India Eyes MRFA Completion This Financial Year As IAF Pushes Fighter Fleet Expansion: IAF Chief

India is aiming to conclude the long-awaited Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) acquisition by the end of the current financial year, provided negotiations continue to progress according to schedule, according to Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff.

The development marks a significant milestone in what has become the Indian Air Force’s largest-ever fighter aircraft procurement initiative, designed to address the service’s declining combat squadron strength and enhance its operational capabilities.

Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal Singh said discussions on pricing and other key aspects of the project are currently underway. The remarks come months after the government approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France through a government-to-government route, reviving a requirement that has been under consideration for nearly two decades.

The MRFA program is widely viewed as a critical element of the Indian Air Force’s modernisation strategy. The acquisition is intended not only to replenish fighter numbers but also to strengthen India's long-term air combat capability at a time of increasing regional security challenges.

Air Chief Marshal Singh indicated that if the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program experiences delays, the Indian Air Force may be compelled to consider the procurement of an additional fighter platform to prevent capability gaps from emerging in the future force structure.

Commenting on reports surrounding Russia’s fifth-generation fighter proposal, he confirmed that Moscow has offered the Su-57 to India. However, he clarified that no decision has been taken on the aircraft.

Addressing concerns over the shrinking number of frontline fighter squadrons, the Air Chief Marshal stressed that the Indian Air Force requires at least 36 to 40 aircraft every year over the coming years to maintain operational readiness and sustain force levels.

He emphasised that air power remains a decisive component of national military strength and noted that India must continue expanding and strengthening its aerial combat capabilities.

On future modernisation efforts, Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence across military operations.

He said the Indian Air Force is working towards becoming an AI-augmented force capable of leveraging advanced technologies to improve effectiveness, decision-making and combat performance.

The Air Chief Marshal also reiterated that self-reliance remains essential for maintaining overall combat readiness. He underscored the importance of expanding indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities to support long-term strategic requirements.

Among the key priorities identified by the Air Force chief was the development of an indigenous fighter aircraft engine. He stated that India must acquire the capability to design and produce fighter jet engines domestically, a step regarded as crucial for achieving genuine strategic autonomy in military aviation.

The MRFA acquisition is expected to play a major role in stabilising the Indian Air Force's force structure over the next decade.

Alongside the induction of TEJAS variants, the development of the AMCA and efforts to expand indigenous aerospace manufacturing, the program is seen as a cornerstone of India's broader plan to modernise its combat aviation fleet while strengthening domestic industrial capability.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

ASTRA MK-2 Integration Advances As IAF Pushes Ahead With MK-3 Preparations

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has underlined that the service is pressing ahead with the integration of the indigenous ASTRA MK-2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile on larger combat platforms, while preparatory work associated with the next-generation ASTRA MK-3 missile is also moving forward.

His remarks highlight the Indian Air Force’s continued emphasis on building a layered and diversified air combat inventory that combines indigenous weapon systems with imported capabilities to address its full spectrum of operational requirements.

The ongoing effort to integrate the ASTRA MK-2 missile with additional aircraft platforms represents a major step in expanding the reach and effectiveness of India’s indigenous air-to-air missile ecosystem. 

The missile is expected to provide substantially greater engagement ranges than the currently operational ASTRA MK-1, enabling Indian fighter aircraft to engage hostile targets at significantly longer distances.

The Astra family of missiles has become one of the most important indigenous air combat projects undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Developed to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening domestic technological capability, the missile series is intended to equip multiple fighter aircraft serving with the Indian Air Force.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s comments indicate that work is no longer focused solely on the missile itself, but increasingly on ensuring its compatibility across a wider range of operational platforms. Such integration is critical because a missile's effectiveness depends not only on its performance characteristics but also on how seamlessly it works with aircraft radars, avionics, mission computers and data links.

The ASTRA MK-2 is expected to deliver a significant improvement in beyond-visual-range combat capability. The missile has been designed with advanced guidance technologies, improved propulsion and enhanced resistance to electronic warfare measures.

Reports from defence circles have indicated that the missile incorporates a dual-pulse propulsion system intended to maintain energy during the terminal phase of engagement. This allows the weapon to retain manoeuvrability and lethality against highly agile targets.

The missile is also expected to feature advanced seeker technology and network-enabled capabilities that support mid-course updates, allowing targets to be tracked more effectively during long-range engagements.

The Indian Air Force views such capabilities as increasingly important in an operational environment where rival air forces are deploying longer-range air-to-air missiles and more sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

As integration progresses, larger platforms are expected to become a key part of the ASTRA MK-2 deployment strategy. Aircraft with greater payload capacities offer the ability to carry larger missile loads and extend operational flexibility during air superiority missions.

Alongside ASTRA MK-2, work is also progressing on the future ASTRA MK-3 project.

The ASTRA MK-3, officially named Gandiva, often associated with substantially greater engagement ranges, is expected to represent another leap in India's indigenous air-to-air combat capability.

Preparatory activities for the program suggest that the Indian Air Force and defence research agencies are already looking beyond current requirements and planning for future threats emerging across the region.

Long-range air combat has become an increasingly important element of modern aerial warfare. The ability to detect, track and engage hostile aircraft before entering visual range provides a significant tactical advantage and can influence the outcome of air operations long before opposing aircraft come into direct contact.

