RAFALE
Indian defence delegation meets French officials in Paris; Rafale marine programme formally launched
An Indian defence delegation met with French officials at the Paris Air Show, formally launching the Rafale marine programme. Simultaneously, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi attended a US Navy-hosted Key Leader Engagement, advocating for maritime security through innovation. He also reviewed indigenous defence manufacturing at Solar Industries, emphasizing public-private synergy and the growing importance of counter-drone systems.
Pakistan to get 40 more Chinese J-35 stealth jets soon: What are its capabilities and should India be concerned?
Pakistan is set to receive 40 J-35 stealth fighter jets from China by the end of 2025, marking a significant leap in Islamabad's air combat capability. With advanced stealth features and battlefield integration, the J-35 could erode India's traditional air superiority in the region. India, lacking a fifth-generation fighter, now faces pressure to fast-track its AMCA programme. Experts warn that with both China and Pakistan fielding stealth jets, India's air defences may be stretched in the event of dual-front conflict.
Macron reignites Rafale vs F-35 debate, calls for European self reliance in defence with his social media post
Emmanuel Macron promotes Rafale jets for European defense independence. He hints at reducing reliance on American aircraft. Macron's post follows disagreements with Donald Trump over NATO spending. France markets Rafale as an alternative to the F-35. Several countries including India, Croatia, and Greece use Rafale. Serbia and Indonesia have also ordered the French fighter jets.
Finland backs space tech ICEYE firm with R&D funding
Finland’s Business Finland agency granted $47.2 million to ICEYE, a private satellite and defence tech firm, supporting its $287 million expansion plan. ICEYE, with the world’s largest SAR satellite fleet, aids global defence efforts amid rising security concerns and EU investment in the sector.
Dassault, Reliance revive Falcon jet manufacturing tie-up
Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure Limited are partnering to manufacture Falcon 2000 LXS executive jets in India, targeting a 2028 production start. This initiative positions India as a global aviation hub, with a ₹1,000 crore investment planned to expand the Nagpur facility. The project aims to produce 22 jets annually, leveraging India's cost advantages.
Truth will shock many: Dassault CEO tears down Pakistan’s fantasy of shooting down Indian Rafales
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier refuted Pakistan's assertion of shooting down three Indian Air Force Rafale jets, labeling it as factually incorrect. He emphasized that India has not confirmed any losses and the reality might surprise many when complete details emerge. Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist launchpads in PoK.
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War, trade and Air India crash cast cloud over Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show opens amidst a complex backdrop of war, tariffs, and the Air India crash, overshadowing the usual Airbus-Boeing rivalry. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg cancelled his appearance due to the 787 Dreamliner crash investigation. Trump's tariffs and supply chain issues further complicate matters for the aerospace industry, even as military hardware takes center stage due to global conflicts.
KAAN fighter jet: Pakistan’s ally Turkey gets ₹85,000 crore boost with Indonesia’s order for fifth-generation plane
Indonesia is procuring 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkiye. The deal is estimated at $10 billion. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026. This shifts Indonesia's focus from additional Rafale orders. The KAAN aims to compete with jets like the F-35. Pakistan has also shown interest in acquiring the KAAN. This strengthens defence ties between Indonesia and Turkiye.
India would strike deep into Pakistan if provoked by terror attacks, warns Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warns Pakistan of retribution for terrorist attacks. India will target terrorist outfits and leaders, even deep inside Pakistan. This follows the Pahalgam attack and India's Operation Sindoor. Tensions remain high due to Pakistan's alleged use of terrorism as state policy. India claims to have inflicted significant damage on Pakistani airfields.
Chinese defense companies soar as Pakistan touts arms purchase
Chinese defense stocks surged following Pakistan's announcement of a major arms purchase, including the advanced J-35 stealth fighter jet. This deal marks China's first export of the fifth-generation fighter, enhancing Pakistan's defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with India. Indonesia is also considering Chinese J-10 jets, signaling a potential shift in arms procurement.
