The US Missile Defense Agency has expanded its contractor pool for the Golden Dome missile defense initiative to over 2,100 firms, reflecting a significant investment of up to $151 billion in advanced technologies aimed at countering various aerial threats. This expansion, part of a broader strategy under President Trump’s defense initiatives, emphasizes rapid innovation in missile defense capabilities, including artificial intelligence and digital engineering. From an Indian strategic perspective, this development highlights the growing US …

India is intensifying efforts to build a robust defence industrial base, aiming for ₹3 lakh crore in defence production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029, amid rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. With indigenous defence production reaching ₹1,27,434 crore, the country emphasizes strategic autonomy and operational readiness, illustrated by successful adaptations of platforms during the Ladakh standoff. However, challenges such as regulatory complexities, financing constraints, and testing delays persist. Moving forward, India plans …

India’s defense procurement has reached an impressive 89% domestic sourcing, significantly advancing the Make in India initiative, as stated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Ministry of Defence aims to spend at least 75% of capital expenditure on domestic items, a target already surpassed. Streamlining procurement processes and improving timelines have become priorities, with contracts worth Rs 1.6 lakh crore signed this year alone. The Defence Secretary also emphasized the growing role of defence …

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to Indian firms for the procurement of 100,000 new 9mm pistols, aimed at modernizing the Indian Army’s close-quarters combat capabilities. The Army seeks a pistol with ambidextrous controls, suppressors, and modular design for future upgrades, suitable for diverse terrains and weather conditions. This initiative emphasizes the ‘Make in India’ policy, as the Army transitions from reliance on imported firearms to indigenous solutions, including advancements …

The Indian Army is set to induct 850 kamikaze drones following insights gained from Operation Sindoor, with the proposal nearing approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in an upcoming high-level meeting. This move is part of a fast-track procurement strategy aimed at enhancing the Army’s operational capabilities in modern warfare. The integration of these drones is expected to significantly bolster India’s defense posture amid evolving geopolitical challenges. Emphasizing rapid technological advancement, this initiative reflects India’s …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has advanced its STAR supersonic missile program to Phase-III, focusing on the integration of propulsion, guidance, and control systems for operational deployment. Originally designed as a target drone, the STAR missile is being adapted for combat roles, including an anti-AWACS variant, enhancing India’s multi-role indigenous systems under the Make in India initiative. The air-launched and ground-launched variants provide versatile training and tactical capabilities, significantly improving pilot readiness and …

Lockheed Martin is positioning its C-130J Super Hercules as the prime candidate for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft Program, leveraging its existing fleet of 12 C-130J-30s to demonstrate reliability in India’s challenging terrains. As part of a joint venture with TATA Advanced Systems Limited, Lockheed plans to establish an in-country production facility in India, with initial assembly occurring in the U.S. and local MRO capabilities set to support up to 80 aircraft by …

DRDO has selected the Bombardier Global 6500 ultra-long-range business jet as the platform for India’s ₹10,000 crore ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) program, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on July 3, 2025, under a larger ₹1.05 lakh crore modernization package chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Recent reports from December 16-18, 2025, confirm the Indian Air Force (IAF) will induct three such aircraft, equipped with indigenous sensors from DRDO’s Centre for …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to conduct long-range validation trials for the Pinaka Mk3 rocket system, now scheduled for early 2026, following a rescheduling from late 2025. This next-generation artillery system, capable of striking targets up to 120 km away, represents a significant leap in the Indian Army’s deep-strike capabilities and aims to reduce reliance on older imported systems. With a projected procurement value of approximately 2,500 crore, the Pinaka Mk3 …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing unmanned aerial technology with a new initiative to develop drone swarms that function as floating antenna arrays for electronic warfare missions. This project aims to create a distributed phased array of drones capable of real-time formation adjustments, enhancing communication and radar capabilities while overcoming challenges related to stability and communication in contested airspaces. The initiative is particularly significant for asymmetric warfare, as it offers a resilient …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has formalized a Letter of Intent on Defence Cooperation with Netherlands Foreign Minister David Van Weel, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. This agreement aims to enhance military cooperation and co-development of defence technologies, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and self-reliance goals under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework. The collaboration promises technological advancements in areas such as aerospace and maritime systems while diversifying India’s defence industrial ecosystem amidst …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the strategic importance of the indigenous air defense system ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ during the Air Force Commanders Conference in New Delhi, asserting that it will significantly strengthen India’s national security. He outlined that the project, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to develop a robust multi-layered air defense capability to address emerging aerial threats, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated the effectiveness of India’s air …

India has set an ambitious target of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector, as articulated by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The country recorded its highest-ever defence production at Rs 1.54 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, marking a remarkable growth of 174 per cent over the past decade. Defence exports surged dramatically to Rs 23,622 …

