Can AMCA Meet Its September 2028 First Flight Target? India's Stealth Fighter Race Against Time

India has set an ambitious deadline of September 2028 for the maiden flight of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), while the TEJAS MK-2 is expected to achieve its first flight by September 2027.

The timelines were announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh during the NDTV Defence Summit in New Delhi, providing the clearest schedule yet for two of India's most important combat aviation projects.

The target has immediately sparked debate within the aerospace community because the AMCA remains at a relatively early industrial stage. The government is still in the process of selecting the private-sector partner that will build the aircraft's initial prototypes, leaving less than two years to move from contract award to first flight.

Three contenders remain in the competition. Tata Advanced Systems Limited is bidding independently, while Larsen & Toubro has teamed up with Bharat Electronics Limited and Dynamatic Technologies. The third bid comes from a Bharat Forge-led consortium that includes BEML and Data Patterns.

In a significant departure from past Indian fighter programs, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was not among the qualified bidders. The decision reflects the government's intention to establish a second fighter aircraft production ecosystem rather than continue relying on a single state-owned manufacturer.

Officials have argued that greater private-sector participation is essential if India is to expand aircraft manufacturing capacity and accelerate future combat aviation programs.

The AMCA itself represents India's first attempt to field a genuine fifth-generation fighter. The twin-engine aircraft is designed around a low-observable airframe, internal weapons carriage, advanced sensor fusion, electronic warfare capabilities and stealth-oriented mission systems.

The initial AMCA MK-1 variant is expected to be powered by General Electric F414 engines. The same powerplant will also equip the TEJAS MK-2, creating commonality between the two programs during their early production years.

A more advanced AMCA MK-2 is planned for the future, incorporating a higher-thrust indigenous engine being developed with foreign technological assistance. India is already pursuing engine cooperation initiatives intended to reduce long-term dependence on imported propulsion systems.

The AMCA's development model bears similarities to South Korea's approach, where both the KF-21 and FA-50 utilise variants of the F414 engine family to simplify logistics and industrial support.

Despite the official optimism, the schedule remains extremely demanding. Reports indicate the winning development partner will be required to build five flying prototypes and one structural test aircraft while simultaneously establishing manufacturing facilities and support infrastructure.

Achieving a September 2028 first flight would require design finalisation, tooling, component procurement, manufacturing qualification, aircraft integration and extensive ground testing to progress with minimal delays. Industry observers note that even established aerospace powers frequently encounter schedule slippages during stealth fighter development.

The urgency surrounding the AMCA stems from India's increasingly challenging regional security environment. The Indian Air Force currently operates neither an indigenous nor imported fifth-generation fighter.

China, by contrast, introduced the J-20 into operational service years ago and is already progressing towards next-generation combat aircraft expected to enter service around the turn of the next decade.

The situation has intensified concerns regarding the technological gap between the Indian Air Force and the People's Liberation Army Air Force, particularly in the fields of stealth, sensor fusion and long-range air combat.

The pressure is compounded by the difficulties encountered during the TEJAS program. Although significantly less complex than a stealth fighter, TEJAS experienced prolonged developmental and production delays that affected force modernisation plans and fighter squadron strength.

Against this backdrop, the government has yet to decide whether India should acquire a foreign fifth-generation fighter as an interim capability. Defence Secretary Singh indicated that no decision has been made, although the Russian Su-57 remains the only realistic near-term option capable of filling the capability gap before AMCA enters service.

Ultimately, the September 2028 target is achievable only if prototype manufacturing begins rapidly after partner selection and major industrial milestones are met without significant delay.

While the schedule demonstrates a new sense of urgency in India's aerospace sector, the AMCA must overcome substantial technical, industrial and organisational challenges before it can take to the skies on time.

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GE To Deliver Four F404 Engines Between October And December 2026, Defence Secretary Confirms

India’s indigenous combat aircraft efforts have received a significant boost after Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that four GE F404 engines for the TEJAS MK-1A will be delivered between October 2026 and December 2026.

The delayed engine supplies have been a key factor affecting TEJAS MK-1A production, making the arrival of the next batch of engines an important milestone for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s fighter manufacturing plans.

The update comes as the government also outlined a clearer roadmap for the TEJAS MK-2 program, with the aircraft’s first flight targeted between June and September 2027.

TEJAS MK-2 is being developed as a substantially more capable successor to the TEJAS MK-1A. The aircraft is expected to feature greater payload capacity, longer range, enhanced survivability and improved sensor integration.

The fighter will be powered by the more powerful GE F414 engine and is designed to incorporate advanced systems including the Uttam AESA radar, infrared search and track capability, and modern electronic warfare suites.

With a maximum take-off weight of approximately 17.5 tons and 13 hard-points, the aircraft is intended to carry a wide range of weapons, including Astra air-to-air missiles, Rudram anti-radiation missiles and precision-guided munitions.

The TEJAS MK-2 is expected to play a major role in replacing ageing Indian Air Force combat aircraft, including Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 fleets over the coming years.

The Defence Secretary also indicated that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft prototype is targeted to undertake its first flight in September 2028, highlighting the broader momentum behind India’s indigenous fighter aircraft development efforts.

The scheduled delivery of four GE F404 engines before the end of 2026 is therefore expected to provide immediate relief to TEJAS MK-1A production while supporting the wider objective of strengthening India’s self-reliance in military aviation.

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TEJAS MK-2 Countdown Begins: First Flight Targeted For 2027 As AMCA Eyes 2028 Debut

India’s indigenous combat aircraft ambitions have been given their clearest timelines yet, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirming that the TEJAS MK-2 is expected to undertake its first flight between June and September 2027, while the prototype of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is scheduled to fly in September 2028.

The announcement places firm milestones on two of India’s most significant military aviation projects and provides a clearer picture of the Indian Air Force’s long-term modernisation plans.

TEJAS MK-2, also known as the Medium Weight Fighter, is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The aircraft is intended to bridge the gap between the lighter TEJAS variants and heavier multi-role fighters in Indian service.

Powered by the 98 kN GE F414 engine, the fighter is designed to deliver substantially greater payload capacity, range and operational flexibility than the current TEJAS MK-1A.

The aircraft will feature the indigenous Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, advanced electronic warfare systems and infrared search-and-track technology, significantly enhancing its ability to detect and engage threats in contested environments.

TEJAS MK-2 is expected to carry a broad range of indigenous and imported weapon systems and undertake missions ranging from air superiority to long-range strike operations.

The fighter’s larger airframe, increased internal fuel capacity and canard configuration are intended to improve endurance, manoeuvrability and combat effectiveness.

With multiple weapon stations and expanded payload capability, the aircraft is expected to become a key component of future Indian Air Force operations.

The platform is being developed to eventually replace ageing Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 fleets as they approach retirement.

Recent progress indicates that prototype construction and systems integration have entered an advanced phase, with ground testing expected ahead of the planned flight-test campaign in 2027.

Alongside the TEJAS MK-2, India is also pursuing the AMCA, a twin-engine stealth fighter designed to provide the country with an indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft capability.

The AMCA is expected to incorporate low-observable design features, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion technology and advanced electronic warfare systems to improve survivability in highly contested airspace.

The aircraft is expected to initially utilise GE F414 engines before transitioning to a more powerful indigenous powerplant in a later variant.

The timelines announced by the Defence Secretary are particularly significant as the Indian Air Force seeks to address falling squadron numbers and replace legacy aircraft with modern indigenous platforms.

If the current schedule is maintained, the period between 2027 and 2028 could mark a major turning point for India's combat aviation sector, with both TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA progressing from development programs into flight-testing milestones.

For India's aerospace industry, the forthcoming maiden flights will serve as critical demonstrations of the country's growing ability to design, develop and produce advanced fighter aircraft domestically, strengthening the foundations for a more self-reliant future air combat capability.

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Sukhoi Leads Rafale Over Jodhpur As Tarang Shakti 2026 Showcases India's Air Power To 28 Nations

The skies over Jodhpur witnessed a striking display of multinational air power as Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighters flew alongside French Rafale aircraft during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026. One of the most notable formations saw an Indian Sukhoi leading a French Rafale, underlining the growing operational cooperation between India and key international partners.

The exercise, being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur until 12 October, has brought together aircraft and personnel from eight participating nations, while dozens of other countries are attending as observers. The multinational air combat drill features a wide range of platforms, including Rafale, F-35 and Tejas fighter aircraft, as well as transport and aerial refuelling assets.

French participation has emerged as a major highlight of the exercise. France has deployed Rafale fighters, Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft and Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, adding significant combat, logistics and air-to-air refuelling capabilities to complex multinational missions being flown alongside the Indian Air Force and partner air arms.

Images released during the exercise captured Sukhoi and Rafale fighters flying in close formation over Rajasthan, including dramatic photographs featuring Jodhpur's iconic Umaid Palace in the background. Other visuals showed Indian and French pilots engaged in professional discussions, aerial refuelling operations and formations involving French A400M transport aircraft.

Beyond the flying activity, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is also serving as a platform to showcase India's growing indigenous aerospace and defence industrial capabilities.

Observers and senior military representatives from 28 friendly countries visited leading Indian defence organisations in Bangalore, where they received detailed briefings on advancements under the Make in India initiative. Delegations included representatives from Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, Peru, Algeria, Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, the Maldives and several other partner nations.

During their visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), foreign officers toured the production facilities for the indigenous TEJAS light combat aircraft and the Prachand light combat helicopter. The visit provided first-hand exposure to India's expanding aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and indigenous military aviation programmes.

At Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the delegates were briefed on advanced radar technologies, missile guidance systems, networked battlefield solutions and next-generation cockpit electronics developed for the Indian armed forces. The visit highlighted India's increasing capability in high-value defence electronics and sensor technologies.

The delegation also visited the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), where scientists presented ongoing research in aerospace technologies, lightweight composite structures and progress on the indigenous Saras aircraft project. The interaction offered visiting officers an overview of India's long-term aerospace research and development ambitions.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted under the theme "Power in Partnership" and builds upon the inaugural edition held in 2024. The exercise is designed to improve interoperability, strengthen operational understanding and enhance cooperation among participating air forces in increasingly complex air combat environments.

Participating foreign aircraft include platforms such as the F-35 Lightning-II, Rafale, F-16, MRTT, A400M, C-130 and KC-30A, reflecting the broad spectrum of capabilities involved in the exercise. Missions cover counter-air operations, air defence, reconnaissance, strategic airlift and aerial refuelling.

Defence analysts view the industrial visits as strategically significant because they extend the exercise beyond military cooperation. By exposing senior foreign military representatives to Indian-designed aircraft, defence electronics and aerospace technologies, New Delhi is effectively demonstrating the maturity of its indigenous defence industrial base.

The exercise therefore serves a dual purpose: enhancing operational partnerships while simultaneously promoting Indian defence products to potential international customers. With representatives from numerous friendly nations gaining direct exposure to platforms such as Tejas and Prachand, the event is expected to strengthen defence diplomacy, improve foreign military cooperation and create new opportunities for Indian defence exports in the years ahead.

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'Make In India' At 12: Defence Production Soars To ₹1.78 Lakh Crore As Exports Reach Record Highs

Twelve years after the launch of the 'Make In India' initiative, India's defence industrial base has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a largely import-dependent sector into a significantly larger domestic manufacturing ecosystem, Business Today reported.

Indigenous defence production has increased from ₹43,746 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, representing almost a fourfold expansion. The growth reflects sustained efforts to strengthen self-reliance, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and increase private-sector participation in defence production.

The rise in production has been accompanied by a remarkable surge in exports. Indian defence exports climbed from just ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, transforming the country from a predominantly import-oriented market into an increasingly important supplier of military equipment to overseas customers.

Today, Indian-made defence systems are being exported to more than 80 countries, highlighting the growing international acceptance of indigenous platforms and military technologies.

The expansion has been visible across multiple sectors of the armed forces. India now produces a broad range of advanced military equipment, including combat aircraft, warships, missiles, artillery systems, helicopters and armoured vehicles.

Among the most prominent indigenous platforms are the Tejas light combat aircraft, the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, the Akash surface-to-air missile system, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Arjun main battle tank and the Prachand light combat helicopter.

The broader defence ecosystem has also matured considerably. Policy reforms, indigenisation drives, procurement changes and greater involvement of private industry have expanded the number of companies participating in defence manufacturing, while encouraging domestic development of critical military technologies.

Private-sector participation has become increasingly significant, accounting for roughly 24% of total defence production in 2025-26, with output valued at around ₹42,000 crore. This marks the highest private-sector contribution recorded so far.

Despite the progress, important challenges remain. India continues to rely on foreign suppliers for several high-end technologies that are crucial to modern weapon systems.

These include certain aircraft and naval propulsion technologies, advanced engines, specialised sensors, electronic components and other critical subsystems that remain difficult to develop domestically at scale.

As a result, although India's indigenous manufacturing capabilities have expanded substantially, the country continues to rank among the world's major arms importers, particularly for some of the most technologically sophisticated military platforms and equipment.

The past 12 years have therefore delivered a substantial increase in production capacity, exports and indigenous capability. However, achieving full strategic self-reliance will depend on India's ability to master critical technologies that still lie beyond its domestic industrial base.

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C-130J-30 Vs C-390: Lockheed Martin Strengthens Its Case For India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Contest

With Airbus having effectively exited the competition, the contest for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) requirement has narrowed primarily to Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules and Embraer’s C-390 Millennium.

The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal on 12 August, with responses due by 2 December. The program is expected to be one of India’s largest military aviation procurements, aimed at replacing the ageing An-32 fleet while significantly expanding domestic aerospace manufacturing capability.

As stated in a report by The Print, the American aerospace major is competing with Embraer for what is the largest military transport aircraft contract, seeking to replace the ageing AN 32s and the IL-76 operated by the IAF.

Lockheed Martin is offering the latest C-130J-30 Block 8.1.2 configuration. Under its proposal, 12 aircraft would be produced at the company’s Marietta facility in Georgia, while the remaining 48 would be manufactured in India through a partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), meeting the requirement for at least 40 per cent indigenous content.

Speaking on the competition, Robert Toth, Vice President for Strategy and Business Development, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, stressed that the aircraft being offered is the stretched C-130J-30 variant and not the shorter versions often used in performance comparisons.

According to Toth, many commonly quoted specifications relate either to the older C-130H or the original shorter C-130J. He argued that the C-130J-30 operated by the IAF can carry approximately 22 tons, rather than the 18-19 tons frequently cited by critics.

The distinction is important because the IAF’s requirement calls for a transport aircraft capable of carrying between 18 and 30 tons. The C-390 offers a payload capacity of around 26 tons and sits closer to the upper end of the requirement.

Lockheed’s central argument is that transport effectiveness is driven by cargo volume as much as payload weight.

Toth maintained that transport aircraft often exhaust their available cabin space before reaching maximum payload limits. In practical logistics missions, the ability to carry larger numbers of personnel, pallets and medical evacuation equipment can be more important than raw cargo weight.

He claimed the C-130J-30 carries 60 per cent more passengers, 45 per cent more combat-equipped paratroopers and 30 per cent more casualty evacuation litter positions than the C-390. Lockheed also stated that the aircraft accommodates eight standard cargo pallets, compared with seven on the C-390.

Company literature indicates the C-130J-30 can transport 128 combat troops or 92 paratroopers, highlighting the aircraft’s large internal volume despite its lower headline payload figure.

Lockheed further argues that the aircraft offers superior short-field take-off and landing performance, lower fuel consumption, greater range, lower carbon emissions, stronger survivability credentials and better performance from unprepared airstrips.

The company believes these characteristics reduce the number of sorties required for troop deployments, humanitarian missions and emergency response operations, thereby lowering operating costs and accelerating mission execution.

A major advantage for Lockheed is the IAF’s existing experience with the platform.

India inducted its first C-130J-30 in 2010 and has employed the fleet in a wide range of operational scenarios. According to Lockheed, the Indian fleet has accumulated roughly 58,000 flying hours while maintaining availability rates above 85 per cent.

The aircraft has been used for disaster relief missions, special operations, evacuations from conflict zones and humanitarian assistance efforts. One of its most notable achievements was operating from Daulat Beg Oldi in Ladakh at an altitude of approximately 16,600 feet, among the highest military airfields in the world.

The fleet has also supported operations connected to Afghanistan, Sudan and Nepal.

Lockheed says the worldwide C-130J fleet has exceeded three million flight hours across around 28 operators, providing extensive operational feedback for continuous upgrades and capability improvements.

The aircraft being proposed for the MTA requirement would be considerably more advanced than India’s current fleet. While the IAF’s existing aircraft are Block 6 models, Lockheed is proposing the latest Block 8.1.2 standard. This configuration includes upgraded avionics, communications systems, navigation equipment and software enhancements designed to improve efficiency, situational awareness and mission performance.

Lockheed says it can also modernise India’s existing 12 aircraft to the same standard through a separate contract. Should such an upgrade proceed, the IAF could eventually operate a common fleet of 72 C-130J-30 aircraft, creating substantial savings in training, maintenance, logistics and spare parts support.

Another significant element of Lockheed’s campaign is the aircraft’s four-engine turboprop design.

The company argues that four engines provide greater redundancy during operations in demanding environments, particularly at high-altitude and high-temperature airfields. Lockheed contrasts this with the C-390’s twin-engine turbofan configuration. According to the company, a four-engine aircraft retains greater operational flexibility following an engine failure, particularly during take-off, landing and operations from challenging airfields.

Lockheed believes this is especially relevant for India, whose transport aircraft regularly operate across terrains ranging from coastal regions to the Himalayas.

The industrial dimension of the bid is equally important.

Lockheed and TATA have worked together for more than a decade and already possess an established aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in India. The Hyderabad facility has produced 265 C-130J empennages, demonstrating the maturity of the local supply chain. The partnership has also contributed to S-92 helicopter cabins and F-16 fighter wing production, providing experience in high-precision aerospace manufacturing.

Lockheed says more than 500 Indian suppliers, including around 140 MSMEs, are already integrated into its global supply network. The company argues that this existing industrial base would allow rapid scaling of production compared with competitors establishing new infrastructure after contract award.

A dedicated C-130J maintenance, repair and overhaul facility is also being established in Bangalore.

Lockheed expects the facility to be completed by the end of 2026, with the first Indian aircraft entering the centre during early 2027.

Beyond aircraft performance, the MTA competition is increasingly being viewed as a decision about India’s long-term aerospace ecosystem. The winning bidder will not merely supply aircraft but will help establish a domestic production, support and maintenance network that could serve the IAF for decades.

As the contest moves towards the bid submission deadline, Lockheed is clearly positioning its operational track record, established Indian industrial footprint and existing IAF fleet commonality as key differentiators against the faster and higher-capacity C-390 Millennium.

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US Embassy Hails F-35A’s Indian Exercise Debut At Tarang Shakti 2026, Citing Stronger Coordination And Readiness

The United States Embassy in India has highlighted the maiden participation of the US Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, describing the deployment as an important milestone in India–US air-force cooperation.

The F-35As are making their first appearance in an exercise in India, marking the advanced fifth-generation fighter’s operational debut in Indian airspace. Six F-35 Lightning-II aircraft and more than 200 US airmen have arrived in Jodhpur for the exercise.

In a post on X, the US Embassy said the F-35As were “making their exercise debut in India at Tarang Shakti”. It also underlined the aircraft’s stealth, advanced sensors and information-sharing capabilities.

“Combining stealth, advanced sensors, and information-sharing capabilities, the F-35s bring new opportunities to train with the Indian Air Force and other partners, strengthening coordination and readiness together,” the embassy said.

The deployment will allow the F-35s to train alongside the Indian Air Force and other participating air arms. The exercise is expected to provide opportunities for professional engagement, tactical learning and greater understanding of each side’s operating methods.

The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti is under way at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. It is being conducted from September 26 to October 12 under the theme ‘Power in Partnership’.

The multinational exercise focuses on strengthening cooperation, exchanging operational expertise and improving interoperability among participating air forces.

According to the Ministry of Defence, seven Friendly Foreign Countries are taking part. They are Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Several other countries are attending as observers, taking the total international participation to more than 40 nations.

The foreign aircraft involved include the F-35 Lightning-II, French Rafale, Emirati F-16, Airbus A400M, Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, C-130 and C-130J transport aircraft, and Australia’s KC-30A aerial-refuelling tanker.

The participating platforms bring together a broad mix of fifth-generation and fourth-generation combat aircraft, tactical airlifters, strategic transport aircraft and air-to-air refuelling assets.

The exercise builds on the first edition of Tarang Shakti, held in 2024. The current edition enables participating air forces to conduct advanced joint training while operating alongside frontline Indian Air Force platforms in complex mission scenarios.

The activities are intended to improve operational coordination and offer participating aircrew an opportunity to exchange lessons from different combat and training environments.

The Ministry of Defence has placed particular emphasis on professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and ground-support personnel. Safety procedures, mutual learning and a common understanding of different operating philosophies remain central to the exercise.

The Indian contingent is expected to operate a range of frontline aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, Mirage-2000, MiG-29 and TEJAS fighters.

The F-35’s participation also adds a significant low-observable and network-enabled dimension to the exercise. Its presence alongside the IAF and other foreign combat aircraft will provide a valuable setting for studying complex air operations, information exchange and mission coordination.

The program extends beyond flying operations. It includes professional seminars, industrial visits highlighting India’s expanding aerospace and defence sector, the Sekhon Marathon, cultural heritage tours and yoga sessions.

These activities are designed to promote camaraderie and closer personal and professional ties among the participating contingents.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the Indian Air Force with an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capability and institutional ethos. It also reflects India’s continued emphasis on defence diplomacy, regional security and long-term military partnerships.

ANI

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Armed Forces Department For India–Kazakhstan Exercise KAZIND-2026; To Focus On Joint Counter-Terror Operations

A 60-member Indian Armed Forces contingent departed for Oskemen, Kazakhstan, on 28 September to participate in the ninth edition of the India–Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2026, announced PIB.

The exercise is scheduled to take place from 28 September to 11 October 2026. Kazakhstan will deploy a contingent of matching strength, comprising primarily personnel from its Land Forces.

The Indian contingent has been drawn mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. It also includes personnel from other arms and services, along with members of the Indian Air Force.

KAZIND-2026 aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen the joint operational capabilities of the two armed forces. The exercise will prepare them to conduct joint counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional environment under a United Nations mandate.

Training will focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It will place particular emphasis on joint planning and execution, air mobility, and the integrated employment of unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems capabilities.

The participating contingents will practise coordinated responses to terrorist actions, including raids, search-and-destroy missions, and cordon-and-search operations.

They will also train in securing helipads and landing sites, as well as conducting Special Heliborne Operations and other mission-specific activities.

A Joint Command Post and an Intelligence and Surveillance Centre will be established during the exercise. These facilities are intended to support coordinated planning, information-sharing and operational execution.

The training will culminate in a comprehensive validation exercise. During this phase, the two contingents will jointly employ rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures against a simulated terrorist threat.

KAZIND has been conducted annually since 2016, when the exercise was initially instituted as Exercise Prabal Dostyk. The previous edition, KAZIND-2024, was held at Auli in Uttarakhand, while the 2023 edition took place at Otar in Kazakhstan.

KAZIND-2026 is expected to enable both sides to share operational experience, improve battlefield coordination and strengthen professional ties between their personnel.

The exercise will further deepen military-to-military cooperation between India and Kazakhstan and reaffirm their shared commitment to regional peace, stability and collective security.

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No Su-57 Decision Yet, Says Defence Secretary; India Banks On AI Networks To Narrow Stealth Gap

The Indian Government has not taken any decision on acquiring Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026.

His remarks come as India faces a widening gap with China in fifth-generation combat aircraft. China is believed to operate approximately 500 radar-evading J-20 and J-35 fighters, while the Indian Air Force currently has no stealth fighter in service.

India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is still under development. The first prototype is expected to fly in September 2028, although the aircraft would enter operational service only after integration, flight testing and certification.

“On the induction of fifth-generation fighter aircraft from global sources, the Government has not taken a decision as yet,” Singh said.

He added that AMCA remains India’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft program for now, while leaving open the possibility of considering foreign options.

Russia has been pressing India to acquire the Su-57, including its export variant, the Su-57E. The fighter was showcased at Aero India in February 2025, where it attracted considerable attention as Moscow’s most advanced operational combat aircraft.

Moscow has offered India several cooperation options, including direct acquisition, licensed production and extensive technology transfer. Russian proposals have reportedly included local manufacturing and access to technologies associated with the aircraft’s engines, radar, electronic warfare systems, avionics, mission software and low-observable features.

The offer is being positioned as a possible interim solution until AMCA becomes available. However, New Delhi has yet to formally select any foreign fifth-generation fighter.

Singh also stressed that the TEJAS fighter remains relevant despite not having the low-observable characteristics of the Chinese J-20 and J-35.

He pointed to the growing importance of integrated sensors, data fusion, command networks and artificial intelligence in modern air combat.

“We have a very good network available — the IACCS, which is also getting combined with the Army’s network and with our air defence network,” Singh said.

He said an artificial intelligence layer could be added to these networks to improve the effectiveness of India’s 4.5-generation fighters.

The Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System, or IACCS, links radars, sensors, air-defence units, command centres and fighter aircraft. It is designed to create a common, real-time picture of the airspace and help commanders detect threats, assign targets and direct weapons or aircraft.

According to Singh, such a network cannot give TEJAS the physical stealth features of the J-20 or J-35. However, it could improve situational awareness, target acquisition, threat avoidance and the overall effectiveness of non-stealth fighters.

He said India would have to pursue multiple technological solutions while dealing with the country’s current fifth-generation capability gap.

The approach reflects an attempt to use networking, sensors and software to improve the survivability and combat performance of existing aircraft while India develops AMCA.

However, artificial intelligence and networked warfare cannot completely reproduce the advantages of a stealth aircraft. Low radar visibility allows a fighter to detect and engage threats while reducing the distance at which it can be detected by enemy sensors.

India’s urgency has increased because Pakistan has signed an initial agreement to acquire Chinese J-35 stealth fighters. China is also flight-testing its next-generation J-36, potentially widening the technological gap further.

The AMCA schedule is therefore critical. The first prototype is expected to fly in September 2028, but a successful first flight would be followed by a lengthy test and certification process before operational induction.

The Government must now balance three competing priorities: accelerating AMCA, strengthening the IACCS-led sensor network and deciding whether an interim foreign stealth fighter is required.

For the moment, Russia’s Su-57 offer remains under consideration but is not an approved acquisition. India appears to be relying on an AI-enabled network to extract greater capability from its 4.5-generation fighters while waiting for AMCA to move from the design stage to operational service.

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TEJAS MK-1A Set To Strengthen IAF As Long-Awaited Induction Nears

India’s TEJAS MK-1A light combat aircraft is finally approaching operational induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) after a series of delays, with both the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expressing confidence that deliveries will begin before the end of the year.

The TEJAS MK-1A is the latest and more capable variant of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft family. It is expected to progressively replace the retired MiG-21 fleet and play a central role in rebuilding the IAF’s declining fighter squadron strength.

The IAF has ordered a total of 180 TEJAS MK-1A fighters under two contracts worth approximately ₹1.10 lakh crore. The first contract for 83 aircraft was signed in February 2021, while a follow-on order for 97 aircraft worth around ₹62,370 crore was signed in September 2025.

The first aircraft was originally scheduled for delivery in March 2024. However, delays in receiving GE Aerospace’s F404-IN20 engines, certification requirements and the integration of advanced systems pushed back the timeline.

The engine situation has now improved considerably. GE Aerospace has delivered 10 F404-IN20 engines, enabling HAL to accelerate production. Industry reports also indicate that additional engine deliveries are expected, helping stabilise the production schedule.

Even so, a handful of final technical issues remain. These are primarily linked to radar performance and weapons integration. HAL has described them as last-mile corrections, while the IAF leadership expects them to be resolved within one to two months.

The TEJAS MK-1A incorporates significant improvements over earlier TEJAS variants. These include an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, improved avionics, better maintainability and air-to-air refuelling capability, substantially enhancing operational reach and combat flexibility.

Classified as a 4+ generation fighter, the aircraft is designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions while offering a relatively lightweight and cost-effective multi-role combat capability.

HAL plans to hand over around 10 TEJAS MK-1A fighters during FY 2026-27. The company currently possesses the capacity to manufacture 24 aircraft annually across its Bangalore and Nashik production facilities, with further production expansion remaining a possibility.

Provided engine deliveries continue without disruption, HAL believes the initial 83-aircraft contract can be completed within three to four years.

The second batch of 97 aircraft will feature a higher indigenous content level exceeding 64%. These aircraft are expected to incorporate indigenous systems such as the Uttam AESA radar and the Swayam Raksha Kavach electronic warfare suite, strengthening India's self-reliance in military aerospace technology.

The importance of the TEJAS MK-1A extends beyond aircraft numbers. The IAF presently operates roughly 30 fighter squadrons against an authorised requirement of 42.5 squadrons, making new inductions critical for maintaining operational readiness.

The IAF already fields 30 TEJAS MK-1 fighters and eight trainer aircraft in Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance standards. Over the coming decades, the TEJAS family, including the MK-1, MK-1A and MK-2 variants, is expected to account for approximately 350 aircraft in service.

The MK-1A's induction is also expected to deepen India's domestic aerospace ecosystem, supporting indigenous design, manufacturing, maintenance and component supply chains while reducing long-term dependence on imported combat aircraft.

The delayed induction has highlighted the challenges associated with integrating advanced technologies while simultaneously expanding production. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has recently emphasised the importance of maintaining firm timelines for major military projects to avoid capability gaps, increased costs and technological obsolescence.

Attention is already turning towards the TEJAS MK-2, a significantly larger and more capable aircraft. HAL has completed the structural assembly and coupling of the first prototype, joining the forward, centre and rear fuselage sections into a complete airframe.

The company is targeting the first ground run by March 2027, with the maiden flight expected later in 2027. Recent industry updates suggest the MK-2 program has entered the aircraft-level integration phase, marking an important milestone in development.

The TEJAS MK-2 will feature a more powerful GE F414 engine, increased payload capacity, greater internal fuel reserves, longer range, enhanced survivability, superior situational awareness and more advanced avionics. HAL and GE Aerospace continue discussions regarding joint production of the F414 engine in India, with the arrangement expected to involve around 80% technology transfer.

Alongside the TEJAS programs, the IAF is pursuing the acquisition of 114 additional Rafale fighters from France under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft requirement. The proposed deal is expected to be worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore and would significantly boost combat capability.

India already operates 36 Rafale fighters, while the Indian Navy has separately ordered 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for carrier operations.

The government is also pressing ahead with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter project. The AMCA is intended to provide a domestically designed twin-engine stealth platform and reduce reliance on foreign fighter aircraft in the future.

India has additionally explored possible participation in a future European sixth-generation fighter effort linked to France’s Future Combat Air System ambitions. However, uncertainty remains after major changes to the original Franco-German program structure.

For the IAF, the immediate priority remains clear: induct the TEJAS MK-1A, rapidly increase production, restore squadron strength and ensure that both the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA progress without suffering the delays that affected the MK-1A program.

The aircraft has evolved into far more than a replacement for the MiG-21; it is now a cornerstone of India’s long-term combat aviation strategy and defence-industrial ambitions.

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DRDO Markets ASTRA MK-1 Missile To African Su-30 Operators At AAD 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively marketing India's indigenous ASTRA MK-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile to African nations operating Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets.

Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola and Algeria have been identified as potential buyers, with the missile being pitched as a replacement or supplementary BVR weapon for their existing Su-30 fleets.

The ASTRA MK-1, already integrated with the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fleet, offers a range exceeding 110 km in head-on engagements.

The missile features an indigenous active Ku-band radar seeker and is mechanically and electrically compatible with Russian AKU-58 and APU-170 launch pylons, making integration straightforward for existing Su-30 operators.

Algeria's Air Force, operating approximately 50 Su-30MKA aircraft, represents the largest potential market among the four nations. The Ethiopian Air Force, Uganda People's Defence Force Air Wing, and National Air Force of Angola also operate variants of the Su-30 family, creating a combined potential market for India's defence exporters.

DRDO showcased a scale model of the ASTRA MK-1 at the India Pavilion during AAD 2026 in South Africa, presenting it alongside other Indian defence systems. The pitch aims to offer African Su-30 operators a modern BVR capability without requiring them to replace their existing fighter fleets.

The missile employs inertial guidance with mid-course correction and terminal active radar homing, enabling all-weather beyond-visual-range engagements. It has completed integration with both the Su-30MKI and TEJAS MK-1A, with successful test launches from the Su-30MKI against high-speed unmanned aerial targets reported in July 2025.

India is positioning the ASTRA MK-1 as a direct substitute for Russian R-77 missiles on Su-27, Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-29 aircraft globally. DRDO is offering free integration of the missile into existing Su-30 fleets as part of broader upgrade programs, or bundling it with TEJAS MK-1A contracts to encourage adoption.

The ASTRA MK-1 is now in full-rate production for India's domestic requirements, with technology transfer to private companies planned to boost production capacity and support export orders. The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 4 and can reach altitudes of up to 20 km, making it highly effective for air combat scenarios.

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From Sixth-Generation Fighters To Pakistan Deterrence: 15 Major Revelations From NDTV Defence Summit 2026

India's top military leadership and senior government officials used the NDTV Defence Summit 2026 to outline a vision centred on technological superiority, self-reliance, military readiness and credible deterrence against both present and future threats.

The discussions highlighted how artificial intelligence, sixth-generation combat systems, advanced submarines and integrated military architectures are expected to shape the next era of warfare.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed that India is already looking beyond fifth-generation combat aircraft and is working towards sixth-generation fighter jets.

He said the country's defence strategy is being built around the requirements of the next 10 to 25 years, with major investments underway in indigenous aircraft engines, drone engines, hypersonic systems, artificial intelligence and next-generation military technologies.

He stressed that India seeks peace and territorial stability but will not compromise on national security. Delivering a strong message on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, he said India remains prepared to conduct strikes against terrorists as long as terrorism continues to be used as a state policy against India.

Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth argued that although technology is accelerating the pace of battles and transforming battlefield awareness, victory is ultimately determined by control of territory.

He warned that modern conflicts are increasingly obscured by information warfare, social media narratives and digital manipulation, but maintained that land remains the ultimate measure of military success.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani described artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a challenge. He said AI will influence every aspect of military operations, including planning, intelligence gathering, logistics and decision-making.

According to him, the armed forces are collaborating closely with national technology institutions to build computing power, data infrastructure, networks and specialised talent required for future warfare.

The CDS also said the military is investing heavily in developing expertise among younger officers and soldiers in areas such as AI, quantum technologies, cyber operations and advanced digital warfare capabilities.

On China, General Subramani stated that the situation along the Line of Actual Control remains stable. He highlighted the importance of continuing dialogue as the best mechanism for maintaining peace and preventing confrontation.

Regarding Pakistan, he said the armed forces are not lowering their guard. He emphasised that the best deterrent against any adversarial misadventure is a force that is fully prepared, capable of responding rapidly and able to deliver clear operational consequences when required.

Naval Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan explained that India's military capability development is entirely threat-driven and continuously adjusted to changes in technology, geography and adversary behaviour.

He noted that disruptions in global shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, reinforced the importance of resilient maritime security and diversified supply chains.

He said self-sufficiency remains a central objective for the Indian Navy. While acknowledging the need for a larger submarine force, he confirmed that India is simultaneously building nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, nuclear-powered attack submarines and conventional submarines. Until newer platforms enter service, the Navy remains confident in its existing fleet.

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh argued that India cannot postpone today's operational requirements while waiting for future technologies to mature. He called for a dual-track approach in which existing capabilities are strengthened while simultaneously constructing the architecture required for fifth-generation and future warfare.

He suggested that India may not be able to leapfrog entire generations of combat aircraft immediately, but it can achieve a generational jump through networked warfare. He highlighted autonomy, distributed sensors, resilient communications and open-mission architectures as essential foundations of future air combat.

French Air and Space Force Vice Chief Dominique Tardif underlined France's deep strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific, citing French territories across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. He described defence and security cooperation in the region as a long-term strategic priority for Paris.

Satellite intelligence company ICEYE highlighted growing India-Europe strategic convergence. CEO Rafal Modrzewski said the firm's synthetic aperture radar satellite network, which now includes 76 satellites, had already supported Indian requirements during Operation Sindoor and demonstrated the value of advanced space-based surveillance capabilities.

One of the summit's most closely watched discussions focused on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Defence Secretary RK Singh reaffirmed that the indigenous stealth fighter remains a national priority and said the first prototype is expected to fly in September 2028 if timelines remain on track.

He disclosed that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited did not qualify for the AMCA prototype-development phase on technical grounds, marking the first time the state-owned aerospace manufacturer has been excluded from an indigenous fighter project.

The government has instead opened the program to private-sector participation in an effort to create a second fighter production line and broaden India's aerospace industrial base. Of seven interested consortia, only three met the required criteria. The prototype phase, fully funded by the government, is valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore.

The Defence Secretary also confirmed that no decision has yet been taken regarding the acquisition of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter. The statement comes amid growing concerns over China's fleet of more than 500 stealth aircraft, including the J-20 and J-35, and expectations that the J-35 could eventually enter Pakistani service. India is instead pursuing a combination of indigenous fighter development, AI-enabled combat networks and future-generation combat architectures to narrow the capability gap.

The overarching message from the summit was clear: India intends to prepare simultaneously for immediate operational challenges, long-term strategic competition with China, persistent terrorism threats from Pakistan and the technological revolution that is reshaping warfare across land, sea, air, space, cyber and information domains.

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Integrating New Weapons Should Not Take Years, Asserts Air Marshal Tejpal Singh At NDTV Defence Summit

Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit 2026 during a special address titled 'Fifth Generation and Beyond', Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh emphasised that the primary goal must not be achieving technological uniformity, but rather ensuring operational coherence across diverse technologies, NDTV reported.

Air Marshal Tejpal Singh highlighted the critical need to identify current military assets, detect urgent operational requirements, and concurrently construct the foundational architecture for fifth-generation and future battlespace technologies.

He stressed that India cannot afford to stall current capabilities while waiting for an ideal future to manifest decades later.

Acknowledging that leaping directly from one generation of aircraft to another may not be possible, he asserted that jumping generations of combat architecture is fully achievable.

He suggested commencing this transformation by developing autonomy, distributed sensing, resilient communications, and open mission systems prior to the arrival of fifth-generation platforms, reinforcing that the Indian Air Force will inevitably evolve into a fifth-generation force.

He underlined that urgency and transformation are not competing requirements, noting that newly inducted assets must seamlessly integrate into tomorrow's combat structure.

Furthermore, he noted that not every platform needs to be fifth-generation, but the entire force—including human personnel across industry and military sectors—must become future compatible, requiring air warriors to master data, artificial intelligence, space, cyber, electronic warfare, joint operations, and systems thinking.

The Deputy Chief called for a paradigm shift in the relationship between military operators and the defence industry, advocating for close collaboration among operators, designers, software engineers, test establishments, and manufacturers throughout a system's life cycle.

He argued that experimental failures should be accepted as a natural step in developing adaptive combat systems, rather than treating every trial as a formal procurement program.

In conclusion, Air Marshal Tejpal Singh asserted that new weapon integrations should not drag on for five to seven years, software updates must not be delayed for nine months, and new algorithms ought to transition swiftly from laboratories to controlled operational trials. Once proven successful, these modern systems must be capable of rapid manufacturing and scaling.