The next-generation missile is expected to enhance India's ability to compete with advanced foreign missile systems fielded by other major air powers.

However, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also made it clear that indigenous programs alone will not form the entirety of the Indian Air Force's weapons inventory. Instead, the service intends to meet its overall operational requirements through a combination of indigenous and imported capabilities.

This approach reflects the realities of maintaining a modern air force, where different missions require different weapon systems and where operational readiness cannot depend on a single source of equipment.

The Indian Air Force has traditionally operated a mix of domestically developed and foreign-origin weapons, allowing it to maintain flexibility while supporting indigenous defence industrial growth. The continued development of Astra missiles demonstrates India's determination to strengthen strategic self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

At the same time, retaining access to proven imported systems ensures that capability gaps can be addressed whenever necessary and that operational requirements remain fully covered.

The parallel pursuit of ASTRA MK-2 integration, ASTRA MK-3 development and imported weapon acquisitions reflects a balanced force modernisation strategy. Such an approach aims to provide the Indian Air Force with a broad portfolio of air-to-air combat options capable of addressing evolving threats across multiple operational scenarios.

By advancing indigenous missile programs while continuing to incorporate selected foreign systems, the Indian Air Force hopes to maintain operational effectiveness, improve long-range engagement capability and strengthen its overall combat readiness for future conflicts.

The latest update from Air Chief Marshal AP Singh therefore signals not only progress in India's indigenous missile development journey but also a wider commitment to building a resilient and flexible air combat force capable of meeting present and future security challenges.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

IAF Chief Says India Can Counter Emerging Chinese Stealth Fighter Threat, Calls For Faster AMCA Induction

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has asserted that India retains the capability to counter the growing challenge posed by fifth-generation fighter aircraft being developed by China, even as reports suggest that neighbouring Pakistan could soon acquire such platforms.

Speaking during the Indian Air Force's annual press conference in New Delhi ahead of Air Force Day, the Air Chief acknowledged that developments relating to Chinese stealth fighter technology and its possible transfer to Pakistan are being closely monitored by the IAF.

According to Air Chief Marshal Singh, reports indicate that Pakistan could induct Chinese fifth-generation fighter aircraft in the near future. There are also indications that Pakistani pilots may already be undergoing training in China in preparation for operating such advanced platforms.

While describing these developments as a matter of concern, the Air Chief stressed that they do not fundamentally alter the strategic balance or place India in a position where it cannot respond effectively.

He emphasised that the effectiveness of a modern combat aircraft cannot be judged solely by the capabilities of the platform itself. Instead, success in contemporary air warfare depends on how effectively an aircraft is integrated into a broader network of sensors, command-and-control systems, airborne warning assets, electronic warfare capabilities, data links, air-defence systems and supporting combat infrastructure.

Air Chief Marshal Singh noted that possessing an advanced fighter aircraft does not automatically translate into operational superiority. He argued that military effectiveness is determined by the integration of platforms across the entire defence ecosystem rather than by any single aircraft operating independently.

The Air Chief drew attention to previous instances in which Pakistan operated advanced military platforms but was unable to translate those capabilities into meaningful strategic outcomes against India.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, he observed that Pakistan had access to sophisticated systems in the past but was unable to achieve significant results despite possessing those assets. He suggested that technology alone has never been sufficient to guarantee battlefield success.

According to Singh, India can similarly offset emerging threats through effective integration of the aircraft and systems currently being inducted into the IAF. He maintained that such integration would enable India to respond successfully to any near-term challenges associated with the introduction of fifth-generation aircraft into Pakistan's inventory.

He further pointed out that any new platform requires considerable time before it can be fully integrated into a country's operational doctrine, training ecosystem, maintenance structure and combat network. As a result, even if Pakistan acquires such aircraft, the full operational benefits would not be realised immediately.

At the same time, the Air Chief made it clear that India cannot afford complacency. He stressed the importance of inducting aircraft of the same technological generation at the earliest opportunity to preserve India's long-term air-power advantage.

Air Chief Marshal Singh urged a stronger push for the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, which is expected to become India's first domestically developed fifth-generation stealth fighter.

The AMCA project is regarded as one of India's most important future aerospace initiatives. The aircraft is intended to incorporate stealth features, advanced sensors, internal weapons carriage, network-centric combat capabilities, artificial intelligence-assisted systems and next-generation avionics designed to meet future operational requirements.

The program occupies a central place in India's plans to modernise its combat aviation fleet and reduce long-term dependence on foreign suppliers for advanced fighter aircraft. Singh stressed that the AMCA program must move forward rapidly if India is to maintain an effective technological edge in the coming decades.

He also signalled that alternative decisions may have to be considered should the AMCA program experience significant delays. His remarks reflected the urgency felt within the IAF regarding the timely induction of next-generation combat aircraft amid evolving regional security dynamics.

The comments come at a time when the Indian Air Force is simultaneously pursuing efforts to strengthen squadron strength, accelerate indigenous defence manufacturing and modernise its operational capabilities across multiple domains.

The IAF has repeatedly highlighted the importance of transitioning towards network-centric warfare, where information dominance, sensor fusion, long-range engagement capabilities and integrated air operations are increasingly critical to combat effectiveness.

