INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
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"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.
A Word from Editor-in-Chief
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh’s appointment as the new Chief signifies a new era for the Indian Air Force, focusing on self-reliance and modernisation. Meanwhile, the nation mourns the loss of Ratan Tata, a visionary leader whose contributions to Indian aviation and philanthropy are immeasurable.
On October 8, 2024, the Indian Air Force celebrated 92 years of distinguished service. Commemorating this milestone, our latest issue includes a message from Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who underscores the rapid evolution of warfare through disruptive technologies and multi-domain operations. He highlights the essential need for a robust Air Force to maintain credible deterrence.
In an exclusive interview with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief, SP’s Aviation, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh discusses a range of subjects critical to the Air Force’s strategic growth, with a focus on indigenous advancements and enhanced operational capabilities, particularly the progress in fighter aircraft such as the LCA Tejas and improvements. During his recent press address during the annual Press Day of the IAF, the Air Chief had expressed a vision for a fully indigenised inventory by 2047.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd) points out in his analysis, that delays in the LCA Mk1A and the slow pace of the MRFA programme present strategic challenges, particularly as the IAF operates below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons. In another report, Manish Kumar Jha also talks about the engine troubles leading to the delays in fighter aircraft (LCA Tejas Mk2 and AMCA) and that India should seek self-reliance in jet engine technology.
This issue also features Air Vice Marshal Sanjay Bhatnagar’s (Retd) report on Exercise Tarang Shakti, India’s largest multinational air exercise, which showcases the nation’s advancing stature in global defence. The exercise, widely covered by international media, highlighted India’s growing capabilities and its stature as a reliable partner in global military efforts.
In a major development for modernisation, India and the US signed a ₹34,500 crore deal for 31 Predator drones for the Indian armed forces. Under this agreement, General Atomics will establish a MRO facility in India, marking a significant step toward domestic self-reliance in drone technology. Additionally, this issue includes an exclusive interaction with Frederico Lemos, Chief Commercial Officer of Embraer Defense & Security delving into Embraer’s expanding global footprint and partnership with India.
On the sustainability issue, Joseph Noronha explores SAF’s challenges, benefits, and the financial realities of achieving net zero, emphasising that while SAF is promising, the road ahead is complex and costly.
All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!
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