hindustan aeronautics

India's ambitious Marut supersonic fighter, designed by Kurt Tank, faced early setbacks due to underfunded engines, limiting its performance. Despite this, it proved effective in the 1971 war, destroying enemy tanks. Bureaucratic indecision ultimately doomed upgrades, mirroring current challenges with the Tejas program's engine development and integration, highlighting a recurring theme in India's aviation history.

In a remarkable turn of events, three Indian Army officers, including a General Officer Commanding, survived a harrowing helicopter crash in the vicinity of Leh. This incident sheds light on the pressing need to upgrade the Army's aging aircraft fleet.

India's space regulator is offering full technology transfer for the reliable PSLV rocket to private firms, aiming to boost commercial launches. This follows a similar move for the SSLV. Despite delays in the first industry-built PSLV and SSLV, the government seeks an industry-driven launch ecosystem, signaling a major shift from ISRO's production model.

State-run oil companies gear up for production; CSIR scientist says airfares will rise by only Rs 100-200

President Droupadi Murmu will present 66 Padma Awards today, including two Padma Vibhushan and six Padma Bhushan honours, at Rashtrapati Bhawan. This marks the first phase of conferring the nation's highest civilian honours for 2026. A total of 131 Padma Awards have been approved this year, recognizing exceptional service across various fields.

India's defense capabilities are being bolstered with the US approval of a USD 198.2 million deal for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter support. This acquisition complements the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter 'Prachand', designed for high-altitude operations. Both helicopters serve distinct strategic roles, enhancing India's defense against evolving regional threats and modernizing its air force.

India's Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, a cornerstone of the Air Force, is undergoing a significant 'Super Sukhoi' upgrade. This modernization, featuring advanced radar, electronic warfare, and new weapons, aims to enhance combat capabilities for future network-centric warfare. The program ensures the fighter's relevance well into the 2050s, building on its proven performance.

India's Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, a cornerstone of the Air Force, is undergoing a significant 'Super Sukhoi' upgrade. This modernization, featuring advanced radar, electronic warfare, and new weapons, aims to enhance its combat capabilities for future network-centric warfare. Proven during Operation Sindoor, these upgraded fighters will remain vital well into the 2050s.

Ravi Kota is now at the helm as the new Chairman and Managing Director of hindustan aeronautics Ltd (HAL), armed with over three decades of invaluable experience. His expertise has been key in locking down significant contracts like those for the Tejas fighter jet and the Light Combat Helicopter.

In a recent detailed analysis, aviation experts highlight a proposed electrical failure scenario linked to lithium-ion batteries that may explain the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. This hypothesis, underpinned by Boeing's technical documents and historical data, posits that a battery malfunction could inadvertently sever fuel supply to both engines, challenging previous theories that pointed solely to pilot error.

India's indigenous fighter jet production is gaining momentum with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) procurement process advancing. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh revealed plans for sixth-generation fighter collaborations and a multi-layered missile force. Diversifying production is seen as strategically beneficial, with ambitious defence export targets set to be met comfortably.

India's aviation sector is a step closer to manufacture GE F-414 turbofan engines domestically following a technical agreement between HAL and GE Aerospace. This crucial step will power three upcoming fighter jets, including the Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA. The deal promises 80% local production and significant technology transfer, reducing foreign dependency and bolstering India's self-reliance in advanced aerospace.

The future of aerial combat is shifting towards Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), also known as loyal wingmen. These AI-equipped, unmanned drones will fly alongside manned fighters, enhancing their combat effectiveness and survivability. CCAs can perform diverse roles like reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and even strike missions, all without risking pilot lives.