Indian Naval Aviation

[drnayar]

^ 7 years is lightning fast in Indian procurement

Usually we wait till the product is near end of production

The P 8I s have done a stellar job .. both over water and land as well .. useful force multipliers

Advanced Sensor Suite: The P-8A is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art sensors effective for tracking land targets, including a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret.

Surveillance and Intelligence: The APY-10 radar provides high-resolution mapping, allowing for the detection, classification, and identification of vehicles and other land-based assets.

Versatility in Deployment: While based at coastal locations like RAF Lossiemouth, the P-8A has demonstrated its ability to operate effectively over land, including conducting surveillance missions along the Polish border.

Command and Control: The P-8A acts as a networked node in a wider, joint force, enabling it to relay intelligence gathered over land to other military assets in real-time.

The aircraft’s capacity to perform "overland ISR" is a key feature, allowing it to support joint forces in diverse, land-based, and coastal environments beyond its primary anti-submarine focus

[pravula]

P-8i were operating around LAC when the ballon went up a while ago iirc.

[Manish_P]

The P 8I s have done a stellar job .. both over water and land as well ..
...

As expected.

The base platform being the Boeing 737 airliner, reliability was never in doubt (Boeings recent troubles apart)

An airbus platform would be as reliable, should the need arise

[Rakesh]

Indian Navy leases utility AW139s in historic move
https://verticalmag.com/news/indian-nav ... oric-move/
23 Feb 2026

[Rakesh]

From Alizé to Rafale M – The Story of the Indian Navy's French Aviation Connection
https://ojaschahal.substack.com/p/from- ... irect=true
22 Feb 2026

[uddu]

https://x.com/IN_R11Vikrant/status/2028694153547399676
@IN_R11Vikrant
𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵-𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦-𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 - 1000 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨

INS Vikrant achieves 1,000 successful and safe arrested landings, marking a testament to relentless teamwork and combat readiness. Rear Admiral Vivek Dahiya, NM, FOCWF commended Team Vikrant and her embarked squadrons for this proud operational milestone.

[bala]

ALH MK-III Deal: MoD Signs Massive Deal For Choppers And Missiles To Boost Indian Navy

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy, significantly improving maritime security in India. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Defencecore/status/203168 ... 48933?s=20 ---> Indian Navy is planning to induct C-295 aircraft manufactured by TASL for the MRMR role. These aircraft will be fitted with advanced indigenous weapons & sensors. CABS will be the nodal DRDO lab responsible for integrating the weapons & sensors on the aircraft.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Kunal_Biswas707/status/20 ... 55742?s=20 ---> Rare snap of Indian Navy MIG-29Ks conducting "Buddy" Refueling, it's ferry range of 3,500 km with one aerial refueling and nearly 5,700 km with multiple refuels, it can have a weapon load of 4.5 tons and 5.9 tons of fuel from STOBAR. Though Rafale M coming by late 2026.

[Manish_P]

https://x.com/Kunal_Biswas707/status/20 ... 55742?s=20 ---> Rare snap of Indian Navy MIG-29Ks conducting "Buddy" Refueling, it's ferry range of 3,500 km with one aerial refueling and nearly 5,700 km with multiple refuels, it can have a weapon load of 4.5 tons and 5.9 tons of fuel from STOBAR. Though Rafale M coming by late 2026.
..

A buddy can help only so much. When are the dedicated Air refuellers coming

[Rakesh]

A buddy can help only so much. When are the dedicated Air refuellers coming

Close up photos of the refueling pod.

https://x.com/Flanker30MKI/status/20416 ... 00976?s=20 ---> The MiG-29’s refueling pod made for buddy refueling placed between the two intakes on underbelly hardpoint.

[Manish_P]

This is not India right... surely that's not empty bottles of Sprite and Bisleri casually sprewn about

[Rakesh]

This is not India right... surely that's not empty bottles of Sprite and Bisleri casually sprewn about

I am assuming some airshow in Russia, judging by the other Russian aircraft in the background.

[sanjaykumar]

Don’t get me started on filth and culture.

These is only one other country with people with so little regard for civic niceties. China.

Not good company to keep.

[Manish_P]

..
I am assuming some airshow in Russia, judging by the other Russian aircraft in the background.

Yes. The crowds, the style of buildings etc all look utilitarian Russian

Back to the topic, the attach on fuel pods are fine as emergency fillers for chota recharge

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/manjeetnegilive/status/20 ... 61773?s=20 ---> With MQ-9B Predator drones, the Indian Navy stays ahead, always.

