On the occasion of IAF’s 93rd Anniversary, in this Exclusive Interview, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), elaborated on some IAF programmes of Modernisation, including Fighters like MRFA, LCA Mk-1A & Mk-II, AMCA, Upgrades, Hypersonic Weapons, Air Defence, DEWS, & RPAS/Unmanned Systems, etc.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 93rd Anniversary on 8th October 2025 with the IAF Day Parade being held at Hindon Air Force Base. In this SPECIAL REPORT on the IAF, Chanakya covers the IAF’s Transformation Drive to become an Aerospace Power, with new Inductions, Procurements, Current Modernisation & Future Plans, with the Fighter Squadrons, LCA Tejas Mk-1A & Mk-2, MRFA Fighters, AMCA Prototypes, Rafale Fighters (featured separately), AEW&Cs, Radar, Flight Refuellers, MTA, Airbus C-295MW, Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), HAPS Aircraft, Special Mission Aircraft, ADS & Weapons Systems - S-400, PGMs, Missiles, Aero Engines, Air & Missile Defence Systems & Combat RPAS/UAS, etc.

The Government of India unveiled India's biggest Defence Upgrade Plan. The Defence Ministry has prepared a 15-Year ‘Technology Perspective  Capability Roadmap’ (TPCR 2025) during which Indian Armed Forces will be transformed through the infusion of Billions of Dollars and Cutting-Edge Technology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata on 15th September 2025. Held once in two years, this Conference is the Apex-level brainstorming forum of the Armed Forces, that brings together the Nation’s top Civilian and Military Leadership to exchange views and lay the groundwork for the future development of India’s Military Preparedness.

In its 26th Year, Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 was held from 9th to 12th September 2025 at ExCel in London, bringing together senior international trade and military experts from across the entire Global Supply Chain, with an increase in latest technological content. Featuring over 2,800 Defence and Security Suppliers & above 1,750 Exhibitors at DSEI UK 2025, with specialised Air, Naval, Land, Security, and Joint Zones, and dedicated Conference Seminar Theatres, which held educational sessions & presentations, with as many as 32 International Pavilions having a wide range of displays of International Defence Platforms, Systems & Equipment.

Rosoboronexport offers for export the Russian Helicopters’ Kamov Ka-52E, which is a Highly-Manoeuverable Attack Helicopter - armed with a powerful Armament Complex and is capable to execute any combat task with highest efficiency.

The 55th International Paris Air Show 2025 was held at the Le Bourget Exhibition Centre from 16th to 22nd June 2025. The mega event featured about 2,500 companies from about 48 countries, which participate as Exhibitor.

Aero India 2025, the 15th International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition & Air Show in its 29th Year, was organised by the Ministry of Defence from 10th to 14th February 2025 at Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, with about 900 Aerospace, Aviation & Defence companies/organisations, with about 150 Foreign Exhibitors, showcasing their products including Platforms, Weapons, Equipment & Systems, Components, Services, etc.

For over 50 years, MBDA has been delivering battle-winning capabilities to the Indian Armed Forces, closely collaborating with a wide Indian industrial ecosystem, including the joint venture L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, India SMEs and Defence Public Sector Undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited. In the Air Domain on the MBDA stand, visitors are able to see the different weapon systems that arm India’s Dassault Rafale combat aircraft, especially the Meteor. Widely recognized as a game changer for air combat, this beyond visual range air-to-air missile is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor giving it far more engine power, for much longer than any other missile. In other words, its no-escape zone is many times greater than any other air-to-air missile – supporting Indian sovereignty through equipping the Indian Armed Forces with the very best missile systems to perform their mission.

Aero India 2025, hailed as the “Mahakumbh of Defence,” will serve as a dynamic platform where the State, academia, investors, and international collaborators converge within a robust Defence Ecosphere to chart the future of global security and technology exchange. Anchored by the pivotal role of DRDO, the event is showcasing India’s steadfast commitment to Atmanirbharta in defence by unveiling groundbreaking indigenous technologies and fostering innovation across sectors.

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), based in Bonn, Germany and overseeing several European Defence Programmes, has granted the GoI the ‘Observer’ Status in the Programme following a formal request received in August 2024. OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker delivered the Letter of Approval (LoA) signed by the former OCCAR Board of Supervisors (BoS) Chairman, Lt. General Frédéric Goetynck, to the Ambassador of India to Germany Ajit Gupte.

