As per the timeline decided, 5 prototypes of India’s own fifth-generation fighter are set to be rolled out by 2031, with the first by 2028 using the GE 414 engine.
Sometimes the machine just gives up, unable to keep pace with the will of the military mind of the air warrior. That’s what happened in Palam 1989 and Dubai 2025.
Taylor ‘Fema’ Hiester, commander of USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team, hit out at air show organisers for continuing with the show after Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in the incident.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal is survived by his wife, their 6-year-old daughter and his mother. Back in his native village, relatives and neighbours wait for his remains for last rites.
Of the 40 Tejas Mk-1 aircraft ordered—comprising 16 IOC single-seaters, 16 FOC single-seaters & 8 twin-seat trainers—IAF has received 38 with two trainers yet to be delivered.
The Kaveri experience is a story of a glass more than half full. We have developed a functional engine and accrued data points and experience at a relatively low cost. Now is the time to build better.
The ongoing debate between self-reliance and imports in India’s defence sector is often riddled with misinformation and confusion, where facts become the casualty.
Indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas will also not be featured in Republic Day parade. The 40 aircraft that will participate include 22 fighters, 11 transport aircraft & 7 helicopters.
GE was supposed to start the delivery of Tejas engines in 2023. PM Narendra Modi & Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue of delay during their recent US visits.
IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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