Overview

• On October 14, Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKIs and Jaguars trained with Royal Navy F-35Bs from HMS Prince of Wales over the Indian Ocean, supported by IAF AWACS and AEW&C aircraft.
• The drill focused on interoperability and command-and-control, with IAF fighters launching from land bases and UK jets operating from the carrier.
• The IAF said the training strengthened mutual trust and reinforced a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
• The aerial mission followed Konkan-25’s sea phase, concluded October 8, which featured anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare drills as well as underway replenishment and advanced flying operations.
• Separately reported by defence officials, DRDO is preparing an Astra Mark 2 upgrade targeting a range beyond 200 km with a proposal for roughly 700 missiles pending consideration by India’s Defence Ministry.