[Rakesh]

$3.5 Billion Bet: India Pushes Through P-8I Spy Aircraft Deal with US
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/3-5- ... -154086045
15 April 2026

^^^^^

https://x.com/BLACKTIGER0412/status/204 ... 96422?s=20 ---> India is going ahead with the purchase of 6 P-8I aircraft from the USA on the FMS or Foreign Military Sales route. The costs of each plane now between $500-$600 million. When India purchased the first 8 P-8I for the Indian Navy, the entire deal was valued at $2.1 billion but the manufacturers Boeing have said that the supply-chain problems have led to a rapid increase in costs. So these six could cost over $3.5 billion or more. The note for the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be ready by May. The Stryker armoured vehicle under discussion between India and the USA is off sources said as the armed forces do not seem keen on it. The Army is also keen on a limited number of US Javelin anti-tank missiles, some of which have come as part of the emergency purchases.

[Rakesh]

Cat fight between veterans of the Air Force & Navy on X...read the tweets below. The Air Force logic of Rafale = P-8I is well....

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/2044 ... 92211?s=20 ---> Despite the “sticker shock”, India moving ahead with 6 × P-8I (~ US $3.5 – $4 billion) tells you the real story. Cost per aircraft has nearly doubled vs 2009 driven by supply chain shocks, full mission packages and US inflation. But zoom out: Middle East instability + contested sea lanes + rising PLAN presence in IOR. This isn’t a purchase. It’s maritime surveillance insurance & packaged with F414 this will let Donald say “business of billions & billions dollar.”

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 57747?s=20 ---> The equivalent of 24-30 Rafales basically. We have 12. We want 6 more. In addition to 15 Sea Guardians. Full import. No local manufacture. No indigenous LRMP program. Contrast with indigenous AEW&C and tanker programs. Both critically short force multipliers. And bulk of future fighter purchases being guaranteed indigenous. But, the reaction I see to this is, laudatory. Nice to see understanding of maritime security matters build up. But the same needs to happen for air power in general, not just naval air power.

https://x.com/JA_Maolankar/status/20450 ... 26342?s=20 ---> Life can be brutish if always viewed through covetous eyes. Even so, the zero-sum game has to be played at two levels - equal parts of sorting one’s internal priorities (AWACS vs fighters) while trying to gouge the other’s pie. Also, can’t have it both ways - dithering on Navy indigenous programs saying requirements are too small (à la TEDBF) - at the same time blame for importing all its aircraft!? Can’t grudge the Navy for having a good understanding of “multipliers” and the full ‘chain’ of the kill chain!?

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 92673?s=20 ---> You assume a whole lot that I don't say. Always makes it difficult to have an honest discussion then. Please note the main question in my post. It is an appreciation of the Navy's import requirements due to seemingly justifiable operational requirements. Not like the layperson has any idea about what is justifiable and what is not. But there is quiet acceptance. And context you may provide (many are doing so), but no indigenous LRMP program instituted. Capt/Cmde Negi says there is one, happy to be corrected if there is. But certainly none at any mature stage (no MPA, LRMP). By contrast, indigenous AEW&C, ISTAR and tanker projects are in the works. All critical shortages. Yes 114 Rafales are desired, but they aren't pure imports like P-8Is? Also, the IAF commitments for indigenous fighters is huge. So why no appreciation of IAF's requirements? What is the 'zero sum' in this? Question was to @alpha_defense. Not to Defence, Finance or Raksha Mantri for switch of budgeting. So no 'gouging'. Best if you didn't assume it.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 57747?s=20 ---> The equivalent of 24-30 Rafales basically. We have 12. We want 6 more. In addition to 15 Sea Guardians. Full import. No local manufacture. No indigenous LRMP program. Contrast with indigenous AEW&C and tanker programs. Both critically short force multipliers. And bulk of future fighter purchases being guaranteed indigenous. But, the reaction I see to this is, laudatory. Nice to see understanding of maritime security matters build up. But the same needs to happen for air power in general, not just naval air power.

https://x.com/BharatNair90/status/20449 ... 10122?s=20 ---> Sir would appreciate your take on the reasons for woeful shortage of AEW&C and tankers till date and the oft echoed opinion that blame lies squarely with IAF / IAF-MOD planning, while desi MIC is above board and could not deliver solely due to 'lack of customer support'.

