British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce has proposed a new jet engine core design for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, promising a scalable architecture for future upgrades. Targeting a thrust class of 73kN dry and 120kN wet, the engine aims to provide the AMCA Mk2 variant with enhanced capabilities, potentially reaching up to 95kN and 152kN thrust in future iterations. While Rolls-Royce’s offer aligns with India’s long-term goal of self-reliance in military jet engine technology, …

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) formalized a landmark public-private partnership with the Indian Army on January 6, 2026, receiving a supply order during a New Delhi ceremony to support the overhaul and upgradation of first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts at the 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW). In the initial pilot phase, TASL and 510 ABW will jointly refurbish select units, leveraging TASL’s expertise, certified spares, and coordination with DRDO—its partner …

Greek Army’s evaluation of India’s Tata WhAP 8×8 wheeled armoured platform, initiated following a high-level meeting in Athens on December 12, 2025, has provoked outrage in Turkish media, which sensationalistically portrayed the interest as a declaration of war against Turkey. This development forms part of Greece’s modernization drive to replace outdated M113A1 and BMP-1 vehicles with advanced 8×8 platforms offering STANAG Level 4 protection, twin water-jet amphibious propulsion, high mobility across diverse terrains, and modular …

India’s aerospace and defense startup Carbine Systems has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting indoor tests of its first directed-energy weapon prototype, H.A.R.A. Mk 1. This 10 kW-class high-energy laser, designed for engagements up to 12 km, marks a pivotal development in India’s private defense sector, traditionally dominated by state-run programs. Founded by brothers Girish and Kedar Joshi in 2023, Carbine Systems highlights the importance of internal capability, having developed H.A.R.A. without external funding. …

The Indian Army has made a significant leap in indigenous defense capabilities by securing a ₹168 crore contract for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), a solar-powered UAV developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies under the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative. This marks the first inclusion of solar-powered UAVs in the Indian armed forces, enhancing long-endurance border surveillance across diverse terrains. The MAPSS will play a crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and …

The Indian Army has made a significant leap in indigenous defense capabilities by securing a ₹168 crore contract for the Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System (MAPSS), a solar-powered UAV developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies under the Ministry of Defence’s iDEX initiative. This marks the first inclusion of solar-powered UAVs in the Indian armed forces, enhancing long-endurance border surveillance across diverse terrains. The MAPSS will play a crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and …

The Indian Army and HDFC Bank have extended their Memorandum of Understanding until 2029, aimed at delivering banking services and enhanced Personal Accident Insurance for Army personnel. This agreement includes a compensation package of one crore rupees for accidental death or disability, applicable to both serving members, including Agniveers, and retired personnel. Additional benefits under the MoU comprise child education coverage of five lakh rupees and a similar amount for girl child marriage expenses. This …

The Indian Army has introduced the Depot Integration Management Edition (DIME), an advanced digital platform aimed at enhancing logistics management with near real-time visibility from unit level to Army Headquarters. Developed in collaboration with BISAG-N, DIME replaces outdated systems and automates workflows, promising to reduce paperwork by approximately 70% and logistics cycle time by nearly one-third. This platform equips commanders with consolidated dashboards, automated alerts, and predictive analytics to streamline inventory management and responsiveness to …

The Indian Army is set to enhance its operational capabilities with a focus on indigenous loitering munitions designed to strike deep into enemy territory, particularly in challenging environments with heavy jamming. An initial contract valued at ₹2,000 crore will be tendered soon, aiming to foster a self-reliant defense ecosystem, with major Indian companies such as Tata Advanced Systems and Adani Defence expected to compete for the order. This initiative aligns with Army Chief General Upendra …

Bangladesh has expressed “potential interest” in procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan during a recent meeting between the leaders of both nations’ air forces in Islamabad. While Pakistan claims the JF-17 has demonstrated its capabilities, its effectiveness remains uncertain. The discussions also emphasized enhancing operational cooperation, including training and maintenance support for Bangladesh’s aging aircraft fleet. This outreach signifies a warming of relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, following political changes in Bangladesh, marking a …

In a decisive move to enhance its drone warfare capabilities, the Indian Army is set to establish 15-20 Shaktibaan regiments, equipped with advanced swarm drones, loitering munitions, and long-range UAVs capable of striking targets from 5 to 500 kilometers. This initiative, spearheaded by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, aims to address capability gaps and significantly boost operational effectiveness. The first regiments will procure 850 loitering munitions through a fast-track process, with Indian firms expected to …

India is reportedly pursuing a strategic partnership with France to secure the SaM146 engine for the locally manufactured Sukhoi SJ-100-95B Superjet, addressing concerns over the long-term efficiency of existing propulsion options. This collaboration could see technology transfer from Safran for critical components while enabling India to take on assembly and manufacturing roles domestically, enhancing its self-reliance in aerospace. The shift aligns with India’s broader ambition for commercial viability in its civil aviation sector, as legacy …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully secured an agreement for the indigenous manufacture of the 98 kN F414 engine, prompting calls for the development of the higher-thrust F414 Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE), rated at approximately 116 kN. Experts argue that this initiative could enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities, particularly in high-altitude conditions, and provide a strategic advantage by improving payload capacities and range. Co-developing the EPE variant would also allow Indian engineers to …

