India deploys Dorniers to Seychelles in piracy fight

In wake of increasing threats from pirates, India will deploy a Dornier 228 maritime surveillance aircraft in the Seychelles to patrol the Indian Ocean and the pirate-infested Gulf of Aden. The move is also seen to counter China's inroads into the region.

India selects Israel's Derby AAM for Tejas

India will sign a contract with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd to supply the Derby air-to-air missile for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. The Indian Air Force has ordered 40 Tejas planes and according to the government’s plans 160 additional jets are to be produced including 60 for the Navy

India exercises option for four P-8s; ups fleet to 12 aircraft

In a bid to boost its maritime patrol capabilities, the Indian Navy has decided to exercise its option for an additional four Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The nation also sees a need for the new aircraft to counter piracy threats and the growing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Navy confident of having two carrier groups by 2015

Despite slippages in ongoing refit of the carrier Admiral Gorshkov in Russia, India is confident it will have two full-fledged aircraft carrier battle groups (CBGs) by 2015 or so. The Indian Navy also believes it can stretch the operational life of its current carrier, the INS Viraat, for another 10 years if the need arises.

Charles de Gaulle to take part in exercises with Indian Navy

Continuing a series of exercises between the two navies, the French and Indian Navy will conduct a joint exercise from January 7-14 in the Indian Ocean. The French carrier Charles de Gaulle will make her debut in the Varuna exercises.

India's Auditor General slams Navy Sea King purchase

The Indian Navy has been criticised over its purchase of decommissioned US Navy Sea King helicopters, citing time expired airframes, lack of suitable equipment on board and a failure to ensure a supply of replacement parts.