News for 'multi-role-combat-aircraft'

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.

Bangladesh wants to buy JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan

Bangladesh wants to buy JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Bangladesh has expressed a potential interest in procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, according to a statement from the Pakistan military. The development came during a meeting between the air chiefs of both countries, focusing on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy.

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

At least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft including F-16 jets were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Friday while describing Islamabad's claim of India's losses as "fanciful stories".

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

How IAF plans to strengthen 'depleted' squadron

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has seen a reduction in fighter squadrons due to the phasing out of ageing MiG-21, MiG-23 and MiG-27 aircraft. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence acknowledged the "shortage" and highlighted the multi-pronged approach being taken to address it. This includes the induction of indigenous Tejas fighters and the procurement of additional LCA Mk-1A aircraft. The report also addresses concerns over "incidences of spying" within the IAF and details the action taken against those involved.

'For heaven's sake, don't buy Russian MiG-35'

'For heaven's sake, don't buy Russian MiG-35'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2011

In his report released recently titled 'Dogfight! India's Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft Decision,' Ashley J Tellis -- Senior Associate with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace -- pilloried the Russian aircraft saying it was the "weakest of the contenders" for the IAF's MMRCA deal.

Indian IT firms eye IAF's $10-billion project

Indian IT firms eye IAF's $10-billion project

Rediff.com19 Nov 2009

Indian information technology companies are eyeing the $10-billion medium multi-role combat aircraft deal, up for grabs from the Indian Air Force.Of this, about $1-1.5 billion (Rs 4,600-6,900 crore) is the size of the total IT integrated services pie, that would include engineering services and IT services, said industry sources.Six global vendors -- Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Mirage, Russian Aircraft Corp's MiG, Saab and Eurocopter -- have been shortlisted.

US to compete for combat aircraft deals in India

US to compete for combat aircraft deals in India

Rediff.com14 Apr 2007

Lavin argued that with India looking for the best frontline combat aircraft in the world, it would force the US to look for ways to move the relationship forward.

Rafale's naval variant shows its Op capability in Goa

Rafale's naval variant shows its Op capability in Goa

Rediff.com10 Jan 2022

The Rafale maritime fighter aircraft on Monday demonstrated its operational capability at a naval facility in Goa as the Navy plans to acquire a fleet of combat jets for its indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant, people familiar with the development said.

Has the fizz gone out of the Bangalore air show?

Has the fizz gone out of the Bangalore air show?

Rediff.com5 Feb 2013

Will Aero India 2013, the aeronautical jamboree that kicks off in Bangalore on Wednesday, be relatively subdued?

Rafale clinches India's Rs 52,000 cr fighter jet deal

Rafale clinches India's Rs 52,000 cr fighter jet deal

Rediff.com31 Jan 2012

Overcoming tough competition from Eurofighter Typhoon, French aviation company Dassault's Rafale fighter jet has won Indian Air Force's mammoth deal for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft worth Rs 52,000 crore.

Rafale: From political dogfight to celebratory touchdown

Rafale: From political dogfight to celebratory touchdown

Rediff.com29 Jul 2020

The political row had erupted after the National Democratic Alliance government inked the Rs 59,000-crore deal on September 23, 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation after a nearly seven-year exercise to procure 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force did not fructify during the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance regime.

India wants weapons, we are ready to sell: US

India wants weapons, we are ready to sell: US

Rediff.com27 Apr 2012

Hoping to get a bigger slice in the pie of massive Indian defence modernisation efforts, the US has said the level of its willingness to share defence technologies with India has never been higher than it is now.

Smaller version of BrahMos being developed for IAF

Smaller version of BrahMos being developed for IAF

Rediff.com19 Feb 2013

A smaller variant of the 290-km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is being developed for the Indian Air Force. A new version of the missile is to be fitted on the frontline aircraft of the air force including Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and the future inductions such as the 126 multi-role combat aircraft, BrahMos officials said on Tuesday.

US enraged over India shooting down F-16, F-18

US enraged over India shooting down F-16, F-18

Rediff.com29 Apr 2011

There is seething anger among the senior administration officials -- at State, Commerce and the Pentagon -- and representatives of business and industry that New Delhi's decision was wholly political and much of the finger-pointing was at Defence Minister A K Antony and the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

MMRCA: Why India opted for Europe and not US

MMRCA: Why India opted for Europe and not US

Rediff.com2 Nov 2011

Clearing the air over why India has preferred Europe to the United States in the process of acquiring medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), top government sources said on Wednesday that it was to obtain the finest armaments for Indian armed forces.

Mother of all weapon deals is set to get costlier

Mother of all weapon deals is set to get costlier

Rediff.com2 Aug 2011

For years, India's proposed purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft has been valued at Rs 42,000 crore. Now that valuation is set to rise dramatically

India to ink $11 billion deal with Rafale: IAF

India to ink $11 billion deal with Rafale: IAF

Rediff.com8 Sep 2012

India plans to sign the $11 billion Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal with French Rafale by the end of August and September, a senior Indian Air Force official said on Saturday. "I find no reason why it shouldn't be signed by the end of this month or next month", said Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, IAF, Air Marshal Rajinder Singh.

European fighters become 25% cheaper

European fighters become 25% cheaper

Rediff.com10 Jun 2010

Plummeting European currencies, battered by the euro zone financial crisis, are providing European aerospace corporations an opportunity to undercut their American rivals, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, in the contest to sell India 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for a price that has been estimated at $11 billion, or about Rs 44,000 crore.

