India has initiated the process to locally develop a fifth-generation combat aircraft, with three firms shortlisted to submit proposals, according to defense officials cited by ANI. These bidders include Tata Advanced Systems, along with joint ventures between Larsen and Toubro, Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Forge—all Indian companies.
The project was launched last year following India’s approval, shortly after a serious military conflict with Pakistan, to build stealth fighter jets. It plays a key role in strengthening the Indian Air Force, which has seen its fleet of mostly Russian aircraft decline to fewer than 30 squadrons, down from the sanctioned strength of 42.
This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader goal of boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities. The U.S. has offered its advanced F-35 fighter jets, while Russia has countered with its fifth-generation Su-57; however, India has remained non-committal toward both options.
Traditionally dependent on importing military hardware, India has been increasingly promoting homegrown defense production under Modi’s leadership. Defense manufacturing revenue hit a record INR 1.54 trillion (around $16.09 billion) in the fiscal year ending March 2025.
Israel approved a multi-billion-dollar agreement on Sunday to buy two fighter jet squadrons from the US, aiming to strengthen its air dominance. The deal includes a squadron of F-35 stealth multirole fighters from Lockheed Martin and another of F-15IA aircraft from Boeing, according to the defense ministry.
Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized that the goal is to maintain Israel’s air superiority for years to come. He stated that these acquisitions are key components of the “Shield of Israel” plan, designed to give the Israeli Defense Forces a lasting strategic advantage. The F-35, one of the world’s most advanced military aircraft, is a collaborative project involving the US and several allies, and Israel already operates multiple units.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the importance of this move, noting it would enhance Israel’s “overwhelming air superiority” and pledged to develop domestically-produced weapons and fighter jets. He mentioned that Israeli pilots are capable of reaching anywhere in Iranian skies and are prepared to do so if necessary.
Netanyahu announced plans to increase Israel’s defense budget by 350 billion shekels ($118 billion) over the next decade. This funding will be directed toward manufacturing advanced weaponry and fighter aircraft within Israel to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. He also spoke about developing new “blue-and-white” aircraft, a term signifying domestically developed Israeli products.
The Israeli Air Force has played a crucial role in recent conflicts, including intensive aerial bombardments during the Gaza war, targeting Hamas positions, tunnels, command centers, and missile launch sites, often resulting in widespread destruction in densely populated areas. Meanwhile, Israel has engaged in two separate wars with Iran over the past year, utilizing its air power for long-range strikes inside Iranian territory.
Israel recently approved its 2026 national budget, which includes significant increases in defense spending, reflecting ongoing military priorities fueled by the recent conflicts and regional tensions.
The US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation a $488 million contract to provide engineering and technical support for F-16 radar systems as part of the Foreign Military Sales program, with Pakistan listed among the recipient countries. The contract supports both the APG-66 and APG-68 radar systems and is scheduled for completion by March 2036. Work will be conducted at the company’s location in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
This contract encompasses support for the F-16 System Program Office’s foreign military sales, including requirements of the Air Force and Navy. It involves multiple allied nations, such as Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Thailand, and Turkey.
The award was made on a sole-source basis, with $2.64 million in fiscal 2026 non-appropriated funds allocated at the time of the award. The contract is managed by the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, with the official award date recorded as April 27, 2026.
This development occurs several months after the US approved a $686 million sale of advanced technology and support services to Pakistan’s F-16 fleet in December 2025. The package includes Link-16 data links, cryptographic equipment, avionics upgrades, training, and extensive logistical support, aligning with the US government’s strategic interests. It aims to modernize Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16 aircraft, ensuring operational safety and maintaining their capability to counter emerging threats by updating and refurbishing their existing fleet.
A U.S. Air Force pilot and rescue expert shared insights with AFP about what it takes to hide, survive, and extract someone behind enemy lines amid the search for an aviator shot down over Iran. Retired Brigadier General Houston Cantwell, now at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, described the intense experience: “You’re thinking, ‘Oh my God, I was just in a fighter jet flying 500 miles per hour, and now a missile exploded about 15 feet from you.’”
