At Aero-India 2011 the Indian Air Force Su-30MKI is shown with Brahmos missile model attached at the centerline, representing a new configuration currently in development, which will be part of the next upgrade of the aircraft, being developed by HAL and Irkut. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
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BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile for the Indian Air Force, would be ready by next year, officials said. Destined to fly on the Su-30MKI air dominance fighter, the Brahmos is nine times faster than other anti-ship missiles, BrahMos Aerospace Chief Executive and Managing Director A Sivathanu Pillai told reporters. Carrying the large missile requires major modification of the Su-30MKI, which is currently underway as part of the aircraft upgrading program, which will also include an introduction of a new radar and avionics.
At Aero-India 2011 the Indian Air Force Su-30MKI is shown with Brahmos missile model attached at the centerline, representing a new configuration currently in development, which will be part of the next upgrade of the aircraft, being developed by HAL and Irkut. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update.
As traditional defense primes face mounting competition from agile “neoprimes” such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, the balance of innovation is shifting toward software-defined warfare and scalable, dual-use technologies, while global industry consolidation—marked by Boeing’s integration of Spirit AeroSystems and other strategic mergers—signals an intensified race to secure control over the defense technology value chain. Our Defense-Tech weekly report highlights these trends.
In early October 2025, a coordinated wave of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions—widely attributed to Russia—targeted critical infrastructure across at least ten European nations. The unprecedented campaign exposed the fragility of Europe’s air defenses...
Executive Summary
The past week (September 18-25, 2025) represents an inflection point where strategic defense concepts have transitioned from doctrine to tangible reality. An analysis of global events reveals four primary, interconnected trends shaping an...
At the 2025 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, U.S. Air Force and Space Force leaders unveiled major updates on next-generation fighters, bombers, unmanned systems, and space initiatives, highlighting both rapid innovation and critical readiness challenges as the services race to outpace global competitors. A short version is available here, with a more detailed version for subscribers.
The Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025 crystallized around four dominant strategic themes that collectively illustrate Taiwan's comprehensive approach to defense modernization amid escalating regional tensions. Based on a detailed report by Pleronix (available upon request). Includes a Podcast discussion on TADTE 2025's highlighting Taiwan's four strategic themes beyond the post's coverage.
Israel’s Iron Beam 450 high-power laser system has completed final testing, marking a major leap in air defense. Developed by Rafael, it offers precise, cost-effective interception of rockets, UAVs, and mortars, and is set for IDF deployment by 2025.
WB Group unveiled its Future Task Force (FTF) at MSPO, a new warfighting concept integrating manned, unmanned, and autonomous systems. Combining hybrid-electric vehicles, loitering munitions, and AI-enabled command tools, the FTF is designed to sustain firepower and autonomy while reducing battalion size and logistical footprint.
