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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India's "unofficial offering" of S400-evading cruise missile to Greece shakes Turkey
Turkish media outlet TRHaber reports India's alleged offer to supply its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) to Greece, sparking security concerns in Turkey. The report links this move to Turkey's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The missile's range and low-altitude flight capabilities pose challenges to Turkish defense systems, raising anxieties in Ankara, especially if Greece deploys it. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Turkey worried about LR-LACM Speculation over India-Greece defense engagement Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Claims of tactical intelligence interest Broader strategic dimensions No official confirmation India's alleged offer to supply its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) to Greece has triggered alarm in Turkish media, which has described the move as a security threat. The report, published by Turkish news outlet TRHaber, claims that India is "unofficially offering" the missile to Greece, linking the move to Turkey's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. However, there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi or Athens on this to TRHaber, the LR-LACM presents operational challenges for Turkish defense systems due to its range, precision, and ability to fly at low altitudes. The missile, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has a reported range between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometers and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. It uses a terrain-hugging flight path to reduce detectability, drawing comparisons to U.S. Tomahawk and Russian Kalibr cruise missile can be launched from mobile articulated launchers and vertical launch systems fitted on over 30 Indian Navy ships. TRHaber also claimed that the missile's capability to evade air defense systems such as Turkey's S-400 has raised Ankara's concerns, especially if deployed by missile offer claims have emerged amid signs of deepening defense cooperation between India and Greece. Last month, Indian Air Force Wing Commander A. P. Singh visited Athens and met with the Greek Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant General (P) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis. While no official statement confirmed any discussion on the LR-LACM, India did showcase the missile during the DEFEA-25 defense exhibition in linked India's alleged outreach to Greece to Turkey's reported support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The report claimed that Turkey had provided Islamabad with drones, personnel, and a warship during the Turkish news outlet also alleged that the Greek Air Force is seeking intelligence on India's combat tactics from Operation Sindoor, particularly regarding the use of Rafale fighter jets. The report suggested that Greece may use the data to design realistic training scenarios in anticipation of future air engagements with Turkish tied the reported missile offer to India's wider regional engagement, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's visits to Greece in 2023 and Cyprus in 2025. The report interpreted these diplomatic efforts as signs of a trilateral cooperation involving India, Greece, and Cyprus to counter Turkish influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. It further claimed that such alignment could increase Indian naval activity near Cypriot as of now, there is no official confirmation from Indian or Greek authorities regarding the alleged missile transfer or the strategic motives attributed by Turkish media. The claims remain speculative and are based entirely on TRHaber's reporting.
Hindustan Times
26-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Addressing IAF's fighter aircraft conundrum
Jun 26, 2025 09:00 AM IST The Indian Air Force (IAF) plays a critical role in securing India amidst a world in flux. For this massive task, India must possess indigenously produced fighter aircraft engines to power its fighter aircraft variants over the next 50 years without falling into undue dependency on foreign suppliers. As the timely delivery of fighter aircraft to the IAF is linked to the security of supply chains, this brief underlines the need for both the development of indigenous capabilities and technological collaboration to proceed simultaneously. Equally important is the creation of indigenous testing and certification facilities, as well as the transfer of technology. FILE PHOTO: Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets fly past during the "Aero India 2021" air show at Yelahanka air base in Bengaluru, India, February 3, 2021. REUTERS/Samuel Rajkumar/File Photo(REUTERS) India's neighbourhood is fraught with military challenges and the strategic collaboration between China and Pakistan is deepening. Additionally, China is producing large numbers of the fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter aircraft, as reports are emerging of Pakistan acquiring fifth-generation fighter aircraft from China. These developments have lent increased urgency to meeting the needs of the IAF, especially since several of its existing frontline fighter aircraft will be due for replacement soon. At the Aero India 2025 show in Bengaluru in February this year, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh lamented the delays in the delivery of the Tejas Mk-1 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) to the IAF by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The issues that have had an adverse impact on the IAF's operational needs should be viewed against the backdrop of evolving threats and challenges. This paper can be accessed here. This paper is authored by Sujan R. Chinoy – ORF, New Delhi.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian Air Force to get at least 6 Tejas jets by March: HAL chief Sunil