He emphasized that a pilot’s survival training—known as survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE)—would activate early, likely before the parachute touches down. “Your best understanding of where to go or avoid is during your descent,” he explained. With 400 hours of combat flight experience over Iraq and Afghanistan, Cantwell stressed that parachuting carries risks of serious injuries like broken bones.
Once on the ground, the immediate step is to assess one’s condition—can I move? Am I hurt? The pilot then determines their location in relation to enemy territory, identifies hiding spots, and figures out how to communicate. “Avoid enemy capture as long as possible,” Cantwell advised. In desert environments especially, finding water becomes a priority.
Meanwhile, highly prepared Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) teams are activated. These teams, comprising skilled soldiers and pilots already prepared for such missions, provide reassurance that efforts are underway to retrieve the downed aviator—though they won’t undertake reckless risks. The priority is concealment and eventual extraction, which might mean reaching a rooftop in a city or a field in rural areas with helicopter access. Nighttime movement is ideal for staying hidden.
Cantwell also carried a pistol during his flights, highlighting the importance of having personal defense tools when evading enemy forces.
In parallel, CSAR teams—like retired Master Sergeant Scott Fales, now in a standby mode—prepare thoroughly before any rescue operation. Fales, who helped during the 1993 Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu, explained that every mission begins with a detailed plan and extensive intelligence gathering. They analyze human intelligence, satellite images, drone surveillance, and signals intelligence to locate the missing pilot.
Once located, real-time plans are crafted within the rescue helicopters. Spotters scan for threats, pilots seek suitable landing zones, and rescue teams verify identities and assess medical needs versus threats. Fales said, “We ask ourselves: what immediate dangers exist? How much time do we have? How badly is the person injured?”
He remains hopeful that the missing aviator in southwest Iran is safe and being hidden by friendly locals or is still evading capture. The combined efforts of intelligence, quick planning, and skilled rescue personnel maximize the odds of a successful recovery in such high-stakes scenarios.
A suspected Iranian attack caused a US F-35 stealth fighter to make an emergency landing at a Middle Eastern air base, reports indicate. The pilot is reported to be in stable condition, and officials confirm the aircraft landed safely. US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated, “The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot remains in stable condition,” though he did not verify specific media reports. The incident is currently under investigation.
Historically, the US has experienced the loss of multiple aircraft during heightened conflicts, including three F-15s accidentally shot down by Kuwaiti forces and a KC-135 refueling tanker that crashed in Iraq. However, there’s no confirmed record of any aircraft previously being struck by Iranian fire.
In response to Iran’s military activities and significant troop buildup in the region—featuring F-35s—the US and Israel have launched extensive air campaigns targeting Iran. Since hostilities ignited on February 28, thirteen US service members have lost their lives—six in a KC-135 crash and seven in early Iranian attacks. Additionally, about 200 US military personnel have been wounded across seven Middle Eastern countries; most have returned to duty.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that President Trump is contemplating deploying thousands more troops to the Middle East amid ongoing violence that has resulted in over 2,000 deaths worldwide. However, on Thursday, Trump stated, “I don’t plan to send ground troops anywhere.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu later confirmed that Israel conducted a solo operation bombing Iran’s South Pars gas field, despite Trump previously requesting Israel to hold off on such strikes.
Despite US and Israeli air assaults leaving Iran “decimated” after 20 days, effectively crippling its uranium enrichment and missile capabilities, Netanyahu emphasized that a revolutionary change within Iran would require ground intervention, not just airstrikes. Concurrently, Iran launched a fresh missile attack targeting Israel, according to military statements from both sides.
