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Top News
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SP's Exclusive
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March 12, 2013BREAKING NEWS
Mixed success: Nirbhay maiden test stars well, ends with abortThe much anticipated maiden test of India's long-range cruise missile, Nirbhay, ended mostly in disappointment today, with the programme scientists forced to destroy the missile about 20 minutes after launch.
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March 6, 2013
HAL to present UAV vision to Home SecretaryHAL will shortly be making a presentation to Home Secretary R.K. Singh on a proposed national plan on UAVs for internal security threats and cross-border terrorism.
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March 6, 2013
DRDO to outsource SATCOM data-link for Rustom-IIIn an effort to speed up the Rustom-II MALE UAV programme, the Dehradun-based Defence Electronics Application Establishment (DEAL) has called for quotations on the development of a SATCOM datalink for the UAV, in effect outsourcing a major task required within the programme.
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March 6, 2013
IAF for more Embraer Legacy jetsThe Indian Air Force is in the process of drawing up a requirement for additional Embraer ECJ135 Legacy jets for VVIP transport.
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March 6, 2013
Home Ministry for drones for anti-Naxal opsThe Home Ministry is expected shortly to float a requirement for surveillance UAVs specifically for anti-Naxal operations. While a requirement already exists, sources indicate that a fresh qualitative requirement is to be drawn up in consultation...
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March 6, 2013
Mahindra-Telephonics pitches OceanEye radar for MRHThe new Mahindra-Telephonics joint venture company is pitching the APS-143C(V)3 OceanEye maritime surveillance radar for the Indian Navy's Multirole Helicopter (MRH) in the event that the Sikorsky S-70B Sea Hawk is chosen.
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March 6, 2013
LCA Navy may fly again by mid-yearThe LCA Navy, which has been on the ground for many months now since a short spate of just four flights starting in April last year, could take to the skies again later this year with major modifications underway to the platform's landing gear, environment control system, fuel system, lightning protection, water ingress proofing etc.
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March 5, 2013BREAKING NEWS
As losses mount, Russia to revamp rotorcraft strategy in IndiaOnce a dominant force in the Indian military helicopter space...
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March 5, 2013BREAKING NEWS
Nirbhay cruise missile to be tested on March 10?The secretive Nirbhay subsonic cruise missile could be tested for the first time on March 10 at the Integrated Test Range off Odisha's coast.
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March 4, 2013BREAKING NEWS
DRDO weighs unmanned rotorcraft developmentDespite deep interest in unmanned rotorcraft for several different kinds...
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March 4, 2013
Defence Budget cuts could impact modernisation?The nominal hike of just five per cent in the Indian defence budget to 2,03,672 crore brings the country's defence budget to its lowest percentage of GDP in the last three decades, and fails to even account for inflation in real terms.
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March 4, 2013
National Civil Aircraft programme targets 2020In the next six-seven years, the ambitious National Civil Aircraft Development (NCAD) programme hopes to ready its first platform—a 100-seat civil passenger jet for Indian service and exports.
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March 4, 2013
IMRH parameters to be frozen by 2014HAL has its hands full, as a result of which the all-important Indian Mult-irole Helicopter (IMRH) programme has taken a back-seat.
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March 4, 2013
Imperial Eagle MAV ready for user trialsThe Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has unveiled the hand-launched fixed-wing mini UAV Imperial Eagle, and invited potential users to give the platform a test.
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March 4, 2013
Indian interest in V-22 Osprey intensifiesThe Indian armed forces appear ready to consider the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey as a possible future platform. What began as a preliminary interest in the world's only operational tilt-rotor aircraft, has blossomed into a specific set of missions that the Indian services have flagged as possible future Osprey roles in India.
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March 4, 2013
The 12,000 crore Avro replacement programme will be a 2-horse race?Waiting in the wings for an urgent replacement are the IAF's vintage HS-748 Avro transports, built under license by HAL's transport division.
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March 4, 2013
Iron Fist 2013Among a sombre national mood following the twin blasts in Hyderabad that killed 16 people, the Indian Government put on display the country's might over Pokhran in a fire power demonstration designated 'Iron Fist'.
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March 4, 2013
Delayed IJT irks Air ForceA storm may be brewing over HAL's intermediate jet trainer, with the IAF and HAL in stark divergence over the state of the troubled programme. The HJT-36 Sitara is to achieve initial operational clearance (IOC) by December this year.
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March 4, 2013
After 4 year lull, Saras to fly againAfter the tragic crash of its second prototype in March 2009, in which the three-member IAF test crew was killed, the NAL Saras light transport aircraft, is expected to take to the air again this month.
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March 4, 2013
Rustom-H first flight in 11 monthsWith the Rustom-1 firmly in flight test towards proving itself as a tactical surveillance drone, the higher performance Rustom-H long-endurance surveillance platform is now close to being ready for a first flight.
