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Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
India to Get New Spy Planes to Counter Nuclear Rivals Pakistan and China
India is preparing to bolster its intelligence and surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of advanced I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) aircraft, in a major boost to the Air Force's ability to counter challenges posed by Pakistan and China, according to news reports. Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry and the Pakistani government for comment. The reports follows the worst confrontation in decades with Pakistan and underlined India's plan to strengthen aerial reconnaissance and to reduce reliance on foreign arms. Pakistan performed strongly in air combat in May with the help of jets from China, which is another strategic rival of India's and is also locked in territorial disputes. Tensions remain high between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, despite U.S. diplomatic efforts that helped bring about a ceasefire. The project, at an estimated cost of 10,000 Indian Rupee (approximately $1.2 billion), involves integrating indigenous sensor systems onto foreign-made airframes and is expected to be reviewed by the defense ministry, according to news agency ANI, citing defense officials. The systems for I-STAR have been developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) which integrates advanced airborne surveillance platforms for the Indian military. The I-STAR could mark a leap in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to conduct precision strikes and monitor enemy movements. High‑altitude surveillance planes will allow the IAF to conduct target enemy radar sites, mobile air defense units, and command posts-including from stand‑off ranges, according to The Economic Times. India has fast-tracked the modernization of its air power-jets, drones, and advanced systems-following its recent armed exchange with Pakistan, where it caused damage but was also challenged by Pakistani air defenses. India accelerated its defense buildup with $4.6 billion in emergency procurement, advancing stealth jet development, a $470 million drone deal, and a $7 billion purchase of 26 Rafale naval fighters, according to Reuters. In March, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, said new Delhi "can no longer overlook" threats resulting from the military ties between Pakistan and China, especially in advanced cyber and electronic warfare tools, according to India Today. Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said in March, according to India Today: "There is a high degree of collusion that we must acknowledge. In the virtual domain, it is nearly 100 per cent. Physically, most of the equipment present is of Chinese origin. The two-front war threat is a reality." Christopher Clary, Non-resident fellow at the Stimson Center's South Asia program wrote in an analysis in May: "This crisis involved the use of several weapons systems, often in innovative ways, which neither India nor Pakistan possessed at the time of their last crisis in 2019. While this crisis provides a baseline for the next India-Pakistan crisis, the pace of military technological change means that the contours of that next crisis might be meaningfully different. Both sides' perceived setbacks and failures will serve as a major driver for defense acquisitions and doctrinal innovation." India aims at acquiring three aircraft from foreign manufacturers including Boeing and Canada's Bombardier for the spy planes, ANI reported. Related Articles India Holds Major Air Drill Near Pakistan After Giant DogfightFBI Working With India to Disrupt Chinese Fentanyl Network-Kash PatelG7 Invite for Modi Signals India's Growing Weight for Democratic AllianceWorld's Highest Rail Bridge Opens to Reshape Nuclear Rivals' Power Map 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
India to Get New Spy Planes to Counter Nuclear Rivals Pakistan and China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. India is preparing to bolster its intelligence and surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of advanced I-STAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) aircraft, in a major boost to the Air Force's ability to counter challenges posed by Pakistan and China, according to news reports. Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry and the Pakistani government for comment. Why It Matters The reports follows the worst confrontation in decades with Pakistan and underlined India's plan to strengthen aerial reconnaissance and to reduce reliance on foreign arms. Pakistan performed strongly in air combat in May with the help of jets from China, which is another strategic rival of India's and is also locked in territorial disputes. Tensions remain high between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, despite U.S. diplomatic efforts that helped bring about a ceasefire. NEW DELHI, INDIA JANUARY 26: A view of the Indian Air Force show put on for Republic Day with a air display of 75 aircrafts in various formations on January 26, 2022 to mark the... NEW DELHI, INDIA JANUARY 26: A view of the Indian Air Force show put on for Republic Day with a air display of 75 aircrafts in various formations on January 26, 2022 to mark the 75 years of India's Independence in New Delhi ,India. More