LCA 'TEJAS' MKIA DELIVERIES TO THE INDIAN AIR FORCE (IAF) were to begin in March 2024. The strategic community got a jolt when they were told that there were delays because of issues related to supplies of the GE F404-IN20 engines from US-based GE Aerospace. That the aircraft will now be handed over in August. Later the date of delivery was changed to November.
IAF that is already at an all-time low of nearly 30 squadrons was facing the prospect of going below that already low figure. The security establishment and defence hierarchy was reportedly seized of the situation, and acting to retrieve the situation and prevent further delays. During his visit to the US, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had reportedly flagged the issue.
Not just engines, Tejas Mk1A delivery could be hit over key Danish part, the engine charge amplifiers, now on export blacklist. Denmark authorities have reportedly put export restrictions on this item, which is likely to be due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. India is in talks with Denmark. It was a small product which was being imported. Because of this export blacklisting, HAL had contracted a Bengaluru firm to indigenise it. The firm, we are told, has almost completed it, and then HAL will carry out tests. It can then be mass-produced.
AERIAL THREAT PERCEPTION
China is pulling ahead. They are directly competing with USA. In March this year, in a testimony on Capitol Hill, the head of US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Navy Admiral John C. Aquilino said that China would “soon have the world’s largest air force”. In its 2023 report on Chinese military power, the Pentagon noted that the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) and PLAN combined have over 3,150 operational aircraft other than trainers and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
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Esta historia es de la edición Issue 9, 2024 de SP’s Aviation.
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KLM: THE WORLD'S OLDEST AIRLINE STILL GOING STRONG!
In 1930, KLM began scheduled passenger service between Amsterdam and Jakarta. The Fokker F.XII plane took 10 days to reach, including 81 hours of flying time. It was the world's longest scheduled flight before the Second World War.
SPICEJET'S $90 MILLION DEAL WITH CANADIAN Q400 PLANES
SpiceJet has successfully resolved a significant dispute with Bombardier over a fleet of Q400 turboprop planes in the form of a $90 million settlement, marking the end of a prolonged legal battle that also has broader implications for the Indian aviation sector
TAPPING THE UNCHARTED WATERS
Seaplane services are expected to transform regional connectivity in India, boost tourism, create jobs, and foster economic development, particularly in hard-to-reach coastal and inland regions
FLIGHT PLAN FOR NAVIGATING BUSINESS AIRCRAFT FINANCING
The business aircraft financing market has witnessed significant growth post-pandemic, driven by increased demand for private and chartered flights
TRUMP'S VICTORY: WHAT WILL IT UNFOLD FOR INDIA
For India, one of the most significant aspects of Trump's return will be his approach to China. There is a possibility that Trump will continue to view India through a transactional lens, prioritising trade deficits and economic returns. The role which the US plays as the global tech powerhouse is the model for future growth which cuts across economy to security. In all potential, there are mostly positive signs, rather another defining era for Indo-US relations could unfold if indicators are right. The convergence of mutual interest for both democracies is too obvious.
ANTARIKSHA ABHYAS-2024
The first ever tri-services Defence Space Exercise was a significant building block towards holistic capability in global space operations
INDIA'S GSAT-20 SATELLITE LAUNCHED
Symbolising growing technology, growth & collaboration, this mission highlights India's dedication to leveraging space technology for societal progress, expanding its role in commercial space ventures while underscoring the potential for India's heavy-lift launch vehicles to capture future opportunities
A LEGACY OF PRECISION, POWER, AND POISE IN THE SKIES
With a vision for comfort, excellence and sustainable aviation, Dassault's Falcon family embodies the peak of technological and environmental advancements
INDIA'S RICHEST BUYS BBJ
Private jets play a strategic role in allowing business magnates like Ambani to optimise time management, particularly critical given his global business commitments and a packed travel schedule.
PRIME MINISTER INAUGURATES AIRCRAFT COMPLEX FOR MANUFACTURING OF C295 AIRCRAFT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing of C295 aircraft at TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 28, 2024.
