Latest News & Announcements

Airbus Indian Aircraft

First ‘Made in India’ C-295 Aircraft to Roll Out Before September: Jaishankar

Nearly two years after Airbus–Tata C-295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara was inaugurated in October 2024, the first ‘Made in India’ C-295 aircraft will roll out of the factory before September 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. Jaishankar met Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares in Delhi on Wednesday and said the advance reflects the “growing depth of our defence industrial collaboration” The Airbus C295 is a medium-range twin-engine turboprop tactical transport aeroplane that was initially manufactured by the Spanish aerospace company CASA, now part of the European multinational Airbus Defence and Space division. The Spanish Foreign Minister said they reviewed bilateral relations and main international issues and they also agreed to work together to elevate the association to a strategic partnership in the near future. Jaishankar said India and Spain have friendly relations, rooted in shared democratic values and “respect for multilateralism and a rule-based order”. “Our political engagement has grown progressively, marked by regular high-level exchanges,” he said. Emphasising that “economic partnership is a significant pillar of our relationship”, the EAM said, “Spain is amongst India’s significant trade partners in the EU and our bilateral trade in goods has crossed USD 8 billion recently.” As stated by Spain’s Foreign Ministry, Albares recently assessed the development of trade relations “very positively”, describing it as “characterized by significant and more balanced growth than in previous periods”. India and Spain will celebrate this year the 70th anniversary of the establishment of political relations, along with the Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and AI.   The C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Deal In 2021, India signed a Rs 21,935 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to acquire 56 C295 aircraft. Under the agreement, Airbus promised to deliver the first 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain,in 4 years and the next 40 aircraft were to be produced by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd in India. Source: The Hindu

Saheel Singh 22 Jan 2026

Defence Drones Military Drones

India Buys Belarus-Made Berkut-BM Attack Drones

India has acquired dozens of Belarus-made Berkut-BM one-way attack drones. The Berkut-BM is a kamikaze drone developed by the Indela company in Belarus and intended to strike time-sensitive battlefield targets before they can relocate. The system has compact, Chinese-made micro turbojet engines from Swiwin, giving the drone high dash speed and short engagement times that decrease the window for interception. Technical data for the platform demonstrates that the Berkut-BM can reach speeds of up to 410 kilometres per hour, with an operational range of about 150 kilometres, contingent on the mission profile and altitude. The drone is optimized for swift ingress, terminal dive and precision impact against fixed or relocatable targets. The drone carries a 10kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead envisioned for use against radar installations, missile batteries, artillery positions and logistics nodes. Its strike profile is customized for missions where targets must be demolished quickly. The Berkut-BM is a product of a catapult, allowing deployment from forward areas lacking permanent infrastructure. This lets mobile and concealed launch operations, offering field commanders superior flexibility to position launch sites closer to the line of contact. Belarus has previously exported these drones to Venezuela, Russia, Algeria, and the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces. The system is a low-priced alternative to cruise missiles for targeting high-value assets. The reported Indian acquisition comes as loitering munitions and one-way attack drones will reform battlefield operations, primarily in conflicts where air defence systems are under continuous pressure from saturation attacks. Jet-powered drones are a subcategory of this category, ensuring endurance for speed and reduced reaction time for the defence systems. India has extended its drone portfolio, integrating both foreign and domestic systems into its armed forces. The acquisition of Berkut-BM drones would place a moving weaponry in conjunction with India’s existing inventory of propeller-driven systems and precision-guided weapons. Source: Military Watch Magazine

Saheel Singh 21 Jan 2026

ICreate Drone Startups

iCreate Drone Challenge: Enhancing India’s Indigenous Drone Innovation and Manufacturing

Bringing together India’s best drone innovators for a Prototype Acceleration Programme, Ahmedabad, on 20 January 2026, iCreate, India’s leading deep-tech incubator, announced the start of the Prototype Acceleration Programme for the iCreate Drone Challenge 2025, held from 20 January to 13 February 2026. This Programme marks a development from a national search to a high-intensity prototype acceleration stage, proceeding India's advanced drones and indigenous components. The event was launched in October 2025, in association with Startup India, as part of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge initiative. iDC 2025 is India’s first significant platform focused on redefining global benchmarks in drone speed, endurance, and payload capacity. The challenge’s primary focus is to prioritize component indigenization, thereby reducing India’s reliance on imported critical subsystems, such as propulsion, avionics, energy systems and advanced materials. Following nationwide outreach across all states and UTs, iCreate received more than 500 applications and accepted 14 startups for the rigorous Prototype Acceleration Programme. Demonstrating a substantial shift in India’s innovation landscape, about 43% of the applications were from Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Bringing Together India’s Finest Drone Innovators for a High-Intensity Prototype Acceleration Programme, Ahmedabad, 20 January 2026, International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Technology, India’s leading deep-tech incubator, proclaimed the start of the Prototype Acceleration Programme for the iCreate Drone Challenge 2025, being held from 20 January to 13 February 2026. This Programme marks a key transition from a national search to a high-intensity prototype-acceleration stage, advancing India's next-gen drones and indigenous components. The chosen startup will focus on Aerial Excellence and Component Indigenization, developing indigenous drone components and trailblazing drone platforms for civil and defence applications. There was a virtual address from the Head of Startup India, Ms Mamatha Venkatesh, who was highlighting Startup India’s vision of manufacturing-focused development as a matter of national importance for building competitive startups. She noted that the iCreate Drone Challenge, launched in association with Startup India, brings together startups, industry and government to support founders at an important stage. Emphasizing drones as a strategic industry for India, with use in agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, surveillance and public services, she encouraged all the participating startups to leverage the platform, industry access, and institutional support to accelerate their journey from innovation to scalable impact. Source: The Tribune