Lotus Advanced Technologies (LAT) has secured a significant contract valued at over ₹640 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply and integration of advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR) systems onto the Indian Navy’s Dornier 228 aircraft. This strategic partnership with Israel’s IAI-Elta marks a pivotal step in enhancing India’s maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and coastal security capabilities, aligning with the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The …

US-based Natilus announced on December 17, 2025, a conditional order from SpiceJet for 100 Horizon blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft, establishing Natilus India in Mumbai to pursue certification with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and explore local manufacturing for up to 300 jets annually. This development supports India’s self-reliance in aerospace, with plans for component sourcing from domestic suppliers, aligning with booming air travel demand projected to require over 2,200 new aircraft by 2040. The …

The Indian Navy launched an iDEX Winners-2025 challenge on December 19, 2025, for developing autonomous underwater drone swarms to neutralize seabed mines, presented at INS Satavahana in Visakhapatnam. This initiative requires at least ten AI-driven drones equipped with sonar for independent mine detection and destruction using 7-kg explosive payloads at 60-meter depths, targeting a cost under ₹8 crore per pack. Building on DRDO’s NSTL advancements in man-portable AUVs from Visakhapatnam, which enable networked swarm operations …

Sakthi Aircraft Industry Pvt Ltd (SAIPL), a Sakthi Group subsidiary, announced on December 14, 2025, the launch of India’s first private-sector trainer aircraft manufacturing facility in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, with production starting in January 2026 and initial deliveries by February or March. Backed by a ₹750 crore investment—including a smaller unit in Uttar Pradesh for tooling and maintenance—the facility partners with Austria’s Diamond Aircraft Industries for technology transfer to produce DA40 NG and DA42 models, …

India advances its aerospace self-reliance following Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) MoU with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation on October 27, 2025, to manufacture the sanction-proof SJ-100 regional jet locally, enhancing regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme. Brazilian firm Embraer has accelerated talks post this pact, proposing full local production of its C-390 Millennium military transport for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme via partnership with Mahindra Defence, alongside E-Jet E2 assembly lines for civil …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces a critical decision regarding the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, drawing comparisons to the delayed Mirage-2000 upgrade that has become a cautionary tale. Analysts caution that repeating past mistakes could hinder modernization efforts, as timelines suggest integration with advanced indigenous platforms like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) may render the Rafale strategically inferior upon arrival. Concerns over sovereignty, weapon integration, and potential delays with French suppliers highlight …

Russia has proposed transferring three upgraded Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines to India for under $1 billion, serving as a critical interim measure amid delays in Project 75I, with negotiations advancing toward a German partnership and first inductions eyed for 2032. Reported on December 18, 2025, following President Putin’s December visit, the modernized vessels—featuring Klub-S (Kalibr) missiles, stealth coatings, and 20-year service extensions—would replace retired units like INS Sindhurakshak (2017), Sindhuvir, and Sindhudhvaj (2022), bolstering a fleet …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is adopting a proactive co-developer role in the Tejas Mk2 programme, aiming for operational service within four years of its first flight, anticipated around 2026. This strategic shift allows the IAF to lead on weapon integrations, utilizing combat-proven munitions like the Astra missiles to expedite induction, while also fostering internal expertise in software and systems integration. By implementing an “induct first, upgrade later” strategy, the IAF seeks to quickly field …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its aging Jaguar fleet through the acquisition of 20 ex-Omani Jaguar fighter aircraft, which will be dismantled in Oman and shipped to India for parts. This initiative responds to the mounting challenges of spare parts availability and the obsolescence of the Jaguar platform, as India seeks to sustain its operational capabilities amid rising tensions with neighboring countries. The procurement echoes past measures, such as similar arrangements …

Bengaluru-based spacetech startup Digantara secured $50 million in an all-equity Series B funding on December 16, 2025, led by 360 ONE Asset, SBI Investments Japan, and Ronnie Screwvala, with Peak XV Partners and Kalaari Capital participating, elevating total capital to $64.5 million. The infusion accelerates its pivot from space situational awareness—via its January 2025 SCOT satellite launch—to missile detection and tracking using infrared sensors, addressing hypersonic threats amid escalating Indo-Pacific tensions. Key actors include U.S. …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expediting the procurement of MBDA’s Meteor air-to-air missiles to enhance its beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities across its fleet, including the upgraded Su-30MKI and the Tejas Mk1A and Mk2 fighters. This initiative comes in anticipation of rising operational demands and potential supply chain disruptions, with the IAF planning to secure between 1,000 to 1,200 Meteor units by 2030. The integration of the Meteor with indigenous radar systems marks a significant leap …

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has launched MadhuNetrAI, India’s first AI-driven community screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy, aimed at enhancing early detection of this leading cause of preventable blindness. Unveiled on December 16, 2025, in New Delhi, this initiative combines expertise from AFMS, AIIMS, and the Ministry of Health, facilitating automated screening and real-time analytics across diverse locations including Pune, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The programme addresses accessibility challenges in vision care, especially in underserved …