FIGHTER JET ENGINE DEAL
Rafale’s India operations get a strategic push; Dassault establishes maintenance facility near Jewar Airport
Dassault Aviation is advancing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility near Jewar International Airport for India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters. This move supports India's aspiration to locally manufacture the latest Rafale versions under the "Make in India" initiative. Engine maker Safran SA also intends to set up an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, aiming for operations by 2025 and potential local production of M-88 engines. These developments are crucial as India seeks to bolster its defense capabilities amidst regional security challenges, including from China's expanding military presence.
WestJet Airlines strike to continue until deal reached with mechanics, union says
Bret Oestreich, president of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, said the two sides will reconvene with a mediator on Sunday. The union represents around 680 workers at WestJet, including aircraft maintenance engineers, who went on strike Friday after 97% of its members rejected a pay deal reached in May. "All we want to do is to go back to the table," said Oestreich. "The strike will be in effect until we get an agreement."
India, Qatar discuss sale of Mirage 2000 fighters to IAF
A team from Qatar is in New Delhi to discuss the sale of Mirage 2000 fighters to the Indian Air Force, enhancing combat strength amidst retiring MiG fighters.
Can India’s Rafale slay China’s ‘Mighty Dragon’ deployed near LAC?
New satellite imagery reveals the deployment of J-20 stealth fighter jets by PLA Air Force near LAC. India seems confident that newly-acquired Rafale fighters and S-400 air defence systems can effectively thwart any Chinese threats
Indian, French governments negotiating 26 Rafale marine jet deal worth over Rs 50,000 crore
India and France are currently negotiating the price and related issues for a significant deal involving the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. Talks were rescheduled to June due to the Lok Sabha polls. The deal, worth over Rs 50,000 crore, aims to increase India's Rafale fleet to 62, with plans to operate the aircraft from Indian Navy carriers.
US flies B-1B bomber for first precision bomb drill in 7 years as tensions simmer with North Korea
The United States conducted a precision-guided bombing drill with South Korea, flying a B-1B bomber over the Korean Peninsula for the first time in seven years. This exercise, seen as a show of force against North Korea, included other advanced U.S. and South Korean fighter jets. The drill aimed to demonstrate the U.S. security commitment to South Korea and strengthen joint defense posture. North Korea has recently engaged in provocative actions, including launching rockets and floating balloons carrying trash toward South Korea.
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Very strong relations with India; co-producing armored vehicles: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin at Shangri La Dialogue
At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the strong US-India relationship. He talked about advancements in co-producing armoured vehicles and fighter jet engines. He emphasised the shared values between the two nations and predicted continued progress and momentum in the partnership. The strong ties are important for the two countries amid trouble in the Indo-Pacific region.
The China challenge: The nuts and bolts of Rs 50,000 cr fighter jet deal
India is enhancing its naval capabilities in response to China's PLA Navy in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Navy is set to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France to bolster its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The deal, valued at nearly Rs 50,000 crore, will strengthen India's defense ties with France and address the challenge posed by China's expanding naval presence in the region.
India, France to begin contract talks for marine Rafale fighters
The jets will be manufactured to India-specific standards and will have several indigenous systems as well, including weapons and communication. The acquisition is being seen as a stop-gap solution till the development of an indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet. The development of a Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter is currently underway but is expected to take close to a decade to be operational.
India's Make-in-India defence projects, include K-9 Vajra Howitzers and fighter jet engines, await post-election approval
India's defence agenda post-elections includes crucial projects like acquiring K-9 Vajra howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines. These projects, initially scheduled for approval in March, were postponed. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will produce the engines, worth approximately Rs 20,000 crore, aiding in indigenisation efforts. Additionally, the proposal to purchase 100 more K-9 Vajra SP howitzers is under consideration, reflecting the Indian Army's evolving needs. Various defence research and development programs await government clearance, signaling significant advancements in indigenous defence capabilities.
India, France to begin negotiations this week in mega Rs 50,000 crore 26 Rafale Marine jet deal
India and France will begin negotiations on May 30 for a Rs 50,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The French delegation will meet Indian Defence Ministry officials to finalize the agreement by fiscal year-end. The jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.
India to start talks for 26 Rafale Marine jets: Here's all about the 'omnirole' naval fighter plane
India and France will begin negotiations this week for a Rs 50,000 crore deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the INS Vikrant. The Rafale M was chosen for its compatibility with India's existing Rafale fleet, reducing maintenance costs. Capable of various missions, the Rafale M has a proven track record with the French military.
Delhi HC upholds order asking SpiceJet to return two leased aircraft, three engines
While dismissing as withdrawn the airline’s appeal, a bench led by Justice Rajiv Shakhder granted the low cost carrier three weeks time till June 17 to return the aircraft and engines along with technical records. The single judge had asked SpiceJet to return the engines by May 28.
Will China capture Taiwan? Beijing releases animated video of attack and reunification. What next?
A video released by the Chinese State media shows a simulated attack on Taiwan and its reunification with the mainland. However, experts have pointed out this invasion is unlikely. This video tries to prepare the citizens of the mainland for war and ultimate reunification with Taiwan. However, experts have dismissed this as yet another attempt at waging psychological warfare.
Despite $125 billion debt, why is Pakistan increasing its defence budget to 18000 crore rupees
Pakistan faces economic strain with a $124.5 billion foreign debt, 42% of its GDP. It boosts military capabilities through major arms imports, mainly from China, accounting for 82% from 2019 to 2023. Despite economic woes, it increases defense spending by 15.4% in the national budget, totaling 18000 crore Pak rupees. This military expansion includes submarines from China. Reports suggest Pakistan may have secretly supplied arms to Ukraine, contradicting its neutrality stance. Public discontent grows due to economic hardships and perceived military dominance in resource allocation.