Saheel Singh 21 Jan 2026

Air India Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines and Air India Sign a Commercial Cooperation Framework Agreement

A commercial cooperation framework agreement has been signed by Singapore Airlines and Air India, paving the way for both airlines to further strengthen their existing partnership through joint business agreements. This collaboration enables airlines to discover ways to expand connectivity between Singapore and India, offering greater benefits for customers. It was signed on 16 January 2026 in Mumbai by Air India CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, and SIA CEO, Goh Choon Phong. Conditional on regulatory approvals and the signing of definitive joint business agreements, the airlines’ goal is to expand and improve the product and service offerings, allowing seamless connections and additional route options and letting customers book flights across both airlines under a single unified journey. This corporation also envisions a closer coordination of flight schedules between Air India and Singapore Airlines to improve convenience for customers. Today, the airlines codeshare on 61 points in 20 nations and territories. This follows the October 2024 development of their codeshare corporation, which added 51 international and domestic destinations across both networks. Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD of Air India, said: “Air India is committed to growing its global footprint, both by adding new aircraft to our own fleet and by forging stronger commercial partnerships, particularly with our fellow Star Alliance member carriers. We are pleased to take our valued, lasting relationship with Singapore Airlines to the next level through this new commercial cooperation understanding, which starts a clear and structured platform for both airlines to discover and define future areas of closer collaboration. With this measured approach, we will lay a strong foundation for sustainable, longstanding value creation for our customers and other stakeholders.” Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines, said: “This agreement is a natural evolution of our successful partnership, creating genuine value and offering improved benefits to customers. It is a strategic, win-win collaboration that will fortify connectivity between Singapore and India, support the advance of air travel and tourism in both nations, and deepen their established business and people-to-people ties.” Source: IBEF

Saheel Singh 20 Jan 2026

Operation Sindoor Nagastra

An Advanced Nagastra Drone Used in Operation Sindoor has been Developed

An advanced version of the Nagastra drone, extensively used during Operation Sindoor, has been developed.   The Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Plant, which developed Nagastra, has also developed ‘Bhargavastra’, a micro-missile-based system, and conducted a successful test launch. The government is focusing on ensuring that the private sector’s contribution to defence manufacturing reaches 50% or more in the near future. The Nagastra drone advanced by this group was successfully deployed. This drone struck those who harboured ill intentions towards our country. Nagastra-1 is a suicide drone, made for searching and destroying any target by crashing into it. Bhargavastra, instead, is India's first indigenous, low-cost counter-drone system, developed to neutralize hostile drone swarms using micro-rockets and guided micro-missiles, featuring radar detection up to 6 km and engagement up to 2.5 km. The new facility is a fully automated plant manufacturing 30mm ammunition, which the Indian Army and Navy extensively use. Rajnath also visited the Pinaka rocket manufacturing facility and flagged off the first tranche of guided Pinaka rockets bound for Armenia. Operation Sindoor lasted for around 88 hours, but the intensity of those 88 hours couldn’t be described in words. In such operations, every minute, every decision and every resource is vital. Today, there are various kinds of wars. Warfare is becoming increasingly complex and intense. In such a situation, preparation for war is crucial. There was a time when ammunition shortages hampered India’s defence readiness, prompting the government to realize the need to become self-reliant. Commending the contribution of private enterprises in making the defence sector ‘Aatmanirbhar’, the nation is steadily marching forward in ammunition production, manufacturing quality and the production of dependable products. “In such a situation, increased participation of the private sector in manufacturing and R&D is the need of the hour. Source: Times of India