Air Chief Marshal Singh's remarks underline the belief within the Indian Air Force that future aerial superiority will depend not merely on acquiring advanced fighter aircraft, but on creating a fully integrated combat ecosystem capable of maximising the effectiveness of every platform in service.

While acknowledging the significance of China's fifth-generation aircraft developments and the possibility of Pakistan benefiting from them, the Air Chief reiterated that India possesses the necessary capabilities to address the challenge in the near term.

However, he emphasised that maintaining long-term air dominance will require the rapid induction of fifth-generation aircraft and sustained momentum behind the AMCA program, ensuring that India's air power remains prepared for emerging threats across the region.

The AMCA received major governmental approval for full-scale development and is expected to form the backbone of India's future stealth fighter capability. The project is intended to complement existing platforms such as the Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas, while positioning India among the limited number of nations capable of designing and producing advanced stealth combat aircraft domestically.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Pakistan’s J-35 Ambitions Add Pressure Says Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has warned that delays in fighter aircraft inductions are adversely affecting the service at a time when its combat strength continues to decline. 

Speaking ahead of the 94th Air Force Day, he said the IAF requires the induction of between 36 and 40 fighter aircraft every year over the coming years to halt the erosion of squadron numbers.

The IAF currently operates around 30 fighter squadrons, significantly below its authorised strength of 42 squadrons. According to Singh, the force needs to add approximately two fighter squadrons annually if it is to recover its numbers and maintain readiness against the possibility of a coordinated two-front challenge involving Pakistan and China.

He acknowledged that delays in the arrival of new aircraft were causing increasing concern. Singh stated that the reduction in fleet strength was already being felt operationally and that timely induction of replacement platforms was becoming critical.

A major factor behind the shortfall is the delayed delivery of the TEJAS MK-1A fighter. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was awarded a contract in February 2021 worth approximately ₹48,000 Crores for the supply of 83 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft.

Despite the passage of several years since the agreement was signed, the IAF has yet to receive a single aircraft under the order.

Singh described the delay as substantial and admitted it would negatively affect the force's combat strength. He nevertheless pointed to HAL’s commitment to manufacture 24 aircraft annually in the coming year. He also proposed greater involvement of private industry, suggesting that additional production lines could potentially contribute another 12 to 18 aircraft every year and help accelerate inductions.

The Air Chief also highlighted Pakistan’s reported efforts to acquire fifth-generation combat aircraft through cooperation with China. While he characterised the development as a matter of concern, he stopped short of describing it as a major threat.

Recent reports have indicated that Pakistan has approved the acquisition of 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighters, with deliveries expected within the next two years. If completed, the deal would mark the first export of China’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft and significantly enhance Pakistan’s access to advanced stealth capabilities.

Against this backdrop, Singh stressed the importance of ensuring that India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program progresses without further delays. The AMCA is intended to become India’s first domestically developed fifth-generation fighter and is viewed as a central pillar of the country’s future air combat strategy.

However, Singh acknowledged that prolonged delays in the AMCA timetable could compel the IAF to consider overseas alternatives. He noted that Russia has offered its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter to India, although no decision has been taken regarding the proposal.

The Air Chief emphasised that Pakistan has previously operated capable aircraft fleets and cautioned against assessing combat effectiveness solely through platform comparisons. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he argued that the outcome demonstrated how integrated capabilities, training, weapons, sensors and operational planning ultimately determine battlefield success rather than the presence of advanced aircraft alone.

The challenge facing the IAF is expected to become more acute towards the end of the decade. Defence officials have identified the 2029-30 period as a critical phase when several ageing fighter fleets are scheduled for retirement.

The Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 aircraft, many of which have undergone life-extension upgrades, are expected to be gradually phased out during that period. Together, these fleets account for roughly 250 aircraft, creating the prospect of a further reduction in squadron strength unless replacement programmes stay on schedule.

To address the looming gap, the IAF is counting on the timely arrival of TEJAS MK-1A fighters, future TEJAS MK-2 aircraft, the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft acquisition program, additional Su-30MKI orders and the long-term induction of the AMCA. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s remarks underline growing concern within the service that delays in any of these initiatives could have a direct impact on India’s future air power and force structure.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Kashi Prepares For Spectacular Three-Day IAF Air Show As PM Modi Expected To Attend

The spiritual city of Kashi is preparing to host a major Indian Air Force (IAF) air show from 24 to 26 October, bringing together military aviation displays and the cultural backdrop of Varanasi’s famed riverfront, PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to attend the main event on 25 October.

Ahead of the event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the air show, which is scheduled to take place at Namo Ghat. Senior IAF officials, along with district administration and police officials, briefed the Chief Minister on operational planning and venue arrangements.

Officials outlined plans for spectator galleries, grandstands, designated enclosures for distinguished guests, media facilities, entry and exit routes, and security screening points.

Authorities have also developed a sector-wise management strategy to handle the large crowds expected along Namo Ghat and other stretches of the Ganga riverfront.

With substantial public interest anticipated, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure robust crowd-control measures, smooth traffic circulation, adequate parking facilities and clear zone identification throughout the venue. He stressed that visitor movement must remain organised and convenient at all times.

Adityanath also instructed authorities to provide sufficient drinking water, first-aid services and sanitation facilities for spectators attending the aerial display. Trained police personnel and magistrates are expected to be deployed across designated sectors to support public safety and event management.

