Indian Air Force News & Discussion - 23 March 2021

[uddu]

India to weigh Israeli ‘Sky Sting’ long-range air-to-air missile during PM Modi visit
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation ... modi-visit
22 Feb 2026

https://x.com/Aryan_warlord/status/2025 ... 26991?s=20 ---> Much has been said about the upcoming India-Israel Sky Sting missile agreement already with valid points on all sides. Please allow me to weigh in with my 0.02 below.

1) The Sky Sting program as planned is on the lines of the MRSAM program and will complement the Astra BVRAAM & Gandiva, just like the MRSAM program complements the Akash & upcoming KUSHA programs.

2) There is no immediate buy or induction, but rather co-development with manufacturing that will happen. Just like MRSAM. India will have IP rights.

3) This program is part of the Israeli pivot towards manufacturing defence equipment in India & overall benefits the Indian military industrial sector with global acceptance.

4) As on date, the Astra BVRAAM program has a 110 km missile, the Astra Mk2 will push that to ~ 200 km. The Sky Sting is important not because of range, but because of it's massive NEZ - of some 160 km - which exceeds the current champion METEOR by 50+ km.

What's the NEZ of Astra MK-2 if the range of the missile is similar to Sky Sting missile from Israel? 160? 165? So what is there that need joint venture in this area? This is opening another backdoor to push for export, when it's not possible to sell same type of missile, with same range to India. So joint-venture and IP rights. Also note that we have tested Gandiva missile already and the range of it is 340km. So what is there to learn from the Israeli's? Gandiva MK1 can be ordered now rather than spend money unnecessarily on foreign missiles.

[uddu]

Vayushakti 2026 | Countdown has begun | 3 Days to go

On February 27, 2026, the Indian Air Force gears up for a high-intensity firing demonstration at Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range, Jaisalmer, to demonstrate combat dominance and operational excellence in safeguarding national security.

[basant]

What's the NEZ of Astra MK-2 if the range of the missile is similar to Sky Sting missile from Israel? 160? 165? So what is there that need joint venture in this area? This is opening another backdoor to push for export, when it's not possible to sell same type of missile, with same range to India. So joint-venture and IP rights. Also note that we have tested Gandiva missile already and the range of it is 340km. So what is there to learn from the Israeli's? Gandiva MK1 can be ordered now rather than spend money unnecessarily on foreign missiles.

This has been an issue for decades, ArunS demonstrated many times. It seems for desi stuff we under report the performance calling it classified, which obviously can never match the exaggerated brochure specs of others. TBH, I think NEZ for any missile is classified, but ranges are exaggerated.

[S_Madhukar]

Not that I am happy but I think Pantsir gives them an in between solution that is movable with missiles and guns … between Shilkas and AD missiles like Barack’s and Akash . We don’t have an equivalent vehicle - that should have been developed.. but they will probably study Pantsir and later make their own under MKI. Since we have IACCS. Let’s hope it integrates better than in Ukr…

In don’t know where VSHORADs miss out …

[Rakesh]

2,000-Km Reach, Faster Than BrahMos: India Weighs Israel's 'Golden Horizon' Missile Offer
https://www.news18.com/india/2000-km-re ... 24438.html
24 Feb 2026

Golden Horizon is tailored for hardened and deeply buried targets, such as underground command bunkers, reinforced military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/shreedharsingh9/status/20 ... 10297?s=20 ---> Refulling prope of Jaguar most likely Darin 3.

https://x.com/highmach_yara/status/2025 ... 31944?s=20 --->
- Yes; a Jaguar
- No; not Darin-III but rather GR1A
- No; not Indian but English

Just like you id MiG-23 & MiG-27 by looking at the nose, as -23s have radar while -27s have a EO sight; here too you look at the nose. The notched appearance of the nose means it has an older EO sight.

[Manish_P]

...
- No; not Indian but English
...

The pound currency sign in the background kind of gives it away

[Rakesh]

The pound currency sign in the background kind of gives it away

Not that picture Sirji. Please click on the video link in my post.

[uddu]

Pokhran sky lights up with epic drone show of IAF's full dress rehearsal for Exercise Vayu Shakti’26

Drone show at the Indian Air Force's full dress rehearsal for Exercise Vayu Shakti- 2026 at the Chandan Field Firing Range in Pokhran, Jaisalmer. The exercise is scheduled to be held on 27th February.

[uddu]

Akash direct hit

Watch: How Akash Missiles Destroyed Enemy Aircrafts During Op Sindoor

[uddu]

LIVE TELECAST - EXERCISE VAYUSHAKTI 2026

Exercise Vayu Shakti is a demonstration of the IAF's capability to deliver weapons with long range, precision capability as well as conventional weapons accurately, on time and with devastating effect, while operating from multiple air bases. Special operations by the IAF transport and helicopter fleets, involving the Garuds and Indian Army elements will also be on display.

