Abu Dhabi 2025 with the unveiling of the RC 0912 Rolling Chassis—a military-grade platform engineered for exceptional durability, adaptability, and mission-critical defense applications. The debut of this versatile chassis underscores KSSL’s growing prominence in the global defense manufacturing sector, showcasing its ability to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd., highlighted the strategic importance of the RC 0912. “The RC 0912 Rolling Chassis showcases KSSL’s expertise in integrating cutting-edge technology with durability and capacity. With a focus on competitiveness and speed to market, we rapidly respond to evolving customer needs, delivering next-generation defense solutions,” he said. His remarks reflect KSSL’s commitment to addressing the dynamic demands of modern defense forces with agility and precision.

SOURCE: AFI

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key player in India’s burgeoning defense manufacturing sector, unveiled its Light Armoured Multi-Role Vehicle (LAMV) 4×4 at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The event, held from February 17-21, 2025, provided a global stage for TASL to demonstrate its latest innovation in armored mobility, reinforcing India’s growing footprint in the international defense market.

The LAMV 4×4, a versatile and robust platform, is designed to meet the diverse operational needs of modern armed forces. Showcased as a NATO-standard compliant vehicle, it blends advanced protection, high mobility, and modular adaptability, making it suitable for a range of missions—from reconnaissance and troop transport to tactical operations in challenging terrains. The vehicle’s unveiling at IDEX 2025 marks a significant milestone for TASL, as it pitches an indigenously developed product to a global audience, aligning with India’s “Make in India” and self-reliance initiatives in defense production.

SOURCE: AFI

India’s fighter procurement strategy stands at a crossroads as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to modernize its aging fleet amid evolving regional threats and technological advancements. With a mix of indigenous ambitions and international partnerships in play, four potential scenarios have emerged for India’s next fighter acquisitions.

These scenarios revolve around the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program—a planned purchase of 114 jets—and the pursuit of fifth-generation (5G) stealth capabilities. But are these the only paths forward, or could India explore additional options? Let’s examine the four scenarios and assess the broader landscape.

SOURCE: AFI

France’s Naval Group has publicly criticized Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for what it calls a shortsighted strategy of transferring advanced submarine technology to foreign nations, inadvertently fostering new competitors in the global export market. The rebuke highlights a growing rift within Europe’s defense-industrial landscape, as companies grapple with balancing collaboration, competition, and national interests in a highly lucrative and geopolitically sensitive sector.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion on France’s defense-industrial base in Paris earlier this month, Guillaume Rochard, Naval Group’s head of strategy, partnerships, and mergers, did not mince words. “TKMS are champions at creating new competitors,” he remarked. “They’ve made extremely significant technology transfers to Turkey and Korea, two nations that are now in the submarine export market.” Rochard’s comments point to a broader concern: that Germany’s export-driven approach risks diluting Europe’s collective edge in submarine manufacturing—a field where France and Germany have long been dominant players.