Jaishankar heads to Europe: Strategic talks with EU, defence push in France post Operation Sindoor
S Jaishankar's Europe visit aims to bolster strategic ties with France, engage with the EU, and strengthen economic partnerships with Belgium. Discussions with France will focus on their 25-year strategic partnership, with India seeking to replenish its arsenal of French-origin weapons, including Rafale fighter jets and SCALP missiles, following their effective use in recent cross-border actions.
50% off J-35A fighter jets! China’s half-price stealth deal to Pakistan ignites online backlash, user says 'we pay the price'
China’s reported plan to deliver 30 J-35A stealth fighters to Pakistan at a 50% discount by August 2025 has set off a storm on Chinese social media. Citizens have criticised the move as reckless, citing Pakistan’s financial instability and unpaid defence bills. With the J-35 yet to enter Chinese service, many are questioning why Beijing is prioritising a “charity sale” to a cash-strapped neighbour.
Reliance Infrastructure takes flight with Rs 5,000 cr bet on aircraft upgrade business
Reliance Infrastructure is significantly expanding its defence sector presence, targeting a ₹5,000 crore aircraft upgrade market over the next 7-10 years. Having successfully upgraded 55 Dornier-228 aircraft, the company aims to become a key private player in India's defence aviation, aligning with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and partnering with global firms like Thales for projects such as Rafale fighter jet logistics.
Operation Social Media: The India-Pakistan war wasn’t just over borders
After a terror attack in Kashmir, India and Pakistan clashed in a new kind of war, fought with misinformation and digital deception. As India struck terror targets, social media exploded with false claims, doctored videos, and viral lies designed to inflame tensions and distort reality. This exposé reveals how ‘Operation Social Media’ became a battleground of digital deception and psychological warfare, testing India’s cyber defenses, media credibility, and strategic clarity in the age of hybrid conflict.
Jaishankar set to visit France next week
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is scheduled to visit France next week, highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership. France is a key ally in countering Pakistan-based terrorism at the UN. The Indo-France defense cooperation, exemplified by Rafale fighters, played a crucial role in deterring aggression. Jaishankar may also address the India-French Track 1.5 dialogue in Marseilles.
China, Pakistan 'launch' Operation Disinformation on Rafale after India's terror strikes
French sources report a disinformation campaign against the Rafale fighter jet. China and Pakistan are actively involved. Fake news and videos aim to damage Rafale's reputation. The campaign promotes competing aircraft and discredits India-France partnership. False claims include Rafales being shot down and Indonesia rethinking its purchase. Indian government sources deny these claims. Strikes on terror camps used Rafales effectively.
Tata to build Rafale fighter jet fuselages in Hyderabad under deal with Dassault Aviation
Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Dassault Aviation have partnered to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India. TASL will establish a facility in Hyderabad, aiming to produce 24 fuselages annually, with initial deliveries expected by FY28. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of the Rafale manufacturing ecosystem in India, potentially bringing 60% of the aircraft's manufacturing value to the country.
Rafale fighter aircraft's main body to be soon made in India by Tata & Dassault Aviation
Tata Advanced Systems and Dassault Aviation have signed agreements to manufacture Rafale fighter aircraft fuselages in India, marking the first time these will be produced outside France. Tata will set up a state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad to produce key fuselage sections, aiming to deliver up to two complete fuselages monthly by FY2028.
Indonesia weighing purchase of China's J-10 fighter jets
Indonesia is evaluating the potential acquisition of Chinese J-10 fighter jets, attracted by their competitive pricing and advanced features, while simultaneously considering finalizing a deal for U.S.-made F-15EX aircraft. The nation is also weighing a preliminary defense pact with France, potentially leading to further orders of Rafale jets and other military equipment, as part of its ongoing military modernization efforts.
