There’s something about summer that changes the way we drink. The days stretch longer, the evenings arrive slower, and suddenly, what’s in your glass starts to matter a little more. It’s no longer just about the pour, it’s about the mood it carries. This season
US Congressman Ro Khanna distances self from event featuring RSS general secretaryKhanna, who is widely expected to run for the Presidency in 2028, has also distanced himself from Hindutva politics in the past. Published on: Apr 26, 2026 10:22 AM IST By Shashank Mattoo Share via Copy link US
Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US officials to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war on Saturday, shortly after Tehran's delegation had left Islamabad. The US president said special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner would be wasting "too much time"
Iran executed a man convicted of being a member of the Sunni militant group Jaish al-Adl and carrying out attacks on Iranian security forces, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported today. Authorities identified the man as Amer Ramesh
Ameesha Patel has made a big reveal about her family’s close ties with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The actor shared that Indira Gandhi was the first person to visit her after birth and even played a role in her parents’ wedding. ‘Indira Gandhi was the first person to come and see
There seems to be no letting up for Iga Swaitek, who encounters heartbreak again. Illness crashed her party just as momentum was building, as the Pole was forced to retire from her third-round clash at the Madrid Open on Saturday. Swiatek looked set for another gritty comeback after dropping the
Here is a small experiment. Imagine two yellow lines drawn on a railway track, one closer to you, one farther away. Which one looks longer? Almost everyone says the farther one. But both lines are exactly the same length. What makes it truly unsettling is this: even after you know it is an illusion
‘Violence not the way’: World leaders react to shooting incident at White House correspondents' dinnerTrump and other members of the US cabinet were evacuated after shots were fired during the annual correspondents dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Washington. Published on: Apr 26
1,000 Kg Bombs And 2,200 Kmph Speed: Why Rafale F4 Could Redefine Air Warfare
1,000 Kg Bombs And 2,200 Kmph Speed: Why Rafale F4 Could Redefine Air Warfare
China and Pakistan are deepening their defence cooperation through high-profile military deals. Pakistan is now almost entirely dependent on China for its defence requirements. During Operation Sindoor, Islamabad reportedly deployed Chinese missiles, fighter jets and other military equipment.
According to several reports, Pakistan is now attempting to acquire a fifth-generation fighter jet from China. It already operates Chinese aircraft such as the JF-17 and J-10.
On the other hand, the Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a serious shortfall in fighter squadrons. While the approved strength is much higher, the IAF currently operates far fewer squadrons and must remain prepared to counter threats from both China and Pakistan simultaneously.
India previously purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France. However, this number is insufficient to bridge the existing squadron gap. To address this, India is moving forward with a plan to acquire 114 additional Rafale jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.
A mega defence deal worth approximately Rs 3.25 lakh crore could be finalised in the coming months. This acquisition is seen as a critical step in strengthening the IAF until India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter becomes operational.
The IAF currently operates the Rafale F3R, one of the world's most advanced 4.5-generation fighter jets. However, all existing Rafales will be upgraded to the F4 standard, which represents far more than a routine upgrade.
According to defence sources, the Defence Acquisition Board has approved the proposal to induct the Rafale F4 variant. This move is considered a bridge solution until the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) enters service, expected around 2034-35.
Experts emphasise that Rafale F4 marks a generational shift in modern warfare, transforming the aircraft from a standalone fighter into a fully networked combat platform.
Rafale F4 has been designed as a hyper-connected platform, capable of integrating seamlessly with air, land, sea and space-based systems. Instead of operating independently, the jet functions as part of a network-centric combat cloud, sharing data in real time across multiple platforms.
This capability enables coordinated operations with drones, AWACS, naval assets and ground command centres, significantly enhancing battlefield awareness and response speed.
The most significant upgrade in Rafale F4 lies in its sensor and radar systems. While F3R uses the highly capable RBE2 AESA radar, F4 incorporates an advanced version with:
These allow pilots to generate high-resolution battlefield images in all weather conditions and track moving ground targets with extreme precision. This dramatically enhances deep-strike, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
One of Rafale F4's standout features is its collaborative combat network. Unlike earlier versions that relied mainly on Link-16, F4 integrates:
This enables real-time data sharing not only with other fighter jets, but also with drones, naval platforms and ground command centres. Pilots operate within a shared battlefield picture rather than fighting in isolation.
The power of Rafale F4 is evident in its ability to deliver 1,000 kg precision-guided bombs, capable of neutralising heavily fortified targets.