Saheel Singh 20 Jan 2026

Indigo FDTL

22 Crore Fined on IndiGo for Massive Flight Disruptions in December

A Rs 22.20 crore penalty has been imposed on IndiGo and action has been taken against its management for the massive flight disruptions in December 2025. The chairman and members of InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, the firm that owns Indigo, confirmed they have received the DGCA's orders and will take appropriate action. Why did the Disruptions Happen? An inquiry committee, set up by the DGCA on the directions of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, found that the main causes were over-optimization of operations, insufficient regulatory preparedness, weak software systems and inadequacies in management oversight at IndiGo. IndiGo was unable to maintain adequate operational buffers and did not implement the revised flight duty time limitation (FDTL) norms as required. Crew rosters were designed to maximize use, relying heavily on deadheading, tail swaps and long duty hours, which decreased the time for recovery and compromised working efficacy. Action Against Management The DGCA issued a caution to the IndiGo CEO for insufficient overall oversight and crisis management. A warning is issued to the accountable manager for failing to evaluate the impact of the winter schedule 2025 and revised FDTL norms. A warning was issued to the senior vice president, directing that he be relieved of his current operational responsibilities. Warnings were also issued to the deputy head of flight operations, the AVP of crew resource planning and the director of flight operations for lapses in supervision, workforce planning and roster management. IndiGo has been told to take action against other personnel recognized internally and submit a compliance report to the DGCA. How was the Penalty Calculated? 1.80 crore was levied on the airline as a one-time penalty for six violations of the Civil Aviation Requirements, such as failing to adhere to FDTL norms, inappropriate control of operations and insufficient management oversight. A fine of 20.40 crore was levied on the airline by the regulatory authority for non-compliance with the revised FDTL provisions for an extended period of 68 days, spanning from 5th December 2025 to 10th February 2026. The total fine was Rs 22.20 crore.   Apart from this, the airline will also give a bank guarantee of Rs 50 crore under the IndiGo Systemic Reform Assurance Scheme. Passenger Relief and Reforms IndiGo restored its operations quickly post-disruption. Along with refunds and mandatory compensation to passengers, the airline issued a 'Gesture of Care' voucher of Rs 10,000, valid for a year, to all who suffered due to flight delays or cancellations of over 3 hours during the disruption. The MoCA conducted an internal inquiry within the DGCA for the identification and implementation of systemic improvements. Source: NDTV

Saheel Singh 19 Jan 2026

Wings India 2026 Aviation

Wings India 2026: Asia’s Largest Civil Aviation Event Will Showcase the Future of Aviation

Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2026, will be launched by Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation. The launch will start a four-day global aviation event to be held from 28 to 31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.   The theme of the event will be “ Indian Aviation: Paving the Future, From Design to Deployment, Manufacturing to Maintenance, Inclusivity to Innovation and Safety to Sustainability ”. The event will highlight India’s fast-expanding aviation landscape, its growing global footprint, and its vision to develop into a hub for manufacturing, services, innovation, and sustainable aviation solutions. A Global Platform for Aviation Excellence Wings India 2026 will have an expansive international exhibition, static aircraft displays, flying and aerobatic shows, an advanced international conference, CEO roundtables, B2B and B2G meetings, an aviation job fair, an awards ceremony and vibrant cultural programmes. Delegates from across the world will reinforce the event’s stature as a leading global aviation forum. This event will be attended by airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, MROs, airport developers, OEMs, technology providers, training institutions and service partners. This will be a meeting point for industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and investors to deliberate on evolving trends, prospects, and pathways shaping the civil aviation future worldwide. The international conference will have 13 thematic sessions, along with the Global CEOs Forum and Ministerial Plenary, covering main areas, for example, Airports, Aircraft Leasing, Helicopters, Airlines, Women in Aviation, MRO, Air Cargo Transportation, Business Aviation and Small Aircraft, Aircraft Component Manufacturing, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Flying Training and Skilling, Advanced Air Mobility and Drones. Strong International and State Participation This event will be attended by foreign delegations and senior government officials from over 20 countries, as well as official delegations, reinforcing international cooperation in the aviation industry. Indian state participation will showcase aviation-led growth, investment prospects and infrastructure expansion. Spectacular Air Shows and Aircraft Displays Wings India 2026 will have impressive static aircraft displays, flying displays and aerobatic air shows, showcasing various aircraft. Highlight attractions comprise aerial performances by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. Dedicated platforms will be provided by the event for exhibitions, chalets and B2B/B2G meetings, allowing networking, partnerships and investment discussions. An Aviation Job Fair will connect industry leaders with aspiring aviation professionals. A curated Civil Aviation innovation Challenge for students will be organized to endorse innovation, problem-solving and industry-oriented thinking among students and professionals, providing them with practical aviation experience. The event will also have a vibrant Cultural Programme reflecting India’s rich heritage, adding an exclusive experiential dimension for delegates and visitors, together with the aviation showcases. An Award Ceremony, continuing the tradition of recognizing excellence and outstanding contributions in civil aviation will also be held. With its strategic focus, Wings India 2026 will be a landmark event that will not only showcase India’s aviation development story but also strengthen global partnerships, drive innovation and chart the future trajectory of the civil aviation sector. Source: PIB