[Shameek]

The Vayushakti telecast was better in some areas than previous years, but still leaves room for improvement, especially in the commentary and camera work. Few observations.
- No use of parachute equipped flares to simulate aerial targets. Target aircraft used for all air-air and surface-air engagements. It was also mentioned these were used during Op. Sindoor to simulate fighter aircraft.
- Akash scored direct hits both in the day and night. Spyder and L-70 also scored direct hits.
- Mica from Rafale scored a direct hit. R73 from Su-30 missed - could not see where the missile went after launch. Seemed like the Sukhoi pitched up to launch the missile but Rafale launched in level flight.
- Su-30 had some malfunction during one bombing run and aborted the strike.
- Loitering munition attack display. Don't remember if this was done before.
- Para SF were embedded with the Garuds, but could not identify any difference in uniforms.
- C295 landed at the strip for the first time.
- Even though we had a drone with thermal/IR cameras, it was not used as much - especially at night when the regular camera struggled to track.

[V_Raman]

IMO - su-30 is coming up a cropper in almost all the engagements!

[uddu]

IMO - su-30 is coming up a cropper in almost all the engagements!

The IAF can upgrade with just the Virupaksha radar and systems that can be upgraded easily on the Su-30MKI. But they again want to take Russian help, giving the biggest beautiful deal to the Russians, probably ending up non performing systems and getting caught by surprise. The attitude change must come from within the IAF. Until that change, the Atmanirbhar push is just plain fooling the public.
With much more Russian systems, the planned NGCCM will not work them and again need to purchase more Russian missiles to cater to these upgrades.
India Weighs Dual Upgrade Plan to Fast-Track Su-30MKI Modernization
https://defence.newsd.in/military/air-f ... ernization
27 Feb 2026 at 7:22 PM IST
Right now, India has many Su-30MKI jets. The local upgrade plan will first cover 84 aircraft. But there are still 175 more jets that also need improvements. So the Air Force is also talking with Russia for a second path. This is being done so there is no “capability valley” in the coming years. The upgrades could take ten to fifteen years, and the Air Force does not want to lose strength during this long time.

Then there is this news.
About 75% of The Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fleet Roughly 200 Aircraft Is Slated For The ‘Super Sukhoi’ Upgrade Program: IAF Chief
Saturday, October 04, 2025
https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2025/1 ... fleet.html
About 75% of the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet — roughly 200 out of 272 aircraft — is expected to undergo the comprehensive ‘Super Sukhoi’ upgrade program, according to the IAF Chief.

Even if the upgrades to Su-30MKI is done in batches, the IAF should and must stick to same systems that is going into the Super Sukhoi program. Initial upgrades can start much quickly on whatever work is first completed on the Su-30MKI test platforms. Be it Virupaksha radar or other systems and those too can be done in batches.

[ashthor]

All eyes where on Rafael so MKI suffered. Rambha lost to katrina.

[Rakesh]

Multi-Billion S-400 Deal Cleared As Indian Navy Inks ₹2,300 Crore Missile Contract
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/mult ... -153742157
03 March 2026

Defence Procurement Board clears 5 more S-400 systems from Russia after Operation Sindoor. Navy also signs Rs 2,300 crore Shtil air-defence deal.

[Rakesh]

Indian Air Force gets defence board nod to buy 5 S-400s from Russia
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-ne ... 75784.html
04 March 2026

The board, headed by defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, accepted the IAF proposal which will now go to the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

[Tanaji]

Wasn’t Shiv Aroor simping for American jets in the MMRCA competition or was that someone else?

Why India Has Never Bought American Fighter Jets
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iran-is ... s-11167520
05 March 2026

[Rakesh]

Wasn’t Shiv Aroor simping for American jets in the MMRCA competition or was that someone else?

I cannot remember Aroor simping, but there were others who were clearly on the American payroll. One even shamelessly was parroting the virtues of the F-18E/F Super Hornet in relation to the Rafale (during the MRCBF contest). The propaganda was so bad, that logic went out the window. I called him out on X for it, dude did not reply. And obviously he would not.

But regardless of what Aroor wrote in the article, the IAF already operates an American fighter. It is called Tejas and there is no desire to change course. Bought transport aircraft, transport helicopters, attack helicopters, etc from Unkil...but will not buy fighters from them. That is highlighted as strategic autonomy. But your own homegrown fighter having a US-origin turbofan is perfectly fine. And all the incoming platforms (Tejas Mk2, AMCA) and the proposed platforms (TEDBF, HLFT-42, etc) will have the same setup. Clowns.

P.S. The irony of the Tejas is that the GOI has the audacity to call the program indigenous, when it is clearly not.

[Rakesh]

India Plans $6.1 Billion Procurement of Ten Russian S-400 Air Defence Battalions to Double Existing Arsenal
https://militarywatchmagazine.com/artic ... ons-double
03 March 2026

[Haridas]

What's the NEZ of Astra MK-2 if the range of the missile is similar to Sky Sting missile from Israel? 160? 165? So what is there that need joint venture in this area? This is opening another backdoor to push for export, when it's not possible to sell same type of missile, with same range to India. So joint-venture and IP rights. Also note that we have tested Gandiva missile already and the range of it is 340km. So what is there to learn from the Israeli's? Gandiva MK1 can be ordered now rather than spend money unnecessarily on foreign missiles.

