IAF Chief Expresses ‘No Confidence’ in HAL Over Tejas Mk1A Delivery Delays at Aero India 2025

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:57pm on 11 Feb 2025,Tuesday Defence

Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed strong dissatisfaction with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) over delays in Tejas Mk1A fighter jet deliveries. Speaking at Aero India 2025, he stated, “At the moment, I am just not confident of HAL.” The IAF ordered 83 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2021 but has yet to receive any, with HAL citing engine supply issues from the US. Singh urged a “mission mode” approach, warning delays impact national security. The IAF is forced to retain aging MiG-21s as a result. HAL assured efforts to resolve the issue.

Read More at India Today

Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps Conducts Live Firing Drill Along LAC in Sikkim

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:20pm on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday Defence

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps conducted a live firing demonstration along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Sikkim, reinforcing combat readiness in high-altitude warfare. The exercise featured the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch System (MBRL), capable of firing 12 rockets in under 44 seconds with a range of 40-75 km. The drill tested coordination between infantry, mechanised units, and artillery, ensuring rapid response to threats. Despite border agreements with China, the Army remains vigilant along the Northern Borders, focusing on modernisation and indigenisation to maintain a robust defence posture in extreme conditions.

Read More at India Today

US Delays Engine Delivery for Tejas MK1A, Raising Concerns About Sabotage and Impacting India's Fighter Jet Program

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:38pm on 28 Jan 2025,Tuesday Defence

India’s Tejas MK1A fighter jet program, part of the "Make in India" initiative, faces significant delays. General Electric’s (GE) delivery of the F404 engine, vital for the aircraft, has been postponed until April 2025, affecting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational readiness. Experts suspect the delay may be deliberate, as Tejas competes with US-made F-16 jets globally. Additionally, the program is challenged by a Danish export ban on the engine’s amplifier and delays in software from Israel. Tejas MK1A, a multirole aircraft, is set to replace MiG-21s and is expected to boost India’s defense capabilities.

Read More at India.com

India Building 60 Navy Ships, Generates Rs 3 Trillion Returns: Modi

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49am on 16 Jan 2025,Thursday Defence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India is constructing 60 large Navy ships, valued at Rs 1.5 trillion, with an expected economic circulation of Rs 3 trillion and a sixfold employment multiplier. During the commissioning of three frontline ships in Mumbai, Modi highlighted that shipbuilding generates 14,000 jobs per vessel and strengthens the 'Make in India' initiative. He also noted India's self-reliance in defence, with over 5,000 items no longer being imported. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the commissioning as a historic moment for the Navy's growing capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region and India's defence reforms.

Read More at Business Standard

India's Navy Launches Submarine, Warships to Strengthen Maritime Security Against China's Growing Presence

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:27am on 15 Jan 2025,Wednesday Defence

India's navy launched a submarine, destroyer, and frigate on Wednesday, underscoring the importance of securing the Indian Ocean, which handles 95% of India’s trade. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the region's growing significance in global power rivalries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the nation's focus on bolstering its naval strength. The new INS Vagsheer submarine, part of a French-designed class, replaces aging platforms and enhances India’s underwater capabilities. India also aims to build three more Scorpene submarines, advancing its defense manufacturing expertise. These developments aim to counter China’s expanding naval presence in the region.

Read More at AP News

PM Modi Commissions 3 Made-In-India Naval Combatants: INS Surat, Nilgiri, And Vaghsheer

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:27am on 15 Jan 2025,Wednesday Defence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three advanced naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—in Mumbai, boosting India’s maritime strength and defence manufacturing capabilities. INS Surat, a P15B guided-missile destroyer, and INS Nilgiri, the first P17A stealth frigate, showcase indigenous innovation. INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the P75 Scorpene project, highlights India's growing expertise in submarine construction. PM Modi lauded the ships as symbols of India's maritime heritage and vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the Indian Ocean Region in global geopolitics, marking this commissioning as a historic milestone.

Read More at News18

IAF Chief Criticizes Delay in Tejas Delivery Ordered in 2010 as China Tests 6th-Gen Jets

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:44am on 08 Jan 2025,Wednesday Defence

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh expressed frustration over delays in delivering 40 Tejas jets ordered in 2009-2010. Speaking at the Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, he highlighted concerns about India's slow production pace compared to China's rapid air force modernization, including the recent testing of sixth-generation stealth jets. Singh emphasized, "Technology delayed is technology denied," and called for involving private players to boost production. With only 30 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned 42, India faces a severe strength crunch. The Tejas, designed to replace the ageing Mig-21 fleet, has seen significant delays since its inception in 1984.

Read More at India Today

India Plans Massive $4 Billion Radar Purchase to Counter Chinese Threats 6,000 Km Away

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:54am on 21 Dec 2024,Saturday Defence

India is finalizing a $4 billion deal with Russia for the Voronezh radar system, enhancing its air defence and threat detection capabilities. With a vertical range exceeding 8,000 km and horizontal reach over 6,000 km, the radar can track 500+ objects, including missiles and stealth aircraft. The system will primarily address threats from China and the Indian Ocean region. In line with 'Make in India,' 60% of the radar will be locally manufactured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Russia underscores the strategic partnership, with discussions also covering S-400 missile deliveries and broader military cooperation.

Read More at Economic Times

Defence Ministry Signs ₹13,500 Crore Deal with HAL for 12 Su-30 Fighters

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:43pm on 12 Dec 2024,Thursday Defence

The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹13,500-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Su-30 fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new aircraft will have 62.6% indigenous content, boosting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. HAL's Nashik division will manufacture the aircraft, enhancing IAF's operational capabilities. The deal also highlights the country’s focus on modernising its military, with previous contracts signed for K9 Vajra-T guns and Su-30 engines. The defence ministry’s efforts aim to strengthen India’s preparedness and support the local defence industry’s growth.

Read More at Hindustan Times

INS Vagsheer to Strengthen Indian Navy in 2025: A Boost to Maritime Power

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:25pm on 12 Dec 2024,Thursday Defence

INS Vagsheer, the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine under Project 75, will join the Indian Navy in January 2025. Built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai, it is designed for stealth and precision attacks. Powered by a diesel-electric system, it can carry torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and over 30 mines. Vagsheer will help India counter challenges in the Indian Ocean from China and Pakistan. With advanced anti-torpedo systems and intelligence capabilities, it is a key addition to India’s submarine fleet. As part of India’s growing naval power, the submarine strengthens the country’s role as a dominant force in the Indo-Pacific.

Read More at India Today

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