The Combat-Ready KC-46 Pegasus Air Refueling Aircraft delivers proven Multi-Mission Capabilities today, and evolves to meet the needs of tomorrow. The Boeing KC-46A Tanker is approved by the U.S. Air Force for global deployments, including Combat Operations. Boeing will build 15 additional KC-46A Pegasus Tankers under a Lot 11 Contract award from the U.S. Air Force valued at US$ 2.38 Billion. In all, Boeing has 168 KC-46A Multi-Mission Aerial Refuelers on contract globally, providing advanced capability advantages for the Joint Forces and Allies.

The Safran Group of France has been present in India for more than 65 years and today has more than 2,400 employees in 17 sites, all working in Production, Design or Services in the Aviation, Space and Defence Industries. Safran Aircraft Engines (SAE) provides the world’s leading Airframers with Innovative and reliable Propulsion Systems. The company’s efforts today focuses on decreasing fuel consumption and maintenance costs, while designing more eco-responsible systems.

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. The MBDA Group offers a range of 45 Missile Systems & Counter-Measures products already in operational service. MBDA has an excellent record of accomplishment providing both operational and industrial capabilities in partnership with the Indian Armed Forces and Indian Defence Industry. The strength of these two pillars makes it a long-term true partnership, and one that should only get stronger. The partnerships MBDA has formed with Indian Industry have seen over 50,000 MBDA-designed Missiles produced in India - a noteworthy success.

HAL’s Tejas LCA Mk-1A Variant is aimed to enhance the operational and combat capabilities, survivability and maintainability of the fighter. Capabilities planned in Mk-1A include: Integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS), A4M & BVR Missiles and Air-to-Air Refueling.

The A330 MRTT is the tanker of choice chosen by 15 Nations including Australia, Canada, France, NATO - Multinational MRTT Fleet (Germany, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic), South Korea, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Equipped with State-of-the-Art operational and proven enhanced Vision System, AAR Refuelling Boom and AAR Under-Wing Pod Systems:  AAR Boom fuel flow rate up to a maximum of 3,600 kg/min – 1,200 US gal/min; Under Wing Pods fuel offload rate 1,300 kg/min – 420 US gal/min.

Uruguay Becomes the Sixth Nation to Operate the A-29 Super Tucano Attack Fighter/Trainer in South America, with 20 operators worldwide & 290 orders. “The relationship between Embraer and the Uruguayan Air Force has been growing and we are particularly pleased to announce this deal in the year in which we celebrate 50 years of Embraer's first export contract, to Uruguay,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “We are ready to offer the best Multi-Mission Aircraft to the FAU as well as our full support to increase their Operational Readiness and to enhance their capabilities to accomplish Strategic Missions such as Border Surveillance”.

By redefining how to achieve and maintain a state of low detectability using Innovative Electronic Warfare tools, the F-15EX does not sacrifice payload for survivability. It serves as a Long-Range Stand-Off Weapons System that is also capable of penetrating and surviving in highly contested environments. With low operating costs compared to other fighters yet four times the weapons payload and twice the fuel, range and speed, the F-15EX represents a modern solution that Global Air Forces can field. Incorporating the latest in Software Development, Digital Engineering & Open Mission Systems Architecture, the F-15EX is a Digital Pathfinder for more rapid, affordable Future Fighter Aircraft Development.

Stressing on the importance of enhancing and Modernising India’s Military Capabilities in the 21st Century, PM Modi highlighted, “be it Land, Water, Air, the Deep Sea or Infinite Space, India is safeguarding its interests everywhere”. He noted that India is progressing towards the implementation of Theatre Commands to make the Armed Forces more efficient. Acknowledging the adoption of AtmaNirbharta (Self-Reliance) by India’s Armed Forces over the past decade, the Prime Minister lauded the commendable efforts to reduce dependence on other countries during crises.

"Embraer is excited to be back at AeroIndia as we showcase the KC-390 Millennium and our broad portfolio of defense and security solutions to the industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “It is an aircraft that is growing its global operator base and impressing the industry with its modern capabilities and reflects the versatility and reliability that our aircraft are known for. The Embraer team and its partners will be at AeroIndia in full force, in support of India’s Aviation and Defense aims".

With a 70+ year presence in India, Thales is fully committed to the Government's objective of 'Make in India and for the world'. By leveraging our strong technological capabilities across Defence, Aerospace, Cyber and Digital Markets. Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International, contributes the Guest Article on Catalyzing India's Vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence.