Given the likelihood of large numbers of visitors gathering not only at Namo Ghat but also at other prominent Ghats across Kashi, the state government has called for an integrated action plan covering crowd regulation, traffic management, parking operations and movement through both road and water routes.

The Chief Minister emphasised that emergency-response and security drills should be conducted well in advance to ensure all agencies can react swiftly and in coordination if required. He also called for close cooperation among district magistrates across the Varanasi division throughout the three-day event.

The forthcoming air show is expected to create a striking blend of India’s aerial military capabilities and Kashi’s historic heritage, with the Ganga riverfront providing a dramatic setting for the displays. 

Authorities have been instructed to complete all preparations within the prescribed timeframe to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for devotees, tourists and local residents alike.

Additional reports indicate that the event is expected to attract exceptionally large crowds and could feature a range of IAF aircraft in aerial demonstrations over the Ganga, further enhancing Varanasi’s growing profile as a venue for major national events.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India Lodges Strong Protest And Summons Pakistan's Envoy Over Ferozepur Infiltration And Cross-Border Drug Networks

India has formally summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over what it described as the continued facilitation of illegal cross-border infiltration and the activities of Pakistan-based narcotics networks.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations relating to a security incident along the International Border in Punjab’s Ferozepur sector on 2 October, describing the claims as “baseless and motivated”.

According to the Indian government, three individuals crossed into Indian territory from Pakistan during the incident. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel repeatedly warned them to turn back and return across the border.

Indian authorities stated that the intruders ignored the warnings and continued advancing towards the border fence. The BSF subsequently engaged them after assessing that they posed an imminent security threat.

During the diplomatic exchange, India informed the Pakistani side that the incident reflected a recurring pattern of cross-border movement by armed narcotics syndicates allegedly operating from Pakistani territory.

New Delhi urged Islamabad to investigate infiltration attempts, drug-smuggling operations and what it termed the possible complicity of Pakistani border-guarding forces in such activities. India called for immediate remedial measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The MEA further pressed Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the International Border, strictly adhere to existing bilateral arrangements and ensure effective control measures to stop unauthorised cross-border movement from its side.

India also requested that Pakistan direct its security forces to take definitive action aimed at preventing a recurrence of such incidents, underscoring New Delhi’s concerns about infiltration routes that have frequently been linked to narcotics trafficking networks operating along the Punjab frontier.

The diplomatic protest came amid a fresh exchange between the two neighbours over the border incident, with both sides presenting sharply different accounts of the events.

However, India maintained that the actions taken by the BSF were a direct response to an immediate security threat arising from the illegal entry and continued advance of the individuals involved.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Indian Navy To Commission INS Samarthak And INS Mangrol To Strengthen Undersea Warfare And Weapons Testing Capability

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission two new vessels this month, INS Samarthak and INS Mangrol, in a move aimed at strengthening indigenous weapons testing capabilities and enhancing anti-submarine operations close to India's coastline, The New Indian Express reported.

The induction comes at a time of growing underwater military activity in the Indian Ocean region and follows Pakistan's continued expansion of its submarine arm through the acquisition of eight Chinese-origin Hangor-class submarines.

Pakistan recently conducted an anti-ship cruise missile firing from PNS Hangor, underlining its long-standing reliance on submarines as a key sea-denial capability against India.

Against this backdrop, the Indian Navy is accelerating efforts to enhance anti-submarine warfare and broader undersea combat capabilities. Former Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi had previously highlighted anti-submarine and undersea warfare as a major operational priority, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stressed that India's military preparedness must be achieved before any crisis materialises.

INS Samarthak, built by Larsen & Toubro, is the Navy's first Multi-Purpose Vessel and the lead ship of a two-vessel class. The vessel has been designed primarily as a dedicated trials and evaluation platform, enabling the Navy to test indigenous weapons, sensors and anti-submarine warfare systems without diverting frontline combatants from operational duties.

The vessel will support the testing of torpedoes and other under-development underwater weapons, recover and deploy targets during anti-submarine exercises, and facilitate trials involving unmanned systems. By assuming these responsibilities, Samarthak will allow operational warships to remain focused on deterrence and mission readiness.

Beyond its trials role, Samarthak will undertake maritime surveillance, offshore patrols, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, pollution-response missions and support activities across India's maritime domain.

The vessel is also part of India's drive towards greater self-reliance in naval capability development and indigenous defence manufacturing. Publicly available information indicates the ship was built with a high level of indigenous content and was conceived as a versatile support asset capable of serving multiple naval requirements.

INS Mangrol, meanwhile, is the third vessel of the Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. Once commissioned, it will become the seventh vessel from the planned fleet of 16 shallow-water anti-submarine platforms entering service.

Designed specifically to detect, track and engage hostile submarines operating in coastal and littoral waters, Mangrol is equipped with indigenous underwater sensors, lightweight torpedoes, anti-submarine rocket systems and torpedo decoy launchers. The vessel also possesses mine-laying capability, further expanding its operational utility.

The addition of Mangrol is expected to strengthen the protection of high-value naval and commercial assets operating along India's coastline. Its induction also reflects increasing concern regarding the growing submarine presence in the region, particularly as China continues to supply advanced underwater platforms to several countries in India's neighbourhood.

