The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s SPYDER air defense system, allowing it to integrate with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This enhancement will significantly improve India’s real-time aerial defense capabilities against various threats, including drones and cruise missiles, by enabling seamless data exchange and coordinated operations. The upgrade, part of a broader modernization effort across the armed forces, emphasizes indigenous improvements and advanced technologies like AI for threat prioritization. This strat…
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India paused its $3.6b plan to acquire six more P-8I Poseidon aircraft after the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports—a move triggered by India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. This sudden tariff, announced by President Trump, pushed the cost of the maritime patrol aircraft up by nearly 50%, forcing India’s Ministry of Defence to reassess the strategic and fiscal viability of the deal. The Indian Navy, which operates 12 P-8Is, remains concerned about maintaining maritime vigilance as Chinese naval activity intensifies in the Indian Ocean. While the purchase…
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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 87 indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the Indian Armed Forces, significantly enhancing India’s unmanned aerial system capabilities. This initiative, part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aims to bolster self-reliance and reduce dependence on imports. Key contenders include VEDA Aeronautics, Tata Advanced Systems, and others, proposing advanced platforms capable of multiple payloads and real-time surveillance. The MALE RPAs are expected to serve as critical assets for v…
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A group of Indian-origin aerospace engineers working abroad has renewed calls for policy reforms to allow their seamless integration into India’s indigenous jet engine programs. Over the past three days, experts have highlighted that these experienced engineers face major roadblocks due to the requirement of entry-level competitive exams, which do not account for their global expertise in advanced propulsion technologies. The latest discussions were prompted by advocacy from noted former advisers to India’s National Security Advisory Board, urging the government to urgently institute a new…
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India is compelled to urgently reexamine its heavy dependence on U.S. defense systems after the United States imposed a sweeping 25% tariff on all Indian exports, effective August 7, 2025. This unprecedented move, with no product-level exemptions provided to India—unlike other nations—could reduce Indian exports to the U.S. by up to 30% and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities in critical military programs. Platforms such as the Zorawar Light Tank and LCA Tejas depend on U.S. engines, spotlighting the risks to India’s operational capabilities during any disruption in India-U.S. relations…
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On August 1, 2025, the Indian government reaffirmed its commitment to strategic autonomy by formally rejecting the United States’ offer to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets. The move came just days after President Donald Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on all Indian imports, escalating trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington. Senior Indian officials, in response to the tariff shock, clarified that immediate retaliation was off the table, choosing instead to focus efforts on diplomatic engagement and bolstering domestic industry. The Modi administration emphasized its preference…
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