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<ul><li>The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reportedly approved the <keyword id="6376012" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="tejas" source="Orion">Tejas</keyword> Mark-2 project. </li><li>The CCS has approved ₹6,500 crore for prototypes, flight testing and certification. </li><li>The production of the Tejas Mark-2 is expected to begin around 2030. </li></ul>The Narendra Modi-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has reportedly approved the Tejas Mark-2 project to boost India’s push for indigenous fighter aircraft. According to a <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cabinet-committee-on-security-approves-tejas-2-0-mega-project/articleshow/93914219.cms">report</a> by The Times of India, the CCS on Wednesday approved the Tejas Mark-2 project at a cost of over ₹6,500 crore. The government had already sanctioned ₹2,500 crore for the project. The ₹6,500 crore will reportedly be used for prototypes, flight testing and certification. Tejas is an indigenously developed light multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). India has already ordered 40 Tejas Mark-1 aircrafts, 10 Mark-1 trainers and 73 Tejas Mark-1A aircrafts. While the Tejas Mark-1 is a lightweight aircraft, the Tejas Mark-2 will be a medium-weight aircraft and has been designed to be used for offensive operations in enemy territories. “Lightweight Tejas Mark-1 is primarily meant for air defence. Medium-weight Mark-2 fighter, with its heavy standoff weapons, will be for offensive operations into enemy territory. Its critical design review is complete,” a source familiar with the matter told The Times of India. The Tejas Mark-1, which weighs around 13.5 tonnes, was designed to replace the MiG-21s, and the Tejas Mark-2, which is expected to weigh around 17.5 tonnes, is expected to replace the Mirage and the Mig-29 The Tejas Mark-2’s first flight test will reportedly be conducted in the next two to three years and the production is expected to begin around 2030. In addition to the Tejas Mark-2, the government is also planning on approving the fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) with stealth features and supercruise capabilities. The CCS is expected to approve ₹15,000 crore for the AMCA project. The Tejas Mark-2 will be equipped with the GE-414 engines in the 98 Kilonewton thrust class and offer a longer combat range and an increased weapon carrying capacity compared to the Tejas Mark-1. The Tejas Mark-2 will be an important part of the country’s armed forces. “Fly-by-wire, avionics, composites and other technologies have already been proven in Tejas Mark-1. The new project will upscale those into bigger and more powerful fighters. IAF is likely to induct at least six squadrons (110-120) of Tejas Mark-2,” the source added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-tejas-fighter-aircraft-may-soon-make-its-international-debut-check-out-the-features/slidelist/93429613.cms">India’s Tejas fighter aircraft may soon make its international debut – check out the features</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/why-tejas-fighter-aircraft-maker-hal-share-price-up-in-2022/articleshow/93426056.cms">This defence sector stock boosted investor wealth by 75%</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/india-is-updating-its-air-force-for-a-modern-war-and-china-isnt-its-only-concern/articleshow/85853446.cms">India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern</a>

Tejas Mark-2 project reportedly approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security

IN PICS: IAF displays its might with Rafale, Apache, Tejas, and others during the annual Air Force Day airshow

Bengaluru, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria flew the home-grown <keyword id="158152" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Light-Combat-Helicopter">Light Combat Helicopter</keyword> (LCH) over this aerospace city for an hour, an official said on Friday. "Bhadauria flew the twin-seater LCH for a hour, taking off around noon from our airport in the city's eastern suburb, with our deputy chief test pilot Wing Commander (Retd) S.P. John," a Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (<keyword id="68124" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="HAL">HAL</keyword>) official told IANS here. The Air Chief, who is in the city to unveil the 59th annual conference of the Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine, undertook the sortie in the HAL-made LCH for the first time, as a co-pilot, dressed in a fighter pilot suit. Designed and developed by the city-based state-run defence behemoth (HAL), LCH is the world's multi-role lightest attack helicopter, with a highest flight ceiling. "The LCH has been certified by the relevant agency for induction into the IAF and the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> soon," said the official. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the proposal for initial batch of 15 LCHs. The IAF issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for 15 limited series production of the helicopter, including 5 for the Army. Bhadauria, who took over as the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) in September 2019, also flew the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on May 27, 2020 when it was inducted into the IAF's 18 Squadron (Flying Bullets) at the Sulur air base near Coimbatore in the neigbhouring Tamil Nadu state. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/mumbais-massive-power-cut-last-month-may-have-been-the-work-of-hackers/articleshow/79318282.cms">Mumbai’s massive power cut last month may have been the work of hackers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/vodafone-idea-shares-jump-after-selling-stake-in-indus-towers-for-3760-crore/articleshow/79316662.cms">Vodafone Idea soars nearly 5% on fund infusion from Indus Towers stake sale</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/pubg-mobile-india-was-supposed-to-launch-today/articleshow/79315462.cms">PUBG Mobile India was rumoured to launch today — but there is no official update from the company</a>