Saheel Singh 19 Jan 2026

Adani Group Embraer

Adani–Embraer Deal Could Start Commercial Aircraft Assembly in India

India is working hard to become a substantial player in the global commercial aircraft manufacturing industry through a tactical partnership between the Adani Group and Brazil’s Embraer. After the MoU was signed between Adani Aerospace and Embraer in Brazil, the partnership plans to establish a local assembly line for Embraer’s regional passenger jets. This could be India’s first final assembly line for commercial aircraft. Although the full details of the project have not yet disclosed, the agreement includes assembling Embraer’s regional jet family, which serves short- to medium-haul routes and houses between 70 and 146 passengers. Should the project be completed, India would join the US, Brazil, Canada, France, and China, which operate commercial aircraft assembly lines.   Taking the history into account, the focus of the Indian aerospace industry has always been on defence programs, manufacturing components and systems integration and not on building a commercial aircraft assembly. Tactical Implications for Adani and the Indian Aviation Industry The assembly line aligns with the Adani Group’s lofty ambitions. The company has dedicated INR 1 trillion to investing in its airports business in the next 5 years and has expanded into maintenance, repair and flight simulation training. The Director at Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, Jeet Adani, focused on the company’s strategy to differentiate airport infrastructure from aircraft-related services and to consolidate MRO competencies through entities, for instance, Indamer and Air Works, into a unified platform. The incorporation of an Embraer assembly line would integrate manufacturing into Adani’s aviation ecosystem, creating an inclusive pipeline which spans assembly, maintenance, training and lifecycle support. This model is typical of more advanced aviation markets and could advance working competencies and service offerings within the aviation sector of India. Support of the Government and Context of the Market The partnership’s timing is significant, taking into account that India is among the fastest-growing aviation markets worldwide. With over 1,800 aircraft on order from IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air, the requirement for new aircraft is sizable. However, delivery slots for single-aisle aircraft from Airbus and Boeing are mainly booked well into the next decade. The government of India has urged global manufacturers to establish final assembly lines in India to boost industrial capabilities and reduce dependence on imports. There can be economic incentives for airlines to order aircraft assembled in India. Investors are hopeful about the deal and are interested in knowing about scalable platforms and consolidation forecasts in the commercial aerospace industry. Embraer’s strong delivery performance in 2025, surpassing its annual estimates, underscores a favourable environment for the partnership's success. Implementation Challenges for this Deal   There is no doubt that the overall outlook for the aviation sector looks very promising for establishing commercial aircraft assembly in India, but it is not without challenges. There is a need for profound supplier networks, stringent quality control systems and regulatory alignment with aviation authorities worldwide. Aircraft manufacturing needs a lot of capital, the margins are thin and it hinges heavily on airline demand to keep up production stability. Any efficacious final assembly line implementation would need strong policy support, competitive cost and lasting commitments from both manufacturers and airlines to guarantee viability and sustainability. Source: Times of India

Saheel Singh 16 Jan 2026

Ahamani EV Technology NBC Bearings

NBC Bearings and Ahamani EV Technologies Join Hands to Power India's Drone Sector

A drone technology company, Ahamani EV Technology and NBC Bearings have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the commercialization and acceptance of next-gen drones in India. NBC Bearings will invest in 30% in Ahamani India. The partnership is the result of a shared promise to build a scalable drone system aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. By combining Ahamani’s trailblazing drone platforms, power systems and control technologies with NBC’s precision engineering expertise and manufacturing scale, the corporation will address the growing demand across all drone applications. Accelerating Market Adoption of Advanced Drone Solutions Ahamani India will be the focal platform for the availability of high-performance drone systems and important components custom-made to the Indian market's requirements. Leveraging Ahamani’s innovation-led technology base established in Taiwan, the partnership will focus on delivering dependable, scalable and profitable solutions across all drone applications across several industries. NBC’s manufacturing competencies, quality systems and market reach will support faster localization while meeting global performance standards. The partnership will make India a hub for drone technologies serving international as well as domestic markets. What did the Management of the Companies say? The President & CEO, NBC Bearings, said, “This partnership with Ahamani will extend the engineering strengths into developing technology domains with robust market potential.   In this partnership, we will support India’s growing demand for pioneering drones while contributing to the development of a robust domestic technology ecosystem.” The Ahamani Advanced Inc.’s founder said, “India is among the most important markets for innovative drone applications. With this partnership with NBC, we are fast-tracking our market development by uniting robust local manufacturing abilities with Ahamani’s drone and power-electronics technologies. We highlighted offering practical solutions, meeting the commercial and industrial requirements.” The partnership is a significant milestone in Ahamani’s India roadmap, strengthening its commitment to lasting market development, localization and customer-driven innovation, while allowing NBC to expand its incidence in future-ready engineering and mobility technologies. Source: Silicon India

Saheel Singh 16 Jan 2026

Air India Airbus

Air India Long-Haul Flights Hit by Delays After Delhi-New York Flight Engine Damage

