Indian tri-defence forces modernising aviation capabilities to meet the challenges of modern warfare
By R Anil Kumar
The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are modernising their aviation capabilities to meet the challenges of modern warfare.
The Indian Army Aviation Modernisation in full swing:
The Indian Army has been aggressively expanding its helicopter fleet, UAV arsenal, and electronic warfare capabilities to strengthen its dominance across high-altitude battle zones, counter-terror operations, and asymmetric warfare environments.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to showcase domestically produced aircraft, including the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), TEJAS MK-1A, and the CATS Warrior combat drone, at the 15th edition of Aero India-2025, highlighting a push towards self-sufficiency. The event occurs from February 10th to 14th at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. The first three days are for business, and the last two are open to the public.
The Indian Army is working towards inducting around 250 helicopters for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, with emphasis on indigenous production under the “Make in India” policy.
The key contenders include HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter, Kamov-226T (Russia), and Airbus H125. The Ministry of Defence has approved the procurement of 156 LCH Prachand attack helicopters, with 90 earmarked for the Army. The first six LUH helicopters are being delivered between December 2024 and June 2025, replacing the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
The Army is making strides in UAV warfare and the Archer-NG UAV, a fully indigenous weaponised Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone, is expected to have its first flight in February/March 2025. The Army will also receive eight MQ-9B Reaper drones from the United States, enabling it to conduct long-range surveillance and deep-strike missions.
The Army is significantly bolstering its counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities, upgrading legacy air defence systems and deploying AI-assisted drone jammers and anti-swarm technologies.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the procurement of 156 LCH Prachand attack helicopters, with 90 earmarked for the Army. The Army is also making strides in UAV warfare, with the Archer-NG UAV, an indigenous weaponized Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone, expected to have its first flight in February 2025.
The Indian Navy Aviation: Expanding Maritime Power
The Indian Navy is set to enhance its carrier-based aviation capabilities with the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, intended for deployment on the INS Vikrant and possibly the INS Vikramaditya. The deal, valued at approximately €7 billion (₹63,000 crore), is likely to be signed in April 2025. The first Rafale M aircraft is expected to be delivered by May 2028.
The Indian Navy chose the Rafale-M over the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet following extensive evaluations. A key factor in this decision is the commonality with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale jets, which is expected to lower costs for spares and maintenance.
As part of the agreement, Dassault Aviation is expected to demonstrate a modified Rafale-M with Indian Navy-specific changes within 18 months of the deal being signed. These modifications are intended to ensure optimal performance from Indian aircraft carriers.
The Rafale-M includes the Thales RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar (optimized for maritime operations) and the Thales SPECTRA internal electronic warfare system (fine-tuned for naval operations).
It shares a common weapons package with the IAF Rafale, including the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile, MICA-A2A missile, HAMMER air-to-surface stand-off weapon, SCALP long-range stand-off missile, AM39 EXOCET anti-ship missile, and laser-guided bombs.
The Rafale-M development occurs in parallel with a reported shift in the Indian Navy’s strategic priorities, with a focus on submarines (including nuclear-powered attack vessels) rather than maintaining a three-aircraft carrier fleet.
The Indian Navy is also making strong advancements in maritime UAVs and the recent induction of the Drishti 10 MALE UAV in January 2024 signals a shift towards long-endurance drone patrols over the Indian Ocean Region.
According to sources, the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) project is progressing well, with its first flight expected between 2028 and 2030. The Navy is also making advancements in maritime UAVs, with the recent induction of the Drishti 10 MALE UAV in January 2024.
The Indian Air Force: Enhancing Aerial Dominance
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is on track to receive the first TEJAS MK-1Afighter jet in March 2025. Prior to delivery, trials for the TEJAS MK-1A, which include testing the Astra beyond-visual-range missile, an indigenous electronic warfare suite.
The TEJAS MK-1A is a 4+ generation fighter jet, indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured. The TEJAS MK-1A is designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided, and standoff weaponry and is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) designed the HAL Tejas to replace the Indian Air Force’s aging MiG-21 fighters. The IAF has contracted 83 TEJAS MK-1A aircraft.
Deliveries of all 83 aircraft are to be completed in eight years. The first three aircraft will be delivered in the third year, followed by 16 aircraft per year for the subsequent five years.
HAL is also advancing its TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA projects, further solidifying India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ADA will unveil a full-scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025.
The Air Force is prioritising new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to replace its ageing IL-76-based Phalcon AWACS.
India is also progressing in hypersonic missile technology, having successfully tested a scramjet combustor for hypersonic missiles in January 2025. The Indian Air Force plans to indigenize their entire fighter jet fleet by 2042.
The TEJAS MK-1A program is gaining momentum, with HAL set to deliver the first upgraded TEJAS MK-1A fighter in March 2025. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will unveil a full-scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025, reinforcing India’s commitment to developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
China Factor: Rapid Modernisation, Keeping Pace is the Key
Though China’s modernisation pace is unmatched, and its AI-powered drone swarms, carrier-based stealth aircraft, and hypersonic missile programs present significant challenges to India’s regional air dominance. India is responding with a multi-pronged strategy, balancing indigenous aircraft development, fast-tracked UAV acquisitions, and key global defence partnerships.
India is responding with a multi-pronged strategy, balancing indigenous aircraft development, fast-tracked UAV acquisitions, and key global defence partnerships.
Although the Chinese Air Force has a quantitative advantage, the Indian Air Force possesses experienced pilots, reliable platforms, and strategic locations. The Indian Air Force also has practical experience in high-altitude combat operations and more airbases and weapon depots near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) than China. India is responding to China’s advancements through a combination of indigenous development, strategic acquisitions, and defence partnerships.
The Indian Air Force plans to attain a 42squadron strength by 2035 and deploy 450 fighter jets each along the borders of Pakistan and China.