Why India should decide on a fighter plane soon

Why India should decide on a fighter plane soon

Rediff.com20 Feb 2011

A report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has reinforced the Obama administration's campaign to lobby the Indian government to award the $11 billion contract for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft to US manufacturers.

Russian air force lifeline for near-dead MiG-35

Russian air force lifeline for near-dead MiG-35

Rediff.com8 Sep 2011

One factor which could have gone against the MiG-35 in the Indian deal is that the IAF's 62-odd MiG-29s coming up for upgradation to the UPG standard, will have features close to the MiG-35 or even better.

Is India on the right flight path with Rafale?

Is India on the right flight path with Rafale?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2012

Ending months of speculation, India has finally selected Rafale as the best aircraft tailor-made to meet its requirements for at least the next decade and replace its ageing fleet of MiGs. But is it what India needs now to safeguard its skies?

MMRCA deal wrap-up in four weeks: IAF Chief

MMRCA deal wrap-up in four weeks: IAF Chief

Rediff.com18 Nov 2011

"We are calculating very hard. There is a lot of work going on. I expect (in) another four weeks, we should be able to wrap it up", Browne told media persons amid intense flurry among the two remaining contenders Eurofighter and Dassault's Rafale.

US goes all out for Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

US goes all out for Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

Rediff.com15 Feb 2011

The Barack Obama administration has launched a concerted and aggressive campaign on behalf of United States's fighter aircraft manufacturers to push for the 'mother of all deals'-- the $11 billion medium multi-role combat aircraft deal for 126 fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The deal could give the ailing US economy a major boost in terms of both exports and thousands of jobs.

Indigenous jet Tejas to be inducted into airforce

Indigenous jet Tejas to be inducted into airforce

Rediff.com10 Jan 2011

India's own first supersonic multi-role combat aircraft Tejas, meant to replace MiG 21s and MiG 23s, will join the Air Force on Monday for initial operational clearance.

EADS to open R&D centre in Bangalore

EADS to open R&D centre in Bangalore

Rediff.com16 Feb 2010

European military consortium EADS Defence and Security on Tuesday said it will open a research and development centre in Bangalore within two years that will provide employment to 200 Indian engineers.

Yet another twist in IAF's mega fighter deal

Yet another twist in IAF's mega fighter deal

Rediff.com16 May 2011

Business Standard has learned that the ministry of defence (MoD) has already received letters from all four inquiring why their fighters were found unfit.

The battle for Rs 51,000-cr Indian fighter deal

The battle for Rs 51,000-cr Indian fighter deal

Rediff.com16 Oct 2009

India may go beyond the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft.

'F-16IN aircrafts tailored to meet IAF's needs'

'F-16IN aircrafts tailored to meet IAF's needs'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2009

As the race for bagging the US$ 10-billion Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft order from India hots up, US aerospace major Lockheed Martin raised its sales pitch on Monday saying its fighter plane, F-16IN, is tailored exclusively to meet the Indian Air Force's requirements.

Ratan Tata takes to the skies in F-18 Super Hornet

Ratan Tata takes to the skies in F-18 Super Hornet

Rediff.com10 Feb 2011

Boeing is one of the six competitors bidding for the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal touted to be valued at $10 billion from the Indian Air Force.

India's defence diplomacy: Many forces at work

India's defence diplomacy: Many forces at work

Rediff.com15 Feb 2010

Six companies from five countries are competing to sell India military hardware, and the winners will indicate the directions of India's strategic vision.

We have problems with ageing aircraft fleet: IAF

We have problems with ageing aircraft fleet: IAF

Rediff.com7 Jan 2010

"A number of older generation aircraft like MiG-21 are operating since early sixties. We have problems with the ageing fleets and their maintenance," Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Indian Air Force's (IAF) Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Kishan Kumar Nohwar told a press conference in Shillong.

In the race for the Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

In the race for the Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

Rediff.com3 Aug 2009

India's desire to upgrade its Air Force will take a step forward in the next couple of months when trials for 126 medium-range, multi-role combat aircraft begin.

In the race for the Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

In the race for the Rs 49,000 cr IAF deal

Rediff.com28 Jul 2009

India's desire to upgrade its Air Force will take a step forward in the next couple of months when trials for 126 medium-range, multi-role combat aircraft begin.

India unveils new arms procurement policy

India unveils new arms procurement policy

Rediff.com2 Aug 2008

The most important changes in DPP-2008 relate to the new offset policy, which will immediately impact offset proposals for India's Rs 47,000-crore purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA).

Pakistan inducts JF-17 jets developed with China

Pakistan inducts JF-17 jets developed with China

Rediff.com18 Feb 2010

The Pakistani Air Force inducted the first squadron of JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft it jointly developed with China as part of its efforts to maintain a "balance" of conventional forces in the region.

India clears decks for purchase of 126 fighter jet

India clears decks for purchase of 126 fighter jet

Rediff.com29 Jun 2007

The new fighters will replace the IAF's ageing MiG-21 jets, the bulk of which are expected to be phased out by 2009.

India, US hold defence meet

India, US hold defence meet

Rediff.com18 Nov 2005

The three-day DPG meet will discuss future activities and look at threat perception on a conceptual level.

Air Force's biggest air exercise next week

Air Force's biggest air exercise next week

Rediff.com30 Aug 2006

Though ythe IAF has for the past few years been participating in bilateral exercises with foreign air forces, this will be the first exclusive IAF exercise in seven years.\n