This has been an issue for decades, ArunS demonstrated many times. It seems for desi stuff we under report the performance calling it classified, which obviously can never match the exaggerated brochure specs of others. TBH, I think NEZ for any missile is classified, but ranges are exaggerated.

To add to it.
It seems my work and arguments on BR was noted by powers to be (in dilli and bidesh) more than a decade ago. It influenced dragon and Roosi policies wrt Bharat, overall it resulted in positives for Bharat.

Santosh ki baat hai.

[Haridas]

Wasn’t Shiv Aroor simping for American jets in the MMRCA competition or was that someone else?

I cannot remember Aroor simping, but there were others who were clearly on the American payroll. One even shamelessly was parroting the virtues of the F-18E/F Super Hornet in relation to the Rafale (during the MRCBF contest). The propaganda was so bad, that logic went out the window. I called him out on X for it, dude did not reply. And obviously he would not.

But regardless of what Aroor wrote in the article, the IAF already operates an American fighter. It is called Tejas and there is no desire to change course. Bought transport aircraft, transport helicopters, attack helicopters, etc from Unkil...but will not buy fighters from them. That is highlighted as strategic autonomy. But your own homegrown fighter having a US-origin turbofan is perfectly fine. And all the incoming platforms (Tejas Mk2, AMCA) and the proposed platforms (TEDBF, HLFT-42, etc) will have the same setup. Clowns.

The irony of the Tejas is that the GOI has the audacity to call the program indigenous, when it is clearly not.

@Rakesh bhai
Lol .... calling Tejas a yankee phyterr !

Indian propensity to self flaggeration is so rediculeous. I see you get those seizures too!

Yet like all Indians with memory recall of convenience and grandious claims, we all miss till date your tonnes of "mithai" destribution declaration.... Akula ??

[uddu]

P.S. The irony of the Tejas is that the GOI has the audacity to call the program indigenous, when it is clearly not.

Wow Rakesh ji, You have seen the development of the Tejas for decades, the efforts being put in to it and why in the world you want to call it Yankee? Just because of the engines?
The Radome, radars, Avionics, HUD, to design to wings to tail all Indian. Even the tyres. MRF from Madras Rubber Factory. Can anything be more desi then that?

[Rakesh]

P.S. The irony of the Tejas is that the GOI has the audacity to call the program indigenous, when it is clearly not.

Wow Rakesh ji, You have seen the development of the Tejas for decades, the efforts being put in to it and why in the world you want to call it Yankee? Just because of the engines?
The Radome, radars, Avionics, HUD, to design to wings to tail all Indian. Even the tyres. MRF from Madras Rubber Factory. Can anything be more desi then that?

The "Indian" radome, radar, avionics, HUD, etc will work how exactly without an engine?

The very heart of the plane is American. It powers the radar and the avionics. How much longer are we going to rely on the Amreekis?

Any word on when the sixth engine is coming from Amreeka to power the sixth Mk1A?

Six should be enough I believe to handle the PLAAF.

[Rakesh]

Lol .... calling Tejas a yankee phyterr !

Indian propensity to self flaggeration is so rediculeous. I see you get those seizures too!

Yet like all Indians with memory recall of convenience and grandious claims, we all miss till date your tonnes of "mithai" destribution declaration.... Akula ??

Haridas-ji, yankee phyterr it is Saar....because it uses a Yankee engine. No engine, no Tejas.

Sirjee, I did say Akula-II

[Manish_P]

...
Haridas-ji, yankee phyterr it is Saar....because it uses a Yankee engine. No engine, no Tejas.
...

Admiral sir, HAL has shown that we can make a non-american Tejas.

It won't fly of course, but hey it's good enough for posing with full atma-vishwas.

[uddu]

Wow Rakesh ji, You have seen the development of the Tejas for decades, the efforts being put in to it and why in the world you want to call it Yankee? Just because of the engines?
The Radome, radars, Avionics, HUD, to design to wings to tail all Indian. Even the tyres. MRF from Madras Rubber Factory. Can anything be more desi then that?

The "Indian" radome, radar, avionics, HUD, etc will work how exactly without an engine?

The very heart of the plane is American. It powers the radar and the avionics. How much longer are we going to rely on the Amreekis?

Any word on when the sixth engine is coming from Amreeka to power the sixth Mk1A?

Six should be enough I believe to handle the PLAAF.

Rakesh ji, the same argument can be put back. Can an engine fly like a flying carpet without other components of the plane and win wars for the nation? It is also necessary for sure and we have to get Kaveri into it. We are almost there Sir ji. Let them complete the Kaveri as well.

[uddu]

To add to it.
It seems my work and arguments on BR was noted by powers to be (in dilli and bidesh) more than a decade ago. It influenced dragon and Roosi policies wrt Bharat, overall it resulted in positives for Bharat.

Santosh ki baat hai.

Sir ji, the follow on analysis with the latest versions of Agni-V onwards is not there including the new K-5 series etc. Even our Hypersonic missiles (LRAShM), cruise missiles like the LRLACM etc. Will you be doing a small write up for BRF Jingoes?