Category: Defence

New Delhi: Indian drone and anti-drone technology manufacturer IndoWings Pvt Ltd has unveiled the UCAV_IN_X-2, a conceptual jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle designed for high-speed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The New Delhi-based company is developing the fixed-wing platform around a 6.5 kgf-class micro-turbine engine, marking a departure from the electric propulsion systems commonly used in smaller drones. According to IndoWings Chief Technology Officer Neeraj Pradhan, the aircraft is being designed to achieve a maximum speed of 350–380 kmph, an operational range of 100 kilometres and an endurance of up…

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Pakistan’s proposed Fighter Experimental programme appears to be moving towards a larger, twin-engine stealth-oriented aircraft, with its latest concept image drawing visual comparisons to Russia’s Su-57 fighter. Islamabad: A newly surfaced concept image of Pakistan’s Fighter Experimental (PFX) programme suggests a significant evolution in the country’s ambitions to develop an advanced multirole combat aircraft. The design depicts a medium-weight, twin-engine fighter featuring several characteristics associated with low-observable, or stealth-oriented, aircraft. First showcased publicly at the IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition in Karachi, the PFX programme has been described by the Pakistan…

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New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has offered its advanced lightweight armour technology to Indian manufacturers, aiming to strengthen domestic defence production and reduce dependence on imported protection systems. Developed by Pune-based Research & Development Establishment (Engineers), or R&DE(E), the technology uses advanced composite panels designed to provide protection against 30 mm armour-piercing threats. According to the reported test results, the panels meet the protection requirements of STANAG 4569 Level 6. DRDO is inviting domestic companies to acquire production rights through an Expression of Interest (EoI) for…

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New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence is preparing to seek an increase of up to 35% in the military modernisation budget for the financial year 2027–28, aiming to accelerate equipment procurement and strengthen the operational capabilities of the armed forces. Speaking at the annual session of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said the ministry would push for the proposed 35% increase, although a rise of around 25% was considered a more realistic baseline. If approved, the allocation could approach $30 billion. Singh said…

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New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) must place India’s national security requirements ahead of commercial interests and accelerate deliveries of the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft to rebuild confidence within the Indian Air Force (IAF), retired Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury has said. Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, Choudhury criticised the delays in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme, stressing that HAL needs to strengthen its manufacturing capacity and meet its contractual commitments. The IAF had ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft in February 2021, with initial deliveries originally expected by March…

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New Delhi: Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has completed the delivery of 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army, marking a significant milestone in the company’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme. According to the company, the delivery fulfils an order placed by the Army in June 2025 under its emergency procurement mechanism. The procurement followed technical evaluations designed to assess the system’s compliance with the Army’s operational requirements. SDAL stated that four companies participated in the evaluation process, but its system was the only one to meet all the…

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New Delhi: India is moving closer to strengthening its warship air-defence capabilities with the indigenous Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). According to the DRDO’s latest annual report, developmental trials of the system’s Multi-Function Radar have been completed, paving the way for User Evaluation Trials (UET). The progress marks an important step towards equipping Indian Navy warships with an advanced, domestically developed system to counter aerial threats at short ranges. The VL-SRSAM is designed to engage hostile aircraft, drones and…

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New Delhi: Honeywell Aerospace expects to deliver four additional TPE331-12B turboprop engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the end of 2026, a move expected to support production of India’s indigenous HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The planned shipment will take Honeywell’s direct engine deliveries to HAL this year to eight. The supplies form part of a $100 million contract signed in July 2022 for 88 engines, covering both direct deliveries and the progressive transfer of manufacturing capabilities to India. Under the agreement, Honeywell is…

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New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is pursuing an ambitious modernisation roadmap for the next two financial years, prioritising the acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft, new transport planes and advanced helicopters to strengthen its operational capabilities. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has indicated that several major defence procurement contracts are expected to be signed by the end of the current financial year, with additional programmes progressing over the following two years. 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft in Focus The proposed acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is a…

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Jodhpur: In a strong endorsement of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew a solo sortie in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 at the Jodhpur airbase, marking a significant moment ahead of his retirement on October 31, 2026. The flight took place against the backdrop of Exercise Tarang Shakti, a multinational air exercise bringing together advanced aircraft and personnel from several air forces. The sortie highlighted the Indian Air Force’s continued focus on indigenous defence technology and the strategic…

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