Its strike capability allows it to conduct devastating attacks deep inside enemy territory.
According to defence.in, the cockpit will undergo significant changes. The existing Elbit DASH IV helmet-mounted display will be replaced by Thales' Scorpion helmet-mounted display.
This system provides:
Pilots can cue weapons and sensors simply by looking at the target, enabling instant reaction and decisive superiority in high-intensity combat.
Rafale F4 significantly enhances its weapons package:
Meteor long-range air-to-air missile remains a key strength
MICA NG (Next Generation) missile added, featuring:
These capabilities make it extremely difficult for stealth aircraft to evade.
Additionally, the integration of 1,000 kg HAMMER precision-guided munitions boosts heavy-strike capability, allowing accurate destruction of bunkers and hardened targets from stand-off distances.
Artificial Intelligence plays a central role in Rafale F4. Instead of conventional sensor fusion, onboard AI processes massive volumes of data from radar, electronic warfare systems and external platforms, presenting only the most critical information to the pilot.
This reduces cognitive overload and improves decision-making during combat.
AI-based predictive maintenance continuously monitors aircraft health, detects faults early and reduces downtime, crucial for sustained high-intensity operations.
Strategically, Rafale F4 is designed to counter:
With AMCA still under development, prototype expected around 2026-27, Rafale F4 will serve as the backbone of India's air power for the next decade.
Swipe Left For Next Video
Defence experts believe that selecting Rafale F4 under the MRFA programme will not only strengthen the IAF's immediate capabilities but also position India strongly in the era of network-centric and AI-enabled warfare.
Rafale F4 is not just a fighter jet; it is a transformative platform set to redefine India's air dominance in the years ahead.
Source: News18
Related Posts: The £5.30 orange juice that shows why UK supermarket prices are sky-high China, Pakistan to deepen security and defence cooperation, Xinhua says AI Impact summit signals Google’s deepening focus on scaling India’s AI startups from pilot to global impact EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Israel PM Netanyahu on deepening bilateral ties India, Germany to sign defence industrial cooperation roadmap Defence cooperation in focus as India and the Philippines strengthen ties India, Philippines Deepen Defence, Maritime, Space Cooperation Jaishankar, Rubio hold phone talks on trade, defence cooperation Rajnath Singh underscores India-EU defence cooperation amid trade pact India, Japan strengthen energy cooperation through ministerial dialogue
The country's textiles and garment exports fell 2.2% to $35.8 billion in 2025-26 due to contraction in shipments of key segments such as cotton, think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said on Saturday (April 25, 2026). In rupee terms too, the exports fell 2.1% during the last fiscal
4 hours ago
Several institutes awarded for advancing structured road safety educationSeveral institutes awarded for advancing structured road safety education Published on: Apr 25, 2026 8:55 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi, The National Road Safety Education Excellence Awards 2025-26 on Saturday
4 hours ago
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday (April 25, 2026) a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner would not deter him from the Iran war, although he believed the incident was unlikely linked to the conflict. “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran
4 hours ago
During the summer months, as more people spend time in swimming pools, there is a noticeable increase in cases of eye irritation and infections. Many patients present with what appears to be a simple complaint of redness or discomfort after a swim
4 hours ago
United States President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled the US delegation’s visit to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran. Trump said that too much time was being wasted on traveling and claimed that “there is tremendous infighting and confusion within their [Iranian] ‘leadership’
4 hours ago
Six injured as Delhi-Zurich Swiss flight aborts takeoff after engine ‘issue’The A330 aircraft, operating flight LX147, was carrying 228 passengers and four infants when the incident occurred. Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 10:47 AM IST By Anita Goswami Share via Copy link Six passengers were injured
4 hours ago
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms enterprise ecosystems, the role of AI Engineer-Customer Experience is gaining ground. This job involves the convergence of Computer Science, Data Intelligence, Software Engineering, and customer-centric Systems Design
4 hours ago
Iran has presented a plan to Pakistan for a lasting end to the conflict with the United States in West Asia. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared the proposal after meetings in Islamabad. He expressed doubt about the US commitment to diplomatic solutions
4 hours ago
April 26 Birthday Horoscope: Here's what the tarot cards have in store for youIf your birthday falls on April 26, here’s what your year ahead looks like, as per Tarot. Published on: Apr 26, 2026 11:00 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link If you were born on April 26