The Indian Air Force will get at least half-a-dozen Tejas Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026, the chief of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., which is manufacturing the cutting-edge fighter jets, has disclosed. He attributes the delivery delays to GE Aerospace missing deadline for supply of its engines. The slippage in the delivery schedule for the LCA Mk-1A variant of the jet had become a major issue with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh raising the matter publicly. HAL Chairman and Managing Director D.K. Sunil said the delay was caused only due to the U.S. firm's inability to supply the F404 engines on time. In an exclusive interview with PTI Videos, the HAL chief said GE Aerospace is expected to supply 12 engines in the current fiscal. This will facilitate delivery of the jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). 'Every company goes through its fair share of criticisms. It does happen. Unfortunately, in the case of LCA Mark 1A, we have built the aircraft. As of today, we have six aircraft lined up,' he said. 'But the engine deliveries have not happened from GE Aerospace. They were to deliver the engines in 2023. Till date, we have got only one engine,' he added. The delay from GE side was initially due to production timelines falling behind during the Covid pandemic, and the subsequent departure of many senior engineers from the company, causing cascading supply chain bottlenecks. According to Mr. Sunil, the technical issues with GE Aerospace have been sorted out and HAL is set to receive 12 jet engines by March 2026. 'I can assure you that as of today, six aircraft are ready. There is no let up from our side. We are building those aircraft and getting them ready and we will be in a position to deliver [by this fiscal],' he said. HAL plans to produce 16 jets in the coming year provided there is steady flow of engine supplies by GE Aerospace. In February 2021, the Defence Ministry sealed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The Ministry is also in the process of procuring 97 more LCA Mk-1As at a cost around ₹67,000 crore. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAF's MiG-21 fighters. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons has gone down to 31 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. Mr. Sunil said the Tejas Mk-1A is a world class aircraft comprising a high-quality radar, electronic warfare suites and an array of missiles. 'It has got a full complement of avionics and weapons which make the aircraft a very potent platform. It will be very good for our Air Force,' he said. Mr. Sunil said a number of countries have evinced interest in the Tejas jet and the HAL is holding talks with some of them. 'We are talking to many countries on Tejas. I hope we will have a breakthrough soon,' he said, declining to elaborate further.
The Wire
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Wire
‘Not a Single Project Completed on Time': Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on IAF's Delivery Delay Woes
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Security 'Not a Single Project Completed on Time': Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh on IAF's Delivery Delay Woes The Wire Staff 8 minutes ago 'While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up (in time), but we just sign the contract, thinking we will see what to do.' IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A P Singh addresses the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025, in New Delhi, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: India's Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh expressed concerns on delivery delays, noting how the Air Force signs contracts knowing full well that there will be such a delay. 'Why should we promise something, which can't be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up (in time), but we just sign the contract, thinking we will see what to do. Obviously, the process gets vitiated,' the Indian Air Force chief was quoted by Deccan Herald as having said. The air chief marshal was quoted having said this at the Confederation of Indian Industry annual business summit in New Delhi. The report notes that even though Air Chief Marshal Singh didn't identify the project he was talking about, the reference is possibly to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's inability to deliver a combat-ready Tejas light combat aircraft on time. The defence ministry had signed the contract for 73 fighters and 10 trainers at Rs 45,696 crore. Delivery was supposed to be in March 2024. Earlier this week the Ministry of Defence announced that it would fast-track development of its indigenous fifth-generation fighter via the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that AMCA project was a 'big step' and reflected confidence. But as Rahul Bedi noted in his latest analysis for The Wire, this is not its first brush with such lofty ambitions. Earlier, Bedi had noted how, following Operation Sindoor, which exclusively involved the Air Force's combat platforms in executing precision strikes across Pakistan, the clamour for the Indian Air Force to fast-track its long-pending requirement for 114 Multi-Role Fighters Aircraft (MRFA), initiated nearly a decade ago, is expected to gather momentum. 