Retired Pakistani General Tariq Khan has questioned the global standing of Pakistan’s Al-Khalid main battle tank, asserting it lacks the capabilities to compete with top-tier tanks like the American M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2. His remarks underscore concerns about the limited success of the Al-Khalid in international markets and highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan’s defense industry, which relies heavily on foreign technology. General Khan noted that recent defense agreements between Pakistan and Saudi …

Dr. DK Sunil, Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), defended the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv design following recent crashes, stating that three of the four incidents since 2023 were due to operational and maintenance issues rather than manufacturing defects. The most recent crash involved a Coast Guard Dhruv, attributed to a fracture in the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing, prompting an investigation that isolated the issue to the Navy and Coast Guard fleets. HAL’s findings have …

In a significant advancement for India’s indigenous fighter jet capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to commence Limited Series Production (LSP) of the Tejas Mk-2 fighter jet before the anticipated certification completion in 2030. Chairman Dr. DK Sunil indicated that the first flight is scheduled for early 2027, with LSP potentially beginning in 2028, contingent on Indian Air Force approval. This strategy aims to expedite operational deployment and familiarize the IAF with the aircraft while …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy are poised to conduct tests of a ship-launched variant of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM), which boasts a range of 1,000 km. This missile, an evolution of the Nirbhay project, aims to enhance India’s naval strike capabilities by providing a precise, cost-effective alternative to existing systems like BrahMos. The upcoming test will integrate the missile with a newly developed vertical launch system for …

India’s Tejas Mk1A program has received a significant boost with General Electric resuming the supply of F-404 engines, enabling the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish a domestic Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. This initiative aims to enhance fleet availability by reducing reliance on foreign service centers and facilitating faster engine maintenance. India is set to place orders for 113 additional F-404 engines, following previous contracts, which will elevate the total Tejas fleet to …

INS Arihant, India’s first indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, is set to transition to a training role as the Indian Navy expands its underwater nuclear deterrent fleet. With the induction of two more S5-class SSBNs expected soon, INS Arihant will serve as a dedicated training platform to prepare future crews for these larger submarines, which require nearly double the manpower. This strategic move aligns with practices of other major navies, ensuring that India maintains a …

Indian Navy pilots operating MiG-29K fighter jets have begun using advanced aviation helmets and oxygen masks produced by Vega Aviation Products Pvt. Ltd., marking a significant move towards enhancing indigenous defense capabilities. This collaboration not only emphasizes the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance but also highlights India’s growing expertise in aerospace manufacturing. The helmets are tailored for high-performance requirements, integrating features such as a dual visor system, superior audio communication, and robust protection against extreme conditions. …

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is advancing India’s naval capabilities by developing a 200-MW nuclear reactor to power the next-generation S-5 class ballistic missile submarines and Project-77 nuclear attack submarines. This reactor, which more than doubles the output of the existing Arihant-class submarines’ 83-MW reactors, is designed to enhance India’s strategic deterrence and operational flexibility amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly with China’s expanding naval power. The S-5 SSBNs will significantly bolster India’s sea-based nuclear …

On September 21, 2025, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) inaugurated its first overseas defense manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Moroccan defense collaboration. The factory will produce the WhAP 88 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, enhancing Morocco’s military capabilities and establishing TASL as a key player in the African defense market. This development is anticipated to generate local jobs and foster a defense ecosystem in Morocco, aligning with India’s strategy to expand its …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Uttam AESA radar has demonstrated a significant 25% performance advantage over the Israeli EL/M-2052 radar, confirming India’s capability in indigenous defense technology. Designed for the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft, the Uttam features 980 Transmit-Receive Modules (TRMs) and has successfully completed over 125 flight trials, showcasing superior detection ranges and multi-target tracking capabilities. While the initial batches of Tejas Mk1A will utilize the EL/M-2052 due to certification timelines, the …

India’s artillery modernization efforts are facing significant challenges, particularly surrounding the Dhanush howitzer and the Sharang artillery systems. The Dhanush is embroiled in a scandal involving counterfeit components supplied by a private firm, leading to a Central Bureau of Investigation probe that questions the integrity of the production process at the Gun Carriage Factory. Meanwhile, the upgraded Sharang systems are criticized for substandard enhancements, as highlighted in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General report, raising …

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has solidified its commitment to the “Make in India, Make for World” initiative by signing a contract in Hamburg, Germany, with Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei GmbH & Co. KG for the construction of four Hybrid Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) valued at USD 62.44 million. This agreement highlights GRSE’s expanding global footprint in green shipbuilding, as the vessels will feature advanced hybrid propulsion systems designed to enhance fuel efficiency …