Austrian Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) is a proven capability for Military & Civilian Applications. The Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) Rotary UAS needs no prepared area or supporting Launch or Recovery Equipment. It operates Day & Night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range out to 200 km, both on Land & at Sea.

CHANAKYA’s Exclusive Interview with AIR CHIEF MARSHAL AMAR PREET  SINGH, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS), covered many IAF programmes of Modernisation, including Fighters & Weapons, Upgrades, AEW&Cs, FRA, Transporters, Air Defence Networks, UAS/RPAS, Combat Helicopters, Infrastructure, Maintenance, and SAMAR, QRSAM, IADWS, VSHORADS, etc. On the occasion of AERO INDIA 2025, we feature an Exclusive Interview of the Air Chief with CHANAKYA.

Chanakya Interviewed GENERAL UPENDRA DWIVEDI, CHIEF OF THE ARMY STAFF (COAS), who covers Indian Army’s Transformation & Modernisation efferts, including Emergency Procurements, Drones, UAS, Automation, Digitization, Networking, Integration of Advanced Technologies such as AI, Unmanned Systems & EW to strengthen Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Capabilities; Jointness & Interoperability in a Multi-Domains; Integrated Theatre Commands for Theaterisation, etc.

"The Akash Air Defence Weapon System of BEL is a great success story and shining example of BEL's indigenous design, development and manufacturing drive. The Coastal Surveillance System developed by BEL for the Indian Coast Guard is now being offered to other friendly countries as well as for generating export business. The Weapon Locating Radar, developed indigenously by BEL and DRDO Lab LRDE, and its lighter version designed for surveillance in mountainous and high-altitude terrains are proving to be game-changers for India’s Military," says Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL.

With a history of more than 300 years linked to the construction of ships for the Navy, Navantia is a State-owned and Strategic Technology Company for the Defence of Spain. Its areas of specialisation range from Shipbuilding (Surface and Submarine), to the Design and Integration of Systems with a high technological content and life-cycle support and high value-added services. Navantia has started the construction of the first of three Corvettes that will be built for the Royal Saudi Navy (RSNF)

In an Exclusive Interview to Chanakya, DR. VIVEK LALL, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, spoke on GA-ASI’s Multi-Mission MQ-9B SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) System, MQ-9A Reaper, the MQ-20 Avenger, the “25M” Variant of the Gray Eagle, Optix+ Software Suite,  and the GA-ASI’s Detect and Avoid System, besides their various roles undertaken.

Israel’s RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. develops, manufactures, and sustains Combat-proven technologies, products, and Systems-of-Systems for Air, Land, Naval, Space and Digital Applications. RAFAEL Systems like the I-Derby Missiles, RecceLite Reconnaissance Pods, Litening Advanced Targeting Pods, the SPICE Family of Air-to-Surface Missiles, the SPIKE Missile Family, and BNET Tactical Communications System. Likewise, Advanced Versions of both the Litening and RecceLite Pods are of interest to customers.

At Aero India 2025, Lockheed Martin presents th C-130J-30 Super Hercules, of which the IAF operates a fleet. The Lockheed Martin F-21 Fighter Jet, an impressive Multi-Mission Platform, for which Lockheed Martin has a Partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), for the future potential production in India of the F-21 Fighter; and its’ Multi-Mission Rotorcraft, like the Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo, which is one of the world’s most advanced Maritime Helicopters for ASW/ASuW, of which the Indian Navy has already inducted 9 rotocraft.

These new threats, together with the return of high intensity conflict, have radically altered the operational landscape, highlighting the crucial importance of Air Superiority and pointing to a need to step up Air Surveillance and Defensive Capabilities in general, in particular Air Defence.

HAL has spread its wings to cover various activities in the areas of Design, Development, Manufacture and Overhaul of Advanced Fighters, Trainers, Helicopters, Transport Aircraft & Associated Aero Engines, Accessories, Avionics and Airborne Systems. Recently, a contract for procurement of IAF’s 12 Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft, along with Associated Equipment has been signed between MoD & HAL on 12th December 2024, at approx. cost of Rs. 13,500 Crore.