Russian military analyst Evgeny Damantsev has lauded India’s Pralay tactical ballistic missile for its advanced hypersonic maneuvers and operational capabilities, particularly following recent successful trials conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Pralay, which features a two-stage design and can execute rapid salvo launches from mobile platforms, utilizes sophisticated guidance systems that allow for mid-course atmospheric maneuvers and terminal agility. This enhances its effectiveness against modern air defense systems, as its unpredictable …

Rolls-Royce has proposed a strategic partnership with India to develop next-generation aircraft engines, crucial for the indigenous AMCA stealth fighter program aimed at enhancing the Indian Air Force’s capabilities. This collaboration, positioned as a shift towards local design and manufacturing, addresses India’s challenges in engine technology and seeks to ensure propulsion sovereignty amid geopolitical tensions. Analysts highlight that joint intellectual property ownership could empower Indian scientists and reduce reliance on foreign systems, aligning with India’s …

India is enhancing its defense capabilities against drone threats by establishing a Joint Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) grid that integrates anti-drone systems across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This initiative, prompted by lessons from Operation Sindoor, aims to provide a dedicated shield separate from existing air defense networks like the Integrated Air Command and Control System. The CUAS grid, part of the broader Mission Sudarshan Chakra, focuses on rapid detection and engagement of drones, …

The unmanned electronic warfare (EW) market is projected to grow significantly, with a valuation expected to reach US$5,032.44 million by 2035, driven by the increasing demand for low-cost, autonomous systems and cognitive EW capabilities. As military forces worldwide modernize their platforms, integrating modular, AI-enabled architectures, this market shift emphasizes the need for advanced, networked systems that enhance situational awareness and multi-domain operations. The dominance of the government and defense sector, which holds an impressive 86.07% …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on January 5, 2026, for six Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to bolster aerial surveillance, network-centric warfare, and air defense amid escalating threats from China and Pakistan. Key requirements include 10-hour endurance or mid-air refueling, 45,000 ft service ceiling, operations from 10,000 ft high-elevation airfields like those in Ladakh, and advanced 360-degree AESA radars detecting drones to hypersonic threats, ESM, CSM, C2 …

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, in a interview on January 6, 2026, commended the LCA Navy program’s pivotal role as a technology demonstrator, validating critical STOBAR operations, reinforced landing gear, and carrier expertise now fueling the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) development. Key dates include the program’s legacy from 2010s trials and TEDBF’s Critical Design Review targeted for late 2026, with prototypes leveraging indigenous avionics shared with AMCA. Aimed at replacing MiG-29K …

India’s Tejas Mk2 fighter jet is undergoing a significant design evolution with the introduction of an external gun pod configuration, departing from the internal cannon design of its predecessors. This strategic shift aims to optimize internal space for advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems, aligning with modern aerial warfare demands. By relocating the gun externally, the aircraft gains flexibility for mission-specific armament, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving radar cross-section for enhanced survivability. This development underscores …

India is reportedly exploring a strategic partnership with France to secure the PowerJet SaM146 engine for the domestically manufactured Sukhoi SJ-100-95B Superjet, a move essential for enhancing the aircraft’s commercial viability. The SaM146, once a symbol of Franco-Russian collaboration, has faced challenges following geopolitical shifts, leading to a lack of support from Safran. The proposed collaboration would involve technology transfer where India would manufacture components domestically, while France and Russia provide the necessary engineering technologies. …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in discussions with the Ecuadorian Air Force to acquire remaining grounded Jaguar airframes, a strategic move aimed at extending the operational life of its Jaguar fleet through 2035. With the IAF being the last air force worldwide to operate the Jaguar in a frontline role, this acquisition is essential for obtaining hard-to-source spare parts. The IAF’s proactive approach includes recent successful agreements with France, the UK, and Oman to …

ISRO is adopting an industry-led model for its next-generation launch vehicle (NGLV), likening it to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) initiative, where private firms will co-develop and produce launch vehicles alongside ISRO. This strategy involves early-stage investment from Indian companies in manufacturing and technology, ensuring a robust industrial base capable of high launch frequencies. The NGLV will incorporate reusability and advanced propulsion systems, enabling lower costs and higher operational tempo. By integrating private industry, …

Delhi-based Airober announced its indigenous drone flight controller in early January 2026, as highlighted in social media updates around January 5, marking a key step in India’s efforts to localize UAV avionics under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The New Delhi-headquartered firm, a small team of 11-50 specializing in drones for agriculture, logistics, surveillance, photography, and hydrogen-powered concepts, aims to cut reliance on imported systems like Cube and CUAV boards dominant in the Indian market. While …

Tata Advanced Systems has received a significant supply order from the Indian Army for the overhaul and upgradation of the first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs). This collaboration aims to enhance the operational readiness and efficiency of this crucial artillery system by utilizing Tata’s expertise and certified spare parts. The initiative reflects a strategic move towards indigenization in defense procurement, ensuring sustained performance and availability of frontline systems, thereby …