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March 4, 2013
IIT's Unmanned Mini-Copter MaturesIIT Kanpur has long been a institution of excellence when it comes to aerospace engineering.
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March 4, 2013
Eurofighter fights to re-enter MMRCA competitionWhile respecting the Indian Government's decision to eliminate the Typhoon and progress negotiations with Dassault Aviation for the Rafale, the Eurofighter consortium is staying on the sidelines prepared as ever to re-enter the MMRCA competition.
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March 4, 2013
HAL flags MMRCA tech transfer challengesIt has always been known that the MMRCA would provide one of the most complex technology transfers in Indian defence contracting history in terms of the scope of transfer and what the vendor is required to provide.
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March 4, 2013
Astra test-firing from Su-30MKI this year2013 has been christened 'Astra Year' by DRDO in light of expectations that the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile will finally see a flight test firing from an IAF aircraft.
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March 4, 2013
BrahMos-A final integration this yearAfter years in integration, the BrahMos-A air-launched version, will complete integration with an IAF Su-30MKI this year in time for a first test-firing by December 2013 or early 2014.
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March 4, 2013
IAF Su-30MKIs in trouble?The Iron Fist fire power demonstration over the Thar Desert last month has spelt bad news for the Su-30MKI. Things started off on a bad note on February 19 when a Su-30MKI crashed during a night bombing and flying training mission over Pokhran, the full rehearsal ahead of Iron Fist three days later.
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March 4, 2013
Finally, Indo-French SR-SAM programme takes offAfter years in discussions, the Indo-French 'Maitri' short-range surface-to-air missile (SR-SAM) programme is ready to be concluded. During the recent visit of French President Francois Hollande, it was revealed in a joint statement that negotiations on the $6-billion programme had been concluded and that an agreement would be signed shortly.
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March 4, 2013
Light Copter Buy Delayed?One of India's most crucial purchases—197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH)—for the Army and IAF is likely to be delayed indefinitely according to reports.
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March 4, 2013
Critical Review of LCA TejasThe LCA Tejas showed off some of its operational prowess at the recent Iron Fist fire power demonstration over the Thar Desert-the platform was fielded after the IAF expressed keenness in seeing the aircraft perform alongside other inventory types.
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March 4, 2013
In a first, Army orders 20 Cheetal coptersAfter years of diffidence, the Indian Army has ordered 20 Cheetal helicopters from HAL in a deal worth Rs. 418 crore. The choppers will be delivered over the next four years.
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March 4, 2013
Committee to supervise VVIP copter probeA 30-member committee comprising members of the two houses of Indian Parliament will look into the AgustaWestland AW101 VVIP helicopter deal, even as the CBI begins a full-fledged investigation into the acquisition following allegations of wrongdoing.
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March 4, 2013
AgustaWestland fall-out over other deals?The VVIP helicopter controversy could impact or delay other ongoing acquisition programmes of the Indian armed forces, already nervous by the potential repercussions.
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February 8, 2013
Fifth-Gen flavour at Aero IndiaAt Aero India 2013, it’s hard to miss the fifth generation flavour in the air. They may not be big jets on the flightline, not yet at least, but they finally have a shape and form.
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February 8, 2013
Unmanned: The Future of Air WarsExtensive global experience shows that reconnaissance and observation helicopters need to be capable of fulfilling various roles – personnel transport, escort and armed missions, casualty evacuation and observation.
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February 8, 2013
India To Be Offered US Navy’s Future UAS?Northrop Grumman will for the first time highlight the MQ-4C Triton long endurance unmanned air system at Aero India 2013. The underdevelopment system is being created under the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) programme that Northrop Grumman won in 2008.
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February 7, 2013
India: Rotorcraft CentralIn case you didn’t notice, Aero India 2013 isn’t really a fighter show. Then again, all comparisons with the 2011 show are unfair considering that the MMRCA competition is no longer technically, a competition.
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February 7, 2013
The IAF’s ‘Generation’ DreamFour years ago, in February 2009, the world got its first glimpse of India's secretive next-generation fighter aircraft effort. Typically christened with the anodyne 'Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft' (AMCA) working title, crowds at Aero India 2009 puzzled at the shiny wind-tunnel model.
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February 7, 2013
Ahead of fire demo, Tejas breezes through icy testAhead of the Iron Fist fire power demonstration in Rajasthan shortly where the LCA Tejas will be seen breathing fire for the first time as part of a cooperative exercise...
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February 6, 2013
Aerospace sector key enabler of economic growthAs Aero India 2013 dawns, there is a general sense that the tumult and buzz of the show's last two iterations just won't be there. This would perhaps be true if the only indication of a show's success was the number of fighter jet types participating.
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February 3, 2013BREAKING NEWS
IAF gets first lot of brand new Pilatus trainersIn a major fillip to strained training regimes, the IAF has just received the first lot...
