RAFALE FIGHTER
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.
'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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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."
Solar's $1.3 bn bet is a turn for India's defence-industrial complex
The piece argues that Solar Industries’ ₹12,951-crore acquisition of South Africa’s Omnia Holdings could mark a new phase for India’s defence industry, as Indian companies increasingly move beyond domestic production into overseas acquisitions, manufacturing and technology partnerships.
Adani emerges key Russia defence partner in India; HAL, Bharat Dynamics on board
Adani Defence is partnering with Russian manufacturers for advanced air defence systems. This collaboration focuses on co-production of weapons like the Pantsir in India. Contracts for Igla-S and Verba missiles are already in progress. Russia is also deepening ties with state-run firms like HAL and BDL. However, some Russian defence proposals have not gained traction with Indian forces.
French military jets launch 40-day global flight to project power, strengthen alliances
Four French fighter jets are undertaking a significant global flight exercise. This extensive journey spans forty thousand kilometers across three continents. The exercise aims to strengthen international partnerships and demonstrate military capabilities. It highlights France's commitment to freedom of navigation and global law. The mission involves extensive cooperation with strategic allies along the route.
Rajnath Singh hails India-Japan defence ties as Japanese fighter jets arrive for Exercise Veer Guardian
Japan's fighter jets have touched down in Jodhpur to participate in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 for a joint air defense drill designed to bolster cooperation between the two nations. This exercise will see the deployment of top-notch aircraft, including Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale, sharpening their combat capabilities and enhancing interoperability. The drills are set to conclude on September 22, 2026, marking a new era of defense collaboration.
India's LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI, Rafale to take part in bilateral air exercise with Japan in Jodhpur
India and Japan are set to engage in the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian' to be held in Jodhpur from September 9 to 22. The Indian Air Force will showcase its Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale jets while the Japan Air Self Defence Force contributes its F-2A fighter aircraft. This collaboration promotes enhanced tactical skills and unity between the two nations' air forces.
Russia backs India's call for peace in Ukraine; says Moscow aligns with New Delhi's position
Russia welcomes India's peace efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. President Putin will attend the BRICS summit and meet Prime Minister Modi. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, energy, and technology cooperation. Russia is also working to identify and repatriate Indian nationals serving in its army. India and Russia are also discussing new nuclear plants and fighter jet sales.
Bombay High Court refuses to quash defamation summons against Rahul Gandhi over 'Commander-in-Thief' remark against PM Modi
The Bombay High Court dismissed Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a defamation summons. This decision upheld a lower court's order regarding his remarks against Prime Minister Modi. The court found no illegality in the magistrate's initial decision to proceed with the case. However, Gandhi received a six-week reprieve to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.
Xi visits Egypt as China seeks deeper influence across the Mideast
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Egypt visit is deepening Beijing’s ties with a key US ally while advancing China’s bid for greater Middle East influence. The three-day trip highlights expanding economic, diplomatic and strategic cooperation, including Belt and Road projects and Suez Canal access, as regional tensions reshape longstanding geopolitical alignments.
Bangladesh confirms J-10CE jet deal with China, cites fighter jet downed in India-Pakistan clash
Bangladesh officially confirmed a deal to acquire Chinese J-10CE fighter jets. The nation cited the aircraft's reported combat performance during a recent conflict. This procurement includes attack and transport helicopters and UAV systems. The jets are priced lower than European or American alternatives. Bangladesh is China's second-largest arms buyer after Pakistan.
Off with offset training wheels
Defence offset obligations are largely unfulfilled, prompting a policy review. New defence acquisition procedures replace offsets with indigenous content mandates. This shift impacts private sector defence exports which previously benefited from offsets. Many global firms established joint ventures in India to meet offset requirements.
China develops missile to target planes thousands of miles away
China has developed hypersonic glide vehicles capable of launching air-to-air weapons. These advanced weapons threaten high-value targets thousands of miles away. The US faces missile supply challenges after a recent conflict with Iran. China's missile arsenal has grown significantly, increasing its military capabilities. Such developments pose a serious threat to future US air operations.
China’s J-16 fighter jets share skies with Rafales in Egypt
China's J-16 fighter jets are participating in joint air exercises with Egypt. These drills follow scrutiny of China's J-10C fighters during a past India-Pakistan conflict. The Egyptian Armed Forces stated the exercises focus on common training and operational learning. Participating forces will exchange experience and align combat concepts during the drills. This exercise is part of Egypt's broader joint-training program with partner nations.
Reliance Industries, Rolls-Royce to partner on indigenous AMCA combat engine
Reliance Industries and Rolls-Royce will partner for India's advanced combat aircraft engine. They plan to establish a dedicated aerospace gas turbine complex in India. This alliance combines Rolls-Royce's engine expertise with Reliance's manufacturing capabilities. The goal is to build an end-to-end Indian capability for aero-engine development. This initiative supports India's strategic autonomy and defense manufacturing goals.
Tata, Mahindra, HAL in race as govt floats Rs 1 lakh crore IAF tender for 60 aircraft
The Defence Ministry has issued a tender worth one lakh crore rupees. Sixty multirole transport aircraft will be purchased for the Indian Air Force. Indian companies will lead the program, with joint ventures manufacturing the planes. Around twenty percent of aircraft will arrive in fly-away condition. The remaining planes will be manufactured in India with significant indigenous content.
India begins efforts to join French-led sixth-generation fighter jet programme
India has begun efforts to join France's sixth-generation fighter jet development program. This collaborative approach is seen as more feasible for future combat aircraft. Discussions on this potential partnership occurred at the defense minister level. France's previous sixth-generation program with Germany faced cancellation due to disagreements. This opens an opportunity for a new India-France joint venture.
France submits final Rafale proposal as India moves closer to Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal
France has presented both technical and commercial proposals regarding India's acquisition of Rafale jets. This initiative significantly progresses the intended purchase of one hundred fourteen fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. Of these, ninety-four jets will be locally manufactured in India, incorporating a technology transfer. Additionally, twenty jets are set to be flown directly from France to address urgent requirements.
France submits proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jet deal with India, offers large-scale local manufacturing
France submitted its technical and commercial proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. Ninety-four aircraft will be manufactured in India with domestic industry partners. This acquisition aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's declining squadron strength. The deal is expected to generate significant business opportunities for Indian companies. India has already contracted 62 Rafale aircraft for its Air Force and Navy.
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