India and the UK have formalized a significant defense partnership with a £350 million ($468 million) contract to supply the Indian Army with Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), manufactured by Thales in Belfast. The deal was announced during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to Mumbai on October 8-9, 2025, where he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The LMMs, also called Martlet missiles, are versatile and laser-guided, capable of air-to-surface, air-to-air, and surface-to-air operations, with a range of up to 6 kilometers. The contract is expected to secure over…
Read More

India has bolstered its defense with the indigenous SAKSHAM Counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. This sophisticated command and control system integrates radar, electro-optical, and other sensors to provide real-time detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization of hostile drones up to 3,000 meters above ground. Operating over the secure Army Data Network, SAKSHAM creates a unified Recognised UAS Picture across the Tactical Battlefield Space, encompassing the air littoral domain critical for modern warfare. With AI-enabled threat analysi…
Read More

Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President at Thales, has proposed that India should allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the defense sector under the automatic route, emphasizing that this would significantly enhance indigenous manufacturing capabilities. Currently, foreign investments are capped at 74%, which Sourisse argues complicates partnerships and slows technology transfer. She highlighted that Thales has managed successful wholly-owned subsidiaries in other markets, advocating for a similar model in India, particularly under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aim…
Read More

On October 17, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive its first two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A jets at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facility in Nashik, a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aerospace advancement under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the handover event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to self-reliance and the creation of over 3,000 jobs through HAL. The Tejas Mk1A, featuring advanced upgrades such as AESA radar and enhanced capabilities, aims to bolster the IAF’s squadron strength am…
Read More

Anadrone Systems has successfully delivered its ABHAY anti-radar decoy drone three months ahead of schedule, marking a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. Unveiled at the Raksha Navachar Samvaad event, the ABHAY drone is tailored for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) operations and boasts impressive features such as swarming capabilities, active jamming, and an operational range exceeding 500 km. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended Anadrone’s rapid development and encouraged startups to drive India’s defense innovation towards achieving global techn…
Read More

India has bolstered its defense with the indigenous SAKSHAM Counter Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. This sophisticated command and control system integrates radar, electro-optical, and other sensors to provide real-time detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization of hostile drones up to 3,000 meters above ground. Operating over the secure Army Data Network, SAKSHAM creates a unified Recognised UAS Picture across the Tactical Battlefield Space, encompassing the air littoral domain critical for modern warfare. With AI-enabled threat analysi…
Read More

In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, Russia has agreed to transfer critical technology for the S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defense missile system to an Indian private sector firm, facilitating the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans to acquire five additional squadrons. This initiative underlines India’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ program, enhancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The deal, valued at $4-5 billion, includes direct deliveries from Russia and local production of key components, significantly bolstering the nation’s air defense shield against evolving th…
Read More

Canadian company D-TA Systems, founded in 2007 and based in Ottawa, has partnered with UK firm QinetiQ to develop an advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) emulation system. Announced in October 2025, the system aims to significantly enhance training and testing capabilities for air, maritime, and land forces by realistically replicating radar threats and improving operational readiness. Dr. Dipak Roy, Executive Chairman of D-TA, emphasized their innovative EMSO solutions designed to reduce deployment risks and costs. This collaboration reflects QinetiQ’s commitment to providing realistic threat rep…
Read More

Sunita Tools Limited, a prominent manufacturer in the defense sector, is set to host a delegation from Thailand’s Ministry of Defence in Mumbai this week to discuss potential collaborations on artillery shell supplies. This engagement highlights the strengthening ties between India and Thailand in defense manufacturing, reflecting India’s growing reputation in producing high-quality defense equipment. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, Whole Time Director of Sunita, expressed optimism about the discussions, viewing them as an opportunity to showcase the company’s capabilities. This collaboration could…
Read More

On the occasion of the 93rd Air Force Day, Congress MP Deepender Hooda called for the urgent replacement of the Indian Air Force’s ageing Jaguar jets, citing safety concerns following recent crashes that resulted in the loss of skilled pilots. He highlighted that several countries have already phased out their Jaguar fleets, questioning India’s continued reliance on these aircraft for critical operations. Additionally, Hooda raised alarms over declining defense expenditure, urging the government to prioritize the modernization of the IAF to reflect India’s strategic stature. This call to actio…
Read More

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has revealed its comprehensive and transformative 2047 roadmap emphasizing indigenous growth, robust research and development funding, and modernization to establish strategic superiority amid rising regional threats from China and Pakistan. Announced by Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh ahead of the 93rd Air Force Day on October 8, 2025, the plan aims to expand the combat fleet to 1,000-1,200 fighter aircraft, increasing squadron strength to about 60. Core platforms include the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, advanced variants of Tejas, and the fifth…
Read More

The Indian Navy is focusing on incorporating futuristic Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems to replace the Soviet-era AK-630 close-in weapon systems, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) 300kW Surya laser as a key candidate. This transition aims to modernize naval defense against evolving aerial threats, including drones and hypersonic missiles. DEWs offer advantages such as unlimited ammunition, cost-effectiveness, and reduced collateral damage, enabling precision engagement at the speed of light. While the full integration of the Surya system is expected to unfold…
Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making significant strides in its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior program, evolving its unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) from a 1-ton concept first revealed in 2021 to a projected 10-ton high-altitude long-endurance variant designed for intelligence, surveillance, and strike missions. The program includes various models, such as a 2-ton prototype set for its inaugural flight in 2027, and larger variants aimed at enhancing India’s air combat capabilities against regional threats. In a recent promotional video, HAL showcased the Light Combat…
Read More

