Defence

HAL to Restart Su-30MKI Jet Manufacturing at Nashik Facility

In a major boost to India’s defense manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to resume production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets at its Nashik facility.

This revival comes after a substantial $1.3 billion contract was approved in September 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet and bolstering local production capabilities.

The order includes 12 new Su-30MKIs, helping to replenish recent IAF losses and enhance India’s self-reliance in defense.

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HAL plans to deliver these new jets within the next three years, with Russian support to assist in this endeavor, underscoring a long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Moscow visit, both nations reiterated their commitment to co-manufacturing and technology transfer initiatives.

This collaborative effort aligns with India’s Make-in-India program, supporting domestic defense capabilities and paving the way for future exports to friendly countries.

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The Nashik facility has historically been integral to India’s defense industry, and the upcoming Su-30MKI production aligns with HAL’s broader vision of producing and upgrading critical defense assets.

Experts project that a full modernization of India’s Su-30MKI fleet will unfold over the next 8–10 years, helping to ensure that the IAF maintains cutting-edge capabilities well into the future.

Alongside the initial 12 jets, HAL has submitted a proposal to supply 72 additional Su-30MKIs, which would include an advanced “Super-30” upgrade package featuring enhanced avionics, radar, and combat capabilities.

Estimated at $5 billion, this ambitious expansion would raise the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet to over 344 aircraft by 2029-30, potentially adding four new squadrons. These upgrades would incorporate indigenous radar and weapons systems, boosting India’s operational readiness and defense independence.

Defence

Turkey’s ANKA-3: A Game-Changer in Military Aviation with Remote-Controlled Innovation

Turkey has emerged as an advanced player in the field of military technology, making significant strides in the development of aircraft, drones, and fighter systems.

A key aspect of Turkey’s defense strategy is its aim to reduce reliance on foreign military equipment and to foster a robust domestic defense industry.

A key part of this effort is the development of the ANKA-3, a next-generation stealth unmanned combat drone created by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

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This groundbreaking drone recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in history to be controlled from another aircraft, showcasing remarkable advancements in remote control capabilities for military aviation.

The ANKA-3 is not just an isolated innovation; it is part of a broader Turkish drone ecosystem that includes the Şimşek and Süper Şimşek drones. These unmanned systems work collaboratively to enhance Turkey’s aerial capabilities, contributing to a robust and integrated approach to modern warfare.

As production of the ANKA-3 ramps up, TAI plans to deliver multiple units by 2028, reflecting Turkey’s ambition to bolster its domestic defense industry while reducing reliance on foreign military equipment.

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The emergence of the ANKA-3 aligns with a global trend toward integrating unmanned systems into military operations. Its unique capabilities have drawn international interest, with countries like Indonesia expressing a keen interest in acquiring similar technologies.

The ANKA-3 is powered by a single AI-322 engine, achieving a maximum speed of 450 knots and a service ceiling of 12,000 meters (39,000 feet), with a maximum operational altitude of 40,000 feet. Future iterations of the drone are expected to be larger and equipped to carry heavier payloads, necessitating an optimized design for supersonic speeds.

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The ANKA-3 provides air forces with the ability to conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strikes in contested environments while minimizing risks to human pilots. This capability is especially crucial for deep missions in heavily defended areas, where traditional approaches face increased danger from radar and missile defense systems.

Moreover, the ability to control these drones from manned aircraft enhances responsiveness to changing tactical situations, allowing for rapid deployment and coordination with combat aircraft for targeted strikes or enemy defense suppression.