Out of 56, 40 C295 MTAs will be manufactured in India by the TATA Consortium. The next Variant of the C295, the MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft, is to be acquired by the Indian Navy & Coast Guard, and is one of the multiple C295MW Variants manufactured by Airbus. The focus is also back on the pending acquisition for IAF’s FRA Project, in which the New-Generation Airbus A330 MRTT Multi-Role Tanker Transporter is again on offer. Further, the Airbus A400M is in focus in India as it is participating in the Make-in-India Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) competition of the IAF.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security has supplied C-17 Globemaster-IIIs, AH-64 Apache Attack-Helicopters & CH-47 Chinook Heavy-Weight Helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and P-8Is with Harpoon Missiles to the Indian Navy. On the occasion of Aero India 2025,  Chanakya Interviewed ALAIN GARCIA, Vice President, India Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and Global Services. Boeing is offering the F-15EX, which is participating in the Indian Air Force MRFA Fighter Competition.

The Embraer Defense & Security New-Generation C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Tactical Airlifter has already been selected by 10 Nations, including its Aerial Refuelling Tanker Configuration - the KC-390 Multi-Mission Refueller. Embraer is offering the C-390 Versatile Multi-Mission Airlifter to the Indian Air Force (IAF), along with the Embraer’s AEW&C and the A-29 Super Tucano Light-Attack Fighter Trainer.

On the occasion of Aero India 2025, Chanakya Interviewed SALIL GUPTE, President, Boeing India and South Asia. Boeing in India is focused on delivering value to Indian customers with advanced technologies and is committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian Aerospace Sector – developing local suppliers, strengthening its Supply Chain with over 300 local companies in India and a Joint Venture to manufacture Fuselages for Apache Helicopters & Vertical Fin Structures for the 737 Family of Airplanes.

Chanakya Interviews LUDOVIC DUMONT, General Delegate, MBDA India Private Limited, who articulates on MBDA’s Range of Missiles for the IAF’s Rafale & the Rafale-Marine Fighter selected by Indian Navy, including the Long Range Meteor BVRAAM & SCALP / Storm Shadow Missiles; MICA IR & RF Air Combat Missiles for Rafale & Upgraded Mirage 2000s of the IAF; Mistral ATAM for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand & ALH Rudra WSI; ASRAAM Missiles for the Jaguar Fighter Upgrade & for the Tejas LCA Mk.1A.

The Rafale, a Fully “Omni-Role” Fighter, is available in three Variants: the Rafale C Single-Seater operated from Land Bases; the Rafale-M Single-Seater for Naval Aircraft Carrier Operations; and the Rafale B Two-Seater flown from Land Bases. All three Rafale Variants share a Common Airframe and a Common Mission System, the differences between Naval and Land Versions being mainly limited to the Undercarriage and to the Arresting Hook.

Wholly designed, developed and produced by Safran Aircraft Engines, the M88 powers Dassault Aviation’s Rafale Multi-Role Fighter deployed by French Armed Forces and export customers. The M88 has exceptionally carefree handling to handle a wide range of Combat Missions. With a fully Modular Design, which facilitates Modern Maintenance Operations, the M88 is an Upgradable Engine to meet the evolving needs of Armed Forces. The M-88 is in Service with several Air Forces worldwide and has already undertaken 1,000,000+ total flight-hours.

ADMIRAL DINESH K. TRIPATHI, the 26th Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW to CHANAKYA said “Indian Navy is modernising its capabilities in accordance with well-conceived Perspective Plans.” For Indian Navy Day 2024, CHANAKYA Interviewed CNS ADMIRAL DINESH K. TRIPATHI, who said that the Indian Navy endeavours to be a ‘Future-Ready Force’ through consolidation of existing capabilities and adoption of Futuristic Technologies.

Navantia's BEST AIP System, as the most Revolutionary Solution in the market, is capable to extend Conventional Submarines Diving Endurance, therefore providing very high Tactical Capabilities to the S-80 Submarine. This AIP System generates Hydrogen on demand from a liquid fuel (Bioethanol), which is stored in conventional structural tanks at ambient temperature and pressure. This results in a more efficient, safer and maintenance cost effective design solution than Hydrogen stored in metal hydrides cylinders.

Building on four decades, IAI’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have accumulated over 2,200,000 operational flight hours over regions as diverse as deserts and mountain ranges, and conditions that range from tropical to arctic. IAI’s wide range of Unmanned Aerial Systems gather intelligence, target missions and survey borders in support of key Military and Law Enforcement Operations for more than 50 customers all over the world.

