Indian Military News, Reports, Data, etc.

Anhad

New Member
Registered Member
As for the claim that Indian-made systems are superior in quality to Chinese-made systems, I mostly hear that argument from Indian commentators. I rarely hear the same claim from China or from analysts in other countries. In fact, I can point to statements by some retired Pakistani military officers and defense analysts who have argued that Chinese-made defense systems are superior to their Indian counterparts in terms of quality.
Listen to this analysis by Taiwanese media comparing the quality of Indian-made and Chinese-made defense systems.
 

Gloire_bb

Colonel
Registered Member
Btw, speaking of which.
We often talk about Tejas as the fail story of IAF. Which is fair for 2019, but not in 2025.
Instead, true culprits are Astra and highly ambitious Virpupaksha, which de facto blocked sustainance upgrades for MKI a2a capability. Before ~summer 2025, it was more or less in its 2001 state.

And MKI weapons performance was a problem both in 2019 and in 2025.
 

Anhad

New Member
Registered Member
All is "underway". Which means, right now IAF doesn't even have a common datalink, and tbh it's still not obvious when/if they'll ever get one, given how Dassault behaves.

Common communication interface is a relatively low bar, yet here we are. Rest of hopes abt a well integrated force after that point are unrealistic.
Indian Air Force has the Vayulink data link, which allows fighter aircraft of different origins to share data with one another, for example, Rafales can exchange information with Su-30MKIs. It is designed to provide secure and jam-resistant communication. However, if all fighter aircraft are equipped with indigenous radars, mission computers, electronic warfare suites, missiles, and communication systems, the level of integration would become even more robust.

Such integration would allow different platforms to work together seamlessly. For example, a surface-to-air missile such as the Akash or the S-400 could be launched from the ground, while a Tejas, Su-30MKI, or an AWACS aircraft provides target updates and guidance. A ground-based radar may not always detect a low-flying fighter aircraft or cruise missile until it is relatively close because of the radar horizon, whereas an AWACS or a fighter aircraft flying at altitude has a much better field of view and can detect such targets much earlier. Satellites can also contribute by detecting and tracking airborne objects and sharing that information with fighter aircraft, AWACS, and ground-based air defense systems.

As satellite-based surveillance, networking, and real-time data sharing continue to improve, the effectiveness of stealth aircraft could be increasingly challenged. Modern air warfare is becoming as much about information superiority as it is about aircraft performance. Semiconductors, software, data links, artificial intelligence, sensors, and network-centric warfare are becoming increasingly important. A country like India, which has invested heavily in electronics and software development, is well positioned to benefit from this shift.

At the same time, India's relatively limited investment in areas such as advanced hardware manufacturing, metallurgy, materials science, and engine technology has resulted in continued dependence on imported fighter aircraft engines. However, I believe this gap can be addressed over the next 10–15 years, either through international collaboration or through indigenous development.
 

Gloire_bb

Colonel
Registered Member
Indian Air Force has the Vayulink data link, which allows fighter aircraft of different origins to share data with one another, for example, Rafales can exchange information with Su-30MKIs.
Thanks for AI. As a matter of fact, it does not.
Current datalink is Rafael ODL/NETCOR.

Among operational aircraft, it's installed on mig-29UPGs(as well as navy 29Ks) and some Su-30MKIs (maybe darin too, lazy to check). It's very easy to spot on airframes.

Rafales specifically don't have this integration (it was agreed to be done via original french set and successfully sabotaged by Dassault, much like x-guard); one of the sindoor controversies.
 

Anhad

New Member
Registered Member
Thanks for AI. As a matter of fact, it does not.
Current datalink is Rafael ODL/NETCOR.

Among operational aircraft, it's installed on mig-29UPGs(as well as navy 29Ks) and some Su-30MKIs (maybe darin too, lazy to check). It's very easy to spot on airframes.

Rafales specifically don't have this integration (it was agreed to be done via original french set and successfully sabotaged by Dassault, much like x-guard); one of the sindoor controversies.
Indian Air Force Chief was asked during a press conference whether IAF faces interoperability issues because it operates aircraft from different countries. He replied that the Indian Air Force does not face such problems, as it has an indigenous system in place that enables different platforms to communicate and operate seamlessly together.
 

Gloire_bb

Colonel
Registered Member
Indian Air Force Chief was asked during a press conference whether IAF faces interoperability issues because it operates aircraft from different countries. He replied that the Indian Air Force does not face such problems, as it has an indigenous system in place that enables different platforms to communicate and operate seamlessly together.
Yes, it's true(though indigenous is a bit generous). It just doesn't extend to Rafales and older aircraft.
 

zyklon

Senior Member
Registered Member
Indian Air Force Chief was asked during a press conference whether IAF faces interoperability issues because it operates aircraft from different countries. He replied that the Indian Air Force does not face such problems, as it has an indigenous system in place that enables different platforms to communicate and operate seamlessly together.

The Indian Air Force's communications systems operate so seamlessly, even the Pakistanis are able to tune in! :cool:

 

another505

Junior Member
Registered Member
The WDMMA Air Power Ranking for 2026 has once again ranked the Indian Air Force above the Chinese Air Force. The top five air forces in the ranking are:
  1. U.S. Air Force
  2. Russian Air Force
  3. Indian Air Force
  4. Chinese Air Force
  5. Japanese Air Force
According to WDMMA, air power is not assessed solely on the number of aircraft. It also takes into account the quality of the aircraft and the overall composition and balance of an air force's inventory.
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This is so true, jai hind!!!!

अखण्ड भारत!!!​

 
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