A Turkish fighter jet crashed shortly after taking off early Wednesday, resulting in the pilot’s death, according to state media citing the defense ministry. The aircraft, which departed from Balikesir at 12:56 a.m. local time (2156 GMT Tuesday), lost radio and tracking contact shortly after launch, the ministry reported via the official Anadolu Agency. A search and rescue effort was initiated, and the wreckage was subsequently found.
“The pilot was martyred. The cause of the crash will be determined after an investigation by the crash analysis team,” the ministry stated, offering condolences to the pilot’s family. In November, Turkey halted flights of its C-130 cargo planes following a crash in neighboring Georgia during a return flight from Azerbaijan that killed all 20 onboard. Other F-16 fighter jets, built by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin, have also crashed in recent months.
In January, one Taiwanese F-16 went down at sea during a routine mission; the pilot ejected and was reported missing. In August, a Polish F-16 crashed during a practice for an air show, killing its pilot.
Rafale fighter jet taxis on the tarmac during its induction ceremony at an air force station in Ambala, India. — Reuters/File
India plans to buy 114 French Rafale jets, according to a government source.
Potential for local manufacturing of 90 aircraft, as reported by Indian media.
The purchase aims to strengthen “deterrence capabilities,” says the defense ministry.
NEW DELHI – Indian officials have approved a defense equipment deal valued at $39 billion, including the acquisition of additional Rafale jets, the Ministry of Defense announced Thursday, just days before French President Emmanuel Macron’s scheduled visit.
An anonymous defense source informed AFP that the deal encompasses 114 French Rafale fighter jets, supplementing dozens already ordered for the Indian Air Force.
Over the past decade, New Delhi has been working to lessen its reliance on Russia, traditionally the primary supplier of military hardware, shifting focus to other nations and bolstering domestic production.
The defense ministry issued a statement indicating that most of the aircraft would be assembled within India, though it did not specify the exact number for this deal.
Indian media, citing unnamed government sources, suggest Dassault Aviation could produce at least 90 jets domestically under this agreement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has long considered such a significant order of multi-role fighters, insisting that foreign suppliers transfer technology and manufacturing responsibilities to India.
The procurement is expected to improve the Indian Air Force’s “air dominance” and “deterrent capabilities,” especially through long-range offensive strikes, according to the defense ministry.
This deal has received approval from the Defense Acquisition Council, which includes senior military officials and the defense minister, and it is now ready to proceed to commercial negotiations.
Following this, the final approval will come from the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by the Prime Minister.
French President Macron is scheduled to visit India next Tuesday.
Declining aircraft fleet
The Indian Air Force has retired several of its aging aircraft, now operating a fleet of 29 jets—significantly below the authorized strength of 42.
Procurement delays and limited local production capacity have been cited as reasons for this deficit.
In September, India announced a $7 billion contract to buy 97 domestically designed and built Tejas jets.
This announcement coincided with the retirement of Soviet-era MiG-21s from the fleet.
Furthermore, Russian MiG-29s and French Mirage 2000s are expected to be phased out in the coming years.
India has been gradually shifting away from Russian military equipment, increasing imports from the U.S., France, and Israel.
Since 2015, India has purchased 36 Rafale jets for approximately $8.7 billion and recently announced plans to buy 26 more in a multi-billion dollar deal.
The Modi government has also eased regulations to encourage private investment in the domestic defense sector.
A conflict with Pakistan last year, during which several Indian jets—including three advanced French Rafales—were shot down, emphasized the need to upgrade defense capabilities.
Earlier this month, India announced an unprecedented $85 billion defense budget, according to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
Last year, Singh disclosed a bilateral agreement with France to co-design and manufacture a 120 kN jet engine over the next decade.
To counter China’s expanding influence in the Indian Ocean shipping lanes, India is also rapidly modernizing its navy, with plans to order at least 75 ships and submarines, most of which will be built locally.
The United States has approved a $686 million package for support services and advanced technology upgrades for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, according to a letter from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) sent to Congress on December 8. This package includes Link-16 data link systems, encryption devices, avionics upgrades, training, and comprehensive logistical support.
