Aerospace

India’s HAL offers AESA radar and Brahmos capable Tejas Mk-1A to the Philippines..

The Philippine Air Force is desperately seeking new fighter jets for its front-line security forces. It currently operates 12 Korean-made FA-50 trainer/light-attack jets. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is scrambling to catch up while working within a limited budget to replace ageing defence capabilities.

The FA 50 is insufficient to the PAF because it has not provided promising results in terms of protection; the Philippines may look for newer fighter jets. The Tejas aircraft, built in India, may be suitable for its requirements because it is already in use by the Indian air force and has proven technology. It was proudly displayed at the most recent airshow, complete with an incredible aerobatic display.

PAF is now looking to expand its fighter fleet and is considering placing orders for 12 more fighter jets under its MRF acquisition programme, for which it is negotiating with Lockheed Martin for the F-16 Block-70 Fighting Falcon and Saab for the JAS 39 Gripen-C. However, Philippine National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated that the F-16 cost is prohibitively expensive, fueling speculation that the Gripen will be the front-runner for the contract. However, the recent sale of a Gripen-E to Brazil confirms that its fly-by-unit cost is around $80 million, and even the much smaller C version costs around $60-65 million, prompting PH to consider other options.

The Philippines is in debt as a result of the covid 19 pandemic, and the Philippines air force desperately needs new front-line fighter jets due to ongoing territorial disputes in the west Philippine sea, as well as China’s regional dominance.
HAL is now stepping in to offer Tejas aircraft to PAF, which is expected to happen soon next month. Representatives from the Indian HAL company will pay them a visit and brief them on the aircraft.

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The Tejas Mk-1A is an improved version of the Tejas Mk-1 and will be a 4.5 Generation fighter with long range BVR missiles such as Astra Mk-1/2/IR/3 and I-Derby ER, close combat missiles such as R-73, ASRAAM, and Python-5, and anti-ship/land attack cruise missiles such as Subsonic Nirbhay /Hunter ALCM, Hammer and Supersonic Brahmos-NG, laser

It will also have an Elm-2052 / Uttam AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, a pylon-mounted IRST, a more powerful mission computer, dual rack pylons, an aerial refuelling probe, simplified maintenance, and a lower radar signature.

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The Tejas Mk1A has a fly-by unit cost of around $42 million, which means it could be used instead of spending nearly $2.43 billion for 12 jets quoted by Lockheed Martin and even more from Saab.

PAF may purchase a fleet of 12 Tejas Mk1A jets for half the price of the deal. One advantage is that both the Tejas Mk1A and the FA-50 are powered by the General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine and are compatible with Israeli weapons and sensors, which reduces the additional costs associated with ground crew training and allows Filipino pilots who have completed the FA-50 training programme to easily transition to Tejas Mk1A fighters.

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Indian-built fighter jets are also being improved to make them better aircraft, with the latest avionics and weapons packages that will undoubtedly help the Philippines on the battlefield.

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Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.