A significant capability gap nevertheless remains. While Pakistan's Hangor-class submarines feature Air Independent Propulsion technology that allows extended underwater endurance and reduced detectability, India has yet to field an operational submarine equipped with indigenous AIP capability.

This is expected to change through a combination of future acquisitions and upgrades. The six submarines planned under Project-75I, which are slated to be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in partnership with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, are intended to incorporate AIP systems from the outset. However, the program is still awaiting approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security, and the first submarine is not expected to enter service until several years after contract signature.

In the interim, INS Khanderi, the second Kalvari-class submarine, is scheduled to become the first Indian Navy submarine fitted with DRDO's indigenous fuel-cell-based AIP system. Following integration and trials, the upgraded submarine is expected to enter operational service around the middle of 2028.

The commissioning of Samarthak and Mangrol forms part of a much broader naval modernisation effort. The Navy is working towards the induction of 18 warships during the year, a figure that would represent one of the largest annual fleet expansions in its history.

The Defence Acquisition Council has also granted in-principle approval for 74 additional naval platforms, including nine submarines, signalling sustained investment in maritime capability growth.

At the same time, the Navy continues to closely monitor Chinese research vessels operating across the Indian Ocean Region. Such ships routinely collect hydrographic, oceanographic and seabed-mapping data that could potentially support future submarine operations and underwater military activities.

India currently operates a fleet of roughly 145 warships and aims to expand that force to around 200 vessels over the coming decade. Under Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who assumed command in May, the service remains focused on modernisation, indigenous capability development and strengthening readiness across all domains of maritime warfare.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

IAF Needs 40 New Fighters Annually To Arrest Squadron Decline, Flags Urgency of Modernisation Says Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires the induction of between 36 and 40 fighter aircraft every year merely to prevent its fighter squadron strength from declining further, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said ahead of Air Force Day, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the service as it seeks to restore its combat capability.

According to the Air Chief, the annual requirement equates to roughly two fighter squadrons every year. He stressed that even this rate would primarily stabilise existing force levels, while rebuilding strength would require an even greater pace of inductions.

Highlighting the consequences of delays in military aviation projects, Singh said that prolonged development and production timelines directly affect operational readiness.

“Technology delayed is technology denied,” he remarked, emphasising the need to accelerate ongoing acquisition and indigenous development efforts.

The Air Force chief pointed to several key programs intended to bridge the capability gap, including the Tejas Mk-1A, the TEJAS MK-2, the proposed acquisition of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter project.

He said Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is aiming to raise production beyond 24 aircraft annually. Combined with future Tejas deliveries, the MRFA program and additional fighter orders, such output could help the IAF move closer to its required induction rate if all projects remain on schedule.

The remarks come at a time when the IAF continues to operate significantly below its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons. Maintaining force levels has become increasingly challenging as legacy aircraft retire faster than replacement platforms enter service.

Singh indicated that delays to the AMCA or other major fighter acquisition programs could compel the IAF to examine alternative fighter options. However, he clarified that no decision has been taken regarding Russia’s offer of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.

On the issue of integrated theatre commands, the Air Chief reiterated that the IAF is not opposed to the concept itself. He said, however, that the structure, implementation model and operational implications require careful study before any final decisions are made.

Drawing lessons from Operation Sindoor, Singh noted that recent operational experience had influenced ongoing discussions regarding military command reforms. With a restructured Chiefs of Staff Committee now in place, the armed forces will reassess various models, including whether the transformation should be implemented in a single phase or through a gradual approach.

He added that the military leadership would present a range of options to the government for consideration.

Addressing regional security developments, Singh described growing Pakistan-China cooperation in the field of fifth-generation fighter aircraft as a matter of concern for India.

Nevertheless, he assessed that Pakistan has yet to fully exploit the capabilities of its advanced platforms because of shortcomings in integrating those assets into a broader combat ecosystem.

He stressed that the effectiveness of any fighter aircraft depends not only on the platform itself but also on how efficiently it is linked with sensors, command-and-control networks, weapons systems and the wider operational architecture.

The Air Chief’s comments underscore the IAF’s increasing emphasis on rapid fighter induction, indigenous aerospace development, network-centric warfare capabilities and long-term force modernisation amid an evolving regional security environment.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

'IAF May Explore Alternative Fifth-Generation Fighters If AMCA Faces Delays' Says Air Chief Marshal AP Singh

India’s indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) remains the Indian Air Force’s primary pathway to acquiring a fifth-generation combat aircraft capability. However, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has indicated that alternative fighter platforms may need to be examined if delays affect the program’s development timeline.

Speaking at his annual press conference in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force Chief said the service could be compelled to consider other options should the AMCA or related modernisation efforts encounter significant setbacks.

Among the alternatives available, Russia has formally offered the Su-57 stealth fighter to India. Air Chief Marshal Singh clarified that no decision has been taken on the proposal and that the offer remains under evaluation without any commitment from the Indian side.

VIDEO | Delhi: We may have to look at other fighter platforms in case of delays in AMCA fifth-generation, other programmes. Russia has offered Su-57 jets but no decision has been made on it, says Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.#IAF #IndiaAirForce

(Full video… pic.twitter.com/rYIGhDznn2

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 3, 2026

The Air Chief stressed that strengthening the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet remains a priority, particularly as the service continues to deal with declining squadron numbers and the retirement of ageing aircraft.