Six Pakistan fighter jets, one C-130 aircraft, multiple cruise missiles, UAVs destroyed during IAF retaliation in Op Sindoor
As per an ongoing analysis of the damage inflicted upon by the Indian Air Force on Pakistan Air Force, it is emerging that 6 PAF fighter jets, two high value aircraft, over 10 UCAVs, one C-130 transport aircraft along with multiple cruise missiles were destroyed by Indian air-launched cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
Pakistan follows a 1000-year war policy against India, says CDS Anil Chauhan
CDS General Anil Chauhan stated that Pakistan maintains a hostile stance towards India, stemming from the "thousand-year war" ideology. He criticized recent remarks by Pakistan's Army chief, General Asim Munir, as echoing past animosity.
Pakistan wanted a 48-hour operation, we shut it down in 8: CDS Anil Chauhan on how India foiled Pak’s plan
CDS General Anil Chauhan revealed Pakistan's plan to cripple India within 48 hours after the Pahalgam attack, but India's swift Operation Sindoor forced de-escalation in eight hours. Chauhan highlighted Pakistan's long-standing hostility, tracing it back to Bhutto's "thousand-year war" rhetoric. Despite initial losses, India's forces remained unfazed, sending a clear message of strategic retaliation against state-sponsored terrorism.
'Don't count jets': Experts cite US, Russia, Israel to explain why Op Sindoor shouldn't be judged by aircraft losses
Following General Chauhan's remarks on Operation Sindoor, a retired colonel defends the 'tactical mistakes' comment, asserting that jet losses are inherent in war due to strategic decisions made at the highest level. He emphasizes that pilots undertook high-risk missions to target terrorist locations directly, skipping initial steps to suppress enemy air defenses.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk calls confidence vote after nationalist wins presidency
Donald Tusk calls for a confidence vote after nationalist Karol Nawrocki's presidential win, which European far-right leaders celebrated. Nawrocki, a Trump fan, opposes the government's progressive agenda, potentially straining EU relations and complicating ties with Ukraine. Analysts foresee a challenging term for Tusk, possibly leading to early elections amid divisions and legislative deadlock.
Potential policy flashpoints between Poland's pro-Europe government and new president
Karol Nawrocki, a Polish nationalist, has won the presidential election, posing a challenge to Prime Minister Donald Tusk's pro-European government and its reform agenda. Nawrocki is expected to maintain the vetoing of bills, continuing the deadlock on key issues such as abortion rights, judicial reforms, and bringing PiS politicians to justice.
CDS General Anil Chauhan reveals how India bounced back from initial jet loss to hit critical targets in Pakistan
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan confirmed for the first time that fighter jets were lost during Operation Sindoor in early May. In interviews from the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he pushed back against Pakistan’s claims of shooting down six Indian aircraft and said India rapidly adapted tactics to strike deep into enemy territory. He stressed the conflict never approached nuclear levels and praised both nations for maintaining rationality during the four-day exchange.
BJP's 'Saboot gang' jab at Congress leaders
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly criticized the Congress party. This criticism is regarding remarks made by some Congress leaders on Operation Sindoor. BJP labeled the opposition party a 'Saboot gang'. Sambit Patra questioned why Congress leaders are not questioning Pakistan. He highlighted a division within the Congress party. Some support Pakistan, while others are hesitant to speak out.
Congress demeaning armed forces day in, day out: Union Minister Kishan Reddy
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for allegedly undermining the armed forces. This came after Revanth Reddy questioned PM Modi about Rafale aircraft losses and the decision to end conflict with Pakistan. Kishan Reddy accused Congress of demoralising the forces and echoing enemy narratives, questioning their loyalty to India.
"Yeh jo Pakistan ke Babbar hain, woh Hindustan ke Gabbar hain": Sambit Patra tears apart Revanth Reddy over Rafale jet remark
BJP MP Sambit Patra criticized Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's remarks about Rafale jets and Operation Sindoor, accusing Congress leaders of prioritizing Pakistan's interests. Patra defended the multi-party delegation, asserting they represented India's stance globally, and recalled past instances of alleged UPA government's leniency towards terrorists.
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