Indian Air Force chief flies HAL's home-grown Light Combat Helicopter ahead of its induction into the armed forces

<keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) got the first squadron of ‘Made in India’ fighter jets ‘<keyword id="6376012" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tejas">Tejas</keyword>’, now named 'Flying Daggers 45'. 
 
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two Tejas aircrafts, which were inducted in Bengaluru, and seven more will be added by 2017 to become fully operational. 
 
All squadrons of Tejas will be made up of 20 planes in total, including four in reserve. 
 
These Light Combat Aircrafts (LCA) entered Air Force 33 years after the project was conceived, giving a major boost to Indian defence aviation system. 
 
Tejas will eventually replace the ageing fleet of MiG-21 planes. 
 
Here are the other details about Tejas that you should not miss 
 1. The name Tejas, which means radiance, was given by former Indian Prime Minister <keyword id="47100" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atal-Bihari-Vajpayee">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</keyword>. 
 
2. The first Commanding Offier of the ‘Flying Daggers 45’ will be Group Captain M Rangachari. He will have seven officers under him 
initially, 42 air warriors and about 20 non-commissioned officers. 
 
3. IAF's squadron number 45, 'Flying Daggers', has to its credit the shooting down of a Pakistani naval surveillance aircraft in 1999, some 300 km northeast of Karachi, killing all 16 people on board. 
 
4. Tejas is far superior to Pakistan's JF-17 built jointly with China. 
 
5. While the idea to have an indigenous fighter aircraft was conceptualised in 1970s, actual work started on the aircraft only in the 1980s and the first flight took place in January 2001. 
 
6. It is pegged as the world's smallest and lightest supersonic fighter, a project which was started in 1983 with Rs 560 crore funds. Now, the total cost stands at around Rs 55,000 crore. 
 
7. The upgraded version of Tejas, with Active Electrically Scanned Array Radar, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, mid-air refuelling capacity and advanced beyond the vision range missiles, will cost between Rs 275 crore and Rs 300 crore. 
 
8. Due to its small size and the extensive usage of carbon composits, Tejas’ radar cross section is very less compared to other aircrafts like MiG-29, F-16. 
 
9. Tejas will have a reach of at least 400-km and will mostly be used for close air-to-ground operations. For any strikes which happen deep into enemy territory will have to be undertaken by Russian-origin Sukhoi-30MKIs or the Rafales. 
 
10. IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A. 
 
(Image: Reuters)

10 things you should definitely know about the brand new ‘Made in India’ fighter jet ‘Tejas’

In a major boost to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=indian+air+force&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Indian Air Force</a>, indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA),‘<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=tejas&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Tejas’</a>, was inducted today at an event in Bengaluru. 
 
State-run <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=HAL&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</a> (HAL) handed over the first two ‘Made in India’ Tejas aircraft to the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF), which will make up the 'Flying Daggers' 45, the name of the first squadron of the LCA. 
 
The induction ceremony started early morning at the Aircraft System Testing Establishment in the presence of Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in Chief, Southern Air Command. 
 
The squadron will be based in Bengaluru for the first two years before being moved to Sulur in Tamil Nadu. 
 
<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=arup+raha&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha</a>, who on May 17 took his in Tejas, had termed the aircraft as fit to be inducted. 
 
Stating that LCA squadron should be formed by July, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=manohar+parrikar&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar</a> had earlier this month said, "Next year I think two MiG-21 squadrons are being decommissioned; this will go into initially replacing them." 
 
LCAs are better than the MiGs which are old and their parts are difficult to get, he had said. 
 
All squadrons of Tejas will have 20 planes in total, including four in reserve. 
 