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February 1, 2013
Rolls-Royce pitches engine for HAL's Light CopterWhile Aero India 2011 was tinged with turmoil for Rolls-Royce—it had decided shortly after the show to withdraw from a competition to re-engine the IAF's Jaguar strike aircraft—it is back at Aero India 2013 with a strong focus on the CTS800 turboshaft...
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February 1, 2013BREAKING NEWS
India gifts Do-228 aircraft to SeychellesDays ahead of Aero India, in a sign of increasing regional cooperation and power...
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January 31, 2013
Lockheed Martin to focus on C-130J at Aero IndiaWith a deal for six additional C-130J Super Hercules nearly concluded, Lockheed Martin keeping its focus almost solely on the platform at Aero India 2013.
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January 31, 2013
Boeing debuts Scan Eagle UAV at Aero IndiaWhile Boeing will have the largest aircraft once again at Aero India 2013, with a USAF C-17 Globemaster III—the first C-17 for the IAF entered flight test earlier in January—it will be debuting a smaller aircraft that it has been showcasing as a potential platform for the Indian military: the ScanEagle.
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January 30, 2013
Combat-proven Iron Dome to debut at Aero India 2013Israel's participation at Aero India 2013 will be underscored by an outside display for the first time by missile house Rafael Advances Defense Systems Ltd. The heart of the display will be the Iron Dome system that gained much attention during the flare-up between Israel and Palestine last year where the weapon system was used with great publicity. Needless to say, Israel considers India a potential customer of the now combat proven active defence system against short-range artillery rockets.
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January 30, 2013
Honeywell at Aero India 2013Honeywell, which was issued an RFP in October last year for the much-anticipated Jaguar re-engining contract, will be at Aero India in a big way this year as well. While focusing on concluding a deal for the F125 IN engine for the Indian Air Force's Jaguar fleet, the U.S. firm will also be showcasing support packages for indigenous military...
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January 30, 2013
EADS on a high for Aero India 2013With the Airbus A330 MRTT win in India's tanker competition, EADS will be riding into Aero India with a long-missed feel good factor coursing through its veins—the win comes after a string of disappointments in India, particularly last years loss of the Eurofighter in the MMRCA competition.
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January 28, 2013
Hermes 900 at Aero India 2013Israel's Elbit Systems has announced that it will display its new generation Hermes 900 Maritime Patrol UAS at Aero India 2013.
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January 28, 2013
Russian Helicopters banks on 197 copter dealOn the back of two significant losses in the Indian defence space—the IAF's heavylift and attack helicopter competitions—Russian Helicopters Co. will be focusing all its energies at Aero India 2013 on the Kamov Ka-226T Sergei helicopter...
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January 28, 2013
Indian Army for UAV missile simulatorThe Indian Army is in the market for a mission simulator to train UAV crews in operating IAI Heron and Searcher Mk.2 surveillance UAVs.
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January 28, 2013
MBDA back with a bang at Aero India 2013European missile house MBDA has always had a solid presence at Aero India, and this year it's back with full force once again. The company says, "At Aero India 2013, MBDA will again demonstrate its unique status as the only company with a product catalogue capable of meeting the guided weapons requirements...
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January 28, 2013
Missile men honoured by GOIIn an affirmation for the country's missile programme, three top missile scientists were honoured this year by the Government with Padma awards. DRDO Chief Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Scientific Adviser to Raksha Mantri and a scientist best known for his association with the successful Akash SAM programme, has been honoured with a Padma Bhushan.
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January 28, 2013
Highlights of aircraft line-up at Aero India 2013Bills itself as the "world's greatest single", and continues to be one of the most popular single-engine business aircraft in the world today. With roles that include executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, airline, and government special mission applications, over 1,200 PC-12s have been sold worldwide.
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January 28, 2013
Display teams to dominate Aero India 2013With the Medium Multirole Fighter Aircraft (MMRCA) bid making its way towards a contract award, Aero India this year will bear a more resigned visage, at least as far as the roar of fighter engines is concerned.
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January 28, 2013
First Indian C-17 enters flight test on scheduleLess than 2 weeks before Aero India, when the world's aerospace focus is on India, Boeing Defense delivered on schedule the first of 10 C-17 Globemaster III heavylift transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force to flight test.
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January 28, 2013
Indian 5th Gen fighter model to debut at Aero IndiaThe aerospace community will get its first ever glimpse of what the modified Indian version of the Russian PAK FA looks like at Aero India, with HAL planning to unveil a model of the Prospective Multirole Fighter.
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January 28, 2013
India's longest range missile debuts at Republic Day ParadeWhile the Indian media usually dissects the weapons platforms that China puts on display during its ceremonial days, the tables turned this Republic Day—the Chinese watched closely as the Indian government paraded the Agni-V...
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January 28, 2013
Certified and ready, Indian Army to receive 1st weaponised DhruvIn a significant milestone for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, the first Dhruv (Weapon Systems Integrated)—Dhruv-WSI or Rudra as it has been christened...
SP's Aviation - Current Issue