The DSCA states that this arms deal aligns with US strategic goals, emphasizing that it “will support US foreign policy and national security by enabling Pakistan to maintain interoperability with US and allied forces in counterterrorism efforts and future emergency operations.” The upgrades aim to modernize Pakistan’s Block-52 and Mid-Life Upgrade F-16s and enhance operational safety. The goal is to ensure Pakistan’s aircraft remain capable of confronting current and emerging threats by refurbishing and updating its F-16 fleet through 2040.
These enhancements are expected to boost cooperation between the Pakistani and US air forces, providing seamless integration for combat, exercises, and training. The refurbishment will extend the lifespan of the aircraft while fixing critical safety issues. Pakistan has demonstrated readiness to incorporate these new systems, with the commitment and capacity to integrate and operate them effectively.
The DSCA also assures that the sale will not disturb the military balance within the region. Lockheed Martin, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is identified as the main contractor for this support and modernization effort. The arrangement requires no additional US government or contractor personnel on the ground in Pakistan, nor does it threaten US defense readiness.
Of the total funding, $37 million is allocated for major defense hardware, including 92 Link-16 systems and six inert Mk-82 500-lb bombs for weapons testing purposes. Link-16 is a secure, real-time data sharing network resistant to electronic jamming, crucial for coordination, surveillance, identification, and weapons targeting across US and allied forces.
The remaining $649 million covers other items such as AN/APQ-10C Simple Key Loaders and AN/APX-126 systems, which facilitate identification of friend or foe (IFF). The package overall aims to bolster Pakistan’s defense capabilities while reinforcing strategic cooperation with the United States.
The crash of an Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow has cast a shadow over India’s export ambitions for the aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer, described the incident as an “isolated event” resulting from “extraordinary circumstances” and provided no additional specifics.
During an aerial demonstration on Friday, the Tejas jet erupted in flames before stunned spectators, leading the Indian Air Force to initiate a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Both HAL and General Electric, which supplies the engines, have pledged their full support for the investigation.
The Tejas, whose name means “brilliance” in Sanskrit, is a vital component of India’s efforts to modernize its air force, which currently operates a fleet primarily composed of Russian and Soviet aircraft. The accident, which resulted in the pilot’s death, deals a significant blow to India’s plans to export the jet internationally. It also highlights the country’s dependence on domestic military contracts to keep the aircraft program afloat, after nearly four decades of development.
Industry experts caution that this high-profile setback could potentially hinder India’s efforts to promote the aircraft abroad, overshadowing years of meticulous development. Nevertheless, Hindustan Aeronautics assured that the incident would not impact its business operations, financial health, or future deliveries. Shares of the company, which had dipped about 3% since the start of the day, remained flat following the statement.
India’s defense and aviation industry faced a setback when its domestically developed Tejas Mk-1A fighter jet crashed during an aerial performance at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday. The aircraft, a light combat jet, took off from HAL Nashik, India, on October 17, 2025. Tragically, the pilot lost his life in this fatal incident, prompting the Indian Air Force to order a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
In a statement released on the official X account, the IAF expressed its condolences, stating, “The Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands in solidarity with the grieving family during this difficult time.” The Tejas Mk-1A, which was involved in the accident, is India’s first Indigenous fighter aircraft, with its first flight having occurred in January 2001, according to AFP reports.
The development of a homegrown fighter aircraft concept began in the 1970s, with actual project work commencing in the 1980s. However, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned enterprise tasked with the project, has faced years of criticism over delays and cost overruns. After overcoming many obstacles, the first two Tejas fighters were finally delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2016.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more details become available.
US President Donald Trump has responded to Saturday’s “No Kings” protests held across the country with his characteristic boldness, sharing an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account. The footage depicts him wearing a crown and flying a fighter jet that spews waste onto anti-Trump demonstrators, staining their clothing and stirring chaos within the crowd.
Massive demonstrations took place in all 50 states during the “No Kings” rallies on Saturday, symbolizing widespread discontent over President Trump’s stringent policies. Critics on the right dismissed the protests as “Hate America” gatherings. Organizers claimed that approximately seven million people participated in protests from New York to Los Angeles, with rallies also emerging in smaller cities across the Midwest and even near Trump’s Florida residence.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, echoed a common partisan message, referring to the protests as “hate America rallies.” Demonstrators across diverse age groups gathered en masse to voice their opposition to what they perceive as autocratic tendencies and unchecked corruption attributed to Trump, who has been a central figure in reshaping U.S. governance since assuming office in January.
Officials anticipated over 2,600 rallies in major cities, towns, and suburbs, aiming to challenge Trump’s influence and policies that many believe threaten democratic norms. In New York’s Times Square, police reported no arrests related to the protests, despite more than 100,000 people peacefully demonstrating across all five boroughs. Similar large gatherings occurred in Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, and Seattle, each attracting thousands.
On the West Coast, numerous events unfolded in and around Los Angeles, including a major demonstration downtown. In Seattle, protesters filled a parade route stretching over a mile from downtown through the Seattle Center vicinity near the iconic Space Needle. Additionally, over 25,000 people peacefully protested in San Diego, according to local authorities.
These protests reveal a rising unease among many Americans—primarily on the political left—regarding the criminal investigations into Trump’s perceived enemies, his militarized immigration policies, and the deployment of National Guard units into urban areas. Trump has offered limited commentary on the demonstrations but remarked in a Fox Business interview that he is not a king, despite indications to the contrary displayed in the viral video.
The Saturday rallies build momentum from a previous nationwide event held on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a rare military parade in Washington, where more than 2,000 protests also took place.
The Pentagon is set to choose the manufacturer of the Navy’s upcoming stealth fighter as soon as this week, according to sources familiar with the decision. After months of delays, the choice will be made among Boeing and Northrop Grumman to produce what’s tentatively called the F/A-XX — a new carrier-based jet intended to replace the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, which have been in service since the ’90s. The decision was approved by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last Friday.
While an announcement might come soon, last-minute issues have previously slowed progress on the project and could do so again. The Navy and Pentagon declined to comment on the matter.
This delay underscores broader uncertainties about naval aviation’s future and the role of aircraft carriers in countering China. If funding or development stalls, the Navy risks lacking a modern fighter capable of operating from carriers into the 2030s and beyond, which could weaken its strategic power projection.
The F/A-XX is expected to incorporate cutting-edge stealth features, longer range, and better endurance. It will also be designed to operate alongside unmanned combat aircraft and integrate seamlessly with existing carrier-based defense systems. China has been aggressively developing sixth-generation aircraft and fielding fifth-generation fighters and bombers, making this decision crucial to maintaining technological parity, according to Roman Schweizer, an analyst at TD Cowen.
Funding disruptions earlier this year, mainly between Congress and the Pentagon, caused delays. The Pentagon requested $74 million to maintain minimal development, with some officials arguing that the project should be delayed up to three years due to engineering and supply chain concerns. Congress, however, approved $750 million earlier this summer to accelerate development, along with an additional $1.4 billion slated for fiscal 2026.
Ongoing debates over contractor capacity also surfaced during the delays. Some officials questioned whether Boeing could dedicate enough engineers, especially after winning a contract to build the Air Force’s F-47, and whether Northrop’s costs for the Sentinel ICBM replacement might escalate too much. Although the exact number of jets, budget, and schedules remain classified, past programs like the F-35 have cost tens of billions over their lifetimes.
The Navy still plans to purchase more than 270 F-35C jets from Lockheed Martin for its carrier fleet. Earlier this year, Lockheed was eliminated from the F/A-XX competition. Expected deployment of the first production models is sometime in the 2030s, but F/A-18s are projected to remain operational into the 2040s.
People gather near the scene where a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for an airshow, in Radom, Poland, August 28, 2025. — Reuters
A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for an airshow in Radom, central Poland, resulting in the pilot’s death, according to the army on Thursday.
“A Polish Army pilot tragically lost his life in the crash of an F-16 aircraft—an officer who served his country with unwavering dedication and bravery. I honor his memory,” wrote Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz on X upon arriving at the crash site.
The Armed Forces’ General Command confirmed that the incident involved an aircraft from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan and reassured that no spectators were harmed.
“Rescue efforts were immediately launched at the location,” the statement added.
Footage obtained by Polish media depicted the F-16 executing a barrel roll maneuver before crashing in flames, skidding across the ground.
Local reports state that the jet went down on the runway around 1730 GMT, damaging it, and the Radom Airshow scheduled for the weekend has now been canceled.
This image depicts the crash site of an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet in Rajasthan on July 7, 2025. — NDTV
A pilot from the Indian Air Force (IAF) tragically lost their life when a Jaguar fighter jet went down near Bhanuda village in Churu, Rajasthan, as reported by local news outlets.
The aircraft had launched from the Suratgarh airbase prior to the incident.
The Jaguar is a twin-engine combat aircraft that comes in both single-seat and twin-seat configurations, and it is widely utilized by the IAF. Initially introduced in the late 1970s, the aircraft has seen extensive enhancements over the years.
Earlier, on March 7, another Jaguar from the IAF had crashed in Ambala due to a malfunction. The pilot managed to safely eject and guided the jet away from populated areas.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The Rafale fighter jet taxis at its induction ceremony on September 10, 2020, at an air force station in Ambala, India. — Reuters
India halts French audit of Rafale fleet.
Indonesia examines its agreement with Dassault.
Paris attributes issues to pilots, standing by the Rafale’s reputation.
ISLAMABAD: A significant strain has developed between France and India regarding the performance of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet following reports of its losses in the recent conflict between Pakistan and India.
During the fighting, the Pakistan Air Force was said to have shot down six Indian aircraft, including at least three Rafales. According to analysis from regional and Western media, as well as defense experts from both the U.S. and France, PAF J-10C squadrons successfully downed multiple Indian jets in the early stages of the conflict.
The situation has sparked diplomatic friction between these traditional allies and raised new doubts about the reliability of France’s leading combat aircraft. In addition to the presumed loss of three Rafales, India reportedly lost one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, and one Mirage 2000, making a total of six confirmed or suspected downed aircraft, primarily during India’s deep-strike missions inside Pakistani territory.
Indian Chief of Defense Staff General Chauhan has confirmed that Indian jets were indeed lost during the conflict’s initial hours, but he refrained from specifying the exact numbers. “What’s crucial isn’t the aircraft that went down but the reasons behind their losses. Understanding the mistakes made is essential, while the count itself is secondary,” Chauhan stated in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
Reports indicate that Dassault, the French manufacturer of Rafale, has declined to share the jet’s source code with India, further exacerbating tensions between the two nations. In an effort to defend the Rafale’s standing, Paris has reacted to New Delhi’s claims by attributing any performance issues to maintenance and pilot error rather than defects in France’s premier fighter jet.
To complicate matters further, the Indian government is obstructing Dassault’s audit team from examining its fleet of Rafales. The auditors intended to assess the Indian Rafales to confirm that there were no overlooked technical problems by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Indian sources suggest that New Delhi is hesitant, concerned that the French auditors might blame the aircraft’s lackluster performance on the Indian forces.
Nonetheless, the repercussions of this situation extend beyond India and France. Other nations have begun to take note, with the Indonesian government initiating its own audit of a recent deal with Dassault, prompted by concerns over the aircraft’s reported shortcomings. Meanwhile, the incident has led European nations to reevaluate their military strategies, and reports indicate a decline in Dassault’s stock following the news of the downed aircraft.