'Timeline is a big issue. Not a single project that I can think of was completed on time. This is something, which we have to look at,' Air Chief Marshal Singh was quoted as having said. The Hindu has noted additionally that he called upon stakeholders to ensure that they did their best on their part as links in the bigger chain at the national level to plug any shortcomings. 'Building trust is not required with the armed forces, but retaining that trust depends on a lot of actions… we have to keep reinforcing that trust,' he said. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Unexpected Fallout of Op Sindoor Has Been Tilt in Pakistan's Military Balance Toward Its Air Force Political Rent-seeking of Armed Forces is Detrimental to Democracy For Arms Dealers, Operation Sindoor Was Not a Crisis Conflict But a Business Opportunity Army Blames News Reports, Contradicts Corps Commander's Claim of Air Defence Guns at Golden Temple Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir Elevated to Field Marshal Rank Asim Munir's Elevation to Field Marshal Likely to Disturb Military Norms, Succession Dynamics 'Losses Are Part of Combat', IAF Says But Declines to Share Details of What Platforms India Lost Second Speech in 24 Hours, Modi Invokes Religious Figures But No Mention of Trump Mediation Claims 'Projectiles Appear To Be Coming in Waves': Jammu Plunged in Darkness, Loud Explosions Heard View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Air Chief Marshal expresses concern over delays in delivery of defence projects
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), on Thursday (May 29, 2025) expressed concern over delays in the delivery of defence projects. He urged private industry to rise to the occasion, develop world-class products, and contribute alongside other stakeholders to 'making India a great nation'. 'Timeline is a big issue... not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time. This is something we have to look at. Why should we promise something which cannot be achieved? While signing the contract itself, sometimes we are sure that it is not going to come up, but we just sign the contract,' said the Air Chief at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit 2025. Stating that it was a great opportunity for Indian private industry with the opening up of the defence sector, he said firms should rise to the occasion and join hands to make world-class military equipment, even if the profit is not up to their expectation. He called upon stakeholders to ensure that they did their best on their part as links in the bigger chain at the national level to plug any shortcomings. 'Building trust is not required with the armed forces, but retaining that trust depends on a lot of actions... we have to keep reinforcing that trust,' he said. Regarding the 'professionally executed' Operation Sindoor, the Air Chief described it as a national victory. He said that with the changing character of war and the introduction of new technologies, there was a need to realign the approach, which was already being done. 'I am sure, since we have been able to come up to the challenge till now, in future also we will be able to deliver the goods as a nation,' he said. Air Chief Marshal Singh stated that the government's decision to involve private industry in the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project was a 'big step,' which showed the kind of confidence the nation had in the private sector. According to him, Operation Sindoor showed the importance of having effective air power. 'As far as air power is concerned, we need to make sure that we have the capability plus the capacity. We cannot just talk about producing in India; we need to start designing and developing in India also. When it comes to producing in numbers, the capacity aspect comes in. We need to have this trust between the forces and the industry continued, we need to have communication continued, we need to be open... and forthright with each other, so that this relationship does not break down anywhere,' said the Air Chief. He noted that there were times in the past when doubts were raised about Indian industry, but over the last decade, this has changed substantially. 'The current situation in the world has made us realise that self-reliance is the only solution, but we have to be now-ready to be future-ready, that is the concern... what is required today is required today, so we need to quickly get our acts together, maybe get into some quick 'Make In India' programmes, so that we can achieve that now-ready part of it,' he said. Suggesting a possible mechanism for private players to increase their involvement in research and development (R&D) in the defence sector, he said initiatives also need to be taken to retain bright talent. Other participants of the ICC Business Summit had a more positive outlook on the state of Indian defence industry. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, said that India was realising its rich maritime potential, with apex-level decisions and policies reflecting this broader approach. Addressing larger strategic goals, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the government's ongoing reforms aimed at improving the defence manufacturing ecosystem. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat emphasised the role of private industry in driving indigenous research and development. 'Operation Sindoor demonstrated the vital role of technology in future warfare. While manufacturing remains important, the focus must also be on designing and developing our own systems. We invite private industries to invest in R&D. DRDO will partner and collaborate closely to make India a global leader in defence innovation,' he said.