Since becoming operational with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, the C-390 Millennium has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. Its powerful engines, large cargo hold equipped with a rear ramp and robust landing gear enable it to carry out the most demanding missions, including from unpaved runways. A true strategic asset for its end Users. Thanks to its leading performance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, the C-390 was selected by several Nations, including Brazil, Portugal, The Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic and South Korea.  

Indian Air Force is going through a Transformation process acquiring State-of-the-Art Platforms and Systems, and through Upgrades, to boost India’s Air Dominance Capabilities, with 36 New Rafales, about 50 Upgraded Mirage 2000s, DARIN-III Jaguars, LCA Tejas Mk-1s & Mk-1A, C-17s, C-130J-30s, Do-228s, Avro replacement with 56 C-295MW MTAs, ALH Rudra Mk-IV, Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs), Light Utility Helicopters (LUH); Mi-17V5s; Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters & Apache Attack Helicopters, AEW&Cs/AWACS, FRA, Radar, Air Defence Weapon Systems, SAGW, SAAW, Astra, etc. either have been inducted or are in final stages of procurement. We feature CHANAKYA’s Exclusive Interview with AIR CHIEF MARSHAL AMAR PREET  SINGH, CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF (CAS).

Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of jointly fulfilling the acquisition of the C-390 Millennium Multi-Mission Tactical Aircraft by the Indian Air Force in its upcoming Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Procurement Project.

The Airbus C295 Medium Tactical Transport Aircraft has reached 300 orders. From the Pacific Ocean to the Arabian desert, from the tropical jungle to the Sahel and the Kazakh steppe, the C295 and its market share have become a success story for the European and Spanish Aerospace Industry. Here are some interesting facts and figures about the C295 Aircraft.

India is acquiring 31 GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian & SeaGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), with 15 SeaGuardians for the Indian Navy and 8 each SkyGuardians for the Indian Air Force & Indian Army. Chanakya profiles the mega acquisition of the MQ-9Bs, while outlining the HALE RPAS’ outstanding characteristics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commemorated the opening of the New State-of-the-Art Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) Campus in Bengaluru. Built with an investment of Rs. 1,600 crore, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest such investment outside the U.S.

MBDA is ready to consider integration of Brimstone Missiles onto the MQ-9B Predator, which are to be procured by India, according to an MBDA official, speaking to a select group of journalists from India visiting the Missile Leaders’ Facilities in UK’s Bolton and France.

On 25th November 2023, in a historic milestone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew a sortie in the indigenously designed, developed and manufactured Tejas Twin-Seater Light Combat Fighter Aircraft at Bengaluru. During the 30-minute sortie, capabilities of Fighter Aircraft Tejas were demonstrated to the PM.

On the 30th of November, 2023, the S-81 Isaac Peral Submarine has been commissioned to the Spanish Navy. It is the first boat of the series of 4 that have been designed and built entirely by Navantia for the Spanish Navy.

MBDA is proud to celebrate Indian Navy Day 2023, and to mark a long history supporting the Indian Navy with the highest performing Missile Systems. From Anti-Ship Missiles, to Air Defence Systems, and the latest in Naval Aviation Weaponry, MBDA has supported the Indian Navy for decades and is committed to continuing to do so today and into the future, says Ludovic Dumont, General Delegate, MBDA India Private Limited.

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. The MBDA Group offers a range of 45 Missile Systems & Counter-Measures products already in operational service, including MBDA’s Range of Missiles for IAF’s Rafale Fighters, and over 15 missiles in development stage. Chanakya Interviews LUDOVIC DUMONT, Country Head MBDA & MBDA India General Delegate, who articulates on MBDA’s Range of Missiles for the IAF’s Rafale, & Rafale-M Fighter, including the Meteor BVRAAM & SCALP Missiles; MICA IR & RF Missiles for the Rafale & Upgraded Mirage 2000s of the IAF; Mistral ATAM for the ALH Rudra WSI & LCHs; ASRAAM Missiles for the Jaguar Fighter Upgrade & for the Tejas LCA Mk.1A.

Spain’s Navantia has a long success story in the international market, as the result of the National Programmes for the Spanish Navy. Regarding the LPD programme, Navantia is Partnering with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with a solution based on the Spanish Navy Juan Carlos I Class LPD, a superior design when it comes to perform an Expeditionary Force Deployment in a delicate scenario. It is an outstanding design trusted by the Spanish Navy, the Turkish Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy, where the ships play a major role in the international activity.

