In a boost to made-in-India aerospace sector, Air Force plans to buy the aircraft to replace MiG-series fighter jets in its fleet. Plans submitted to defence ministry, other stakeholders.
Lockheed Martin, Embraer & Airbus in contention for Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft programme. IAF is looking to procure 40-80 aircraft to replace old AN-32s & possibly IL-76s.
MoD is considering making 'short service entry more attractive' to mitigate shortage, clarified that available strength is adequate to meet current operational requirements.
India also in talks with Airbus to set up maintenance, repair & overhaul hub for C-295 aircraft, which are operated by a number of countries, including UAE, Philippines, Thailand.
The 'historic' deal is 'most significant' of a number of agreements expected to be concluded between the two countries during PM Modi's visit to the US which ends Friday.
LCA Mark 2 fighter aircraft will be a replacement for Mirage 2000, Jaguar & MiG-29 combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force. DRDO will be developing the aircraft with a GE-414 engine.
Upgrades would include more better radar & integration of electronic warfare abilities. Russia also hopeful of inking deal with India to supply 12 more Su-30 MKIs and 21 MiG-29s.
Speaking at Centre for Joint Warfare Studies seminar, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said air power characteristics which give planner freedom to swing roles must be capitalised on.
Navy is heavily dependent on Ukraine for gas turbine engines, while IAF runs Antonov An-32. Spare parts are stocked, but supply from Ukraine may be affected later.
Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.
Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.
21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.
Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.
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