Pallava Bagla/Corbis/Getty Images What To Know The project, at an estimated cost of 10,000 Indian Rupee (approximately $1.2 billion), involves integrating indigenous sensor systems onto foreign-made airframes and is expected to be reviewed by the defense ministry, according to news agency ANI, citing defense officials. The systems for I-STAR have been developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) which integrates advanced airborne surveillance platforms for the Indian military. The I-STAR could mark a leap in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to conduct precision strikes and monitor enemy movements. High‑altitude surveillance planes will allow the IAF to conduct target enemy radar sites, mobile air defense units, and command posts—including from stand‑off ranges, according to The Economic Times. IAF to get Rs 10,000 crore indigenous I-STAR spy planes to help in precision strikes against enemy ground targets. Report By : @ajitkdubey — Alpha Defense™🇮🇳 (@alpha_defense) June 8, 2025 India has fast-tracked the modernization of its air power—jets, drones, and advanced systems—following its recent armed exchange with Pakistan, where it caused damage but was also challenged by Pakistani air defenses. India accelerated its defense buildup with $4.6 billion in emergency procurement, advancing stealth jet development, a $470 million drone deal, and a $7 billion purchase of 26 Rafale naval fighters, according to Reuters. In March, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, said new Delhi "can no longer overlook" threats resulting from the military ties between Pakistan and China, especially in advanced cyber and electronic warfare tools, according to India Today. What People Are Saying Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said in March, according to India Today: "There is a high degree of collusion that we must acknowledge. In the virtual domain, it is nearly 100 per cent. Physically, most of the equipment present is of Chinese origin. The two-front war threat is a reality." Christopher Clary, Non-resident fellow at the Stimson Center's South Asia program wrote in an analysis in May: "This crisis involved the use of several weapons systems, often in innovative ways, which neither India nor Pakistan possessed at the time of their last crisis in 2019. While this crisis provides a baseline for the next India-Pakistan crisis, the pace of military technological change means that the contours of that next crisis might be meaningfully different. Both sides' perceived setbacks and failures will serve as a major driver for defense acquisitions and doctrinal innovation." What Happens Next India aims at acquiring three aircraft from foreign manufacturers including Boeing and Canada's Bombardier for the spy planes, ANI reported.
News18
09-06-2025
- Business
- News18
India Set to Approve ₹10,000 Crore Project For High-Tech Spy Planes
Last Updated: The high-level approval for the I-STAR project is expected during a key Defence Ministry meeting scheduled for the fourth week of June. Amid ongoing operations against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, the Ministry of Defence is poised to consider a ₹10,000 crore proposal for acquiring three advanced spy aircraft. These Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) platforms are designed to provide the Indian Air Force with enhanced air-to-ground situational awareness, enabling precision strikes on enemy targets such as radar installations, air defence systems, and mobile units. According to defence officials cited by ANI, the high-level approval for the I-STAR project is expected during a key Defence Ministry meeting scheduled for the fourth week of June. Indigenous Systems on Foreign Aircraft The I-STAR initiative is being spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and involves the procurement of three aircraft through an open tender process. International manufacturers including Boeing and Bombardier are being considered for the platform. However, the surveillance and targeting systems onboard will be fully indigenous—developed by DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). Officials confirmed that these systems have already been successfully developed and validated by CABS and now require integration with the selected aircraft, which will then be modified to suit ISTAR specifications. Strategic Significance The induction of ISTAR capabilities will place India among a select group of nations—including the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel—that possess such high-end surveillance and targeting technology. The system offers real-time, multi-spectral surveillance and the ability to detect, track, and monitor irregular forces, significantly enhancing India's dynamic and time-sensitive targeting capabilities. Operating from high altitudes and long stand-off ranges, ISTAR platforms will enable day-and-night intelligence gathering, target identification, and reconnaissance operations. The comprehensive system will comprise both airborne and ground-based segments, aimed at generating a common operational picture for Indian forces. This development is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India's security apparatus by reducing the complexity and scale of undetected threats, while providing an edge in strategic operations across volatile regions. First Published:
