INDIA FIGHTER JETS
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say
Forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government began a major offensive Monday against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on the country's Red Sea coast, under an intensified air campaign by the Saudi-led coalition.
"We possess necessary capabilities": IAF Chief AP Singh on countering Chinese 5th-gen aircraft challenge, urges push for AMCA
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh addressed concerns about Pakistan potentially acquiring Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. He emphasized that India possesses the capabilities to respond effectively to such threats. Historical context suggests that advanced platforms alone do not guarantee success for Pakistan against India.
India may finalise 114 Rafale fighter jet deal with France by current financial year: IAF chief
India is planning to finalize a significant multi-role fighter aircraft deal by the end of this financial year. The proposed acquisition involves purchasing 114 Rafale fighter jets to enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities. Current negotiations are focused on price and other important issues related to the procurement. The Chief of Air Staff emphasized the need for increased air power and self-reliance in manufacturing capabilities.
IAF chief hints at foreign fifth-gen fighter option if AMCA is delayed, cites Russia's Su-57 offer
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has indicated that India could examine foreign fifth-generation fighter options if the indigenous AMCA programme is delayed. Russia has offered its Su-57 fighter, although Singh said no decision has been taken. The IAF is also seeking to expand its fighter fleet as squadron strength remains below the authorised level.
Kashi all set to host 3-day IAF air show; PM Modi may come
Kashi is preparing to host an Indian Air Force air show from October 24 to 26 this year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to attend the event. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reviewed preparations and arrangements for spectators. Officials are focused on ensuring crowd management and emergency arrangements across Varanasi.
Indian Air Force to get separate drone force? IAF chief AP Singh reveals what the force plans
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has ruled out creating a separate drone force, saying unmanned systems and loitering munitions should remain integrated with the Indian Air Force’s existing weapons and platforms. He described drones as an “evolutionary” capability for the force and said their numbers, types and operational use are being expanded.
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PM Modi speaks to Captain Smit Machchhar's wife and parents, lauds his bravery
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while preventing a potential disaster aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. He managed to unlock the cockpit door despite the attack from his co-pilot. His actions enabled passengers and crew to intervene and safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Indian officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praised Machchhar's bravery and commitment to safety. He is currently recovering from his injuries in a local hospital.

Attacker's identity and motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster
An Omani copilot attacked his captain on a FlyDubai flight from UAE to Israel. This incident led to the plane making a dangerous emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the copilot's arrest, while investigations are ongoing. Witnesses described chaos on board as passengers assisted the injured captain. The attack has raised security concerns ahead of an important anniversary in Israel.

Midair miracles: Passengers hail Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli heroes who thwarted attack on flydubai flight
An Indian flydubai pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was seriously stabbed by his copilot in an attempted plane crash. Despite his injuries, he unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The plane landed safely, and global leaders hailed the captain as a hero.

School assembly news headlines for October 1: Top India, international, sports and business updates
School assembly news headlines for October 1 bring the latest updates from India, international affairs, sports and business. Key stories include India’s Asian Games gold medals, major government decisions, global developments, security operations, Mumbai’s property market, automobile price changes and important developments in the energy and cement sectors.

Iran indicates it received official US response to its latest offer on ending war
The US has formally responded to Tehran's recent war proposal, challenging Iranian officials amidst ongoing economic sanctions that severely impact the nation. Traders indicate a notable dip in the value of the Iranian rial. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has initiated dialogues about the conditions for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Yet, the Trump administration's relentless economic campaign against Iran poses significant hurdles to negotiations.

India's fighter jet engine efforts get a big boost: Desi Kaveri engine clears key step in Russia, ready for integration with stealth UCAV ‘Ghatak’
India's Kaveri dry engine has completed high-altitude and flight trials in Russia, recording 48.5 kN of peak dry thrust against its target of 46 kN. Developed by DRDO, the engine is intended for India's planned Ghatak stealth UCAV.

Re-rating on cards for HAL shares as Tejas Mk1A aircraft deliveries near: Jefferies
Tejas Mk1A accounts for 43% of HAL’s order book and could emerge as a key re-rating trigger as deliveries gain visibility, Jefferies said. HAL CMD Ravi Kota expects to deliver 10 aircraft this year, ahead of Jefferies’ earlier estimate of five. The brokerage retained its Buy rating with a Rs 6,800 target.

'Strengthening coordination, readiness': US embassy hails F-35 debut at Tarang Shakti 2026 in India
The second edition of multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is underway in Jodhpur, featuring advanced fighter jets like the US F-35A. Running until October 12, the drill promotes interoperability, joint training, and strategic defence cooperation among participating global air forces.

LCA Mk2, AMCA first flight dates confirmed: Defence Secretary reveals timeline for India’s next-gen fighter jets
India's LCA Mk2 medium weight fighter prototype is expected to fly by September 2027. The country's Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, is targeted for its first flight in September 2028. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh provided clear timelines for these military aircraft programs. Test flights are set to occur between June and September next year. These developments are crucial for enhancing India's air combat capabilities against regional threats.

