1. MiG-21 Bison flies for the last time

The MiG-21 of the Indian Air Force took its final flight for the last time. It was formally retired in a decommissioning ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in India’s military aviation history.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh attended the event, alongside Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.

Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has been a cornerstone of India’s air power for six decades. The first squadron, 28 Squadron, raised in Chandigarh, earned the nickname ‘First Supersonics’ as India’s first supersonic fighter jet. Over the years, the MiG-21 has seen action in multiple operations, including the 1971 war with Pakistan, where it played a pivotal role in strikes such as the attack on the Governor’s residence in Dhaka, contributing to Pakistan’s eventual surrender.

2. India signs contract for 97 Tejas MK-1A

MoD signed a contract for 97 LCA Mk1A aircraft (68 Fighters & 29 twin-seaters) with associated equipment for the IAF at Rs 62,370 Cr under Buy India-IDDM, on September 25

The advanced LCA Mk1A integrates UTTAM AESA, Swayam Raksha Kavach & control actuators, with 64%+ indigenous content and 67 new indigenous items. The project is supported by 105 suppliers. It will generate 11,750 jobs/year over six years.

Deliveries will start in 2027-28. This takes the number of Tejas fighters to 220, with 40 Tejas MK-1 already in service and 83 MK-1A ordered in 2021.

3. India-US to conclude GE engine deal by October

India is on track to finalise a significant deal with the US aerospace firm General Electric (GE) worth around USD 1 billion for 113 F404-IN20 fighter jet engines, amid ongoing trade negotiations with America.

In an interview with ANI Dr DK Sunil, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, said that the agreement is expected to be inked by October this year, with negotiations at an advanced stage.

Regarding the contract for the 113 follow-on GE-404 engines, the HAL chief told ANI, "We expect to sign it in October. The contract will be worth more than 1 billion. The contract negotiations are done, and the price is finalised.  We are only going through the contract details, and we have to sign. Now that this main contract is signed, in October, we will sign the contract with GE for 113 engines."

4. Thailand orders A330 MRTT+

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has ordered an Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport Plus (MRTT+).

The A330neo-based evolution of the combat-proven, aerial refuelling and transport aircraft A330 MRTT will be equipped with both the hose-and-drogue and a boom as refuelling systems. Also included is the Airbus Medical Evacuation kit solution, which will come in a VVIP cabin configuration. 

The aircraft is scheduled to enter military conversion at the A330 MRTT Centre in Getafe, Spain, in 2026, with final delivery to the customer in 2029. The A330 MRTT has been selected by the Indian Air Force in its tanker competition, but it has never been ordered. IAF is going to lease one A330 MRTT Phenix from the French Air Force.

5. US approves $1.23 billion missile sale to Germany 

The United States announced the approval of $1.23 billion sale of up to 400 advanced air-to-air missiles and related equipment to NATO ally Germany.

The proposed sale will improve Germany's capability to meet current and future threats by providing increased air-to-air capability for the German F-35 program and supporting German and shared NATO planning, training, and operational requirements, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

It will also support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe, DSCA said.

6. US intercepts Russian aircraft near Alaska

U.S. fighter jets scrambled to identify and intercept four Russian warplanes flying near Alaska, the North American Aerospace Defense Command said.

It’s the third time in about a month and the ninth time this year NORAD has reported such an incident involving Russian aircraft flying near Alaska. This latest incident happened on September 24

NORAD detected and tracked two Tu-95s and two Su-35s operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. Nine U.S. aircraft — an E-3 Sentry command and control aircraft, four F-16s, and four KC-135 tankers — scrambled to positively identify and intercept the Russian jets.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.