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The Future of Aerospace Power: Next-Generation Air Warfare Beyond Fighter Jet Platforms

The Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Tejpal Singh has outlined the future of aerospace power in the subcontinent, emphasizing that the next generation of air warfare will be defined not merely by individual fighter aircraft, but by connected combat ecosystems, decision speed, sensors, networks, electronic warfare, and long-range weapons, NDTV reported.

Modern air warfare is increasingly a contest for decision superiority, which centres on sensing earlier, understanding faster, and delivering precise effects before an adversary can react.

Fifth-generation capability is far broader than possessing a fifth-generation fighter; it fundamentally requires an integrated ecosystem that seamlessly connects aircraft, sensors, networks, electronic warfare, and long-range weapons.

In this evolving paradigm, future fighters could launch weapons while keeping their own onboard sensors switched off, utilizing target information generated through airborne warning and control systems, passive radio frequency sensors, and space-based surveillance.

India's multi-generational fighter fleet, spanning from operational hubs in places like Bangalore to border bases, will require robust interoperability between diverse platforms, including upgraded MiG-29s, Mirage aircraft, Rafale, Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS, and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

Open software architectures and gateways are critical, as they allow mission software, algorithms, threat libraries, and precision weapons to evolve dynamically without requiring complete aircraft redesigns. 

Collaborative drones and autonomous systems will provide additional mass, decoys, and electronic-warfare capabilities to the force structure, whilst manned aircraft continue to deliver crucial strategic capabilities that autonomous systems cannot fully replace.

Future combat architectures must be engineered to remain fully operational even when communications are degraded, networks are heavily jammed, cyber systems are attacked, or satellite navigation is severely disrupted.

Fundamental combat power will still rely on foundational operational pillars, including airfield survivability, reliable fuel supplies, streamlined logistics, secure command links, and the resilient ability to regenerate sorties under duress.

The address urges faster industry integration with Indian defence firms and high-tech Start-Ups, driving new weapons, algorithms, and software capabilities into service within months rather than traditional multi-year procurement cycles.

Ultimately, India can initiate a generational leap in air power well before the arrival of future platforms by prioritizing networks, software architectures, distributed sensing, autonomy, and multi-domain training backed by multi-crore investment programs.

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TEJAS MK-2 And AMCA First Flight Dates Confirmed: Defence Secretary Unveils Timeline For India's Next-Gen Fighter Jets

India's TEJAS MK-2 medium-weight fighter prototype is now officially expected to fly no later than September 2027, while the stealthy fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is targeted for its first prototype flight in September 2028, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed at the NDTV Defence Summit in Delhi on September 27, NDTV reported.

He added that one squadron of TEJAS MK-1A aircraft from HAL is expected by year-end, and that TEJAS MK-2 prototype test flights are slated to take place between June and September next year, with a possible slippage of a few months around that window.

The TEJAS MK-2, also referred to as the Medium Weight Fighter, is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore.

It is designed as a further upgrade of the current MK-1A version of TEJAS and is intended to replace the ageing Jaguar, Mirage-2000 and MiG-29 fleets in Indian Air Force service.

The aircraft will be powered by the General Electric F414-INS6 engine, producing 98 kN of thrust, and is designed for a maximum take-off weight of around 17.5 tons with a payload capacity of 6.5 tons.

Key design features include close-coupled canards for enhanced manoeuvrability, an indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array radar, and an infrared search and track system.

The MK-2 will carry a wide range of indigenous weapon systems, including Astra air-to-air missiles, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, guided bombs and future missiles such as BrahMos-NG, across 11 hard-points.

Its planned mission set covers air superiority, deep strike and suppression of enemy air defences operations, giving the Indian Air Force a more capable medium-weight platform for high-intensity scenarios.

The AMCA is India's flagship stealth fighter program to build a fifth-generation combat aircraft, featuring a twin-engine design, internal weapons bay, radar-absorbing materials, sensor fusion and advanced electronic warfare systems.

In its MK-1 variant, AMCA will use General Electric F414 engines, while a more powerful indigenous engine is planned for the MK-2 version as part of a long-term growth path. The aircraft is expected to carry 1,500 kg of payload in its internal weapons bay while retaining low observability, with external hard-points available for missions where maintaining stealth is less critical.

AMCA is envisioned for air dominance missions, long-range precision strikes and network-centric warfare, forming the backbone of India's future high-end combat air capability.

The program received a major institutional boost in 2024 when the Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the Full Scale Engineering Development phase at a cost of roughly ₹15,000 crore for five flying prototypes.

In May 2025, the defence ministry approved a model under which ADA would execute the program jointly with a private industry partner, though the bidding deadline for the industry partner has been extended twice and now stands at end-September.

The winning company will have to build five prototypes and one structural test specimen, achieve a maiden flight within 30 months of signing the contract, and complete an 84-month, seven-year program involving 1,800 test sorties before series production can begin.

Even after the test bed is ready, the aircraft will undergo a seven-year testing phase, meaning earlier projections of prototype rollout in late 2026 or early 2027 and induction by 2034 now look increasingly dependent on when the production contract is finally signed.

Against this backdrop, South Korea's KF-21 Boramae program has already delivered its first production aircraft, with plans to formally declare the type operational in the second half of 2027, highlighting the competitive pressure on India's fighter-jet development timeline.

India is also looking further ahead, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating at the same summit that the country is working towards sixth-generation fighter jets and building capabilities with the warfare of the next two decades in mind, despite anticipated challenges.

In a veiled message to Pakistan, Singh added that as long as "our neighbouring country persists with a state policy of terrorism, India remains fully free to carry out all forms of strikes against it", during a session attended by Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officers.

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