4 hours ago
When most people think of a village, they picture something slower, less connected, maybe even behind the times. “Smart cities," on the other hand, are supposed to be the future, efficient, digital, and fully integrated. In parts of India, some villages have quietly built systems that feel just
4 hours ago
Before sunrise reached the lower slopes of the Gonasika Hills in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, Parmedhenu Juang was already in his field. It was early monsoon in June as the 54-year-old farmer bent over a patch of soil and let ragi fall through his fingers, examining the colour
4 hours ago
On an August day in 2013, WhatsApp, the messaging app now owned by Meta, made an announcement. With relatively little fanfare, they revaled the voice note, the messaging feature that lets you send a clip of your own voice to friends and family
4 hours ago
The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Anthony Edwards to a hyperextension and saw Donte DiVincenzo wheel out with a suspected Achilles injury — all before halftime. Anthony Edwards was helped to the locker room after an apparent knee injury. pic.twitter.com/rMAHGMK1ie— ESPN (@espn) April 26
4 hours ago
From conflict to progress: Remote Irpanar village in Chhattisgarh gets electricityFrom conflict to progress: Remote Irpanar village in Chhattisgarh gets electricity Published on: Apr 26, 2026 10:33 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Raipur, A remote village in Chhattisgarh's Abujhmad region
4 hours ago
NEET Admit Card 2026 today: The National Testing Agency is all set to release National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Admit Card 2026 today, 26 April 2026, as per media reports. Students who will appear for the exam can download their NEET 2026 admit card from the official website — ‘neet
4 hours ago
Delhi Capitals face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru today. Delhi suffered a heavy loss despite scoring 264 runs. Their bowlers struggled to defend the total. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in good form with a balanced team. Delhi must improve their bowling, especially at the death
4 hours ago
The memories of long shooting days, dusty fields, and team lunches still linger when one thinks of Lagaan. But beyond the iconic scenes and songs, it’s the little behind-the-scenes moments that continue to surprise… even years later. In a recent chat with Just Too Filmy
4 hours ago
The US military has conducted another strike on an alleged drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people, US Southern Command has said. Southern Command, whose area of responsibility includes South America, Central America and the Caribbean
4 hours ago
Rashmika Mandanna has been busy with the shoot of her films. And now it is being reported that she is all set to raise the bar with her upcoming film Mysaa, as the makers have officially kicked off a high-octane shooting schedule in Kerala. The shoot is expected to be one of the most crucial phases
4 hours ago
For decades, taste and convenience dictated how India snacked, shopped, and consumed food. Today, that hierarchy has shifted. Nutrition is no longer a secondary consideration, it is the starting point. Across urban households and younger demographics in particular
4 hours ago
Tibetans living outside China are voting for their government-in-exile. This election holds great importance as they face a future without their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The Central Tibetan Administration, based in India, is a crucial institution for these exiles
4 hours ago
Step inside this stunning Mumbai home with a 125-year-old Burmese ceiling; internet says ‘even better than Taj Mahal’Here’s a sneak peek into Dr Jai Madaan, a popular astrologer’s Mumbai home that blends vintage charm with modern luxury. Published on: Apr 26
4 hours ago
Karan Johar calls out Bollywood's hyper-masculinity, big alpha male' trend: ‘They’ll all have beards and will all smoke’Karan Johar criticised Bollywood's obsession with hyper-masculine storytelling, noting a lack of diversity in narratives. Apr 26, 2026
4 hours ago
Sohan Singh is now the Chief Executive Officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. This appointment supports the upcoming Char Dham Yatra. Health screenings are underway for pilgrims at Rishikesh. The state government is improving yatra routes for safety and convenience
4 hours ago
From ghee in eyes to curd at night: Oncologist reveals common Indian home remedies you should avoid and trustAn oncologist breaks down popular Indian home remedies, rating which ones may be harmful and which can actually support better health. Published on: Apr 26
4 hours ago
Portrait of an Artist: Remembering Raghu RaiRaghu Rai, one of India’s most renowned photographers, died at a private hospital in Delhi on Sunday. Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 10:50 AM IST By Rohit Chawla Share via Copy link Raghu Rai, one of India’s most renowned photographers
4 hours ago
Who is Nejm, the Tamil model who taught Bharatanatyam mudras to Rihanna?Nejm is a model, rapper and influencer from Tamil Nadu, India. She went viral for dancing with Rihanna. Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 8:53 AM IST By Sanya Jain Share via Copy link Global pop sensation Rihanna made a surprise visit
4 hours ago
