Category: Defence

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved swiftly to counter media speculation regarding delays in the delivery of its indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets. The company also assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year. The company confirmed (5-Feb-2026) that 5 aircraft stand fully ready for handover to the Indian Air Force, complete with all major contracted capabilities as per agreed specifications. An additional nine jets have already been constructed and test-flown, underscoring HAL’s progress amid supply chain hurdles. Reports circulating in several outlets…

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New Delhi: The delivery schedule for India’s indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighters has encountered further setbacks, with projections now indicating a slip beyond May 2026, reported Manu Pubby of Economic Times. Sources reveal that although at least five jets stand manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, they remain unfit for Indian Air Force (IAF) induction owing to incomplete avionics integration and pending certifications. This development dashes hopes tied to HAL’s reiterated commitment of inducting five aircraft by March 2026, originally a revision from the March 2025 target disrupted by engine supply…

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Washington, DC: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held high-level talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Tuesday, marking another step in the accelerating strategic and economic convergence between India and the United States. The meeting took place on the eve of the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, a major international gathering hosted by the US that will bring together representatives from more than 50 countries. The ministerial is aimed at strengthening cooperation on securing, diversifying, and stabilising global supply chains for critical minerals essential to modern economies…

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New Delhi: Russia is stepping up efforts to position its Su-57 stealth fighter as a contender for the Indian Air Force (IAF), reshaping its export proposal to align closely with India’s “Make in India” and localisation priorities, according to international defence media reports. The revised offer focuses on a customised Su-57E variant that would incorporate significant participation from Indian industry and integrate indigenous subsystems. This represents a notable departure from Russia’s earlier export approach, under which the aircraft was marketed largely in a standard, non-customisable configuration. Nearly ten years ago,…

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New Delhi: India’s ambitious Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme has entered a new phase, with private sector consortia moving ahead while state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been excluded from the prototype development race, according to officials familiar with the matter. The decision marks the first instance in which HAL will not participate in one of India’s most critical indigenous combat aircraft projects. The move signals a significant shift in defence manufacturing policy, with greater reliance on private industry for complex aerospace programmes. Sources indicated that the Defence Research…

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New Delhi | The Indian Navy has begun inducting the country’s first indigenously developed armed unmanned fast interceptor craft, marking a significant leap in autonomous naval warfare and coastal security capabilities. The first batch of these advanced unmanned platforms has been delivered by Pune-based defence startup Sagar Defence Engineering, with two units already earmarked for deployment along India’s western seaboard. Designed, developed and manufactured entirely in India, the unmanned interceptor craft represent a transformative shift in the Navy’s operational doctrine. With their induction, India joins a select group of nations…

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New Delhi | The third edition of the tri-services Future Warfare Course has commenced at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, and will run from February 2 to February 25, 2026. The course is being conducted under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in partnership with the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). This edition of the course features an expanded and enhanced curriculum, covering specialised subjects and domain-specific developments that are reshaping modern military operations. The programme aims to build a comprehensive understanding of how rapid technological…

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New Delhi | The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the Singapore Airshow 2026 with its renowned Sarang Helicopter Display Team, flying the indigenously designed and manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. The participation highlights India’s growing aerospace capabilities and the operational excellence of its indigenous platforms on a major global stage. The Sarang team, known for its precision flying, close-formation manoeuvres and disciplined execution, is set to demonstrate the agility, versatility and reliability of the ALH Dhruv across a wide range of operational roles. The display reflects the…

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New Delhi | In a major boost to India’s air power and domestic defence manufacturing, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of 114 ‘Made in India’ Rafale fighter aircraft. The deal, estimated to be worth over ₹2 lakh crore, is expected to be the largest defence procurement in India’s history if approved. Under the proposal, the Rafale jets will be manufactured in India by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation in partnership with Indian aerospace companies. A key highlight of…

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