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 40159?s=20 ---> IAF has been trying to procure these platforms for a long time. The tanker procurement has been cancelled TWICE by the MoD. Purchase of more Israeli AWACS (two) disapproved by GoI as Atmanirbharta became policy. Indigenous programs for both are on. Will hopefully deliver soon. Fingers crossed. Acute shortage. At least on this front, blame does not lie with IAF. The contrast with LRMP is there for all to see.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 57747?s=20 ---> The equivalent of 24-30 Rafales basically. We have 12. We want 6 more. In addition to 15 Sea Guardians. Full import. No local manufacture. No indigenous LRMP program. Contrast with indigenous AEW&C and tanker programs. Both critically short force multipliers. And bulk of future fighter purchases being guaranteed indigenous. But, the reaction I see to this is, laudatory. Nice to see understanding of maritime security matters build up. But the same needs to happen for air power in general, not just naval air power.

Arguing for additional Tejas - in light of GE engine delivery delays - is downright comical. If the first Rafale will arrive only by 2031, will the first Tejas Mk2 arrive before that? In the name of self reliance, must we flush our brain down the toilet?

https://x.com/sakthivel_cit93/status/20 ... 89974?s=20 ---> IAF can double Tejas Mk1A and Tejas Mk2 orders, especially with GE414 technology transfer negotiations being complete. This will help HAL to double manufacturing capacity. No Rafale will fly in IAF till 2031 at least, If we go by formalities. (ICDs still not agreed to by France).

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 72556?s=20 ---> My post was about indigenous programs and the difference in appreciation between IN's imports and IAF's imports. What are your views about that? But still, if you don't get onions, get more potatoes? What logic is this? No understanding of what each platform actually does in operations. Everyone crying about GE dependence. Calling it strategic vulnerability. Now you want every IAF fighter from the engines of one country? Not very wise.

https://x.com/sakthivel_cit93/status/20 ... 28942?s=20 ---> There is nothing that Rafale does, that can not be done by Tejas Mk2 armed with Astra Mk2, Brahmos-NG and Rudram. Tejas Mk2 will have a more powerful radar than Rafale, with total IP in our hands. For strikes in 20% extra range of Rafale we can use missiles till AMCA arrives.

[Rakesh]

Cat fight between veterans of the Air Force & Navy on X...read the tweets below. The Air Force logic of Rafale = P-8I is well....

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/2044 ... 92211?s=20 ---> Despite the “sticker shock”, India moving ahead with 6 × P-8I (~ US $3.5 – $4 billion) tells you the real story. Cost per aircraft has nearly doubled vs 2009 driven by supply chain shocks, full mission packages and US inflation. But zoom out: Middle East instability + contested sea lanes + rising PLAN presence in IOR. This isn’t a purchase. It’s maritime surveillance insurance & packaged with F414 this will let Donald say “business of billions & billions dollar.”

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 57747?s=20 ---> The equivalent of 24-30 Rafales basically. We have 12. We want 6 more. In addition to 15 Sea Guardians. Full import. No local manufacture. No indigenous LRMP program. Contrast with indigenous AEW&C and tanker programs. Both critically short force multipliers. And bulk of future fighter purchases being guaranteed indigenous. But, the reaction I see to this is, laudatory. Nice to see understanding of maritime security matters build up. But the same needs to happen for air power in general, not just naval air power.

https://x.com/somnath1978/status/204509 ... 09222?s=20 ---> $3.5 billion gets us 10 Rafales, not 30. P-8I is a unique machine in war fighting - a military application housed inside a wildly successful commercial platform - one of the few things worth importing. As opposed to Rafale, yet another 4.5 generation fighter with champagne pricing and immediately "outgunned"

https://x.com/GauravT71548031/status/20 ... 12968?s=20 ---> Gets you 10 Rafales because of their weapons and maintenance package. On a per unit cost, gets you far more (Google AI says €91-100 million for the RAF and US $500-600 million or €425-510 million for a P-8). But the main thing is this quiet acceptance of imports and that 'this is worth it'. Why not worth indigenising? Not understood. AEW&C, ISTAR and tanker...all critical requirements, but gone the indigenous route. And a DRDO that has made hull fitted and I think towed array sonars also, not trusted to develop an LRMP? With incoming Sea Guardians, there is leeway as well. But....well...you have on the basis of some deep inside knowledge I believe, concluded that this is 'needed' and 'justified'. That's the whole point I was making. Your knowledge of LRMP mission suites is as limited as say, AI radars. Of gambit tactics as much as a 'left' BVR launch, but you have concluded. Hehehe. No ifs and buts. Thus spake Somnath.

https://x.com/somnath1978/status/204511 ... 54910?s=20 ---> Does not get you weapons suite, we found out for Rafale 1, when AASM was ordered pronto as Spice integration lagged (or the French asked for more €). Did I say its not "worth indigenising"? Why flog a self-created strawman? I said its worth importing given its a one-of-its-kind