IAF
SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant move to bolster its diminishing combat strength, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have agreed to establish a committee tasked with expediting the procurement of fighter jets, focusing particularly on the long-stalled Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender. According to sources from idrw.org, a major decision on this front might be reached by May 2025, driven by the urgency to prevent the IAF’s squadron strength from falling to a critical low of 28, which would be just 3-4 squadrons more than the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) by the year’s end.
The MRFA tender, which has been languishing since 2019, aims to procure 110 advanced fighter jets. However, the committee’s mandate does not extend to reviewing the progress of existing indigenous fighter jet programs like the Tejas or the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Instead, it’s primarily focused on strategies to swiftly increase the number of operational squadrons.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
A senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official, speaking to idrw.org on the condition of anonymity, has shed light on the delayed timeline for the Su-57E, the export variant of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter. The official stated that the Su-57E equipped with the latest AL-51F engine and 2D Thrust Vector Control (TVC) nozzles is at least 4–5 years away from production readiness.
Russia has showcased the Su-57E with a stealth engine casing and other enhancements, but it remains unclear if the export version offered to India would include these upgrades. Even if these features are incorporated, the production timeline for such a variant would extend well into the latter half of this decade.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The next-generation BrahMos-NG missile, currently under development, is slated to enter its trial phase by late 2027 or early 2028, according to an official closely associated with idrw.org. This advancement marks a significant step in enhancing India’s aerial strike capabilities with a missile designed for versatility across various fighter jet platforms, including smaller aircraft.
The official revealed to idrw.org that “the project is progressing smoothly. The design blueprint for the new missile has been finalized, and we are now moving towards the development phase.” This phase will see BrahMos Aerospace conducting captive flight trials starting in 2026. “If integration and these captive flight trials are concluded smoothly, then the first developmental test firing could take place by 2027,” the source added.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a key division under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is reportedly seeking clearance to work on an upgraded Kaveri engine capable of generating 90kN of thrust. This engine, intended for the Tejas Mk1A fighter program and potentially for the Tejas MkII, requires significant advancements, including the development of an entirely new core and substantial funding for the project.
The existing Kaveri engine core can produce a thrust of 46-49kN, which falls short of the requirements for next-generation fighter platforms. To achieve the targeted 90kN thrust, the new Kaveri engine will need to deliver nearly 60kN of thrust in dry power, with afterburners providing the additional boost. Achieving this capability demands the design of a new core that can sustain higher pressure and temperature ratios while maintaining reliability and efficiency.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has recently experienced a notable increase in inquiries from various countries looking to procure spares for the AL-31F engines, which power the Su-30 family of fighter jets. This uptick in interest is largely due to delays in Russian supply chains, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and the heavy operational use of the Su-30SM in frontline engagements.
The AL-31F, developed by Russia’s Ufa Engine Industrial Association (UMPO), is a critical component of the Su-30 aircraft, including the Indian variant, the Su-30MKI. Known for its reliability and performance, the engine has been integral to the operational capabilities of numerous air forces worldwide.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Navy is actively exploring the development of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of sustained surveillance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) while offering quicker reaction times. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen maritime domain awareness and bolster capabilities in monitoring naval activities in the region.
The Navy has already set plans to acquire the MQ-9 Reaper drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. However, officials are also looking at larger, jet-powered unmanned platforms that can address gaps in operational speed and range. A naval official, speaking to idrw.org, highlighted the limitations of High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) UAVs powered by turboprop engines, which, while suitable for persistent monitoring, lack the speed required to rapidly reach distant areas of interest.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic pivot, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is increasingly leaning towards using air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) for its long-range strike missions. This shift is largely influenced by the vulnerabilities observed in subsonic cruise missiles, even those with stealth capabilities, which have proven easier for modern air defence systems to intercept due to their predictable flight paths.