F-16 Fighter jet crashes at Singapore airbase
An F-16 fighter jet crashed at a military airbase in Singapore, but fortunately, there were no casualties. The pilot ejected successfully and is receiving medical attention. The crash occurred due to an issue during take-off, and the pilot followed emergency procedures. The Singapore air force, known for its advanced capabilities in Southeast Asia, is investigating the incident. This is a rare occurrence in Singapore, with the last similar incident being a military helicopter emergency landing in 2010.
India-US jet engine deal is revolutionary, says Defence Secretary Austin
US Defence Secretary Austin commends the groundbreaking India-US deal to jointly produce fighter jet engines, emphasizing the transformative impact on India's defense capabilities and the unprecedented level of collaboration between the two nations.
HAL bags biggest-ever indigenous military hardware order; to supply 97 LCA Mark 1As @Rs 65,000 cr
The indigenous fighter aircraft programme, fully backed by Defence Ministry and Air Headquarters is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, officials said.
Greece approves purchase of 35 Blackhawk helicopters from US-sources
Greece has approved the purchase of 35 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp, as part of its efforts to modernize its armed forces. The deal, valued at 1.15 billion euros ($1.24 billion), was passed by the parliament's committee. This move is part of Greece's broader plan to revamp its defense industry and boost its shipbuilding sector following a decade-long debt crisis. Greece is also looking to acquire up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. and three frigates from France.
Guns N' Growth: Inside defence sector's explosive Make-In-India story
India's 'Make in India' defence production success story is evident in record-breaking defence exports, reaching Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24, a growth of 32.5% from the previous fiscal. With a focus on indigenisation, India aims to triple annual defence production by 2028-29 and double defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore.
Want to export jet engines in future, says defence minister Rajnath Singh
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said that he has directed officials to look at all possible collaboration opportunities to make India self-reliant. He referred to the engine manufacturing agreement between GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics for the GE 414 engine that will power future variants of the light combat aircraft (LCA).
Mighty 'flawed' Dragon: IAF Rafales outclass 'overhyped' Chinese J-20 fighter jet
The Chinese J-20 fighter, known as the "Mighty Dragon," faces scrutiny over its stealth capabilities and market appeal. Despite being operational since 2017, concerns remain about its technological maturity and combat readiness. In comparison, the Rafale fighter, with proven stealth characteristics, has a more established operational history. The debate over the J-20's classification as a 5th-generation fighter highlights the importance of objectively assessing each aircraft's capabilities.
Big gain for IAF: Govt clears next-gen fighter prototypes and development
The government has approved the development and prototype production of next-generation fighters for the air force, aiming to bolster the domestic manufacturing ecosystem and enhance the armed forces' combat capabilities. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) greenlit the estimated Rs 15,000 crore proposal, advancing the project to the prototype production stage. The Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet, is slated to take flight by 2028, featuring cutting-edge technologies like stealth capabilities, AI integration, long-range targeting, and compatibility with unmanned systems.
Drones, Missiles, Radars, Fighter jets: Indian armed forces to get nearly 1 lakh crore infusion for game-changer tech
The Cabinet Committee on Security approved several major defense deals, worth over Rs 92,000 crore, to strengthen the armed forces. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will upgrade Su-30MKI fighter jets, incorporating new radars, mission control systems, and weapon systems. The Indian Navy will acquire over 220 extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Additionally, HAL will manufacture advanced engines for MiG-29 fighters, and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) will produce high-powered radars and air defense guns. These investments aim to enhance defense capabilities and promote self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reflecting India's commitment to bolstering national security.
IAF's Sukhoi fighter jets to get a Rs 60,000 crore booster: Here are all the upgrades for the new Su-30MKI
The Defence Ministry has approved a Rs 60,000 crore upgrade of India's Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet, led by HAL and supported by DRDO. This project aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities with new radars, mission control systems, and weapon systems, reflecting India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The upgrade will include the integration of indigenous systems, such as a new radar system and electronic warfare capabilities, improving air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting.
Safran ready to transfer tech for making fighter jets in India: Indian Ambassador to France Jawed Ashraf
India's Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, provided insights into the ongoing discussions between India and Safran regarding the Shakti jet engine deal. The focus is to align the engine specifications with India's future fighter jet requirements. The deal aims to go beyond technology transfer and delve into design, metallurgy, and other critical elements. Safran has expressed willingness for 100% technology transfer.
CDS Anil Chauhan, US Indo-Pacific Command head discuss contemporary security challenges
Indian Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and US Indo-Pacific Command head, Admiral John C. Aquilino, discussed bilateral defence cooperation and security challenges in a video call. Both nations aim to strengthen India's defence modernization, co-producing fighter jet engines and Stryker armoured vehicles under the US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation. The release emphasized joint military exercises, like Exercise MALABAR, and US investments exceeding $1.2 billion to enhance Indo-Pacific partners' capabilities and maritime awareness, fostering stability in the region. The Indo-Pacific collaboration reflects a shared commitment to peace and security.
Fighter jet engine deal with India to start this year: GE Aerospace's Amy Gowder
GE Aerospace Defence & Systems President Amy Gowder in an exclusive interview with ET shared that India's fighter jet engine technology deal with the US is progressing on time and a detailed technical proposal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will be shared with HAL soon. The timeframe for starting engine production will depend on the requirements of the Indian Air Force and Defence Research and Development Organisation but broad plans are to prepare for deliveries within three years.
All US clearances received: HAL, GE to produce jet engines for LCA Mark2, AMCA fighter jets in India
"The engines of LCA Mark 2 and the first two squadrons of the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft would be produced within the country together by American GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as all the clearances have been received from the US," DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat told ANI. The HAL and GE from the US would be producing these engines jointly in a facility in India.
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