The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) potential upgrade of the Su-30MKI under the “Super Sukhoi” program is gaining traction, aiming to transform the aircraft into a state-of-the-art combat platform akin to the U.S. F-15EX. This initiative seeks to integrate advanced indigenous technologies, including the Virupaksha AESA radar, an enhanced electronic warfare suite, and advanced countermeasures, markedly improving its operational capabilities. Transitioning from reliance on foreign systems to indigenously developed components not only promises to elevate the …

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2 induction faces a potential slip to 2040 due to protracted validation of the indigenous 120 kN engine, jointly developed by DRDO’s GTRE and France’s Safran. Key dates include engine deal clearance expected in 2026, first ground run in 2032, prototype trials in 2032-33, and full certification beyond 2037-38, as reported on December 12, 2025. To bridge Indian Air Force capability gaps amid retiring Mirage-2000s and MiG-29s, options under …

The Indian Army is strategizing to enhance its artillery capabilities by proposing the acquisition of 120 km range guided Pinaka rockets, with an estimated budget of Rs 2500 crore. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these rockets will significantly improve the strike range of the existing Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, which currently has a maximum range of 75 km. As part of this initiative, the Army is also procuring advanced Area …

On December 12, 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) announced securing additional orders worth Rs 776 crore since November 14, explicitly including the indigenous SAKSHAM Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), signaling accelerated Indian Army procurement. Developed by BEL Ghaziabad, SAKSHAM delivers AI-driven command-and-control over the secure Army Data Network, fusing surveillance data for real-time Recognised UAS Picture up to 10,000 feet in the Tactical Battlefield Space, enabling swift detection, tracking, and neutralization of low-altitude drone threats …

India’s defense sector is undergoing a significant transformation, transitioning from a long-standing arms importer to a burgeoning global manufacturer, as evidenced by companies like HAL, BEL, and MDL making it to the SIPRI Top-100 arms makers. Although India currently captures only 1.1% of the global arms revenue, its rapid growth underscores a transformative shift in capabilities and production. This evolution is largely attributed to the “Make in India” initiative, which has bolstered domestic manufacturing. Meanwhile, …

During his official visit to Brazil from December 9-12, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi engaged in high-level discussions aimed at bolstering maritime industrial cooperation between India and Brazil. He visited the Itaguai Naval Complex, where he was briefed on Brazil’s PROSUB submarine program, emphasizing India’s commitment to enhancing shipbuilding capabilities and self-reliance. Meetings with key Brazilian officials focused on strengthening defense industry collaboration, enhancing joint operational frameworks, and deepening maritime security mechanisms. …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has significantly revised its delivery targets for the TEJAS MK-1A fighters and HTT-40 basic trainers for the Indian Air Force (IAF), now expecting to deliver five TEJAS MK-1A and three HTT-40 aircraft by the end of financial year 2025-26, down from previous projections of ten fighters and twelve trainers. The delays stem primarily from engine supply issues with the US-based General Electric Aerospace and Honeywell, affecting assembly timelines and critical weapon …

The Indian Navy is set to commission the DSC A20, its first indigenous Diving Support Craft, at Kochi on December 16, marking a significant enhancement in its diving and underwater support capabilities. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, DSC A20 features advanced diving systems and a catamaran hull design, offering superior stability and operational efficiency. This induction symbolizes India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta and the Make in India initiative, showcasing successful collaboration among the Navy, indigenous …

RRP Defense Limited and Israel’s Meprolight Ltd. announced a strategic partnership on December 10, 2025, to bolster India’s electro-optic capabilities through technology transfer, local assembly at RRP’s Mahape facility near Mumbai, and future indigenous manufacturing of night-vision and weapon-sight systems. This collaboration aligns with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, enabling distribution to Indian armed forces and law enforcement while integrating domestic components via RRP Electronics. Chairman Rajendra Chodankar hailed it as a step toward …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for six converted aerial tankers to enhance its strategic reach and operational endurance, particularly for its Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas fleets. This initiative marks a notable shift towards utilizing pre-owned commercial passenger jets, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) positioned as frontrunners in the conversion program, promoting the Make in India framework with a mandate for 30% indigenous content. …

India’s aerospace, drones, and space technology sector is projected to expand significantly, potentially reaching $44 billion by 2033 and generating over 200,000 new jobs, according to a report by Adecco India. This growth is fueled by government reforms, private-sector involvement, and international collaborations, with emerging roles such as Space Policy Analysts and Robotics Engineers becoming critical to the nation’s space ambitions. Key initiatives, including the Indian Space Policy 2023 and a Rs 1,000 crore VC …

Israel is significantly transforming its defense relationship with India, shifting from a traditional buyer-seller model to a strategic co-production framework aimed at global export markets. This initiative, aligned with India’s “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat policies, will see substantial Israeli investments in India’s defense manufacturing sector, particularly in unmanned systems and advanced technologies. The collaboration, exemplified by successful joint ventures like Adani-Elbit, is driven by the need for cost competitiveness and the maturity of …

Brazil’s defense exports surged by 74% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching approximately USD 3.1 billion, driven by robust sales of advanced platforms such as the Embraer C-390 aircraft and contributions from various sectors including radars and satellites. This growth underscores Brazil’s rising stature in the global arms market and aligns with India’s strategic interests in fostering collaborative defense partnerships and technology transfer, particularly under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Brazil aims for 55% …

China’s Aviation Industry Corporation successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Jiutian drone mothership, marking a significant advancement in its drone technology. This 16-tonne UAV, capable of deploying over 100 loitering munitions, enhances the People’s Liberation Army’s capabilities in network-centric warfare, potentially shifting power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The Jiutian’s modular design supports various military operations, including surveillance and electronic warfare, underscoring China’s ambition for autonomy in high-altitude swarm tactics amid ongoing tensions with India …

HII has unveiled its new GRIMM electronic warfare system, a compact tool weighing just one kilogram, which enhances threat detection and tracking capabilities in contested electromagnetic environments. Operating across a frequency range of 10 megahertz to 18 gigahertz, GRIMM supports diverse missions, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and counterterrorism, while maintaining operator anonymity. Its flexibility allows deployment on various platforms such as high-altitude balloons and unmanned systems, providing real-time actionable data for enhanced situational awareness. This …

Lloyds Engineering Works has launched a new subsidiary, Lloyds Advance Defence Systems, to strategically enter the defence sector with a focus on indigenous manufacturing. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities amid rising security challenges. The company has also secured international partnerships with Polish and Italian firms to introduce advanced drone, marine, and radar technologies to the Indian market. This move not only enhances India’s technological landscape in defence but also aligns …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to the full order of ten squadrons of the indigenous Project Kusha air defence system, despite discussions regarding additional Russian S-400 regiments. IAF officials emphasized that both systems are essential due to India’s extensive geographical challenges and the need for overlapping air defence coverage against potential saturation attacks. Project Kusha is designed with advanced indigenous technology, featuring multi-tiered interception capabilities and cost-effective production that will enhance …

Russia has proposed establishing a local production line in India for the M-90FR marine gas turbine engine, aiming to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Navy while reducing dependency on Ukrainian supplies. The offer presents a solution to supply chain issues affecting Russian-origin platforms, particularly the Talwar-class frigates and Krivak III-class corvettes, which have faced significant operational delays due to parts shortages since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. This initiative emphasizes deep industrial …

India and Israel are expediting upgrades to the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) system following its successful deployment during Operation Sindoor. The enhancements, driven by advanced talks between Israel Aerospace Industries and the Defence Research and Development Organisation, will focus on modernizing sensors and integrating powerful radar systems. This upgrade aims to improve the system’s capabilities against emerging supersonic threats and will align MR-SAM units with India’s multi-layered air defense architecture under Project Kusha and the …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Research Centre Imarat has initiated a pivotal collaboration with Indian private companies and start-ups to develop quantum avionics, crucial for India’s future sixth-generation fighter jets. This initiative aligns with the National Quantum Mission, aiming for self-reliance and enhancing aerial warfare capabilities through advanced systems like quantum inertial navigation, magnetometry, and radar that can operate effectively in GPS-denied environments. The project seeks to miniaturize laboratory-scale technologies into robust systems suitable …

PLR Systems, a joint venture between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) in Madhya Pradesh, will deliver the first batch of domestically manufactured Negev NG-7 light machine guns to the Indian Army by early 2026 under a 2024 emergency procurement contract for 40,000 units. The initial 6,000-8,000 weapons, scheduled between January and June 2026, target frontline infantry battalions along critical borders, with full supply spanning five years following completed trials, inspections, and …

India and Brazil are strengthening naval ties through high-level discussions during Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi’s official visit to Brazil from December 9 to 12, 2025. Tripathi met Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro, Chief of Joint Staff Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, and Navy Commander Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen to review maritime cooperation, enhance operational linkages, and explore joint initiatives in hydrography, training, and maritime domain awareness. A key outcome was …

The Trump administration has formally notified the US Congress of a proposed $686 million foreign military sale to Pakistan aimed at upgrading its F-16 fighter jet fleet, a move framed as supporting counterterrorism efforts and extending the operational lifespan of these aircraft through 2040. The package includes advanced systems such as 92 Link-16 tactical data links, avionics upgrades, and logistical support, which are intended to bolster the Pakistan Air Force’s capabilities while maintaining interoperability with …

Bharat Forge has strongly denied a Reuters report claiming that executives from major Indian defense firms, including itself and Adani Defence, met with a Russian defense delegation in Moscow, asserting there has been no travel to Russia since 2021. This denial has sparked accusations of misinformation against Reuters, particularly on social media, where users criticized the reliance on anonymous sources and suggested foreign media bias against Indian defense initiatives. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between …

India advances its defense self-reliance by integrating DRDO’s indigenous INDIGIS Geographic Information System into the Pralay tactical quasi-ballistic missile system, announced on December 9, 2025. Developed by DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, INDIGIS equips battery commanders with a secure, offline digital mapping platform for real-time battlefield visualization, including launcher positions, missile variants, range rings, and high-value targets, while adhering to military standards like MIL-2525D. This eliminates foreign GIS dependencies, enabling advanced terrain analysis …