Following Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces are urging domestic manufacturers to enhance drones’ electronic components against enemy Electronic Warfare (EW), particularly after vulnerabilities were highlighted by effective Pakistani EW capabilities during the operation. With a focus on anti-jamming technologies and resilient navigation systems, the initiative underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. The investment of over ₹2,000 crore by the Drone Federation of India in …

Vietnam is moving to evaluate integrating the BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile on its Su-30-series fighters, paralleling Malaysia’s ongoing feasibility studies, amid reports that Hanoi is close to finalizing a roughly $700 million BrahMos package including coastal batteries and air-launched variants for Su-30 operations, as regional tensions persist in the South China Sea. The interest follows India’s operational deployment of BrahMos from Su-30MKI aircraft and recent Southeast Asian traction after deliveries to the Philippines, with technical …

The Indian Navy is advancing its underwater capabilities with the development of the Project-77 nuclear-powered attack submarines, featuring a hybrid Nuclear-Electric Propulsion system that allows for speeds of up to 25 knots in silent mode, comparable to the U.S. Virginia-class and superior to China’s Type 095. This technological leap enhances India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific amid rising competition from China, especially as the P77 submarines are designed for stealth and operational flexibility. By possibly …

DRDO is seeking private-sector partnerships for developing a secure SATCOM data-link for the TEJAS MK-2 and AMCA aircraft, enabling enhanced operational capabilities such as secure BLOS communication, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare. With a focus on domestic innovation, DRDO has invited Indian firms with expertise in software-defined radios to collaborate, ensuring resilience against jamming and interoperability. This initiative aligns with India’s broader defense strategy of self-reliance and modernization, with potential expansion to other aviation platforms. …

India’s ambitious Netra MK-II AEW&C program aims to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft into advanced airborne surveillance platforms, reflecting a significant investment of approximately 20,000 Crores (US$227 million). This upgrade addresses previous limitations of the EMB-145-based systems, enhancing range, endurance, and capacity for advanced radar and electronic warfare systems. The integration of a new-generation AESA radar will bolster India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region amid growing geopolitical challenges. With operational induction …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expanding its order for General Electric F404 engines, with an additional 113 units to support the Indian Air Force’s Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A fleet, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in aerospace. This order, part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ensures a steady supply of engines for the Tejas program, which will include 180 aircraft by 2035. The F404s reliability and performance make it the optimal choice, despite future engine developments. …

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has commenced the indigenous development of an Engine Fuel Control System (EFCS) aimed at enhancing India’s aerospace propulsion capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technologies. This initiative is vital for advanced military platforms like the AMCA and Tejas Mk2, focusing on precision fuel management and performance optimization through various integrated components. By collaborating with local industries and ensuring rigorous testing, GTRE seeks to address historical challenges in India’s aero …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to repurpose retiring MiG-21s into target drones to test next-generation surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) developed by the DRDO, offering a cost-effective solution to utilize aging airframes. This innovative approach supports India’s self-reliance in defense by leveraging the MiG-21’s capabilities for realistic SAM trials, such as the Akash-NG and QRSAM systems, expected to commence by 2027. The conversion process minimizes costs while maximizing operational utility, aligning with global practices. This strategy …

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project has unveiled graphics showcasing its advanced sensor capabilities, including an Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for ground strikes and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system for air-to-air combat. This multi-role stealth aircraft, essential for the Indian Air Force’s modernization, integrates a Distributed Aperture System for 360-degree situational awareness, crucial against regional adversaries like China and Pakistan. With prototypes expected by 2027-2028 and full-scale production in the early 2030s, …

Adani Defence & Aerospace has announced its intention to bid for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aimed at developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This initiative, spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency under the DRDO, allows both public and private sector participation, with a budget of approximately ₹15,000 crore allocated for development. The AMCA, designed for air superiority and electronic warfare, targets the first aircraft delivery to the Indian Air Force by 2034-35. …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to retain and modernize its 4.5-generation fighters, such as Rafale and Tejas MkII, until the 2070s, citing the limitations of transitioning fully to 5th-generation platforms due to costs and evolving air defense systems. As counter-stealth technologies advance, upgraded 4.5-gen jets with long-range precision capabilities will ensure operational effectiveness against threats from China and Pakistan. This strategy parallels global trends where nations continue investing in legacy platforms, balancing cost and …

India and France have advanced plans to co-develop a 120 kN-class turbofan for the AMCA, with DRDO/GTRE and Safran targeting a decade-long development under a government-to-government framework valued around ₹61,000 crore ($7 billion), announced publicly by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 22 August 2025 and aligned with the Horizon 2047 roadmap. Reports indicate the engine will integrate indigenous 3D thrust vectoring nozzles to improve maneuverability and rear-aspect stealth, with a combined 240 kN thrust expected …

HAL is accelerating development of the CATS Hunter air-launched cruise missile after India’s May 2025 Operation Sindoor, targeting carriage trials by mid-2026 and series production around 2030, according to multiple program updates published this week. The subsonic, stealth-oriented ALCM—part of HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System—has shifted to an upgraded indigenous PTAE-7 turbojet with digital engine controls, a configuration linked to a redesigned low‑observable airframe seen since April 2025 and aimed at penetrating contested airspace with …

PRYMA Aerospace has achieved DGCA certification for its Arjuna drone, enabling deployment for agricultural activities. This milestone, which follows the approval of its Drone School of Excellence as a Remote Pilot Training Organisation, positions India to excel in indigenous drone technology. The company’s Salam Kisan initiative has already supported 300,000 farmers with precision farming solutions, enhancing crop yields and environmental sustainability. The Rs 300 crore MoU signed with Maharashtra’s state government further paves the way …

The Indian government has announced a procurement of 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), worth approximately 66,000 crore, reflecting a 17.6% increase in unit cost compared to a previous order for 83 jets. This rise is attributed to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and advanced technological upgrades, including the ‘Uttam’ AESA radar and improved electronic warfare capabilities. The total Tejas Mk1A fleet will now reach 180 aircraft, enhancing IAF’s strength and …

South Korea is set to embark on a significant defense project, with two consortiums preparing bids for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s (DAPA) $1.3 billion electronic warfare aircraft initiative. Aiming to convert a commercial aircraft into a military platform capable of detecting and jamming enemy signals, the project seeks to deliver four operational units by 2034. Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems lead one consortium, while LIG Nex1 and Korean Air head another. This …

Adani Defence has unveiled the ARYAN-52, an indigenously designed 155x52mm mounted gun system tailored for the Indian Army’s needs. This self-propelled artillery platform boasts a 45-kilometre range, rapid firing capabilities, and exceptional mobility on an 8×8 wheeled chassis, enhancing its effectiveness in modern warfare. The system’s armoured crew cabin ensures crew safety, while its compatibility with existing artillery command systems facilitates precise targeting. The ARYAN-52 symbolizes India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence production and significantly …

Skyroot Aerospace is set to invest 400 crores in Tirupati to establish a new manufacturing plant, enhancing India’s private space manufacturing capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility will focus on producing rockets and space systems, generating around 300 direct jobs and numerous indirect employment opportunities in the region. The investment reflects a significant step towards reducing reliance on imported space components and bolstering domestic production, aligning with Andhra Pradesh’s vision of becoming a tech innovation hub. Founded …

Axiscades has secured a notable order worth Rs 150 crore in the defense sector, with its subsidiary Mistral Solutions tasked to develop ten Electronic Control Units for the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft’s cooling system upgrade for CASDIC, DRDO. This prototype development is expected to lead to a substantial production order of around 600 units over the next five years. This contract highlights the growing capabilities of Indian defense companies and the government’s commitment to enhancing …

The DRDO has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to develop an indigenous compact lightweight radar system for balloon-based surveillance, aiming to enhance India’s aerial capabilities and foster self-reliance in defense technology. This radar will facilitate persistent low-altitude surveillance, target tracking, and early warning, addressing rising threats from low-flying drones and intrusions. Designed for balloon platforms, it incorporates advanced features such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology while maintaining a lightweight profile under 20 …

India and Japan are exploring a potential revival of the ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft deal, years after talks stalled over pricing and technology transfer, amid a broader upswing in strategic ties and Japan’s push on defense exports since 2014. India’s requirement for 12–18 US-2s dates to a 2011 RFI, with negotiations intensifying around 2016 when Tokyo offered a price cut from about $133 million to roughly $113 million per aircraft, though discussions later slowed over …

India is set to enhance its indigenous aerospace capabilities significantly with DGPropulsion’s announcement of two advanced jet engine testbeds to be operational by the end of 2025. These facilities will allow for real-time measurement of crucial data points like thrust and fuel flow, aimed at creating a robust database for high-performance engine design tailored to India’s defense needs, including fighter jets and UAVs. This move aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense …

India is deploying more than 700 personnel from its Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Integrated Defence Staff to participate in the 19th edition of the multinational Exercise Bright Star, being held in Egypt from August 28 to September 10, 2025. Established as a bilateral U.S.–Egypt initiative in 1980, this biennial tri-service drill has grown into one of the region’s largest, with over 40 participating countries—13 sending troops and 30 joining as observers …

India’s BrahMos missile was thrust into focus at the NDTV Defence Summit 2025, where former BrahMos Aerospace chief Atul Dinkar Rane cited its role in Operation Sindoor—India’s May 7–8 precision strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians—while underscoring its near-meter accuracy and deterrent value, remarks that gained added resonance after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly acknowledged India’s pre-emptive BrahMos strikes that disrupted …

Delhi-based SMPP Limited has signed a MoU with the Philippines Asia Defence & Firepower Corporation (ADFC) to establish a joint venture for local defense manufacturing, enhancing regional self-reliance and aligning with India’s Make in India initiative. This partnership, finalized during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India, will produce advanced ballistic protection systems and ammunition components, contributing to the Philippines’ Self-Reliant Defence Posture. The collaboration also strengthens India-Philippines defense ties, notably following the $375 …