TEJAS LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT
LCA fighter engine supplies stabilise as GE ships four sets to HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is in discussions with GE Aerospace for technology transfer of advanced F414 engines. The delivery of F404 engines for LCA Mk1A has faced delays, leading to penalties imposed on GE. More than 20 engines are expected to be delivered annually by GE from 2027. The LCA Mk2 is currently under prototype production and will utilize the GE 414 engine.
From Shakti, Aravalli to HTSE-1200: How India is developing its own desi helicopter engines from attack to cargo
India’s aerospace propulsion journey is moving beyond licensed production towards joint development and indigenous engine design, with the expansion of Shakti helicopter engine manufacturing marking the latest milestone. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a second Shakti production line at HAL’s Koraput division, which will manufacture up to 100 engines annually once fully operational.
Assam Rifles soldier from Odisha dies on duty in Nagaland
Rifleman V Teja from Odisha's Rayagada district died after being shot during operational duties in Nagaland. He was almost 31 years old and was due to marry on December 10. Teja was a brave soldier from the 15th Assam Rifles, and his death has caused deep sorrow. Both Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik expressed their condolences.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit appointed new Chief of Air Force, replacing Amar Preet Singh
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force. He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh after a long and distinguished career. Dixit has flown various aircraft and logged over 3,500 hours of flying. He is recognized for promoting indigenous aircraft projects, particularly the LCA Tejas. Air Marshal Dixit is expected to further advance the government's Aatmanirbharta initiative.
Self-reliance in aero-engines foundation of India's aerospace sovereignty: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently celebrated the remarkable milestone of HAL's Koraput Division delivering its 2,000th aero-engine. This new Shakti engine line is set to manufacture up to 100 engines each year, reinforcing military readiness. He emphasized the necessity of developing indigenous capabilities for defense projects, notably the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, while calling for strengthened ties with MSMEs and educational institutions, highlighting Odisha's pivotal role in the aerospace industry.
Attack aircraft, military vehicles visible at new China-Laos base, satellite images show
China has moved light attack aircraft and military vehicles into a newly announced joint training facility in Laos, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. Analysts say the Ban Keun site could eventually become China’s most significant military foothold in Southeast Asia if it develops beyond training into a base with expanded air, surveillance and support capabilities.
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Rajnath Singh to lay foundation stone for Shakti engine facility at HAL in Odisha's Sunabeda
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lay the cornerstone for state-of-the-art Shakti engine facilities in Koraput on October 6. After a stop at Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam, Singh will emphasize enhancing India’s self-sufficiency in military engine production, cutting down on imports. HAL’s Koraput unit has been instrumental in crafting engines for modern fighter jets, with rigorous security protocols arranged for his arrival.
"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.
China widens military footprint with Laos air base
China recently opened its first overseas air force base in Laos to enhance military training and influence. The base will train Laotian air force pilots and potentially house Chinese military assets. This move reflects China's ambition to expand its military presence beyond its borders. The facility could serve as a training ground for Chinese personnel and equipment. Regional partners, especially the US, are monitoring the developments closely for potential implications.
Embraer C-390 Millennium explained: Key specifications and capabilities of the Brazilian military transport aircraft
Embraer-Mahindra C-390 Millennium: The military transport aircraft is being considered for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme, with Nagpur proposed as the site for a potential final assembly line. The aircraft can carry up to 26 tonnes of cargo and support troop transport, airborne operations, medical evacuation, aerial refuelling, search and rescue, firefighting and other missions.
Chinese researchers simulate lidar system that could detect US fifth-generation F-35 from over 60 km, here is how it works
Chinese researchers have used a computer simulation to examine whether a missile-mounted single-photon lidar could detect and track an F-35C stealth fighter. The model produced a maximum detection distance of 61.5 km at night and 27.7 km during the day. However, analysts questioned whether the narrow laser beam could practically locate a stealth aircraft across a wide area, while the study has not yet been validated through flight testing.
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.
US Navy sets its eyes on F/A-XX 6th Gen fighter as Boeing wins the award: here’s a look at the other similar jets in the making and which country is ahead; cost, specifications and features
Boeing’s F/A-XX will replace the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and operate alongside the F-35C. Here’s a look at its expected range, cost and design, and where China’s J-36, GCAP and FCAS stand in the sixth-generation fighter race.
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.
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.
LCA Mark 1A induction expected in 1-2 months as engine issues resolved, testing underway: IAF Vice Chief Ashutosh Dixit
Earlier, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Kumar said that deliveries of the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF) are facing setbacks due to software integration challenges.
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 flags defence project delays, urges HAL to create 'technologies that do not exist'
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged Hindustan Aeronautics Limited scientists to create future technologies. He stressed realistic timelines for critical defence projects to avoid delays. Singh called for enhanced public-private synergy to build indigenous aerospace capabilities. India must prepare for sector transformation through advanced technologies and indigenous development. The goal is to make India a global leader in aerospace technology.
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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