scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Saturday, January 3, 2026
TopicAerospace

Topic: Aerospace

India is an aerospace giant on paper, importer in practice—what China did right and we didn’t

For decades, India’s defence industry has churned out ‘indigenous’ hardware. Much of it is mere assembly of imported kits or licensed production, masking a deep import dependence.

No more monopoly: High-stakes contest for 5th-gen fighter begins, private players to take on HAL

Duration of contract for development to certification of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) shall not exceed eight years.

How Airbus is betting big on India

With sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) seen as key to 2050 net-zero target, India drew much attention at Airbus Summit 2025, with its potential to produce 8-10 mn tonnes of SAF annually.

US, India strengthen Space partnership

NASA and ISRO astronauts to train together for International Space Station mission.

15th Aero India show to be held in Bengaluru from 10-14 February

The five-day event will combine a major trade exhibition of the aerospace and defence sector as well as aerial displays by IAF.

J-35A tells the world China is a formidable challenger now. National pride surges

The PLA Air Force unveiled the J-35A at Zhuhai Airshow. Designed for medium-range operations, the stealth aircraft complements the J-20, already renowned for long-range capabilities.

UK to invests £975 million in aerospace industry

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's funding aims to support innovation, jobs, and the sector's long-term future.

MoD signs MoU for advance testing facilities in Chennai to promote indigenous defense tech

The testing facilities were proposed to be set up under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), which was launched by the government in May 2020.

Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 crashes after accidental launch during test run

The rocket is comparable to Space X’s Falcon 9 and has been independently developed by Space Pioneer, which has emerged as China’s leading commercial player in the space industry.

Indian Air Force completes third warfare & aerospace strategy program

WASP brings together critical thinkers to drive policy-making ideas.

On Camera

The Supreme Court is losing its credibility. It should frighten us all—Maneka Gandhi

The dogs will survive whatever orders are passed. But institutions are more fragile than we imagine. Once lost, the trust they embody takes generations to rebuild.

India’s urban co-op banks are turning the page—crisis to cautious revival, one metric at a time

With bad loans shrinking & capital buffers stronger, urban co-op banks’ new umbrella body NUCFDC is now prioritising rollout of digital transformation.

Greece looking at TATA’s WhAP infantry combat vehicle for army procurement

If deal goes through, Greece will be 2nd foreign country to procure vehicle. Morocco was first; TATA Group has set up manufacturing unit there with minimum 30 percent indigenous content.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.