Why 114 Rafales Are India’s Biggest Defence Signal Since Pokhran II

By BPN News Desk September 13, 2025

Op-Eds Opinion

India has had a few inflection points that quietly, firmly reset how the world reads New Delhi’s intent. Pokhran II in 1998 was one such moment. A three-decade later echo could arrive if the proposal to build 114 Rafales in India moves from paper to production. This is not only a purchase plan.

Defence National

IAF Eyes More Rafales After Operation Sindoor

By BPN News Desk September 13, 2025

The Indian Air Force is considering strengthening its fleet after the successful execution of “Operation Sindoor.” It is evaluating the option of acquiring more Rafale fighter jets to counter the shortfall in squadron numbers. MRFA Programme Under Review The additional jets are expected to come under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. A

Expert Opinions Opinion

Tejas Mk 1A – A Milestone in India’s Quest for Self-Reliance

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The recent approval of a ₹62,000 crore order for 97 Tejas Mk 1A fighter jets marks one of the most important milestones in India’s defense modernization journey. For decades, India’s reliance on imported fighters — from the MiG-21s of the Soviet era to the modern Rafales from France — highlighted a persistent gap in indigenous […]

Defence National

India Clears ₹62,000 Cr Deal for 97 Tejas Mk1A Jets

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The Indian government has cleared a ₹62,000 crore deal to procure 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft. The approval, granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security, will further strengthen the Indian Air Force’s fleet and support the “Make in India” push for indigenous defence manufacturing. HAL to Lead Production Across Facilities Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Defence National

Experts Back IAF Claim of Downing Pakistani Aircraft

By BPN News Desk August 14, 2025

International military aviation analysts and historians have endorsed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s statement that the Indian Air Force (IAF) shot down at least five Pakistani fighter jets and one large airborne early warning aircraft during Operation Sindoor. IAF Chief’s Statement The IAF Chief stated that most of these aircraft were intercepted using India’s

Defence National

Operation Sindoor: India Shoots Down Six Pakistani Aircraft

By BPN News Desk August 9, 2025

On August 9, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, confirmed that during Operation Sindoor in May, India shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large military surveillance aircraft, believed to be an AWACS, using the advanced S-400 missile defense system. The surveillance aircraft was destroyed at a distance […]

Defence National

IAF: Under 50 Weapons Forced Pakistan to Ceasefire

By BPN News Desk July 26, 2025

Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Narmadeshwar Tiwari, stated that less than 50 air-launched weapons were enough to compel Pakistan to request a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. The remark was made during a seminar on aerospace strategy held in New Delhi. Operation Sindoor’s Strategic Impact Air Marshal Tiwari explained that the operation, […]

Defence National

Indian Air Force Retires MiG‑21 Jets in September

By BPN News Desk July 22, 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire its remaining MiG‑21 fighter jets in September 2025, officially drawing the curtain on more than six decades of service. The farewell ceremony is scheduled for 19 September at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. It will be hosted by the No. 23 Panthers Squadron, the last active […]

Defence National

IAF to Launch Major Exercise in Rajasthan

By BPN News Desk July 22, 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a major combat exercise in Rajasthan from July 23 to 25, focusing on air operations across the western border. The exercise will involve high-tempo sorties, day and night missions, and the participation of frontline fighter jets. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has been issued to restrict […]

Defence National

US Not Revamping Indian MiG‑29 Jets

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

India’s MiG‑29 fighter jets are not being revamped by the United States, contrary to recent reports circulating online. The Indian Air Force’s MiG‑29 fleet had already undergone a comprehensive upgrade programme nearly two decades ago under a direct contract with Russia. The mid-life upgrade was initiated in 2008 to extend the operational life of the […]