Akhil Kadidal

Bangalore

Aviation Reporter at Janes

Aviation Reporter @JanesIntel (Asia-Pacific). Texas A&M alum. Also, alum @DeccanHerald. + World War II historian, artist, cartographer, photojournalist.

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Articles

Philippines signs contract for new batch of FA-50PH aircraft

2 days ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The Philippines government seeks to complete the acquisition of an additional batch of KAI FA-50PH light combat aircraft by June 2030. (KAI)The Philippines has signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to acquire an additional batch of 12 FA-50PH light combat aircraft. The contract, which was announced on 3 June, is worth approximately USD700 million, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on 5 June.
Japan ramps up F-35 force posture

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The JASDF held a delivery ceremony for its first three F-35A aircraft equipped with the Technology Refresh-3 configuration, at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, on 26 April 2025. (JASDF/US Joint Program office (JPO))The Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) has strengthened the force posture along its northern coastline by initiating the deployment of new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft to Komatsu Air Base in Japan's main island of Honshu.
New Zealand upgrades NH90 helicopters with software, hardware

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Seven out of the eight NH90 helicopters in service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force prepare to conduct a sortie in May 2025 to demonstrate No 3 Squadron's maintenance and aircrew capabilities. (Royal New Zealand Air Force)The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has upgraded its NHIndustries (NHI) NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTHs) with software and equipment to enhance the fleet's operations in New Zealand's controlled airspace, the service said on 28 May.
India approves industry model for AMCA fighter programme

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

India displayed a full-scale model of its AMCA at Aero India 2025 in February. (Janes/Samuel Vivek Williams)The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved a new industry partnership model that will allow private- and public-sector companies to submit bids to participate in India's fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme.
LIMA 2025: KAI prepares to test-fly full-scale fighter-support Adaptable Aerial Platform

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Korea Aerospace Industries plans to undertake a flight test of a full-scale model of its Adaptable Aerial Platform air-launched effect by September 2025. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is preparing to conduct the maiden test flight of a full-scale version of its Adaptable Aerial Platform (AAP) air-launched effect (ALE) by September 2025.
LIMA 2025: Iran details two previously unknown radar systems

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Iran's P-3009 medium-range ground surveillance radar is displayed at LIMA 2025. The radar is designed to automatically track moving ground targets. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)The Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) has presented information on two ground-based pulsed X-band radar systems for the first time. The radars were displayed during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2025 held in Malaysia from 20 to 24 May.
LIMA 2025: Turkish Aerospace says global sales of Kaan dependent on domestic acquisition

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Türkiye flew its Kaan combat aircraft for the first time in February 2024. This is a representative image of the aircraft.
LIMA 2025: China unveils standalone weapon launch system for aircraft

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

CATIC displayed a 1:1 scale model of its Standalone Weapon Fire Control System (designated as the WZHK-1) at LIMA 2025. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)In a bid to improve the sale of air-launched munitions, the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) displayed its Standalone Weapon Fire Control System (SWFCS) at the 2025 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition held from 19 to 24 May in Malaysia.
LIMA 2025: Leonardo, Weststar to supply Malaysian military with new helicopters

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Leonardo has been promoting its AW149 multirole helicopter as a possible candidate to replace Malaysian government's existing rotary-wing fleet since 2023. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)Malaysian aviation company Weststar Aviation Group (Weststar) has entered into ‘sale and purchase agreements' with Leonardo SpA to supply the Malaysian Armed Forces and government bodies with 28 new helicopters within three years.
LIMA 2025: TA prepares to deliver Ankas to Malaysia

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The Turkish Aerospace Anka (Phoenix) is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). (Janes)Turkish Aerospace (TA) is on track to deliver all three Anka (Phoenix) multirole unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on contract to Malaysia in 2025, Mehmet Demiroğlu, TA CEO and president, has said.