Aviation

India’s Potential Interest in Russia’s Su-57 Fighter Jet

The Indian Air Force may soon bolster its fighter jet fleet with the addition of Russia’s Su-57 ‘Felon’, a cutting-edge stealth aircraft.

Amidst concerns over a declining number of warplanes in its inventory, military experts like former IAF pilot Vijainder K Thakur underscore the advantages of integrating the Su-57 into India’s defense strategy.

Thakur emphasized that the Su-57‘s advanced features, such as its night vision and tracking system, countermeasures against infrared missiles, and sensors capable of detecting missile launches, make it a formidable addition to the IAF’s arsenal.

Advanced AI and technology for teaming with aircraft.

One of the most notable aspects of the Su-57 is its integration of advanced AI and technology, allowing it to team with both manned and unmanned aircraft.

Thakur pointed out that the Su-57 could carry electronic equipment in its weapons bay to operate as a drone mothership, controlling highly stealthy drones such as the Okhotnik (S-70).

AMCA still 2-3 years from maiden flight

Despite India’s ongoing efforts to develop its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), Thakur noted that the AMCA is still 2-3 years away from its maiden flight and approximately 15 years from operational induction.

In the interim, the Su-57 could provide the IAF with the stealth capabilities it currently lacks. Moreover, India’s strategic options are limited by its purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which precludes the acquisition of the F-35 from the United States.

Thus, the Su-57 emerges as a viable alternative to bridge the gap until the AMCA becomes operational.

Aerospace

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Ready-to-Build Aircraft in India Amidst C-390 Competition

In the competition for medium-range military transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force, there are currently three main contenders. Airbus offers the A400, Embraer presents the C390, and Lockheed Martin proposes the C130J, which is already in service with the Indian Air Force.

These contenders are actively promoting their aircraft to India, as the Indian Air Force plans to acquire between 40 to 80 aircraft, subject to various operational requirements.

Embraer has partnered with Mahindra to assemble its aircraft in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative. This initiative aims to manufacture products locally and enhance domestic production capabilities.

Lockheed Martin, leveraging its joint venture with Tata (TLMAL), aims to capitalize on the significant opportunity to sell military transport planes to India. TLMAL currently manufactures tail assemblies for C-130s in the US.

As per the sources Airbus is pitching its A400M aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The company has a joint venture with Tata to produce C295 transports in India. Meanwhile, Embraer, which manufactures the C-390, has already sold eight planes to India for executive and early warning aircraft use and has partnered with Mahindra to compete for this order.

Lockheed Martin advocates for India to continue procuring C-130Js, highlighting their availability of spare parts, reliability, and low operating costs. Additionally, the commonality in training, maintenance, spares, and logistics support is emphasized as advantageous features of the aircraft.

Aviation

Boeing’s New Engineering Hub in Daytona Beach: 200 High-Paying Jobs on Offer

Boeing is set to establish a new engineering facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Cici & Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Plans to hire 200 engineers initially

The facility will initially focus on engineering work for military aircraft programs and advanced technology capabilities. Boeing plans to hire approximately 200 high-paying engineering professionals this year, with expectations to nearly double that number in the coming years.

The work will span Boeing’s defense and government services portfolios, emphasizing engineering design, research, development, and prototyping.

Mori Hosseini, chairman of Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees, described the development as a significant milestone for Daytona Beach, Florida, and the broader aviation community. The facility’s construction, including a 65,000-square-foot space with a 40,000-square-foot hangar, commenced in 2022 and is on track for completion in fall.

Boeing anticipates operations to commence by late fall, contributing to the local economy and fostering collaboration with students in aerospace, cybersecurity, commercial space, and other STEM fields at Embry-Riddle’s Research Park.

Boeing investing $100,000 in Volusia County

Boeing is also demonstrating its commitment to the community with a $100,000 investment in Volusia County nonprofit organizations. This funding supports initiatives like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Volusia County Schools Partnership Program, aimed at ensuring students have access to nutritious food.

Additional support will benefit local veterans and environmental programs, underscoring Boeing’s broader impact beyond its operational footprint.