Features
-
April 18, 2025
Upsurge in India-Italy TiesBy Manish Kumar Jha
-
April 2, 2025India's Special Forces, Tech Soldiers, Take a Leap in Covert Warfare Capabilities
By Manish Kumar Jha
The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.
"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"
Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.
April 18, 2025
Upsurge in India-Italy TiesBy Manish Kumar Jha
April 17, 2025
The Phantom of a European ArmyBy Major General Atanu K Pattanaik (Retd)
—Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is pleased to announce two businesses that it will invest in from the inaugural Blue Magic Netherlands (BMN) event last November: Emergent Swarm Solutions and Saluqi Motors.
On 15 April 2025, to commemorate the 106th Birth Anniversary of the Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh Padma Vibhushan, DFC, a bust was unveiled at Astha, Senior Citizen Home, Tughlakabad, Delhi by Air Mshl Vijay Kumar Garg, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command and Air Mshl Jagjeet Singh (Retd) Senior Vice President Air Force Association.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) 'Gaurav' between April 8-10, 2025 from the Su-30 MKI aircraft.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace have agreed to collaborate on the development and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the global defense market.
Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru for the acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites and aircraft modification kits as well as their installation on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force at an overall cost of ₹2,385.36 crore.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has demonstrated software that will provide in-flight target updates that will enable the MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to close gaps on maritime targets.
Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two leading aerospace companies aims to strengthen the companies' strategic partnership with special focus on Embraer's new generation transport aircraft
This major milestone follows Sweden's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands and Austria joining the C-390 Millennium program
Cooperation is aimed at developing a modular mission system to allow the KC-390 to perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a prestigious multi-national air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force.
Ministry of Defence on March 28, 2025, signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for supply of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), Prachand, along with training and other associated equipment worth ₹62,700 crore, excluding taxes.
In a significant move to modernize airbase operations under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to adopt an advanced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Tool Tracking System, after signing a contract with IG Defence and Aerospace, who have won Ministry of Defence's iDEX Challenge for this pioneering technology.
Bombardier Defense is pleased to announce that Principle Finance, a renowned provider of customised operating lease for aircraft in Australia...
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase.
Under the terms of an offset project, Pilatus and Lockheed Martin will partner on the technology and development of avionics and training functionality for its advanced next-generation pilot training system.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on March 21, 2025, felicitated the meritorious sportsmen of IAF who have excelled at Services, National and International arena, at a ceremony that was held at Air Force Station New Delhi.
The NGAD fighter selection builds on Boeing's legacy, establishing a new global standard for 6th generation fighter capability
European Military Airworthiness Regulator Approves GA-ASI Application Approval Will Make Subsequent Certifications Easier
New Product Builds on Extensive Experience in Controlling UAS Payloads; Part of GA's Quadratix Software Enterprise
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has successfully conducted test-launch of homegrown ASTRA, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from LCA AF MK1 prototype fighter aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) visited Headquarters Southern Air Command on March 12, 2025 for the Commanders' Conference of Southern Air Command (SAC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
As part of the Government's efforts to strengthen indigenous defence capabilities of the country, Ministry of Defence has inked a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad for the procurement of Low-level Transportable Radar, LLTR (Ashwini) at a cost of ₹2,906 crore.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted its first flight test series of the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) using a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite constellation for aircraft communications.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh underscored the need for rapid capability enhancements to counter emerging security challenges in the evolving geo-strategic landscape.
The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) successfully hosted a high-level seminar on "UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS" today in New Delhi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka on March 9, 2025.
The ceremony is testimony to India's progress towards Atmanirbharta in defence & Govt's commitment to enhanced public-private partnership: Rajnath Singh
The Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), a Bengaluru-based lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducted high-altitude trials of the Indigenous On-Board Oxygen...
Advanced systems & technologies must be leveraged not only for security operations but also for disaster management & humanitarian relief: Defence Minister
Government-Supplied Pilot Vehicle Interface Used for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh presented the report of the Empowered Committee for Capability Enhancement of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on March 3, 2025.
General Atomics is reshaping its software enterprise for the future, merging efforts from across business lines into a single technology grid delivering all-domain response and information dominance.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) welcomes the US Air Force's designation for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new uncrewed jet fighter will be called the YFQ-42A.
General Atomics (GA) today announced the strategic acquisition of North Point Defense, Inc. (NPD), a leading provider of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) exploitation software and sensor integration, by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc.
In a landmark move to strengthen regional connectivity the Civilian Aviation Ministry, launched its aircraft BOEING-737 flight from Kolkata-Hindon - Goa on March 1, 2025.
An integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, 2025.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited DRDO's Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex, the nerve centre for design and development of indigenous missile systems, in Hyderabad, Telangana on February 28, 2025.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy carried out successful flight-trials of first-of-its-kind Naval Anti-Ship missile (NASM-SR) from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on February 25, 2025.
Headquarters Southern Air Command, in collaboration with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), hosted a seminar on "Synergising Air and Naval Forces: Enhancing Combat Power in the Indian Ocean Region" on February 25, 2025.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) continues to expand the role of unmanned aerial systems, demonstrating the first-ever Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability on an MQ-9B SeaGuardian®.