Air India has warned passengers that some long flights may be delayed or disrupted after one of its Airbus A350 aircraft was damaged at Delhi airport on Thursday. The problem occurred after the aircraft landed and was taxiing on the ground in dense fog. The plane struck a foreign object while en route to the parking area. Later, India’s DGCA confirmed that the object was a cargo container that had fallen off a vehicle and ended up on a taxiway. Further investigation is being carried out, the DGCA said. Photos shared on social media showed a hole in the engine’s air intake. Air India A350 Engine Damaged at Delhi  The aircraft, VT-JRB, was operating Flight AI101 from New Delhi to New York. Soon after take-off, the flight had to return to Delhi because Iranian airspace was suddenly closed. After landing safely at Runway 28 at IGI airport, the aircraft started taxiing towards the apron area. At the taxiway N and N4 intersection, one of the engines ingested a cargo container. The episode occurred around 5.25 am, when visibility was poor due to dense fog. The container was sucked into the aircraft’s No. 2 engine, causing the most damage. The civil aviation ministry shared more details about the incident. As stated by the ministry, a tug operated by BWFS was conveying baggage containers to the Baggage Make-up Area of Terminal 3. While crossing the taxiway joint on the vehicular lane, a container fell onto the taxiway. That container was in the aircraft's path and was sucked into the engine as the plane passed. What was Said by Air India? Air India confirmed that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York, returned to Delhi shortly after takeoff because Iran closed its airspace, which affected its planned route. Post landing in Delhi, the aircraft was struck by a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, which resulted in damage to the right engine.” “The aircraft was safely positioned at the parking stand, guaranteeing the safety of all passengers and crew on board”. What is Revealed by the Initial Investigation? Initial investigation has revealed that a BWFS tug conveying a few containers to the ‘Baggage Makeup Area’ of Terminal 3 crossed this intersection while on the vehicular lane. Throughout crossing, one of the containers collapsed onto the taxiway intersection. This container was downed into the No. 2 engine of the A350 aircraft. The aircraft is grounded as the investigation continues, and authorities are focusing on airside safety, particularly through low-visibility conditions.” Source: Financial Express

Saheel Singh 16 Jan 2026

Saudia Air India

Air India and Saudia Sign Codeshare Agreement

Saudia and Air India have signed a codeshare agreement, which will take effect in February 2026. This brings many benefits for the guests of both airlines, improving connectivity, enhancing the travel experience, strengthening network access, maximizing flight options and supporting growing demand across tourism, business travel and broader guest segments. Through the new corporation, guests will enjoy efficient booking and ticketing, seamless connections with a single itinerary and baggage check-through to their final destination. Air India guests travelling to Jeddah or Riyadh with Air India can take unified onward connections on Saudia-operated flights to Dammam, Abha, Gassim, Gizan, Madinah and Taif. The addition of codeshare flights on the Jeddah-Riyadh route now lets guests more flexibility to arrive in one city and depart from another. Connections to select complementary international destinations will be added later this year. The codeshare will also offer Saudia’s guests access to key cities across India via Mumbai and Delhi, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, and Jaipur, as well as over 15 other destinations via interline. Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “Saudi Arabia is among our most significant markets in the Middle East, with the nation fast transforming into a key international gateway to the region. We are happy to be partnering with Saudia to provide greater access to the large Indian diaspora spread across Saudi Arabia, along with opening up the Kingdom’s rapidly developing and diverse tourism offerings and extraordinary destinations to travellers from India.” H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, DG of Saudia Group, said, “The agreement with Air India marks a tactical step forward, given both airlines’ long histories and their shared commitment to growing connectivity within their home markets and between their nations, while providing guests broader access to more destinations through basic travel procedures that raise the overall travel experience.” He added: “Saudia’s existence in India spans over 60 years, throughout which we have proudly served various guests and helped foster stronger ties between our two countries. Saudia Arabia is an incredible place to visit. With unified e-visas, stopover visas, and visa-on-arrival for suitable Indian passport holders, it has never been easier to visit the Kingdom.” Air India has considerably extended its global network. At present, it has 24 codeshare partnerships and around 100 interline agreements with leading carriers all over the globe, offering access to more than 800 destinations. Source: Aviation World

Saheel Singh 15 Jan 2026

Iran Airspace Airspace Closure

Airlines Issue Advisory for International Flyers as Iran Shuts Airspace

On 15th January, Indian carriers issued advisories for international passengers after Iran momentarily closed its airspace, triggering flight delays, rerouting and cancellations on more than a few overseas routes. Airlines urged travellers to check flight status before heading to airports, describing the expansion as sudden and unforeseen and saying flights were being rerouted in the interest of passenger and crew safety. What is Said by the Airlines? Air India said flights were being rerouted, which could cause delays, while some services had been cancelled where rerouting was not feasible. “As a result of the closure of Iranian airspace, some international flights are rerouted or cancelled.   Passengers should check flight status on our website. Safety of the crew and passengers is our priority,” the airline said. Several international flights were affected and the airline assured passengers alternative arrangements or refunds. SpiceJet directed passengers to check flight status online or contact its round-the-clock helpline, warning of possible disturbances owing to the airspace closure. Why has Iran Closed its Airspace? Iran extended the temporary closure of its commercial airspace early on 15 th January, among mounting tensions with the USA and ongoing nationwide protests. While officials did not quote a formal reason, the move followed warnings by Iranian authorities of fast-track trials and likely executions of protest detainees, together with threats of retaliation if the US or Israel intervened. The closure seems to be a precautionary measure as unrest continues in Tehran and other cities. Distinctly, some US staff in Qatar were counselled to evacuate and President Donald Trump issued various statements within 24 hours signalling likely action against Iran, though without providing details. How long will the Closure Last? Initial notices to pilots recommended the airspace would be closed until 7.30 am (local time) on 15 th January, following an earlier shutdown that lasted just more than two hours. Iranian authorities have not announced a permanent closure and international carriers are closely monitoring the state of affairs for further updates. Indian Embassy Issues Advisory The Indian Embassy in Tehran, on 14th January, advised Indian citizens, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists, to leave Iran by any means, including commercial flights. It counselled nationals to evade protests, exercise caution, stay in touch with the embassy and keep travel documents ready. More than 2,000 students from J&K are currently in Iran. The External Affairs Ministry has advised against non-essential travel to Iran amid the ongoing unrest. Source: The Business Standard