India working towards developing sixth-generation fighter jets: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that India is developing sixth-generation fighter jets. He said modern warfare encompasses multiple domains and is not restricted to soldier versus soldier. The minister also said that India successfully conducted a flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile as well as testing a long-duration scramjet engine.

F-35s, Rafales and F-16s descend on Jodhpur as 40+ countries join India’s Tarang Shakti
Kicking off its second edition, the multinational air exercise 'Tarang Shakti' has commenced in Jodhpur, with over 40 countries, including France, the UAE, and Australia, marking a significant show of global military unity. From September 26 to October 12, India will demonstrate its Rafale and Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, building on the momentum from a previous tactical air combat exercise held nearby.

US F-35 stealth fighters to join IAF’s Tarang Shakti exercise in India for first time
The Tarang Shakti 2026 exercise in India will feature six US F-35 stealth fighter jets, a landmark event as they engage in their first multinational combat exercise with the Indian Air Force. Approximately 40 countries will be involved as participants or observers, showcasing various high-tech aircraft. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force remains focused on resolving delays related to the Tejas Mk1A fighter jet deliveries.

Defence ministry signs Rs 811 crore deal with BDL for 160 satellite-guided anti-airfield weapons
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited on Wednesday. This contract involves the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti Airfield Weapons for the Indian Air Force. The weapon system, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, features 60% indigenous content. It will be deployed on aircraft such as the Jaguar, Hawk, and Su-30 MKI.

US stealth fighter F-35 among global air assets to headline Exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur
The Indian Air Force announced that seven foreign nations—including the US, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the UAE—will participate in the second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. Marking its first participation in the multilateral air exercise, the US multi-role stealth fighter F-35 will feature alongside India's Rafale, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas aircraft in joint tactical maneuvers aimed at enhancing global interoperability.

US F-35 jets likely to join India’s Tarang Shakti air exercise in Jodhpur
India’s second edition of Tarang Shakti, its premier multinational air exercise, will be held at Jodhpur’s Air Force Station from September 26 to October 12. The US Air Force’s fifth-generation F-35 fighter is likely to participate, which would mark its debut in Tarang Shakti, though the IAF has not officially confirmed the aircraft’s participation. The exercise will bring multiple foreign air forces together for joint tactical manoeuvres, with India’s frontline platforms also expected to take part.

India, Japan Air Force Chiefs fly the Tejas during Exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026' in Jodhpur
Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew Tejas aircraft from Air Force Station Jodhpur during Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 on Sunday. The bilateral drill features frontline fighter aircraft from both countries, including Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale jets from India and F-2A fighters from Japan, with the exercise aimed at strengthening interoperability and defence cooperation.

India, Japan air chiefs attend 'Exercise Veer Guardian-2026' at Jodhpur Air Force Station
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita visited Jodhpur's Air Force Station on Sunday to witness the ongoing Veer Guardian-2026 drills. India fields Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale jets, while Japan brings F-2As, marking its first fighter deployment to India. Running through September 22, the exercise aims to boost interoperability and deepen Indo-Japan defence ties.

HAL shares rise 2% as firm hands over 3 aerospace platforms to IAF. What is Goldman Sachs saying?
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) shares rose on Monday after the company handed over three indigenously developed platforms to the IAF and Pawan Hans. The deliveries included the Dhruv-NG helicopter, LCA Tejas Trainer jets and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft.

IAF chief led ‘Eagle One’ Tejas formation flight as Japan air chief flew twin-seater during Veer Guardian 2026
In a significant demonstration of military collaboration, the Indian Air Force Chief led a Tejas formation flight with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief Masahiro Morita as a passenger. This sortie underscored the increasing interoperability and professionalism between the two nations' air forces, showcasing India's indigenous defense aviation capabilities and reinforcing defense ties through operational understanding.

Japan Air Force chief flies LCA Tejas during Veer Guardian 2026, calls it symbol of India’s technological innovation
Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief General Takehiro Morita on Sunday described India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as a symbol of the country's technological innovation and the 'Make in India' initiative after flying the fighter aircraft during the ongoing Indo-Japan bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026'.

Apatsu Mitram: IAF Chief hails deepening India-Japan defence ties as Japanese Fighters fly from Indian soil in Ex 'Veer Guardian-2026'
"There is a Sanskrit expression which says 'Apatsu Mitram'-a friend in time of need. I think the spirit reflected in the relationship between the Indian Air Force and Koku-Jieitai [JASDF] is exactly the same," Singh said. "It is a partnership built on mutual respect, professional trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability."

Rajnath Singh hails 'important milestone' as HAL hands over Dhruv-NG, LCA Trainer and HTT-40 to IAF
Asserting that India is rapidly moving towards self-reliance through indigenous defence manufacturing, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the country is witnessing a major milestone in its aerospace capabilities and technological self-confidence.

"Will resolve issue and start delivering": HAL CMD Ravi Kumar on Tejas LCA Mk1A
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is working to resolve Tejas Mk1A software integration challenges. The company will deliver seventy Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 aircraft over four to five years. Prototypes for the CATS Warrior autonomous drone are now under fabrication. Four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters are being handed over to Pawan Hans Limited. Two Light Combat Aircraft Tejas trainer jets are also being delivered to the Indian Air Force.
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