NEW DELHI — Following a successful test-firing of its Advanced Air Defense (AAD) system, India says it is likely to deploy its first ballistic missile defense (BMD) shield in 2014. The indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile, launched from a defense base in India’s eastern state of Odisha, hit an incoming ballistic missile target at around 12:52 a.m. local time Nov. 23, according to Ravi Gupta, an official at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

NEW DELHI — Russia is likely to carry out fresh sea trials of INS Vikramaditya next April, after a failed propulsion trial of the refurbished aircraft carrier further delayed the delivery to India until the last quarter of 2013.

India’s Jet Airways and SpiceJet could sell stakes to foreign companies following a recent change in the country’s investment rules, a government official tells Aviation Week. Mumbai-based Jet Airways, India’s largest airline by total passengers, is in discussions with Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways to sell a minority stake, the government official, who requested anonymity, says. “Talks are on. It is more or less final,” the official says. It may take about 45 days to conclude the deal, he adds.