The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the highest executive body that takes a call on defense matters, has cleared the acquisition of two Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platforms, from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) at a cost of US$1.1 billion (Rs 7,500 crore).
The acquisition of the AEW mission systems installed on two IL-76 (A-50) aircraft will be processed as a follow-on phase under the tripartite contract with Israel and Russia, under which India bought three such aircraft for the same amount, from Israel and Russia in 2009 and 2010. The Indian Business Standard reported.
The IL-76 Phalcon AWACS platform plays significant role in Indian Air Force’s Network-Centric Operations. It can detect aircraft, drones and cruise missiles from a range of 400 km.The AWACS platform plays significant role in Indian Air Force’s Network-Centric Operations. In addition to the three arrays comprising the ELM-2075 L-band early warning radar located in the static dome, these aircraft have electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communications intelligence (COMINT)-gathering capabilities that help intercept signals from enemy areas, in monitoring troop build-up and to detect aerial threats. It can detect aircraft, drones and cruise missiles from a range of 400 km.
The CCS has also cleared a proposal for the induction of the fourth regiment of Brahmos missile and two more of Pinaka rocket-launchers for the Army.
The first of three PHALCON AEW aircraft delivered to India under the Russian-Israeli-Indian deal.
President Trump’s June 6, 2025 executive order “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” sets an aggressive timeline for FAA BVLOS rulemaking, launches an eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, and prioritizes domestic manufacturing and export of U.S. drone technologies—aiming to modernize logistics, public safety, and defense while securing global leadership in advanced air mobility.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems unveils its new IRON BEAM 450 HELWS with an upgraded laser beam director at the Paris Air Show. The system features a 450mm aperture with Coherent Beam Combining technology, enabling precision targeting of coin-sized objects beyond 10km while maintaining speed-of-light threat neutralization capabilities.
Hermeus Corporation achieved the first flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 hypersonic demonstrator on May 27, 2025. Quarterhorse Mk 1 went from a clean sheet to flight-ready in a little over a year. The...
India formally approved its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, officially joining the fifth-generation stealth fighter market with a stealth, twin-engine advanced fighter jet.
The new development, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will follow...
On June 1, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service launched “Web,” a covert FPV drone operation targeting four Russian airbases. Containerized launch modules smuggled drones deep into Russia, striking more than 40 bombers and AEW&C platforms. This unprecedented long-range attack signals a shift in drone warfare and compels Russia to rethink rear-area air defenses.