Core Viewpoint - India is considering using French-made engines for its "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jets due to slow progress in negotiations with the United States regarding the joint production of the F-414 engine [1][3][5] Group 1: Negotiations and Partnerships - India is in talks with France's Safran Group regarding the fighter jet engine, but it remains unclear whether India will purchase these engines or seek joint production [3] - Despite slow negotiations with the U.S., discussions about joint production of the F-414 engine are still ongoing [3] Group 2: Military Production and Strategy - India plans to build nearly 200 "Tejas" Mk-2 fighter jets to replace the aging British "Jaguar" and French "Mirage-2000" aircraft currently in service [5] - The Indian government aims to address its fighter jet shortage by expanding domestic production capabilities, as India is the world's second-largest arms importer [5] - Prime Minister Modi's goal is to shift towards domestic manufacturing of military hardware, allowing private companies to design and develop advanced fighter jets [5] Group 3: Defense Cooperation and Future Plans - India has recently strengthened military cooperation with France to adapt to changing relations with Russia and the U.S. [6] - The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is set to submit a proposal to the Cabinet Security Committee to formally initiate cooperation with Safran Group [6] - The project aims for 100% technology transfer, with the goal of developing a new jet engine with a thrust of up to 120 kN for India's fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Indian Air Force is conducting a large-scale military exercise from July 23 to 25 in the Rajasthan region along the India-Pakistan border, focusing on enhancing operational readiness in the strategic desert area [1] Summary by Relevant Sections - **Military Exercise Details** - The exercise will involve frontline combat aircraft such as Rafale, Su-30, and Apache helicopters [1] - The Indian Air Force plans to conduct intensive drills using Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the border area [1] - This is described as a pre-planned routine training aimed at simulating various war scenarios, including both aerial and ground targets [1] - The exercise will also include complex night operations [1] - **Airspace Management** - The Indian Air Force has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning civilian aircraft to avoid specific airspace during the exercise [1]

Group 1 - A "Tiger" fighter jet of the Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan, western India on the 9th local time [1] - Two bodies of the victims have been found at the crash site [1] - The cause of the accident is currently unknown [1]