Latest news with #Tejas
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE's EDGE Group eyeing new investment opportunities in defence, shipbuilding
Hyderabad: After forging partnerships with Indian biggies such as Adani Group and Megha Group in the defence and aerospace sector, the $5 billion Abu Dhabi-based EDGE Group is scouting for more strategic investment opportunities in India in armoured vehicles as well as sectors such as shipbuilding, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO Hamad Al Marar told TOI here on Thursday. This includes new partnerships as well as expanding the existing partnerships with players like HAL, ICOMM of Megha Group, as well as Adani Group, he said on the sidelines of Investopia, which is a global investment platform launched by the UAE government to boost business partnerships and investment opportunities, While EDGE has a strategic relationship with Adani Group that encompasses various domains such as cyber security, drones, and secured communications, its partnership with Megha Group is for small arms manufacturing. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad He said the group is actively exploring opportunities to leverage India's robust intellectual and manufacturing base as well as scale by aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative to enhance supply chain efficiencies and global competitiveness. "I strongly believe that India can be benefited, and we can benefit from India on many fronts. We are looking to expand our existing partnerships in India. For instance, we are working with HAL to integrate many of our airborne systems into India's Tejas fighter jet. This is a very strong relationship that will allow them to offer more options with the fighter," Al Marar said.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
Unmanned, AI-Enabled, Tail-Less: India's 6th Gen Fighter Jet May Outclass Rafale, F-35
India's 6th-gen fighter will have a flying wing-only design with no vertical or horizontal stabilizers, boosting stealth by eliminating the jet's tail and radar visibility Amid rising global conflicts and shifting geopolitics, the need for strong self-defence has become urgent. With major powers like the US and China investing heavily in advanced defence systems, India is also stepping up efforts to modernise its military. The Indian government is continuously enhancing the Air Force, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) playing a pivotal role. Efforts are ongoing to develop next-generation fighter jets, including the Tejas category and the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project, aimed at creating a fifth-generation fighter jet with indigenous technology. A fund of Rs 15,000 crore has been allocated for developing the design prototype, which could lead to significant commercial opportunities. India's ambition extends to 6th generation fighter jet technology, with notable progress reported. India is expected to achieve self-sufficiency in developing fifth-generation fighter jets by the 2030s. Building on indigenous technology, the country aims to eventually develop sixth-generation fighter jets as well. However, as of now, there is no clear timeline or confirmation regarding the sixth-generation program. 6th Generation Fighter Jet He noted that future fighter jets could operate both with a pilot and autonomously. Dr. Harinarayan added that if the government decides to fully pursue the sixth-generation fighter program, the country is technically ready, and groundwork for the project has already begun. Dr. Harinarayan has outlined the key features of India's proposed sixth-generation combat platform, stating it will follow a flying wing-only design. This means the jet will have no vertical or horizontal stabilizers, components typically located at the tail of an aircraft to maintain balance. In fact, the sixth-generation jet will have no tail at all, a design intended to enhance its stealth capabilities by making it virtually undetectable by advanced radar systems. As a result, these jets are expected to be significantly more advanced, capable, and lethal than current fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and Rafale. India's Stealth-Packed Deadly Jet Project India is developing sixth-generation combat technology under the Ghatak program, which focuses on creating an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The project is being led by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with DRDO. Ghatak is considered India's first combat platform featuring stealth capabilities and a flying wing design. It is powered by the Kaveri dry engine, although it's still unclear whether the same technology will be used for a sixth-generation fighter jet or if new systems will be introduced. Notably, sixth-generation jets are expected to feature artificial intelligence, the ability to operate in coordination with drones, and may also be equipped with directed energy weapons, making them highly advanced and futuristic combat platforms. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 18:01 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
The story of Tejas Mk-1A that will replace IAF's MiG-21s set to phase out in September
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready to bid adieu to its MiG-21 fighter jets after over 60 years of service. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A aircraft will replace the ageing planes. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the new version of Tejas is an indigenous 4.5 generation, multi-role combat aircraft powered by the American GE F404 engine read more India is retiring its MiG-21 fighter jets after 62 years of service. These aircraft are being replaced by the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to phase out MiG-21s by September this year and replace them with the indigenously developed newer Tejas fighter jets. Currently, there are only two MiG-21 squadrons – 36 warplanes – in operation, both at the Nal Air Base in Rajasthan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here's a look at the Tejas fighter jets replacing India's longest-serving fighter plane. MiG-21s to fly no more First inducted in 1963, MiG-21 is a single-engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft. Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union, the fighter jet bolstered the Indian Air Force over the years. It was deployed during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, 1999 Kargil War and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. MiG-21 was also used during the 2019 Balakot air strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. The then Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, piloting a MiG-21, had shot down a F-16 fighter jet of Pakistan during an aerial combat. An Indian Air Force MIG-21 aircraft Dornier flies during the inaugural day of the five-day Aero India 2019 airshow at the Yelahanka Air Force station, in Bangalore on February 20, 2019. File Photo/AFP While MiG-21 was the IAF's backbone, it came to be infamously known as 'widow-maker' or the 'flying coffin' due to several crashes over its decades of service. About 500 MiG-21s have crashed in the last 60 years, resulting in the death of 170 pilots, as per government data. Over 20 aircraft have crashed since 2010. Now, the IAF will phase out its ageing MiG-21s that remain in service. 