Saheel Singh 15 Jan 2026

Army Drones Defence Drones

Army Chief Outlines India's Mega Drone Push: 5,000 per Command, 100 km Strike Range

India's Army chief said on 13 th January 2026 that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations has been asked to rein in what the government views as recurring drone intrusions across the border. Speaking at the annual press conference, General Upendra Dwivedi said the issue had been raised with his Pakistani counterpart and was conveyed as intolerable. Addressing the media, the Army chief also outlined India's push to significantly scale up its drone competencies in preparation for future conflicts. He said the Army has decided to manufacture as many drones as possible in-house, with every command either already producing or able to produce about 5,000 drones. These are not small platforms. India has already test-fired drones with a range of around 100 km and plans to spread this further. General Dwivedi also referred to recent drone sightings in the Nowshera sector along the LOC in Jammu. He said 3 to 5 drones were spotted on the evening of 11th January 2026, with additional sightings over the following days. As he stated, about six drones were observed on January 10 and two to three on January 11 and 12. The Army chief labelled these as small drones flying with lights switched on and at relatively low altitudes, appearing only intermittently. He said the assessment was that these will be defensive drones, perhaps deployed to test India's responses or probe for vulnerabilities that could be exploited to push terrorists across the border. Though he added that the outcome for the other side would have been clear, as the Indian Army is fully alert with no gaps or laxity along the frontier. General Dwivedi confirmed that the issue was discussed in a DGMO-level conversation held earlier in the day, throughout which Pakistan was told clearly that such drone activity would not be tolerated and must be stopped immediately. Source: MoneyControl

Saheel Singh 14 Jan 2026

Flight Disruption Fog

Airlines Warn of Flight Delays as Dense Fog Shrouds North India; Ops Stable

Airlines issued travel advisories on 14 th January as dense fog covered most of northern India, including Delhi-NCR, leading to flight delays. In an advisory issued on Wednesday morning, IndiGo warned passengers about unexpected drops in visibility across several cities. According to the airlines, Early-morning fog could affect visibility across Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Udaipur, impacting flight operations. Flights Impacted in Chennai, Agartala and Hindon IndiGo also said that low visibility obstructed flights in Chennai, Hindon and Agartala. Departures and arrivals to and from these cities might experience delays due to the weather conditions, and the situation was closely monitored. Operations from UP’s Hindon airport were also affected. Fluctuating visibility at Hindon Airport led to changes in flight schedules and operations may be slower than usual as conditions evolve. According to the Airlines, operations would stabilize once weather conditions improve. Operations of the Airlines Largely Remain Stable The Delhi airport is closely tracking the fog situation and issuing hourly updates. At 8 am, the airport said all flight operations were normal. Numerous airlines, such as Akasa Air, rescheduled a large number of flights on Tuesday due to low visibility in northern India. According to the flight tracking platform FlightRadar24, the departure delay index, which estimates disruption in departures, stood at 1 for Delhi’s IGI Airport as of 8:40 am, indicating negligible disruption. In the meantime, the arrival delay index was at 0.7, signifying even fewer disruptions to landing operations. Fog Situation and Winter Disruptions Fog often leads to flight disruptions in northern India throughout the winter. Air India recently introduced measures to manage fog-related delays. The airline said that poor visibility due to fog is predicted in Northern India, including Delhi, with cascading impacts on our flight operations across the network. It was further added that its 'FogCare' initiative allows affected passengers to change flights without an extra payment or choose a full refund without penalty. Which Airlines Face More Difficulty? Airlines operating aircraft that are not CAT-III compliant will face more difficulty in near-zero visibility conditions. CAT-II and CAT-III-compliant aircraft have cutting-edge landing and navigation systems that allow operations in low-visibility conditions. CAT-II aircraft can land with partial visibility, while CAT-III aircraft can function even when visibility is extremely poor, owing to innovative autoland systems. Source: Business Standard

Saheel Singh 14 Jan 2026

Air India Boeing

Air India to Induce New Dreamliner on Long-haul International Routes from February