In a significant advancement for India’s indigenous fighter jet program, Shripad Engineering Services Private Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder for the Services Airframe Retractable Aerial Refueling (AAR) Structural Design Work Package for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Air Force Mark 2 (AF Mk2) with a bid of ₹49,35,508. This contract, crucial for enhancing the aircraft’s endurance in contested airspace, aligns with the Indian Air Force’s efforts to bolster its squadron capabilities, with prototypes expected by 2027 and full induction by 2030. The project underscores the Ministry of…
Read More

India’s Ministry of Defence signed a $7.5 billion contract on September 25, 2025, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 97 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, marking a crucial step in modernizing the Indian Air Force. The deal, which includes 68 single-seat fighters and 29 twin-seat trainers, pushes the per-unit cost of Tejas Mk1A above $70 million, surpassing even the Su-30MKI, India’s erstwhile frontline fighter. This increase is attributed to global inflation in raw materials, post-COVID supply chain disruptions, and significant upgrades such as the indigenous UTTAM AESA radar and the Swayam R…
Read More

In a robust endorsement of indigenous military capabilities, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh praised the successful execution of Operation Sindoor during the recent Air Force Day celebrations. He highlighted the exemplary performance of home-grown weapons that delivered precise strikes deep within enemy territory, showcasing India’s offensive air power and strategic planning. Singh emphasized the importance of adapting training to meet emerging challenges and called for enhanced interoperability across the Indian Armed Forces. This operation not only reaffirms India’s commitment to self-reliance in…
Read More

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is set to establish a significant propellant production facility in Donakonda, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 1,400 crore, marking the first major investment in the state’s defence industrial corridor. This facility will be part of a larger development hub aimed at enhancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, strategically located approximately 400 km from Hyderabad. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated 1,400 acres for this project, which will include a manufacturing unit and associated township, with construction expected to begin by Apr…
Read More

The Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Centum Electronics to develop indigenous high-tech naval navigation systems for the Indian Navy. Formalized on October 8, 2025, this partnership aims to enhance navigation accuracy and mission readiness while reducing reliance on foreign technology, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The collaboration leverages Centum’s expertise in electronics and GRSE’s shipbuilding capabilities to create advanced solutions incorporating AI and satellite-based navigation. This strategic move n…
Read More

The 515 Army Base Workshop has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IndyASTRA Technologies to enhance AI-enabled drone systems for the Indian Army. This partnership aims to develop an AI-based Flight Control System and a Standard Drone Operating Platform to modernize unmanned flight operations, improving autonomy and adaptability in diverse battlefield conditions. IndyASTRA will provide technical expertise for the integration of these systems, promoting self-reliance by reducing dependence on foreign components. The initiative is expected to accelerate the deployment of advanced dro…
Read More

VTOL Aviation has introduced the Abhinandan Hybrid VTOL UAV, designed for tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This advanced platform features a combination of quad-electric vertical lift rotors and an internal combustion engine, allowing for high-altitude vertical takeoff and landing with an endurance of up to six hours. With a maximum takeoff weight of around 50 kg and a range of mission payloads, the UAV enhances operational flexibility, particularly in challenging terrains, such as mountainous border areas. Its advanced communication capabilities and re…
Read More

Avantel has inaugurated a new aerospace and defense facility in Hyderabad, equipped with advanced technologies for the development of secure communication systems, radar subsystems, and satellite applications. This 56 crore investment aims to bolster the capacity to meet the increasing demands from the Indian Armed Forces and ISRO, while fostering the local defense manufacturing ecosystem. The facility will focus on critical areas such as Software Defined Radios and radar electronics, and is expected to generate hundreds of high-tech jobs, enhancing Hyderabad’s position as a defense manufactur…
Read More

A recent Pentagon contract modification dated September 30, 2025, includes Pakistan among 35 countries eligible for a $41 million upgrade to the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) system. The contract, awarded to Raytheon, covers software upgrades and component improvements for the C8 and D3 variants of the missile, indicating routine maintenance rather than new missile acquisitions. An additional $11.2 million contract focuses on obsolescence management to modernize aging missile components. Pakistan’s AMRAAM arsenal, integrated with its F-16 Block 52 fighters, reflec…
Read More

Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, has criticized the import lobby in India’s defense sector, advocating for prioritizing indigenous small arms manufacturing over foreign imports. In a recent statement on X, he condemned the practice of “screwdrivergiri,” emphasizing the need for genuine indigenization that incorporates substantial local components. Highlighting his company’s SABER sniper rifle as a successful example, he argued that India should focus on developing local alternatives to foreign designs, especially in light of supply chain issues exacerbated by geopolitical tensions. This pus…
Read More

India has achieved a significant milestone in defense technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chief, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, announced full self-sufficiency in radar systems, meeting world-class standards across various operational domains. The nation now boasts a comprehensive range of radar capabilities, from airborne and ship-based systems to long-range tracking for ballistic missile defense and cloud-based technologies for enhanced situational awareness. This advancement not only fortifies India’s defense preparedness but also minimizes reliance on foreign suppli…
Read More

In a significant advancement for India’s air defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted user trials of the next-generation Akash-NG missile system, demonstrating its ability to intercept targets solely using the Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS). This innovative guidance method, which avoids radar emissions, enhances stealth and survivability against enemy detection and anti-radiation missiles. During the trials, the Akash-NG accurately hit a high-speed Banshee drone, showcasing its operational flexibility and precision against di…
Read More