As per the plan, while 20 would be inducted under the "Initial Operational Clearance", another 20 will be inducted later with Beyond Visual Range Missile (BVR) and some other features. 
 
IAF plans to induct over 80 aircraft with better specifications known as Tejas 1A.

'Made in India' light combat aircraft ‘Tejas’ inducted in Air Force

<keyword id="60603" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="United-States-Air-Force">United States Air Force</keyword> has successfully tested its <keyword id="443786" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fifth-Generation-Fighter-Aircraft">fifth generation fighter aircraft</keyword> way back in 1997 and has inducted the same in December 2005. It has a total strength of around 187 operational F-22 fighters. It is the only air force in the world which currently operates the fifth generation jets; however it definitely fueled the fifth generation fighter jet development programs around the world either solo or in collaboration. Russia, India, China and Turkey are reportedly engaged in the development of their own version of the fifth generation fighters. 
 The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (<keyword id="441427" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="FGFA">FGFA</keyword>) or Perspective Multi-role Fighter (PMF) is a fifth generation fighter aircraft being developed by India and Russia. The FGFA is being developed for the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) and is a derivative product of PAK-FA. The completed FGFA will include a total of around 45 improvements(expected) over the T-50, including stealth, advanced sensors, super cruise, networking and combat avionics as per the Indian conditions and will be armed with the weapons like <keyword id="94511" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="astra">ASTRA</keyword>, a Beyond Visual Range (BVR)missile developed and tested by India. 
 
 
The need and the delay 
 Former Defense Minister Antony’s Moscow visit in October 2007 to co-chair the annual session of <keyword id="2585279" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="India-Russia-Inter-Governmental-Commission">India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission</keyword> on military-technical cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) marked the start of FGFA project with the aim to induct the futuristic stealth fighter by 2016-17. The $295-million preliminary design contract signed in December 2010 was allocated for the 50:50 design and production agreement which was a mere part of the massive US $30 Billion project. 
 The purpose of having the next generation FGFA is to execute a credible deterrence power and to attain independence is developing the indigenous technology under the transfer of technology agreement. Why waste so much money on an older 4th generation plane, when we can divert that money to develop Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the advanced LCA <keyword id="6376012" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Tejas">Tejas</keyword>. 
 
The IAF currently maintains 34 squadrons of 550+ fighters while the sanctioned number is 42 squadrons. This reduced capacity can have serious outcomes if it faces a two front war situation given the multiple threats that India perceives. 
 
Regular reports of differences between the joint development parties over design and work agreements are further pushing the trial and induction of the fighters. Earlier it was expected to induct the fighters by 2016-17 but the delays and cost-overruns are pushing the dates towards 2019-2020, however prototypes will be coming soon. 
 
 
Area of concern and the possible outcome 
 
Reduced IAF's fleet strength means fewer aircraft have to perform more missions to get the work done. Imagine this situation in a two front war scenario. This is where India quickly needs to induct more locally built advanced version of Tejas fighters and more locally assembled Su-30MKIs which are top of the line 4++ generation fighters. On the lines of SU-30, India can take 20-25 of FGFA jets in fly away conditions and rest can be made under license. India has done remarkably well by cutting down the MMRCA deal to 36 Fighters and saved around 18 Billion USD which can be further pooled into the faster development of the Fifth generation fighters like FGFA and AMCA which will form the future force multipliers for the country. 
 
(image credits: Defenceprojectsindia)