Air India, an Indian aviation giant, will introduce a Boeing 787-9 aircraft for international long-haul routes in February 2026. It is done in line with the airline's effort to advance its fleet and improve the passenger experience. The first line of the aircraft was formally handed over to Air India at Boeing's Everett factory in Seattle, USA, on 7 January. After the transfer, the Dreamliner landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport on 11 January, completing a non-stop ferry flight of 16 hours and 58 minutes. The new Boeing 787-9 will enter international, long-haul commercial service in February 2026, and the operation schedule will be announced shortly. Aircraft to Feature Three Cabin Classes, Custom-Made Interiors As stated by the airline, the new aircraft has 296 seats across three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. It also has custom-made cabin interiors installed directly on Boeing's production line. More details about the aircraft will be revealed in the coming weeks. Air India last received a line-fit Dreamliner in October 2017 when the carrier was still under government ownership. Though the airline was acquired by the Tata Group in January 2022, it continues to operate to date. As stated by the company, it will induct 5 more wide-body planes this year, for instance A350-1000s and B787-9s. Air India Places Orders for Airbus and Boeing Planes Air India has also ordered 350 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft. From the Airbus order, six wide-body A350S have already been inducted into the Air India fleet. In the meantime, 51 narrow-body B737-8s have been transported to Air India Express, the Tata Group-owned low-cost subsidiary of Air India that focuses on short and medium-haul routes. Furthermore, Air India's legacy B787-8 aircraft are being retrofitted, meaning they are experiencing upgrades to their cabins, interiors and onboard systems. Many of these planes will complete the process and return to service with a refreshed nose-to-tail makeover in 2026. By the end of this year, approximately 60% of their wide-body fleet will have contemporary interiors. Source:   The Economic Times

Saheel Singh 13 Jan 2026

Indian Air Force Indian Navy

France and India Nearing a Major Deal for 114 Rafale fighters Ahead of the French President’s Visit

France and India are inching closer to a Rafale agreement for the Indian Air Force, ahead of the French president's visit to India in February 2026.  New Delhi is examining a government-to-government framework that combines a large IAF order with extended local manufacturing, as the service seeks to address growing gaps in its fighter inventory. Macron will travel to India in February 2026 for an AI-focused summit, but French and Indian commentators expect defence industrial cooperation, such as the Rafale and engine partnership files, to feature prominently in sideline talks.  Talks Tied to the 114-jet MRFA Requirement  The deliberations are linked to the IAF’s long-lasting requirement for 114 modern fighters under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft program. At the same time, the exact number is still under debate. Reports claim that the projected requirement of 114 combat aircraft is the planning baseline.  Recently, the IAF has argued for a government-to-government Rafale order for the MRFA, citing the urgency created by squadron drawdowns and the type’s prevailing logistics and training footprint in India.  Any key obtaining would still need to pass through India’s standard approval chain, starting with the Defence Acquisition Council, followed by cost negotiations and final sign-off by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security, accompanied by dedicated budget allocations.  Squadron Shortfall Adds Urgency  The IAF’s case for added Rafales comes as its fighter strength continues to slide. The last MiG-21s were retired by India in 2025. This decision left the service with about 29 fighter squadrons, below the authorized level of over 40.  Postponements in the induction of the Tejas Mk1A have added more pressure, prompting the IAF to consider near-term options that can be implemented swiftly and integrated with the existing infrastructure. Local Production at the Centre of the Proposal  Domestic manufacturing is developing as the central pillar of the prospective deal. In June 2025, Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Dassault Aviation signed an agreement to produce Rafale fuselage sections at Hyderabad, the first such production line outside France. The plant will deliver its first units throughout 2028, ramping up to an output of about 24 fuselages annually for Indian and export orders.  Indian reports add that a broader industrial package is being discussed, including a partnership between HAL and Safran for an engine production plant in Hyderabad and an upkeep, repair and overhaul hub near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, close to the forthcoming Noida International Airport. Added steps toward localizing high-end subsystems are also ongoing. Thales newly announced a partnership with Indian firm SFO Technologies for the production of key wired structures for the Rafale’s RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar .   Rafale’s Growing Role in the Indian Air and Naval Forces  India by now operates 36 Rafales in IAF service, delivered under a 2016 inter-governmental agreement with France. In April 2025, the government signed a separate deal for 26 Rafale M carrier-borne fighters for the Indian Navy, with deliveries to be completed by 2030.  The first four Rafale M aircraft will arrive in 2029, with the following deliveries phased through 2030 and 2031, providing a standard on pricing and timelines for any larger Indian Air Force package.  Source: The Economic Times

Saheel Singh 13 Jan 2026

IATA Akasa Air

Akasa Air Joins IATA and Becomes India’s Fifth Member Airline

Akasa Air, India’s youngest airline, is now a member of the International Air Transport Association.  In the year 2020, Alaska Air was started by Vinay Dube and backed by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. Commercial operations began in August 2022 and operate a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline operates a domestic network and began international services in 2024. With this expansion, it becomes the fifth Indian airline to be part of IATA, joining Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express and SpiceJet. The membership places the airline among over 360 carriers worldwide, which together account for more than 80 per cent of global air traffic. Akasa Air’s addition follows the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit. The audit assesses an airline’s flight operations, maintenance systems, safety management, security and organizational processes against international standards. Akasa Air is now listed as an IATA member airline in the Asia-Pacific. This expansion is a significant step in Akasa Air’s international integration, as the operations expand with global carriers. The move strengthens India’s aviation footprint just as outbound business travel rebounds to 92% of pre-pandemic levels. With Akasa planning to order 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets by 2028, IATA procedures will facilitate code-sharing, cargo alliances, and participation in carbon-offset programmes, significant for multinationals tracking Scope 3 emissions. Akasa’s expansion should surge seat supply on secondary India, Gulf and Southeast Asia routes, possibly lowering travel costs for repositioning staff and project teams. Source: Aviation Today