His remarks come amid growing concern over the gap between the Indian Air Force’s authorised fighter squadron strength and its current inventory. The service is pursuing multiple acquisition and development efforts, including the TEJAS MK-1A, TEJAS MK-2, the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme and the AMCA, to restore combat strength over the coming years.

The AMCA is being developed as India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter and is expected to play a central role in the country’s future air combat strategy. Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency with support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the aircraft is intended to combine advanced stealth characteristics, high survivability and multi-role combat capabilities.

While AMCA remains the preferred long-term solution, Air Chief Marshal Singh’s comments underscore the Indian Air Force’s need to maintain operational readiness and ensure sufficient fighter numbers if delays emerge in critical indigenous combat aircraft programs.

PTI

Comments

Continue Reading

IAF Chief Rules Out Separate Drone Force, Backs Integrated Unmanned Operations

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has ruled out the creation of a separate drone force for the Indian Air Force, saying unmanned systems must remain integrated with the service’s wider combat structure.

Speaking ahead of Air Force Day, Singh said drones did not represent a revolutionary shift for the IAF. Instead, he described their growing employment as an evolutionary development within capabilities that the force has maintained for decades.

The IAF is expanding the number of drones and loitering munitions in its inventory, while also broadening the range of systems available for operational use.

However, Singh said the expansion would take place within the existing force structure rather than through an independent drone arm.

He stressed that drones and loitering munitions must be employed alongside aircraft, conventional weapons and other combat capabilities to generate the intended operational effect.

According to the IAF chief, separating unmanned systems from the wider weapons mix would undermine coordinated operations. He said one class of weapon could not be operated independently in one area while another was employed separately elsewhere.

The IAF’s approach is therefore centred on integrated operations, in which drones, loitering munitions and manned platforms work together under the same operational framework.

Singh’s remarks indicate that the force views unmanned systems as a growing component of air power, rather than as a standalone capability requiring a separate command structure.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Russian Navy Visit To Southern Naval Command, Naval Academy Underscores Growing India-Russia Maritime Cooperation

A six-member Russian Navy delegation led by Captain 1st Rank Sergei V Saitov concluded a visit to the Indian Navy’s Southern Naval Command and the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala, highlighting the continuing momentum in maritime cooperation between India and Russia.

The delegation visited the two premier naval establishments between 27 September and 1 October, where it reviewed the Indian Navy’s training architecture, instructional systems, infrastructure and training facilities.

The engagement provided Russian officers with an overview of how the Indian Navy prepares personnel across operational, technical and leadership domains.

During the visit, officials from both sides held discussions aimed at expanding maritime cooperation, improving interoperability and strengthening institutional as well as professional ties between the two navies. The interaction reflected the long-standing naval relationship that has formed an important pillar of the broader India-Russia strategic partnership.

The Southern Naval Command, headquartered in Kochi, serves as the Indian Navy’s principal training command, while the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala is the country's premier officer-training institution. Both establishments play a central role in shaping future naval leadership and enhancing operational readiness.

The naval engagement comes amid a series of high-level diplomatic and military exchanges between New Delhi and Moscow designed to reinforce their enduring strategic partnership.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the “special and privileged” India-Russia strategic partnership. The two ministers also reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation and discussed coordination within multilateral forums including the United Nations, G20 and BRICS.

In another significant development, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth recently completed a three-day official visit to Russia, the first such visit by an Indian Army Chief in eight years.

During the visit, General Seth held talks with Russia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces, Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev. 

Discussions focused on joint capability development, training cooperation, operational experience sharing and expanding Army-to-Army engagement.

The Army Chief also received a ceremonial Guard of Honour, paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow and visited the headquarters of the Russian Land Forces, where both sides explored additional avenues for deepening military cooperation and strengthening long-term capability development.

Taken together, the recent naval, diplomatic and military interactions illustrate sustained efforts by India and Russia to preserve and expand defence cooperation, even as both countries continue to engage across a broad spectrum of strategic, security and geopolitical issues.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

India's Expanding Air Defence Shield Deepens Strategic Anxiety Within Pakistan's Military Establishment

India's accelerating effort to build a multi-layered air defence shield is emerging as a major source of concern within Pakistan's military establishment. While New Delhi portrays the system as a purely defensive measure designed to safeguard cities, leadership and strategic infrastructure, Islamabad fears that it could undermine deterrence stability and intensify the regional arms competition.

The concern has grown following India's recent tests of the AD-1 and AD-2 interceptor missiles, part of the second phase of its Ballistic Missile Defence program. These systems are designed to intercept ballistic missiles with ranges of up to 5,000 kilometres and build upon existing capabilities provided by the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Advanced Air Defence (AAD) and Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptors.

From Pakistan's perspective, the issue is not whether India can create an impenetrable shield. Most analysts agree that no existing missile defence architecture can guarantee complete protection against large-scale missile attacks, particularly those involving hypersonic weapons, MIRV-equipped missiles, cruise missiles or coordinated drone swarms. The real concern is that even a partially effective shield could reshape strategic calculations during a crisis.