Hardware procurement begins for XA103 prototype build and test
Contract will improve readiness and reduce costs for more than 400 engines
The next generation multi-mission aircraft will enhance the operational capabilities of the Austrian Air Force
With its cutting-edge technology, exceptional range, and versatility, the KC-390 Millennium has solidified its position as a game-changer, expanding its customer's operational capabilities
Bombardier Defense today celebrated the first public unveiling of armasuisse's newly-delivered Global 7500 multi-mission aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has received a $270 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to integrate a system of next-generation infrared defensive sensors on the F-22 Raptor.
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) presented the 2023 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the 111th Attack Squadron (ATKS) of the Texas Air National Guard, Joint Base Ellington Field, Texas.
Embraer today announced that the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) and the Uruguayan Ministry of National Defense (MDN) have converted options for five A-29 Super Tucano aircraft into firm orders.
Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu took over the command of Base Repair Depot, Tughlakabad on January 6, 2025 from Air Commodore Rishi Seth. The handing over / taking over took place with an impressive ceremonial parade by the depot personnel.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh took over as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) at a ceremony at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) on September 30, 2024.
On 1st January 2025, Air Vice Marshal Manmeet Singh took over as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Headquarters Western Air Command, New Delhi.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff visited Lakshadweep Islands from January 4-5, 2025. The CAS interacted with the air warriors at Minicoy Island and Kavarati Island.
Embraer signed today a contract for the sale of four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced trainer aircraft to an undisclosed customer in Africa.
Embraer announced today a firm order for six light attack and advanced trainer A-29 Super Tucanos placed by an undisclosed customer. This order will be included in the 4Q24 backlog and deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2026.
Embraer signed today a contract with an undisclosed customer for the sale of two C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft. The contract also includes a comprehensive training and support package as well as the supply of spare parts.
The President of India Droupadi Murmu awarded the President's Colours to the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad on December 20, 2024, marking a historic milestone in the journey of the institute.
To mark the successful completion of training of Air Force Special Forces operatives of 'Garud' force, Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade was held on December 21, 2024 at Garud Regimental Training Centre.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force visited Headquarters Central Air Command (CAC) from December 18 to 19, 2024 for the CAC Commanders' Conference 2024.
Embraer has signed a contract with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to provide a new Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II) unit.
Subsidiary will materialize Embraer's strategic objectives in creating relevant and cutting-edge defense and security solutions for customers in Europe and NATO
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announces the sale of three MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems to the Polish Ministry of Defence.
European country becomes the launch customer of the A-29N, the NATO version of this world-renowned advanced trainer and light attack aircraft
The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) was held at the Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal Hyderabad on December 14, 2024, marking successful culmination of the pre-commissioning training of flight cadets of Flying and Ground duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Slovak Ministry of Defense today signed a Letter of Intent with the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, paving the way for a deeper industrial cooperation between the two countries.
Lockheed Martin and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in support of United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Department of Defense (DoD), have successfully completed Flight Experiment Mission (FEM)-02.
A two day Commanders' Conference of Western Air Command (WAC) of the Indian Air Force was held on December 6 & 7, 2024 at New Delhi, with Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) as the chief guest.
The valedictory function of the 24 Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) on December 6, 2024.
Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) is organising its 63rd annual conference at Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, from December 5-7, 2024.
Embraer demonstrates its C-390 Millennium evolution strategy by fostering new capabilities that will enhance the platform's operational capabilities while meeting customer needs and market requirements
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has selected the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) SeaGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems for its Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program.
November 19 Event Hosted by GA-ASI and Supported by Lockheed Martin Ventures and Brainport Attracts Cross-Section of Netherlands' High-Tech Sector
Pilatus has signed a contract to deliver 19 PC-21 training aircraft. The PC-21 will not only provide Canada with the most technically advanced training system but also a very cost-effective, environmentally friendly training platform for military pilots.
Bombardier Defense celebrated the delivery of the first Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft to the United States Army in support of the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program.
Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®, in partnership with Lockheed Martin's Demonstrations and Prototypes organization and the University of Iowa's Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), showcased a crewed-uncrewed teaming mission...
Following the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, Embraer enhances its presence in the Netherlands through industrial and research participation by selecting Fokker Services Group, NLR and Multisim.
The Government of Romania confirmed today its intent to procure 32 Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft by signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) through a US government Foreign Military Sale.
Boeing will build 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus tankers under a Lot 11 contract award from the US Air Force valued at $2.38 billion. In all, Boeing has 168 KC-46A multi-mission aerial refuelers on contract globally, providing advanced capability advantages for the joint force and allies.
Australia and India have signed an arrangement to enable the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling.
On November 13, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), completed its final qualification test for its new 200-horsepower heavy fuel engine at its El Mirage, California, flight facility.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressed the Air Force Commanders' Conference (AFCC) at Air Headquarters in New Delhi on November 19, 2024.
Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff successfully conducted the Space Table Top Exercise Antariksha Abhyas-2024 from November 11-13, 2024, a significant milestone aimed at bolstering the strategic readiness of the Indian Armed Forces in the domain of space warfare.
The Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of P-7 Parachute System has been handed over to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, a DRDO laboratory.
India is well positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space based capabilities: CDS Gen Anil Chauhan
The Swedish Ministry of Defense announced the selection of the Embraer C-390 Millennium as Sweden's new tactical transport aircraft.
Embraer today announced that will provide training solutions for the C-390 Millenium to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Rajesh Kumar Singh took over as Defence Secretary at South Block in New Delhi on November 1, 2024. He is a 1989-batch IAS officer from Kerala cadre, who had assumed the charge of the Officer on Special Duty (Defence Secretary-designate) on August 20, 2024.
Air Marshal Ajay Kumar Arora assumed the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance, Indian Air Force, at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), today. The Air Marshal, after taking over, laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in honour of the armed forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Bombardier Defense today announced the delivery of the eighth Bombardier Global jet to the United States Air Force's (USAF) BACN program, which is part of a previously announced multi-year contract between Bombardier and the USAF.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) collaborated with BAE Systems to demonstrate unique electronic warfare (EW) capabilities remotely controlled via a secure, jam-resistant Link 16 network on an MQ-20 Avenger® unmanned aircraft system (UAS).
Northrop Grumman Corporation's LITENING targeting pod has completed initial flight testing on the US Navy F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, a critical step on the path to fleet operations.
On the eve of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff visited Jammu and some of the forward locations, where the air warriors of the IAF are deployed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Mr Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Singapore Dr Ng Eng Hen co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on October 22, 2024.
On 21st October 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) commenced the 12th edition of the Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon the private sector to move forward from 'participation' to 'taking lead' in the defence sector, assuring the Government's full support to make India an innovation & technology hub and one of the strongest countries in the world.
As part of the US Army's Vanguard demonstrations that took place in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on Sept. 17-18, 2024, a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) provided by the US Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) showcased several new capabilities...
An immaculate ceremonial parade, a breath-taking demonstration of air power and a spectacular static display of state-of-the-art equipment marked the celebrations of the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai, Tamil Nadu on October 8, 2024.
As the Indian Air Force approaches its 92nd Anniversary on October 6, 2024, a breathtaking air show captivated an audience which turned up in large numbers and is likely to cross an estimate figure of 15 lakhs at one of the world's longest beaches, Marina Beach, Chennai.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) today observed Swachhata Diwas in alignment with the nation-wide “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” marking another significant step towards maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh took over as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) at a ceremony at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan) on September 30, 2024.
Lockheed Martin in collaboration with Altera, an Intel Company, completed a successful flight demonstration of our 12th Generation Electronic Warfare (Gen12) transceiver utilizing Altera's Agilex™ 9 Direct RF FPGA (Multi-Chip Package, MCP-2).
Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, delivered today the seventh C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to the First Squadron of the First Group (1°/1° GT) at Galeão Air Force Base in Rio de Janeiro.
Embraer, a global leader in the aerospace industry, is proud to announce the spotlight appearance of its C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base, September 18-22.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully completed Exercise Eastern Bridge VII with the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at the RAFO airbase in Masirah.
Towards celebrating its 92nd anniversary, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to host an immaculate air show in the skies over Tamil Nadu, on October 6, 2024.
Boeing has completed the first flight of the UK's E-7 Wedgetail for the Royal Air Force (RAF). A Boeing flight-test crew conducted functional checks during the first flight from Birmingham Airport, marking a significant milestone in the programme's test and evaluation phase.
The Air Force Association (AFA) celebrated its 44th Annual Day today. As part of the celebrations, the President of Air Force Association, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd) laid a wreath at the National War Memorial on behalf of all IAF Veterans in the morning on September 15, 2024, to honour those Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
Base Repair Depot Najafgarh, New Delhi successfully conducted EW Conference “Spectrum” on September 13, 2024. The theme of the conference was “EW: Trends, Technologies & Maintenance Challenges”.
A high-level delegation from Embraer is concluding a visit to India this week as it evaluates the expansion of its supply chain into the country.
Agreement Supports India's Medium Transport Aircraft Program and New Maintenance Facility
In a landmark event, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting held on September 9, 2024, in New Delhi.
In a major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for Su-30 MKI aircraft at a cost of over ₹26,000 crore.
In a landmark event for India's Defence forces, the Vice Chiefs of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force made history today by flying in the indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
To enhance the skills and capability building of their personnel, Indian Army and Indian Air Force signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on September 9, 2024.
Lockheed Martin announced today that it will host the 10th edition of its India Suppliers Conference on September 11-12, 2024 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bengaluru.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the maiden Joint Commanders' Conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on the second and final day of the apex-level military leadership meeting on September 5, 2024.
The Egyptian Armed Forces announced today at the Egypt International Air Show that Lockheed Martin will deliver two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the US Air Force.
Embraer today delivered the first C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to the Hungarian Air Force. The aircraft will be the first in the world equipped with a roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit, being even better equipped to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation Missions.