Indo-Russian 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft program: Delays and the possible outcomes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11893746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian air force</keyword> is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.</li><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has focused on archrival <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> for decades, but it is now contending with a much larger foe: <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>.</li></ul>Earlier this month, at the end of India's annual Independence Day parade in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force showed off its aircraft inventory in multiple flyovers of the Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in the capital.The flyovers included transport aircraft, helicopter gunships, fighters, and fighter-bombers. It was the latest show of force for a military branch that, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">like its naval counterpart</a>, is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.Focused for decades on the threat from archrival Pakistan, India is now preparing its air force to fight another much larger foe: China.With roughly 2,000 combat aircraft from its air force and navy, China has the largest aviation force in Asia and the third largest in the world. Worse for India, China's increasingly close relationship with Pakistan is <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-china-pakistan-partnership-continues-to-deepen/" target="_top">resulting in closer military cooperation</a>, including joint development of fighter jets.Faced with the potential for an air war against two enemies, the IAF is increasing its size and capabilities.<h2>A significant inventory</h2><div type="image" title="Indian MiG-29 fighter jet" height="1116" width="2000" msid="85853169" hostid="261"></div>With well over 1,000 aircraft itself, the IAF is by no means small. Since India's independence, it has mostly fielded Russian aircraft made entirely in Russia or licensed for local production.Even today, the biggest fleets in the IAF inventory are those of the <keyword id="12004876" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mig-21" source="Orion">MiG-21</keyword>, MiG-29, and the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-30mki-multirole-fighter-aircraft-india/" target="_top">Su-30MKI</a> - a version of Russia's Su-30 made specifically for and by India. (India signed a contract for the Su-30MKI in the 1990s and has built more than 200 of them domestically since the mid-2000s.)The service also has some European models, such as SEPECAT Jaguars and Mirage 2000s, which are the IAF's <a href="https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0912kargil/" target="_top">primary strike platforms</a>. But those aircraft, which were acquired in the 1980s, are showing signs of age, and the IAF plans to retire them by 2030.India's MiG-21s, first introduced in the 1960s, are also expected to be retired by 2030 - even the modernized MiG-21 Bison models. The jet has <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/" target="_top">a poor safety record</a>; as of 2013, more than 480 of India's MiG-21s had been involved in accidents that had caused over 200 deaths.<h2>Threats on two fronts</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI" height="800" width="1200" msid="85853174" hostid="261"></div>The Su-30MKI purchase was more than just a general upgrade. It came after the Pakistan Air Force in 1982 accepted the first of 28 US-made F-16s, which seriously increased the PAF's capabilities a decade after it <a href="http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-air-war-battle-for-air-supremacy/" target="_top">last fought</a> the IAF.The US <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-long-controversial-love-affair-f-16-fighting-falcon-47682" target="_top">paused</a> F-16 deliveries in 1990 because of Pakistan's nuclear program, but they resumed in 2005, and the PAF now has some 75 F-16s. Their use is <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2020/08/how-americas-experience-with-pakistan-can-help-it-deal-with-turkey/" target="_top">conditional and closely monitored</a> by the US, but Pakistan would likely have no qualms about using them in an all-out war.In 2019, a <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26836/we-cut-through-the-conflicting-claims-and-misinformation-surrounding-indias-strikes-on-pakistan" target="_top">series of skirmishes</a> between India and Pakistan included airstrikes on each other's territory and resulted in one MiG-21 Bison being shot down by PAF fighters, possibly by an F-16. It was the first time since 1971 that air attacks had been conducted across the Line of Control.During the Cold War, China sold Pakistan its J-6 and J-7 fighters, which were Chinese copies of Russia's MiG-19 and MiG-21. The PAF has also benefitted from Pakistan's closer ties with China in recent years.