This reflects the classic offence-defence paradox. A system viewed as defensive by one state may be interpreted as offensive by an adversary. Pakistan fears that a stronger Indian air defence network could give Indian policymakers greater confidence in their ability to absorb retaliation, potentially lowering the perceived risks associated with coercive military action.

These concerns were further underscored by the May 2025 India–Pakistan military crisis. India launched a devastating counter-offensive, whereas Pakistan was unable to mount a single effective strike, with all its drone and missile attempts intercepted by India’s air defence system.

Any future confrontation could unfold under conditions where one side increasingly believes it possesses enhanced protection against missile strikes, while the other is compelled to expand offensive capabilities to restore deterrence credibility.

As a result, India's missile defence advances may inadvertently encourage Pakistan to accelerate the development of countermeasures. These could include additional MIRV-equipped ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles, precision-guided conventional strike systems, armed drones and, eventually, hypersonic weapons capable of bypassing or overwhelming defensive networks.

A fundamental challenge for missile defence systems is that offence generally remains cheaper and easier to expand than defence. Building and maintaining sophisticated radar networks, interceptor missiles and command-and-control systems requires enormous investment, whereas an adversary can often develop relatively cost-effective measures to saturate or circumvent those defences.

Even assuming interception rates of 75 to 80 per cent, the remaining missiles that penetrate the shield could still inflict unacceptable damage. In a nuclear scenario, even a small number of successful strikes would have catastrophic consequences. This reality limits the strategic value of missile defence while simultaneously encouraging rivals to develop larger and more sophisticated offensive arsenals.

Pakistan's military planners therefore view India's growing air defence shield less as a stabilising security measure and more as a catalyst for an expanding regional security dilemma. The more India invests in defensive capabilities, the stronger the incentive for Pakistan to invest in offensive systems designed to defeat them.

China also influences the equation. Beijing has developed both missile defence technologies and advanced countermeasures against such systems, while continuing to modernise its own missile arsenal. This broader regional trend reinforces Pakistani concerns that missile defence is becoming an integral part of a wider strategic competition across Asia.

The competition may eventually extend into space. Future missile defence architectures are expected to rely increasingly on space-based sensors and tracking systems, particularly for detecting and intercepting hypersonic weapons.

However, such developments could accelerate the militarisation of space and create new vulnerabilities, given the growing availability of anti-satellite weapons.

Despite these risks, there is currently no meaningful arms-control framework governing missile defence deployments. Long-standing geopolitical tensions, major-power rivalry, ongoing conflicts and persistent mistrust between India and Pakistan make any agreement on missile defence limitations highly unlikely.

Consequently, Pakistan's military establishment is likely to continue viewing India's expanding air defence shield with deep apprehension. Rather than reducing insecurity, the deployment of increasingly advanced interceptor systems may reinforce fears that South Asia is entering a new phase of strategic competition, characterised by a simultaneous race in both defensive and offensive missile technologies.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

HAL Secures Complete Control of HATSOFF Helicopter Training Operations

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 50% stake in HATSOFF Helicopter Training Pvt Ltd from Canada-based CAE, paving the way for the training specialist to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the aerospace and defence company.

The transaction covers 3,84,04,205 equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each and will be completed at nil consideration, resulting in no cash outflow for HAL.

The acquisition marks the end of the long-standing 50:50 joint venture structure between HAL and CAE. Once the share transfer is completed, HAL will assume full ownership and management control of HATSOFF, enabling quicker decision-making and closer integration of training activities with its broader aerospace and defence operations.

HATSOFF is a specialised aviation training provider focused on simulator-based helicopter pilot training for both military and civilian customers. Its clients include personnel from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force, alongside civil helicopter operators such as Pawan Hans and Global Vectra.

Founded in 2008, HATSOFF has established a niche position in advanced helicopter simulation and pilot training. The company operates training infrastructure that supports mission readiness, skill enhancement and recurrent certification requirements for helicopter crews across multiple sectors.

The transaction has received the required administrative approval from the Ministry of Defence's Department of Defence Production, along with concurrence from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management under the Ministry of Finance. As HAL already owned 50% of the venture, the acquisition is categorised as a related-party transaction.

The share transfer is expected to be completed within approximately 60 days of signing the agreement. Following completion, attention will shift to how HAL utilises full ownership to expand its pilot training capabilities, strengthen operational efficiency and further consolidate its presence in the military and civil aviation training segment.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

INS Trishul Reaches Spain Following Varuna Drills With French Navy During Extended Overseas Deployment

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trishul, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, has arrived in Valencia, Spain, as part of its ongoing operational deployment across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and adjoining maritime regions.

The vessel reached Valencia on 30 September and is scheduled to participate in a series of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting fixtures and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy.

These activities are intended to promote the exchange of operational expertise, strengthen professional relationships and deepen mutual understanding between the two naval forces.

The port call forms part of the Indian Navy’s broader maritime outreach initiative with friendly nations and partner navies, reflecting India's continued commitment to enhancing naval cooperation and maintaining a rules-based maritime environment.

The visit follows INS Trishul’s participation in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna, the flagship bilateral maritime exercise conducted annually by the Indian Navy and the French Navy at Toulon, France.

INS Trishul arrived in Toulon on 22 September for the exercise, with the harbour phase featuring professional exchanges alongside sporting and cultural interactions between personnel from both navies.

