Air force chief says HAL needs to churn out 24 aircraft per year. It is important for IAF to have indigenous weapons systems to deal with any security challenges, he says.
GE is said to have informed that it will deliver first 2 engines by September end. Even in best case scenario, IAF is unlikely to reach sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons by 2042.
While Tejas had its own set of system troubles that pilots have encountered & given feedback on, aircraft is considered to be sturdy enough for fliers to remain in control.
Defence Acquisition Council also gives its nod to upgrade Su-30 fighter fleet. Of the total Rs 2.23 lakh crore acquisitions, 98% will be sourced from domestic industries, says ministry.
Rafale, F-15EX & the Gripen are the 3 main contenders with the front-runner being French Rafale fighter jets, 36 of which were inducted into the force under emergency procurement in 2016.
Argentina is looking to acquire 15 Tejas Mk-1A fighters, HAL chairman says on sidelines of Aero India, adding that first of 83 IAF ordered last year will be delivered in February 2024.
Nobody is safe in a market where competition is stunted and choice limited. For the industry, meaningful reform will have to start with the government itself.
Data shows re-alignment in India’s exports, with Tamil Nadu & Telangana posting strong growth in 2024-25 as traditional heavyweights Gujarat & Maharashtra see declines. Gujarat still leads, though.
Of the total package, $649 million will be utilised for additional hardware, software, and support services, and the remaining for Major Defence Equipment (MDE).
Don’t blame misfortune. This is colossal incompetence and insensitivity. So bad, heads would have rolled even in the old PSU-era Indian Airlines and Air India.
COMMENTS