KONGSBERG Defence & Aerospace, a subsidiary of KONGSBERG, is Norway's premier supplier of Defence & Aerospace-related Systems & Solutions, including products & systems for Command & Control, Information, Data Handling, Surveillance, Communications Solutions, Space Technology, Missiles and Remotely Controlled Systems. In an Exclusive Interview to Chanakya, JOHNNY STØA, Regional Marketing Director, Missile Systems, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, elaborated on the NSM & JSM success story.

With the Deliveries of all 36 IAF Rafale Fighters of Dassault Aviation having been completed, and the Indian Navy having already tested the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Fighter in Goa for evaluation in the Indian Navy’s Carrier-Fighter Tender, there is scope for additional Rafales to be purchased by India for the Indian Navy as well, which is soon starting its trials of the Rafale-Marine Carrier-Borne Variant on its Aircraft Carrier, and can go for 26 Rafale-Marine Variants, in a competition with Boeing’s F/A-18, which has heated up now.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is a world-class Aerospace and Defence Company innovating and delivering state-of-the-art technologies in Space, Air, Land, Naval, Cyber & Homeland Security for Defence and Commercial markets. In India, IAI’s Weapon Systems & Unmanned Systems are in Service with the Indian Defence Forces, with IAI opening new Subsidiaries in India and signing MoUs with HAL.

Recently, the CEO of French Aircraft Engine Maker SAFRAN called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and briefed the RM on Safran’s Mission in India. A World-Leading Military Aircraft Engine Manufacturer, No. 1 in Europe, Safran Aircraft Engines powers some 20 types of Military Aircraft in 30 countries, including the M88 Engine for Rafale Fighters. Safran Military Engines for Rafale & Mirage 2000 Fighters are global benchmarks

MBDA is a World Leader in Missiles & Missile Systems, which designs & produces Missiles & Missile Systems for the three Armed Forces - Land, Sea & Air. Chanakya Interviews ARUN RAMCHANDANI, DIRECTOR, LTMMSL, who articulates on MICA IR & RF Missiles for the IAF’s Upgraded Mirage 2000s; alongwith Naval Missiles like Sea Ceptor & Exocet MM40 Block 3 Anti-Ship Missile, which is on offer for the Indian Navy, and ATGM5 for Indian Army. L&T MBDA Missile Systems is a Joint Venture in India between MBDA & L&T.

It is Boeing’s honour and privilege to have been a strong partner of Indian Aerospace for more than 75 years now. On the completion of 75 Years of India’s Independence, we remain dedicated to the Nation’s inspiring progress. This Partnership has only deepened with time and continues to grow, says Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India, in this Guest contribution.

MBDA is proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. India and MBDA share a long history of Partnership in equipping the Indian Armed Forces going back to the early days of India’s Independence, says Ludovic Dumont – General Delegate, MBDA, in this Guest contribution.

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of High-Tech Defence Systems for Air, Land, Sea, and Space Applications for the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli Defence Establishment, as well as for customers around the globe. Rafael offers its customers a diversified array of Innovative Solutions at the leading-edge of global technology, from Underwater Systems through Naval, Ground and Air Superiority Systems to Space Systems.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, has been nurturing as well as encouraging Indian Defence & Aerospace Industry to take up Defence Manufacturing. Today, more than 2000 Industry Partners have joined hands with DRDO in delivery of Components, Sub-systems, Systems, Platforms and Technologies for Indian Armed Forces. Many industries have achieved the capability and the capacity to become the Lead System Integrators. The technology of all systems is transferred to the Indian Industry for Production & Supply.

Safran Aircraft Engines is one of the world's leading Aircraft and Rocket Engine Manufacturers, Safran designs, develops, produces and sells, alone or in Partnership, Engines for Civil and Military Aircraft, Launch Vehicles and Satellites. A leading Military Aircraft Engine Manufacturer, No. 1 in Europe, Safran Aircraft Engines also power some 20 types of Military Aircraft in 30 countries, including the M88 Rafale Fighter Engines. Safran Military Engines for Rafale & Mirage 2000 Fighters have become global benchmarks. Safran is also a Partner in FCAS (Future Combat Air System), a Franco-British programme to develop a New-Generation Combat Drone. We feature the Safran M88 powering the Rafale, its Maintenance Training, and Safran’s plans to ‘Make-in-India’, including the Manufacturing of the M88 Engine in India for Future Indian Fighters. Safran Aircraft Engines is implementing its full committment to ‘Make-in-India’.