SP's Aviation - ISSUE No 9-2025
Previous Issue
INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
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.
— General Upendra Dwivedi, Indian Army Chief
"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!"
— Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Indian Navy Chief
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.
— Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Indian Air Force Chief
Issue Features
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IAF SPECIAL: CAS MESSAGE
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
I extend my appreciation to the SP Guide Publications on the release of the special edition of SP’s Aviation, to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the Indian Air Force.
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EXCLUSIVE
IAF SPECIAL: CAS INTERVIEW
“IAF — A Self-Assured, Capable and Globally Competitive Aerospace Power”
On the occasion of the 93rd Indian Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP’s Aviation, and shared his insights on specific issues concerning the Indian Air Force
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IAF SPECIAL: OPERATIONS
Indian Air Force – Post Operation Sindoor
By Air Marshal R.G.K. Kapoor (Retd)Operation Sindoor highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, underlining the need for doctrinal shifts and operational reforms. The focus now lies on integrating new technologies, strengthening joint capabilities, and adapting strategies to ensure readiness for future multi-domain challenges.
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IAF SPECIAL: IAF MODERNISATION
IAF – Target ‘42 Squadrons’
By Manish Kumar JhaWhile the IAF’s roadmap through Tejas Mk-1A / Mk-2, MRFA, and AMCA is conceptually sound, blending indigenous development with foreign procurement to manage risk and speed, the implementation may drag beyond the timeline. What is to be done?
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IAF SPECIAL: HELICOPTERS
Chariots of the Battlefield — Combat Helicopters
By Air Marshal Anil Khosla (Retd)As warfare enters the era of multi-domain operations, combat helicopters are evolving with artificial intelligence, stealth, and manned-unmanned teaming, ensuring they remain relevant and strategically decisive in the battles of the future
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IAF SPECIAL: OEM | EMBRAER
From Brazil to Bharat: Embraer’s Commitment to India’s Air Power
By Sankalp Shrivastava, Head of Embraer Defense & Security, IndiaCurrently, nearly 50 Embraer aircraft — spanning 11 different types — operate in India across defense, commercial, and business aviation sectors. All are supported by Embraer’s established service and support network in the country
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A Word from Editor-in-Chief
By Jayant Baranwal, Publisher & Editor-in-ChiefIt is always a pleasure to meet Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. Besides being a thorough professional and a proven leader, his pleasing personality, demeanour and accessibility makes him stand out. Never bothering to be politically correct, he speaks from his heart, for the benefit of the Air Force, the Citizens and the Country. I am sure that under his tutelage, the IAF will continue to rise and shine!
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IAF SPECIAL: HALL OF FAME
The IAF’s MiG-21: Farewell to a Legend
By Joseph NoronhaFor over three decades, from the 1970s to the 2000s, the MiG-21 was the backbone of the IAF, even as more advanced jets like the Mirage 2000, the MiG-29 and the Su-30 MKI were acquired
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NEWS DIGEST: MILITARY
MoD Signs Contract for Procurement of 97 LCA Mk1A Aircraft
Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, including 68 fighters and 29 twin seaters, along with associated equipment, for Indian Air Force, at a cost of over ₹62,370 crore (excluding taxes), on September 25, 2025.
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NEWS DIGEST: MILITARY
Sweden Orders Four Embraer C-390 Millennium
Sweden acquired four C-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft from Embraer. The contract also includes seven additional purchase options, paving the way for future acquisitions by other European nations.
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NEWS DIGEST: CIVIL
Rolls-Royce Opens Its Largest Global Capability Centre in Bengaluru
Rolls-Royce has inaugurated its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre (GCC) at Manyata Embassy Business Park in Bengaluru, further strengthening its long-term presence in India.
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NEWS DIGEST: CIVIL
Pilatus Hands Over the First PC-12 PRO
Following on from the launch of the new model in spring 2025, the very first customer, Dion Weisler, recently took delivery of his brand-new aircraft and personally flew it home from Switzerland to Australia.
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NEWS DIGEST
Appointments
Air Marshal Hardeep Bains took over as Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel on October 1, 2025.
Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia assumed the appointment of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance on September 1, 2025.
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