'Indian Air Force to phase out the MiG-21 fighter jet by September this year. The squadrons operating the aircraft are currently in Nal air base in Rajasthan. The LCA Mark 1A aircraft would be replacing the MiG-21s in the IAF,' a defence official was quoted as saying by ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tejas Mk-1A to boost India's defence The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1A is an indigenous 4.5 generation, all-weather and multi-role combat aircraft. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), these fighter jets are designed for deployment in high-threat aerial environments. The Tejas Mk-1A has several upgrades over the Tejas Mk-1 version, including Israel EL/M-2025 AESA Radar, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite with a jammer, and Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities. A homemade digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been integrated into the Tejas jet. These fly-by-wire systems replace mechanical flight controls in an aircraft with an electronic interface. 'In a significant development towards Tejas Mk1A programme, the digital fly-by-wire flight control computer (DFCC) was integrated into prototype LSP7 and successfully flown on February 19,' the defence ministry said earlier. The combat aircraft has about nine hard points to carry different types of weapons, including the Israeli-built Derby missiles and the indigenous ASTRA missile. 'The Tejas Mk1A will have an advanced electronic RADAR, warfare and communication systems, additional combat capability and improved maintenance features,' according to HAL. The aircraft is capable of air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for procuring 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. It said it is also in the process of procuring 97 more of these warplanes for around Rs 67,000 crore. However, the delay in the delivery of Tejas MK-1A has frustrated the air force. Even Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flagged the issue. In August 2021, HAL placed an order with America's GE Aerospace for 99 F404 engines worth Rs 5,375 crore to power the Tejas Mk-1A. The first of these jet engines finally delivered to HAL in April, after a delay of over a year. The US company is running behind schedule to provide the engines for the Tejas fighter jets by two years. 'We are working with our partner HAL and suppliers to resolve constraints and deliver F404-IN20 engines for the LCA Mk1 programme,' GE Aerospace said, as per Financial Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Twelve Tejas Mk-1A are expected to be rolled out this year. The US firm will deliver 10 engines by the end of 2025. 'It takes about a month to integrate the engines and do the tests. The process first involves building the fuselage, then getting the lobing and piping done, followed by combining the landing gear,' a government official told Indian Express. 'After integrating the engines, the ground runs, including the high-speed runs, are carried out for all thorough checks,' the official added. The IAF is counting on the advanced Tejas jets as the number of its fighter squadrons has plunged to 31 from an official sanctioned strength of 42. With inputs from agencies
The Print
3 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Legendary MiG-21 jets set to retire after over six decades in service
The MiG-21s used to be the mainstay of the IAF for a long period of time. The last of the MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed 'Panthers' will be given a farewell at a ceremony in Chandigarh airbase on September 19, they said. New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 aircraft are finally set to retire from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September after remaining in service for over six decades, people aware of the development said on Tuesday. After its first induction in the 1960s, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21 fighters to boost its overall combat prowess. However, the aircraft has a very poor safety record. The MiG-21s were the dominant platforms during 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. The aircraft also played a key role in the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as 2019 Balakot airstrikes. With phasing out of the last of the few MiG-21s, the number of the IAF's fighter squadrons is expected to come down to an abysmal low of 29 from the officially sanctioned strength of 42. The IAF was planning to replace the MiG-21s with Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark1A). However, there has been delays in supply of the indigenously-built aircraft by the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 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 of around Rs 67,000 crore. 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. The HAL is looking at supplying 12 Tejas jets to the IAF by March, 2025. PTI MPB KVK KVK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Legendary MiG-21 jets set to retire after over six decades in service
New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The legendary Russian-origin MiG-21 aircraft are finally set to retire from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in September after remaining in service for over six decades, people aware of the development said on Tuesday. The last of the MiG-21 jets, belonging to number 23 Squadron, nicknamed 'Panthers" will be given a farewell at a ceremony in Chandigarh airbase on September 19, they said. The MiG-21s used to be the mainstay of the IAF for a long period of time. After its first induction in the 1960s, the IAF procured over 870 MiG-21 fighters to boost its overall combat prowess. However, the aircraft has a very poor safety record. The MiG-21s were the dominant platforms during 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. The aircraft also played a key role in the 1999 Kargil conflict as well as 2019 Balakot airstrikes. With phasing out of the last of the few MiG-21s, the number of the IAF's fighter squadrons is expected to come down to an abysmal low of 29 from the officially sanctioned strength of 42. The IAF was planning to replace the MiG-21s with Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (Mark1A). However, there has been delays in supply of the indigenously-built aircraft by the state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 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 of around Rs 67,000 crore. 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. The HAL is looking at supplying 12 Tejas jets to the IAF by March, 2025. PTI MPB KVK KVK (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 22:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