The IAF has already integrated the Rampage and ROCKS ALBMs, both of which are imported from Israel. These missiles are designed for precision strikes against high-value, hardened targets. Local production of these missiles is underway, signaling a move towards self-reliance and cost-efficiency in defence acquisitions.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant step towards enhancing its aerial combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the procurement of a limited number of Astra MK2 missiles, marking the beginning of the production process for this advanced Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
The Astra MK2 is an evolution of the Astra MK1, which has already been integrated into several IAF fighter aircraft, including the Su-30MKI and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The MK2 variant boasts several enhancements.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant strides with the Astra MK3, positioning it as a formidable contender in the realm of air-to-air missiles. Recent data showcases that the Astra MK3 boasts a 20% higher ramjet specific impulse compared to the European Meteor missile, suggesting that it could achieve greater speeds.
The ramjet specific impulse, which essentially measures the efficiency of the propulsion system in terms of thrust relative to fuel consumption, directly impacts the missile’s velocity. A 20% increase over the Meteor’s capabilities implies that the Astra MK3 can maintain higher speeds for longer periods, enhancing its engagement envelope during combat scenarios.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Tejas MkII program, a cornerstone of India’s push for indigenous defence capabilities, has received a firm commitment from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the procurement of 120 jets. According to an IAF official who spoke to idrw.org, this commitment is expected to not only break the 200-unit mark but could potentially extend to as many as 250 units over the course of the next decade.
The IAF’s commitment to the Tejas MkII comes as part of its larger strategy to modernize and enhance its combat fleet. The IAF has already placed firm orders for 220 Tejas Mk1/Mk1A aircraft from HAL, with 32 units already inducted into service. In addition to these, 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft are currently on order, and a further 97 units are planned. With Tejas MkI and MkIA deliveries ongoing, the IAF is well on its way to surpassing the 147 units of the HF-24 Marut (India’s first indigenous jet), which were produced over almost two decades.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, the price for the GE-414 engines intended for the Tejas Mark 2 is reportedly on the rise due to cost escalation, according to news agency ANI. This adjustment in pricing comes as part of the negotiations for the technology transfer (ToT) involved in manufacturing these engines domestically.
Sources close to idrw.org have indicated that while the ToT price might increase, the cost for each engine produced locally is expected to hover around $10 million. This estimation aligns with the baseline cost of GE-414 engines observed in the Korean deal for the KF-21 Boramae program, where similar engines are being used.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s defence aviation landscape is on the cusp of a technological leap as plans for the proposed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Fighter Trainer-42 (HLFT-42) likely will incorporate cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Designed to enhance pilot cadets’ learning and boost operational combat capabilities, the HLFT-42 could redefine how fighter pilots are trained in the country.
AI integration in the HLFT-42 is expected to transform training methodologies through the inclusion of virtual tactical training systems. These systems would enable cadets to simulate and practice various combat scenarios, ranging from short-range dogfights to mid- and long-range engagements. By exposing pilots to realistic combat situations in a controlled environment, this technology promises to sharpen skills and improve decision-making under pressure.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India has reportedly received offers from Germany and Spain to join their 6th Generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, as well as an invitation from the UK-Japan-Italy consortium to participate in their Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). While these proposals signal the growing recognition of India as a strategic defence partner, New Delhi remains committed to its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a 5.5-generation fighter jet project designed to bridge the gap between 5th and 6th-generation technologies.
While official discussions between the UK and India regarding GCAP have been confirmed, India has yet to publicly acknowledge the proposals from Germany and Spain.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a strategic move to address the ongoing delays in the supply of the high-thrust F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft, General Electric (GE) has proposed an interim solution to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). GE suggests using the lower thrust F404-GE-102 engines, which are currently manufactured by Samsung Techwin for the Korean KAI/LMTAS T-50 advanced trainer/light fighter.
The F404-GE-102 engines offer a maximum thrust of 78.7 kN with afterburner, which is slightly less than the 84 kN provided by the F404-IN20 engines specifically designed for the Tejas Mk1A. These engines are suggested as a stopgap measure until the production of the F404-IN20 engines can be ramped up to meet HAL’s requirements. Once the new engines are available, the lower thrust versions could be swapped out.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has announced that the Kaveri derivative engine is gearing up for another significant phase of testing. This round involves 70 hours of crucial flight trials on a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 testbed, a process expected to span nearly a month.
The technology demonstrator engines have already logged over 140 hours of testing. This includes 70 hours of ground testing at GTRE’s facility in Bangalore and an additional 75 hours of altitude testing at the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Russia.
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