India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) on December 24, 2025 (Ref: ADE/MMD/EOI-03/HALE-RPAS/25-26), seeking Indian vendors as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for a 6-ton class High Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (HALE-RPAS). This indigenous UAV, featuring a 25m wingspan, pusher turboprop, 2,000kg payload, and 40,000ft altitude capability, targets ISTAR and strike missions akin to the MQ-9 Reaper. A pre-bid meeting is set …

North Korea has announced that leader Kim Jong Un observed the testing of hypersonic missiles, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities. This revelation comes amid increased military activity, including multiple ballistic missile launches reported by South Korea and neighboring countries. The developments raise significant concerns regarding regional security dynamics, particularly as North Korea appears to be intensifying its weapons demonstrations ahead of an important ruling party conference. This escalation could further …

Rolls-Royce is intensifying its investment in India, proposing to co-develop a high-performance engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and future naval warships, thereby establishing India as its third global “home market.” The collaboration aims to enhance India’s strategic autonomy by enabling the domestic ownership of essential engine design intellectual property, facilitating independent upgrades and adaptations. Rolls-Royce also highlights the potential for dual-use technology, connecting aerospace and naval sectors to create a viable industrial …

The Ministry of Defence has set a 2026 target for the certification of the indigenous Dry Kaveri engine, crucial for India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) programme. This timeline aims to align propulsion development with airframe readiness, mitigating delays that have hindered previous aerospace projects. The Dry Kaveri engine, designed to minimize thermal signatures, is expected to enhance the Ghatak’s stealth capabilities while allowing it to operate effectively at high altitudes. Successful certification will …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating the development of indigenous loitering munitions following successful operations in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, where Israeli HAROP systems effectively neutralized Pakistani air defenses. This reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing capabilities for Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD), emphasizing the need for home-grown solutions to mitigate reliance on foreign suppliers. The IAF aims to engage with domestic manufacturers, including Tata Advanced Systems and Solar Industries, to create …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has received the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to develop the BM-04 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), enhancing India’s conventional deterrence capabilities. This missile will bridge the gap between tactical rockets like the Pinaka and nuclear-capable missiles such as the Agni series, with an engagement range of 400 to 1,500 km. Featuring advanced aerodynamic design and a two-stage solid propulsion system, the BM-04 is positioned for rapid deployment and precision …

Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ) under DRDO unveiled the portable Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) on January 2, 2026, as detailed in the official DRDO Newsletter for January 2026, featuring engine-operated and manual variants for tri-service operations. The engine model rapidly deploys in 2-3 minutes, purifying seawater with ~35,000 mg/L TDS to

On January 2, 2026, the Indian Army awarded Pune-based NIBE Limited a ₹292.69 crore contract for ground equipment, accessories, ESP units, and ammunition for the Universal Rocket Launcher System (likely Israeli PULS), capable of integrating rockets with 150 km and 300 km strike ranges, to be delivered in tranches within 12 months. This move enhances deep-strike capabilities amid border tensions, offering versatile multi-caliber support while indigenous Pinaka evolves—Pinaka-III (120 km) cleared for ₹2,500 crore procurement …

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) secured a DRDO contract from the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) on December 30, 2025, as the lowest bidder (L-1) at ₹69.15 lakh, beating Aquaarix Autonomous Systems, to co-develop India’s first Aquatic-Aerial System—a dual-domain UAV-UUV capable of seamless air-to-water transitions for ISR, ASW, and MCM missions. Key dates include technical clearance in late December 2025 and HEAUV trials validating tech in March 2025. From an Indian strategic view, this Atmanirbhar …

Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, recently reviewed defence manufacturing innovations at Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Forge in Pune, highlighting India’s commitment to self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His visit showcased advancements in robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and modern artillery systems, underscoring the growing sophistication of India’s private defence sector. Lt Gen Singh commended the industry’s efforts to produce advanced, indigenous capabilities tailored to the Armed Forces’ needs, emphasizing …

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile, capable of striking targets at a range of 600 kilometers with high precision. This development, described as a significant milestone in enhancing Pakistan’s aerospace and defense capabilities, features advanced navigation and guidance systems allowing low-altitude flight to evade hostile defenses. Senior military officials and engineers oversaw the launch, which exemplifies Pakistan’s commitment to technological self-reliance in …

The Ministry of Defence has marked significant achievements in modernization and self-reliance during the Year of Reforms 2025, with capital acquisition proposals exceeding Rs 3.84 lakh crore and contracts worth Rs 1.82 lakh crore signed for Armed Forces modernization. Streamlined procurement processes, increased private sector participation, and enhanced indigenisation efforts have bolstered defense capabilities. Key reforms include the establishment of the Joint Operations Control Centre and the implementation of Vision 2047, aimed at ensuring a …

In a strategic move bolstered by recent success in Morocco, Tata Advanced Systems is offering its WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicle to Greece for rigorous operational trials, aiming for a temporary deployment to assess the platform’s capabilities under local conditions. This initiative follows the successful handover of WhAP vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army, representing India’s first large-scale overseas defense manufacturing effort. As Greece seeks to modernize its mechanized infantry, the WhAP’s modular design, amphibious capabilities, …

The Indian Army is poised to become the first military globally to deploy ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shells, a significant advancement in its quest for self-reliance under the Atmanirbharta initiative. Developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, this innovation promises to enhance range by 30 to 50 percent while maintaining destructive power, thereby enabling deeper strikes against enemy positions. Successful trials at Pokharan have confirmed the feasibility of retrofitting existing shells, …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opted to prioritize the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) tender over acquiring six additional C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, signaling a strategic shift in its procurement approach. This $5 billion programme aims to replace the ageing Antonov An-32 fleet while emphasizing domestic manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with at least 30% indigenous content required. The decision consolidates operational requirements, potentially enhancing logistics efficiency and economies of scale. As global …

On January 2, 2026, a Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was showcased at a UAE airbase, marking an important milestone in the defense collaboration between Turkey and the UAE. This event highlights the UAE’s acquisition of advanced UAV systems, including the Bayraktar Akıncı and TB2 drones, which enhance its operational capabilities in a shifting Middle Eastern security landscape. For India, this development underscores the urgency to advance indigenous drone projects like Ghatak and Rustom to …

Recent satellite imagery indicates that China has converted a medium cargo ship into a modular drone catapult carrier, featuring an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) for deploying advanced combat drones alongside missile defenses. This transformation highlights China’s strategy to utilize its civilian merchant fleet for military applications, enhancing its naval capabilities in the contested Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The implications for India are significant, as this dual-use approach threatens regional maritime security and necessitates …

The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) granted provisional clearances to Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) on December 31, 2025, for indigenous superalloys (BZL1, BZL14H, ZS 6Y), titanium alloys (OT 4-1, Titan 33A), and special steels (AE866W, 16XH3BFMB-W) vital for the AL-31FP engines powering Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighters. Initiated by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Koraput Division in 2024, this milestone—corroborated across credible sources in the past three days—validates materials enduring over 1,200°C for …

China has commissioned a new Type 052D guided missile destroyer named Loudi, significantly enhancing its naval capabilities amid rapid fleet expansion. The destroyer features upgraded radar, weapon, and network systems, enabling it to perform long-range assaults and defend friendly vessels. With this addition, the Chinese navy now operates 234 warships, surpassing the U.S. Navy’s 219. Concurrently, China continues to bolster its military cooperation with Pakistan, recently launching a fourth Hangor-class submarine for Islamabad. This development …

Troops Comfort Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Adidas to develop high-performance Physical Training footwear specifically for the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant advancement in defense apparel. This collaboration aims to enhance soldier comfort and operational readiness through innovative design features tailored to diverse terrains. The partnership supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promising local manufacturing and potential job creation while also addressing past procurement challenges. With prototypes expected within a year and …

India has advanced its defense collaboration with Israel through an $8.7 billion missile package approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities amid rising regional threats from China and Pakistan. Key components include air-to-air missiles, loitering munitions, and advanced radars, with a focus on deep-strike deterrence. Notable munitions such as the Rampage missiles and the Air LORA ballistic missile significantly enhance India’s strike options, while indigenous production commitments under the …

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 36 additional Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for the Indian Air Force (IAF), enhancing the operational capability of the Rafale fleet. This strategic move addresses immediate inventory needs and preemptively fills potential gaps in India’s aerial combat capabilities amid evolving regional threats. The Meteor missile’s advanced propulsion technology and extensive engagement range position the IAF to dominate contested airspace, particularly in potential two-front scenarios with adversaries …

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under India’s DRDO has commenced preliminary studies on a sixth-generation tailless fighter jet, emphasizing advanced technologies like blended wing-body designs and morphing wing technology. This initiative aims to enhance India’s aerial warfare capabilities through greater stealth, adaptability, and network-centric operations. The IAF envisions the new platform as a heavy-class fighter, potentially replacing the Su-30MKI fleet, with improved payload capacity and range for deep penetration and air dominance missions. By prioritizing …

The Defence Acquisition Council has granted Acceptance of Necessity for the Indian Army to procure the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120), extending its artillery capabilities to deliver precise strikes up to 120 km. This cost-effective system integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, allowing for mass deployment without significant logistical changes. The LRGR-120 enhances India’s military deterrence by enabling saturation fire while minimizing reliance on high-cost missiles. Strategically, it brings critical targets within range of Indian …

India and Russia have initiated formal talks regarding the procurement and potential domestic manufacturing of the R-37M very long-range air-to-air missile for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet. This procurement strategy aims to enhance India’s air dominance capabilities by quickly acquiring an initial batch of approximately 300 missiles, while also exploring technology transfer for local production. The R-37M’s integration would notably elevate the Su-30MKI’s role as an area-denial platform, complementing the indigenous Astra Mk2 missile …