Akhil Kadidal

Bangalore

Aviation Reporter at Janes

Aviation Reporter @JanesIntel (Asia-Pacific). Alum @DeccanHerald. + World War II historian, artist, cartographer, photojournalist.

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Articles

New Zealand confirms plan to replace Super Seasprites

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The RNZAF operates the helicopters with its No 6 Squadron. However, the helicopters are flown by Royal New Zealand Navy aircrew and maintained by RNZAF maintainers. (New Zealand Defence Force)The New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF's) fleet of Kaman Super Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters will be replaced with a new platform, the country's Minister of Defence Judith Collins has said.
India clears Dhruv helicopters in army, air force for flight operations

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Two Army HAL Dhruv helicopters fly in formation with an ALH Mk IV Rudra helicopter during an Indian Army parade on 9 January 2023. (Janes/Akhil Kadidal)India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has “cleared” Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) for flight operations.
Update: Pakistan shows JF-17 Block III fitted with PL-15 missiles for first time

1 week ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

A rendering of a Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Chengdu Aircraft Company JF-17 Block III recently seen equipped with PL-15 missiles. (Janes)The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has published video imagery showing, for the first time, a JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft armed with the long-range PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
India signs contract to procure Rafale M fighter aircraft

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The India Navy's initial contract for the Rafale M naval fighter aircraft covers the acquisition of 22 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft. (Dassault)The Indian government has signed an agreement with the French government to procure 26 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy.
India completes second scramjet ignition test

2 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

India's DRDL said it conducted long-duration active cooled scramjet subscale combustor ground testing for more than 1,000 seconds on 25 April. (DRDO)Months after it test-fired an active cooled scramjet subscale combustor for the first time, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has conducted a longer ignition test, which lasted â€śfor more than 1,000 secondsâ€ť, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Korean Air wins tender to upgrade UH-60P helicopters

3 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

Korean Air Aerospace Division will upgrade 36 Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) UH-60P helicopters in service with the Republic of Korea military with new systems (including digital cockpits) while improving the performance of the helicopter. (KAL-ASD)Korean Air has announced that its Aerospace Division (KAL-ASD) has been selected as the “preferred bidder” to upgrade Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) UH-60P Black Hawk helicopters in service with the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces.
KAI collaborates with companies to develop AI pilot for UAVs

3 weeks ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

KAI's Next-Generation Air Combat System conceives of autonomous UAVs, including small air-launched effects operating alongside and supporting high-performance manned combat aircraft. (KAI)Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is collaborating with domestic and foreign companies in a bid to hasten the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous pilot system that can be deployed in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
US approves sale of TH-73A helicopters to Philippines

1 month ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

The TH-73A Thrasher is the military variant of the AW119T. The TH-73A pictured is in service with the US Navy, which ordered 128. (US Navy/Lt Michelle Tucker)The Philippines has sought to procure Leonardo TH-73A Thrasher training helicopters, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has revealed, adding that the US Department of State approved the potential sale on 15 April.
Australia seeks to procure new AIM-120C-8/D-3 missiles

1 month ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

An AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile at Raytheon's Tucson, Arizona, plant. The AIM-120C-8 is the export version of the AIM-120D. (RTX Corporation)The US Department of State has approved a potential sale of new AIM-120C and AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
New imagery reveals additional details of China's tailless aircraft

1 month ago | janes.com | Akhil Kadidal

China's Shenyang J-XD and Chengdu J-36 tailless combat aircraft have been observed conducting flight tests since December 2024. (Janes)New imagery of China's Shenyang J-XD and Chengdu J-36 tailless stealth aircraft have emerged, showing their design features in greater detail. That the two aircraft were involved in flight-testing was first revealed in December 2024, following the emergence of video footage of the trials on Chinese social media.