JUST IN | DRDO has issued an RFP for an S-band High-Power Microwave (HPM) Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality & Damage (SHIELD) under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.

The proposed modular & scalable system will use GaN-based SSPA technology to achieve ≥3 kV/m peak electric field in the far field, with pulsed operation, flexible duty cycles and advanced thermal management.

Designed as a versatile platform to evaluate electronic-system vulnerability to S-band HPM radiation, the system will also be drone-mountable.

📸 : DRDO x BEL HPM

Source- https://x.com/alpha\_defense/status/2095582682902376888

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 1 month ago

JUST IN | DRDO invites bids for Development of Air-to-Air Refuelling Pod

The Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) has issued RFP under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme for the development of an indigenous Air-to-Air Refuelling Pod (AARP).

The project aims to develop an advanced, reliable and indigenous refuelling pod for in-flight refuelling of multiple receiver aircraft, reducing dependence on foreign OEMs and strengthening India’s aerial refuelling capabilities.

Source- https://x.com/alpha\_defense/status/2095137002366841216

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 1 month ago

Where is HLFT 42?

So like do u guys have any update? Last thing I know was there was a RFI in i think December 2024/march 2025, what happened to that? And i think there was design change in 2026 following IAF inputs?, does anyone have the latest update? Like do u think it will win around 150 AJT tender? Me personally i think IAF should structure its trainer aircraft in 5 stages- Ab-initio(pipistrel virus/needs to be replaced by New Hansa military variant),basic(HTT 40),intermediate (HJT 36), advanced (SPORT?) And LIFT(HLFT 42)? what do u think? . So like what is the plan? When will the first flight be ? 2030? 2031? Isn't that late? Or better when will all the work be finish and fund be released? Any idea guys ?

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago

why skardu wasn't hit

After Pakistan DGMO called at 10AM, IAF Chief asked whether we should continue to strike Sargodha, I said yes and identify two more targets.

Initial target was Skardu but we couldn’t prosecute because of bad weather and moved on Bholari instead

- CDS Chauhan

If Operation Sindoor had continued for 3 more days then 🥵

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago

DRDO's Next-gen BVR project: Astra-Mk3/Gandiva is an absolute beast of an A2A missile.

>340-350km range with Mach 3+ speed

>uses SFDR (solid fuel ducted ramjet) tech so it breathes air to maintain supersonic speed all the way

>packed with an GaN-based AESA seeker to burn right through enemy jamming

>Lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capability paired with an integrated 2-way secure data-link for mid-course target coordinates refresh from the host a/c radar

>engineered to track and slam into agile fighters pulling sharp angles of attack up to 20°

>low-altitude engagement profile drops to a 190km range at 8000m due to dense, high-drag lower atmosphere

>total launch weight sits at ~218kg, which is about 28kg heavier than Meteor but packs longer ramjet burn times

>Su-30MKI can carry up to 12 of these BVRAAMs in a single high-capacity combat sortie, while LCA Mk2 can carry 8 missiles standard, scalable to 10 if utilizing twin ejector dual-rail launchers.

Gandiva clearly outperforms chinese PL-15 and PL-17 in future upgrades, it will be utilised from Su-30MKI (super sukhoi), LCA MK2, and Stealth AMCA (Planned).

Current reporting points toward ~2029 for operational induction after heavy flight trials, testings and Production.

Source- https://x.com/vasilyaarkhipov/status/2092236194365297087

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago

Indian Air Force heading for tough decade? - LCA AF Mk2, realistic timelines & fleet crunch:

  1. First flight: Mid‑2027 (Mar–Jul 2027 window)

  2. Flight‑test programme: 2027–2030 (performance → systems → weapons/EW)

  3. Weapon & sensor trials complete: end‑2030

  4. IOC / limited production clearance: 2030–31

  5. Series production start: 2031

  6. First deliveries to IAF: 2032–33

  7. First operational Mk2 squadron (18–20 jets): 2033–34

  8. 2nd & 3rd Mk2 squadrons: 2035–38 as production ramps to 6‑squadron plan

-But IAF's retirement schedule will put tremendous pressure:

  1. 3 sqns MiG‑29UPG + 3 sqns Mirage‑2000 from ~2030

  2. Mirage life extended ~4 years; full retirement ~2038–39 to bridge gap before indigenous jets arrive

  3. Part of wider phase‑out of 12 older squadrons (incl. Jaguars), pushing total strength well below minimum requirements

-Mk2 timing vs these retirements is the key: can 2033–34 first squadron and 2035–38 ramp‑up offset the 2030s MiG‑29/Mirage/Jaguar retirement, or will the gap widen?

Source- https://x.com/InsightGL/status/2092087369209975052

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago

Paper Planes of the Indian Air Force - Four fighter programmes, four different approaches, and so far, the same result: aircraft that exist mostly on paper.

24 August 2026 by AlphaDefense Editorial Desk

~ By Ishika Dutta

What do you think? What is ur thoughts and take on this? What is ur opinions?

alphadefense.in
u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago

Latest on QRSAM & Akash NG via Apollo Microsystems & BEL Q1FY27 concalls AMS:

- BEL gets QRSAM order. Then missile order comes to BDL, ₹11-12k crore.

⚡️Order will be for ~ 1000 missiles. For each missile, Apollo does >₹1 cr of work. Supplies 5 subsystems incl complete guidance system, onboard computer, front-end, rear actuation system.

- MoD looking to order ~1000 Akash NG too. Apollo supplies >₹1 cr / missile for NG too.

BEL:

- Every activity done from BEL side. Only CCS remains, hoping to get it by September. QRSAM is Army & IAF combined order

- This first order delivery of QRSAM is spread over 7-8 years "because it is having FOPM, then FOPM evaluations & then only the bulk production will start. So, next order whenever we may get, definitely if it is of the similar quantities, we can supply in three to four years."

Source- https://x.com/AdithyaKM\_/status/2091388000718446612

u/PerceptionMurky3704 — 2 months ago