<div type="image" title="India Kashmir MiG-21 Bison crash" height="998" width="1400" msid="85853179" hostid="261"></div>Their air forces <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">re</a><a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">gularly</a> conduct joint <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1211811.shtml" target="_top">exercises</a>, and they have even jointly developed a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, of which Pakistan has over 100.China and Pakistan are now <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-pakistan-upgrading-fighter-aircraft-used-against-indian-air-force-report/story-BS87X5ux3Xaj8QqS6jtssN.html" target="_top">planning</a> upgrades to Pakistan's JF-17 fleet, and China has <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-pla-tries-to-psyche-indian-army-by-supplying-armed-drones-to-pak/story-tySb4UnKimFUYIxJdP3xGL.html" target="_top">announced</a> the sale of 50 <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/wing-loong-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/" target="_top">Wing Loong II combat drones</a> to Pakistan. Pakistan may also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/is-the-chinese-jh-7-an-answer-to-the-pakistan-air-forces-deep-strike-needs/" target="_top">acquire</a> Chinese strike aircraft.China's own air force also poses a threat to the IAF. Particularly worrying for India are the <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j10.htm" target="_top">J-10</a> and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j11.htm" target="_top">J-11</a> fighters and the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/08/17/chinese-stealth-fighters-head-west-to-confront-india/?sh=5f36556a1b85" target="_top">J-20</a> stealth fighter.The aerial threat from China was abundantly clear after last year's deadly standoff along its disputed border with India.India has a longer history of air operations in the area, but China is <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41065/tracking-chinas-sudden-airpower-expansion-along-its-western-border" target="_top">rapidly building and expanding</a> air bases and defenses along its western borders.<h2>A major modernization</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet" height="1333" width="2000" msid="85853182" hostid="261"></div>Appreciating the threats, the IAF has committed to modernization.In 2016, India signed a contract with French firm Dassault Aviation four 36 Rafale multirole fighters. Twenty-six of them have been <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-received-26-rafale-aircraft-till-date-govt/article35585665.ece" target="_top">delivered</a> so far, and some have <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-air-force-deploys-first-rafales-in-east-to-counter-china-121072900013_1.html" target="_top">already been deployed</a> to counter possible Chinese aggression.The IAF has also purchased 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 22 AH-64 Apache gunships, both of which have also been <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-deploys-apache-attack-helicopters-and-chinooks-in-ladakh-increases-combat-air-patrols/445072/" target="_top">deployed</a> to the border region.India has developed its own lightweight <keyword id="12004878" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fighter-jet" source="Orion">fighter jet</keyword>, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tejas/" target="_top">HAL Tejas</a>, and has about 20 in service. The original order for 40 fighters was supplemented by <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-48000-crore-landmark-deal-india-clears-purchase-of-83-tejas-jets-for-iaf/articleshow/80251469.cms" target="_top">an additional order</a> of 83 improved Tejas Mark 1A variants, with a second production line <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/govt-clears-rs-48000-cr-deal-for-83-tejas-mk-1a-all-you-want-to-know-about-the-aircraft/584743/" target="_top">built</a> to speed up production.To meet its needs in the near-term, India is <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-tejas-india-moves-ahead-to-procure-more-mig-29s-sukhois/articleshow/80320199.cms" target="_top">buying</a> another 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs. It is also <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1316503" target="_top">upgrading</a> its MiG-29 fleet and modifying its Su-30MKIs to be able to fire Brahmos cruise missiles.<div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet" height="1326" width="2000" msid="85853185" hostid="261"></div>The IAF is also seeking 114 medium multirole combat aircraft.The US-made F/A-18E/F and F-15, the French-built Rafale, the European-made Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia's MiG-35 and Su-35 - all twin-engine jets - are in the running, as are the single-engine Swedish-built JAS 39 Gripen and US-built F-21, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lockheed-martin-unveils-f21-fighter-jet-to-compete-for-india-contract-2019-2" target="_top">version of the F-16</a> designed specifically for India.India also has a number of high-profile domestic projects in development. It plans to fly a prototype from its own <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-5th-gen-aircraft-iaf-to-model-its-amca-on-us-f-35s-instead-of-j-20-or-su-57-jets-experts/" target="_top">fifth-generation stealth fighter program</a> by 2025 and recently <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/hal-announces-unmanned-fighter-jet-207899" target="_top">unveiled</a> an unmanned fighter jet program.India has relied on foreign suppliers for much of its military hardware - especially <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/07/21/russia-sees-india-as-prospective-buyer-for-checkmate-jet-but-will-iaf-want-it.html" target="_top">Russia</a>, with which it has a longstanding but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-s400-purchase-risks-us-sanctions-amid-competition-with-china-2021-5" target="_top">increasingly fraught</a> relationship - but many of the new acquisition efforts will require some degree of local production as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.Amid ongoing tensions with China and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pakistan-india-jockey-position-afghanistans-new-great-game-2021-08-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed uncertainty</a> about the future in Afghanistan, India's efforts to expand and modernize its air force show how serious it is about countering the threat from its two most contentious neighbors.

