Defense Acquisition – News Analysis India

‘Anant Shastra’ Missile System: A Rs 30,000 Crore Air Defence Upgrade for the Indian Army

News Analysis India — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Indian Army is set to bolster its air defense capabilities with the acquisition of the ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile weapon system. A tender has been issued to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the purchase of five to six regiments of the DRDO-developed system, formerly known as the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system. This project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 30,000 crore, aims to fortify the Army Air Defence, particularly along the borders with Pakistan and China. The system’s deployment follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval, which came after Operation Sindoor. The highly mobile ‘Anant Shastra’ systems can track targets on the move and fire after brief halts, boasting a range of around 30 km. It will complement existing systems such as the MRSAM and Akash. The system’s performance has been rigorously tested in diverse operational scenarios. During past conflicts, the Army’s Air Defence units have relied on various systems, including L-70 and Zu-23 air defense guns, alongside Akash, MRSAM, Spyder and Sudarshan S-400 systems, to counter aerial threats, especially drones. The Army Air Defence is also receiving new radars, very short-range air defense systems, and anti-drone technologies. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi is a strong advocate for indigenous defense systems, with plans for the Zorawar light tank and other air defense systems to join the force.

India Eyes Su-57E Stealth Fighter Jets with Zircon Hypersonic Missiles: A Game Changer?

News Analysis India — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Indian Air Force may see a significant boost in its capabilities in the coming years. India is reportedly seriously considering the purchase of the Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the SU-57E. Discussions are not limited to just the purchase of the aircraft; they also encompass local assembly and joint production.

India currently lacks a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. The SU-57E could fill this gap. A key strength of this aircraft is its ability to carry the Russian advanced hypersonic missile 3M22 Zircon, which could offer a potent combination for India.

This missile flies at Mach 9 (approximately 9,600 km/h), making it nearly impossible for any existing air defense system to intercept. Furthermore, it will also be capable of carrying the BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia.

If the deal goes through, India will gain a strong response to the long-range strike capabilities of China and the aerial challenges posed by Pakistan. The SU-57E, equipped with the Zircon missile, would provide the Air Force with the ability to decisively strike both ground and sea targets.

This deal could prove beneficial for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), both economically and strategically. Russia has offered India full technology transfer (ToT), joint production, and integration of Indian systems.

* HAL will have the opportunity to learn fifth-generation stealth technology and supercruise capability.
* Production of the SU-57E could begin at the Nashik plant, where the SU-30MKI is already being manufactured. This would give India a significant advantage for this system.
* Reports suggest that 2030 aircraft will come directly from Russia, while the rest will be manufactured by HAL. This will help India complete its squadron shortfall (less than 30).
* It will generate thousands of jobs and could also give India the opportunity to export these aircraft in the future.

Local production of the SU-57E is expected to be significantly cheaper than Western aircraft like the F-35. HAL will handle maintenance and upgrades, ensuring long-term revenue.

However, there are potential challenges to this deal, including the risk of US sanctions like CAATSA, engine maturity, and issues related to the previous FGFA project. Despite this, these challenges are considered manageable, given Russia’s flexible stance and HAL’s existing capabilities.

If India finalizes this deal, it would join the ranks of select countries with air-launched hypersonic weapon systems. This would not only enhance the Air Force’s strike capabilities but also strengthen India’s position in the Indo-Pacific power equation.

Indian Air Force to Receive 97 LCA Mark 1A Fighter Jets: Deal Approved

News Analysis India — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Indian government has approved the acquisition of 97 LCA Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets to bolster the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities. The deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is valued at approximately 62,000 crore rupees. The Defence Acquisition Council granted the ‘Acceptance of Necessity’ (AoN) for this project on November 30, 2023. Following this, the Ministry of Defence issued a Request for Proposal for this purchase in April 2024. According to sources, the aircraft supply process under this deal will commence from the financial year 2026-27 and will be completed in a phased manner over 4 to 5 years.

This is the second order for LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Earlier, HAL received an order to manufacture 83 aircraft. The Tejas Mark-1A are indigenously developed light combat aircraft. Their inclusion will not only strengthen the Air Force’s squadron force but also significantly boost India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative and the indigenization campaign in the defense sector.

The LCA Mark 1A is an advanced version of the Tejas. It is equipped with upgraded avionics and radar systems. Over 60 percent of the components in the LCA Mark-1A are made in India. The Tejas has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is a single-engine light combat aircraft.