Israeli company IAI has announced a tie-up with HAL to offer converted passenger jets for India’s air-to-air tanker requirement. (IAI)
An Indian Air Force (IAF) plan to buy 12 multi-mission air-to-air tankers, with RfPs previously released in 2006 and 2011, is being reinitiated this year with speed.
The paucity of spares following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is impacting the IAF’s six Il-78MKI tankers, with groundings gravely inhibiting their ability to refuel Indian fighters. Indeed, engine upgrades to ensure the Il-76s can fly with a full fuel load from 9,000ft runways have been deferred, creating further constraints.
An acceptance of necessity for new tankers is expected in the next six months. This RfP will be for six tankers, with an
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The Pentagon has sent an amendment to the Office of Management and Budget, according to Pete Hegseth, including funds for the procurement of E-7 Wedgetails in FY2027.
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
The USAF intends to conduct the second phase of the DRAGON programme from FY2026 to FY2030, while the future of the E3 replacement remains unknown.
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
The Brazilian Army is forecast to spend $279.15 million on UAVs from 2026, exceeding the Brazilian Navy’s $227.51 million forecast spend, although the naval force was an earlier adopter of the capability.
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