Saheel Singh 13 Jan 2026

Solar Drone Spy Drone

Will the Indian Army Soon Have a Solar-Powered Spy Drone? Start-up Tech will Boost Surveillance Capabilities Along Borders

As part of efforts to improve the surveillance competencies of the Indian Army, it placed an order for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS) from NewSpace Research & Technologies, a Bengaluru-based start-up developing multiple programmes in Next Generation Mission & Technologies for aerospace and defence, military and civilian use. MAPSS is a solar-powered, fully electric UAV. The induction of this system will improve the security forces' border surveillance capabilities by providing persistent, high-resolution Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance coverage along India's vast and diverse borders, enabling instantaneous threat detection without recurrent refuelling. NRT platforms can function from 5km to 20 km with diverse endurance. This will mark the first deployment of solar-powered surveillance drones by the Indian armed forces, substituting the battery-powered, tethered drones presently in use. As stated by The Print, the order, worth Rs 168 crore, originates from the Innovations for Defence Excellence programme of the defence ministry. The solar-powered durability enables the lightweight MAPSS to remain on station for days in remote regions, such as Ladakh or Rajasthan, offering constant monitoring of troop movements, smuggling or incursions with minimal logistical support.  Its low acoustic and thermal signatures help avoid detection by enemy sensors, making MAPSS highly suitable for forward operations in border regions where manned platforms or short-endurance drones are ineffective. “The drone will offer long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronic intelligence and communications relay support.” Source: The Week

Saheel Singh 12 Jan 2026

Defence Drones Drone Defence

Indian Army Gears Up for Drone Warfare with 20 New 'Shaktibaan' Regiments

To boost its drone warfare capability, the Indian Army is raising 15 to 20 Shaktibaan regiments with swarm drones, loitering munitions and long-range drones, which can strike targets from 5 km to 500 km. These regiments will function under the Artillery of the Indian Army. The move is part of a substantial force restructuring intended by General Upendra Diwedi, the Army Chief, to prepare the force for contemporary warfare. The new regiments will bridge the gap in striking targets between 50 km and 500 km. For ranges more than 400–500 km, the Army already fields BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and is initiating the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system, which has a 120-km range. To prepare the first Shaktibaan regiments, the Army will shortly issue a tender under an advance procurement process for about 850 loitering munitions accompanied by their launchers. Indian manufacturers will supply the systems under the fast-track route, with deliveries expected in the next two years. Indian defence firms, for example, Solar Defence and Aerospace, Adani Defence and RapheM will be key contenders for the project, which will be around Rs 2,000 crore. The Army has already trained over one lakh drone operators and has started equipping its formations with a wide range of drone-based weapons. Together with the Shaktibaan regiments, the Regiment of Artillery will also raise 35 to 40 Divyastra batteries within artillery divisions, each with multiple types of strike-capable drones. The Infantry is also experiencing parallel modernization by raising Ashmi platoons in every infantry battalion. Furthermore, a new Special Forces unit, Bharav, is created to improve special operations capability at the Corps headquarters level, with each operative trained to launch drones for precision strikes. Throughout Operation Sindoor, Indian forces widely used loitering munitions, for example, Sky Striker, Nagastra, Harpy and Harop, to target enemy positions and Pakistani military bases following the growth of hostilities by Pakistan. Source: ANI

Saheel Singh 12 Jan 2026

Drone Day Drone Training

Hyderabad Gears Up for Drone Day Jan 16, 17

Telangana Tourism will sponsor a two-day drone event at the Gachibowli Stadium on January 16 and 17, 2025, featuring high-speed drone racing together with the traditional Makar Sankranti kite-flying festivities. TGTDC MD Kranti Valluru told Deccan Chronicle, “A virtual tourism experience centre is also being set up at the venue. The drone show will endorse Telangana’s tourist destinations. ” He added that Telangana Tourism is funding the festival, formally called the Whoopmasters Drone Day, Hyderabad Chapter Showcase Race. The stadium's outdoor field will be altered into an LED-lit racecourse. Whoop masters India, which has conducted more than 16 national races, as per MultiGP standards, said the showcase was intended as a unique spectator sport. Essential attractions include standard FPV racing, where pilots fly five-inch FPV drones at speeds over 100 km/hr; drone soccer, a team-based aerial sport in which drones are enclosed in protective spherical cages and endurance FPV racing, a relay-format event that tests pilots' stamina and strategy over extended laps. Freestyle drone stunts and a synchronized drone light show will additionally improve the spectacle of the event. Source: The Deccan Chronicle

Saheel Singh 08 Jan 2026