India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

India's military might and rich cultural diversity were in full display during the dazzling 68th <keyword id="6416557" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Republic-day">Republic Day</keyword> celebrations in the national capital which had Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Chief Guest. 
 
Light rains and overcast skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who witnessed the nearly one-and-half hour-long parade that marched down the majestic Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard, amid unprecedented security cover. 
 
 major highlight of the parade was 149-member marching contingent from UAE comprising personnel from Presidential Guards, the Air Force, the Navy and Army. They were led by a band comprising 35 musicians from that country. 
 Al Nahyan, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> who wore a pink color 'safa' (turban). The two leaders were seen sharing some light moments. 
 
 For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandos, was part of the march past. 
 
The parade also saw the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 metres in 'Vic' formation and the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&amp;C) developed by DRDO. 
 
 The Indian Army's missile firing capability T-90 'Bhishma' tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Raddar 'Swathi' and Akash Weapons System and Dhanush Gun System were among the main draw in the mechanised columns. 
 Alongside the Crown Prince, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice President <keyword id="6491214" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hamid-Ansari">Hamid Ansari</keyword>, former Prime Minister <keyword id="6359397" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manmohan-Singh">Manmohan Singh</keyword>, Congress chief <keyword id="689" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community. 
 
Tableaux from 17 states and Union Territories and six central ministries and departments showcased the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the the theme of the tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs. 
 
21 of the 25 children who won the National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. Four children have received the award posthumously. 
 
 The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force which displayed various formations like 'Chakra' and 'Vic' leaving the spectators spell-bound. The 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft also drew loud cheers. 
 The theme of IAF tableau was "Air Dominance Through Network Centric Operations" and it displayed the scaled down models of Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, AWACS, UAV, Apache and Communication <keyword id="6358065" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Satellite">Satellite</keyword>. 
 
 The Indian Navy's tableau showcased the lethal Marine Commandos proceeding for action, the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class next generation attack submarines. It also showcased a model of the P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft. 
 
As per tradition, after unfurling the National Flag, the National Anthem was played followed by a 21 gun salute. 
 
Read more at: 
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/56792712.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst

Here's how India celebrated its 68th Republic Day

India has finally decided to take forward its negotiations with Russia about the mega projects that were stalled in the past. 
 
As per TNN sources, the talks about jointly developing a futuristic fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and upgrading the existing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Sukhoi-wants-Tata-to-manufacture-parts-for-SSJ100/articleshow/51026262.cms">Sukhoi</a>- 30MKI jets into 'Super Sukhois' with advanced avionics and weapons have begun amidst India and Russia. 
 
However, India and France are also close to inking a deal worth 7.8 billion euro deal for 36 Rafale jets, but the defence ministry has acknowledged that these 36 fighters will not be enough for India’s air combat power which is on a down track. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Defence-Manufacturing-Is-India-Inc-ready/articleshow/50738348.cms">Defence Manufacturing: Is India Inc. ready?</a> 
 As of now, the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> just has 33 fighter squadrons, which includes 11 obsolete MiG-21 and MiG-27 squadrons that are up for retirement. However, to safeguard the border from the evil intentions of China and Pakistan, IAF requires at least 42 jets. 
 
The defence ministry is also considering a "multi-pronged strategy" so that it can up its airpower. This includes introducing the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Made-in-India-light-combat-aircraft-Tejas-inducted-in-Air-Force/articleshow/53002316.cms">home-made </a>light combat aircraft, called <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/10-things-you-should-definitely-know-about-the-brand-new-Made-in-India-fighter-jet-Tejas/articleshow/53007047.cms">Tejas</a>, and look out for a second line of producing fighter jets in the country, including the American F/A-18, F-16, and Swedish Gripen-E. 
 
Talking of these 5th-generation fighters, the final R&amp;D design contract is almost ready to be inked, for the Indian "perspective multi-role fighter", which is a variant of Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA, the Russian single-seat FGFA. 
 
"Apart from resolving technical and cost issues, Russia has also agreed to allow IAF test pilots to fly its prototypes now," a source told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-pushes-talks-with-russia-for-5th-generation-fighters-and-super-sukhois/articleshow/53147669.cms">TNN</a>. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Defence-minister-considering-purchases-worth-Rs-1-lakh-crore/articleshow/52882935.cms">Defence minister is considering purchases worth Rs 1 lakh crore</a> 
 
The first contract was signed in 2007, which was then followed up in 2010 with a $295 million preliminary design contract. 
 
The contract involves producing 127 such fighters in India would cost about $25 billion. 
 
"The technical requirements should be finalised this year, with the contract being inked next year," said the source. 
 
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tYyuEbZJlH4/TlC4v-GJZqI/AAAAAAAAAOI/vwT5Y3WCu7A/s1600/SU-30MKI_Super+Sukhois_1.jpg">Image source</a>

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