During the visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer met Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and held discussions with senior French Navy leadership.

The Commanding Officer, officers and crew also paid tribute at the Mazargues War Memorial in Marseille, honouring 205 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World Wars.

Professional engagements included cross-deck visits and operational knowledge-sharing sessions. Indian Navy personnel toured the French naval platforms Charles de Gaulle, Forbin and La Fayette, gaining valuable insight into carrier operations, aviation facilities and shipboard procedures.

INS Trishul additionally hosted a cultural event onboard attended by Vice Admiral (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers and civilian dignitaries.

A friendly volleyball match between sailors from the two navies further strengthened camaraderie and people-to-people ties.

During the sea phase of Exercise Varuna, INS Trishul operated alongside French Navy assets including FDA Forbin, FLF La Fayette and the nuclear-powered attack submarine Suffren. The exercise also involved NH90 helicopters and Atlantique-2 maritime patrol aircraft.

The operational drills encompassed anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live-firing activities and cross-deck helicopter landing operations designed to improve interoperability, coordination and tactical synergy between the two maritime forces.

India and France have steadily expanded naval cooperation through Exercise Varuna, which has evolved into one of the most significant bilateral naval engagements in the Indo-Pacific and European maritime theatres. The exercise enables both navies to refine joint operational procedures and strengthen readiness for a range of maritime security challenges.

The Indian Navy’s current deployment across the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions highlights its emphasis on operational preparedness, sustained overseas presence, maritime diplomacy and defence partnerships.

The ongoing deployment and the Valencia port call are expected to further reinforce India’s maritime engagement with partner navies while contributing to regional maritime security, stability and cooperative naval operations.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Kusha Takes Flight: India’s Indigenous Long-Range Air Defence Shield Moves Closer To Deployment

India has crossed a major milestone in its quest for a wholly indigenous long-range air defence capability with the first successful flight-test of the Kusha missile system, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System (ERADS) or XRSAM.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the project is intended to become a critical layer within India's future integrated air defence network.

The name Kusha is derived from the Sanskrit word “Kush”, meaning sacred grass. The system has been conceived as a mobile, truck-mounted and cannisterised air defence weapon capable of defending large areas against a wide spectrum of modern aerial threats.

Once operational, Kusha will complement existing capabilities provided by the Barak-8 MR-SAM, the Russian S-400 Triumf and India's Ballistic Missile Defence architecture. It is also expected to become a central component of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India's emerging multi-layered national air defence shield.

The system is designed to engage fighter aircraft at ranges of up to 250 km, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft at approximately 350 km, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, stealth combat aircraft and ballistic missiles during their terminal phase. Advanced long-range surveillance and fire-control radars will support target detection, tracking and engagement.

A key feature of the program is its three-interceptor architecture. The M1 interceptor is designed for engagements out to 150 km, the M2 for around 250 km, and the M3 for ranges reaching 350-400 km. All three missiles share a common kill vehicle while employing different booster configurations to achieve their respective performance envelopes.

The project received Cabinet Committee on Security approval in May 2022. In September 2023, the Ministry of Defence granted Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of five IAF squadrons at a projected cost of ₹21,700 crore. The system is intended to bridge the capability gap between the 80 km-range MR-SAM and the 400 km-range S-400.

A naval derivative is also under consideration and could eventually supplement the Indian Navy’s long-range surface-to-air missile inventory, further expanding the programme’s strategic significance.

Progress accelerated in August 2024 when DRDO initiated fabrication of the first M1 missiles. Orders were placed for airframes, rocket motors, kill vehicles and telemetry systems, signalling the transition from design work to hardware production.

In May 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited began manufacturing the system prototype. Development plans envisaged completion of the prototype within 18 months, followed by an extensive user evaluation phase.

The program achieved its most significant breakthrough on 23 July 2026 when DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, validating key elements of the system's design, radar integration and engagement chain.

Although the test marked a major achievement, it represents only the start of a lengthy qualification process. Additional M1 trials are expected before the more capable M2 and M3 interceptors enter testing. Given development timelines and earlier schedule slippages, phased induction of the complete system is likely towards the end of the decade.

The IAF's growing emphasis on indigenous solutions has reportedly intensified following recent operational experiences, leading to greater urgency in accelerating Kusha's development and deployment.

Strategically, Kusha is often compared with long-range air defence systems such as the American THAAD, Russian S-400 and Chinese HQ-9. While those systems benefit from decades of operational refinement, Kusha represents India's first attempt to field a domestically designed integrated area-defence architecture capable of engaging diverse airborne threats at extended ranges.

Beyond the interceptor missiles themselves, the program's importance lies in its networked architecture. Kusha batteries are expected to integrate with the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System, enabling real-time coordination with other sensors and air defence assets across the country.

As air warfare evolves towards stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems and drone swarms, the success of Kusha will depend as much on its sensors, command networks and battle management systems as on missile performance.

The program therefore represents not merely the development of another interceptor, but a broader test of India's ability to design, integrate and field a world-class indigenous air defence ecosystem.

If development remains broadly on track, Kusha could emerge as the backbone of India's long-range air defence architecture throughout the 2030s, significantly reducing dependence on imported systems while strengthening the country's strategic self-reliance in advanced military technologies.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading