Engineers India Ltd (EIL) has signed a preliminary MoU with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) to provide engineering services for developing small modular reactors (SMRs), supporting India’s goal of achieving 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of enhancing energy security through clean and reliable nuclear energy. The MoU aims to develop the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR), marking a significant step towards India’s …

Thakral Corp Ltd is expanding its B2B arm, Bharat Skytech, to manufacture drone components in India, tapping into the growing regional demand for drones, particularly in agriculture and enterprise sectors. The group, which holds a 23% stake in Indian drone-tech firm Skylark Drones, indicates a robust outlook for the South Asian drone market. Additionally, Thakral Corp’s revenue surged to SGD160.5 million in 1H2025, reflecting India’s resilient economy, projected to become the world’s third-largest by 2028. …

India has extended its NOTAM range to 4,790 km, suggesting a potential upcoming test of a highly advanced missile system, likely an enhanced Agni-6 ICBM or a cutting-edge hypersonic missile. This expansion indicates India’s strategic intent to bolster its deterrence and power projection capabilities within the Indo-Pacific, signaling its enhanced ability to strike distant targets and secure critical sea lanes. The vast NOTAM zone underlines India’s commitment to maintaining a credible second-strike capability amid regional …

India is reportedly advancing its defense capabilities with “Mission Sudarshan Chakra,” which aims to develop a robust air defense system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome. This initiative reflects Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to enhancing national security and protecting critical infrastructure against aerial threats. The mission emphasizes indigenous technological development, boosting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By focusing on cutting-edge defense solutions, India seeks to reinforce its strategic deterrence and safeguard its sovereignty, marking a significant step …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is intensifying maritime testing of its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to address a critical flaw that has affected operations for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Extensive trials conducted off the Visakhapatnam coast have gathered significant data to pinpoint the issue, linked to challenging maritime operations. HAL is collaborating with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for fatigue testing on a key component of the transmission system to ensure reliable …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is enhancing its production capacity for the Tejas Mk1A by outsourcing aerostructure and airframe manufacturing to the private sector, effectively establishing an “invisible fourth production line.” This strategy allows HAL to focus on final integration, significantly accelerating assembly timelines and enabling a production scale of 2430 aircraft per year. For the upcoming Tejas MkII, HAL plans to deepen private sector involvement by having them manufacture entire aircraft sections, which includes internal …

Russian Defence Expert Ruslan Pukhov has suggested that post-war, Russia should consider procuring defence electronics and components from India, citing India’s advancements in indigenous defence manufacturing as significant. He pointed out India’s capabilities in avionics, radars, and electronic warfare systems as complementary to Russia’s needs, particularly given its current supply chain constraints due to Western sanctions. This indicates a growing recognition of India’s rising profile in global defence manufacturing, positioning it as an attractive partner …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its capabilities with the upcoming Tejas Mk2 fighter jet, developed by HAL. This new model features an advanced fuel system, including three additional external fuel tanks, increasing its fuel capacity to 6000 kg and extending its combat range beyond 1000 kilometers. With these upgrades, the Tejas Mk2 can remain airborne for up to 10 hours, allowing for sustained operations without sacrificing weaponry. This advancement aligns with …

India’s defense sector has made remarkable strides in achieving self-reliance, transitioning from a major arms importer to an emerging exporter within 11 years, as emphasized by Prime Minister Modi during his Independence Day speech. Key initiatives like the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and the Innovations for Defence Excellence scheme have driven indigenous production and innovation, resulting in a defense export surge to over ₹23,000 crore. Operations such as Sindoor underscore the effectiveness of these reforms …

India is set to induct 156 Prachand attack helicopters, marking a significant advancement in its military capabilities, especially suitable for high-altitude operations in regions like Siachen and Ladakh. These helicopters, manufactured under the Make in India initiative, can reach altitudes of 16,400 feet and are equipped with advanced missiles and sensor-linked targeting systems, enhancing India’s air combat edge against adversaries like Pakistan and China. The Prachand helicopters will diversify the Indian Air Force’s fleet and …

Brightcom Group has launched ‘Brightcom Defence,’ a new division aimed at developing advanced autonomous defense solutions, including AI-powered UAV systems and real-time threat detection. This strategic initiative seeks to leverage the growing market for cutting-edge defense technologies, focusing on aerospace intelligence and cybersecurity. By entering the defense sector, Brightcom not only enhances India’s capabilities in autonomous defense but also aligns with the country’s push for self-reliance in defense production. This move underscores the increasing role …

The Ministry of Defence is considering the establishment of a Services Selection Board (SSB) Centre in Guwahati, following a proposal from Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. This initiative aims to facilitate the selection of officers for the Armed Forces and encourage local youth to pursue military careers, addressing the accessibility challenges faced by candidates from the North Eastern Region due to distant SSB locations. The Defence Minister’s positive response highlights the potential for a …

A proposed joint venture between India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and France’s Safran aims to develop an engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), generating 120kN thrust, but will not include an adaptive cycle core due to its immaturity. Instead, it will feature 6th-generation technologies like a cooler-running core, with the Ministry of Defence expected to finalize the selection by year-end. Safran aims for a production-ready engine within a 10+2-year timeline, reflecting India’s …

India’s Ghatak UCAV program has gained momentum with the partnership of L&T and a commitment from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for procuring 7-8 squadrons. This stealthy, autonomous strike platform will significantly enhance the IAF’s capabilities, particularly for deep-strike missions against high-value targets. The Ghatak, powered by an advanced Kaveri engine, aims for induction by 2035, with initial funding awaiting approval. Its design emphasizes indigenous innovation, aligning with the Make in India initiative, and positions …

India’s LCA Tejas Mk1A is establishing itself as a superior air combat aircraft, outperforming older models like the Mirage-2000 and Su-30MKI. With its stealthy design, low radar cross-section, advanced LR-AESA radar, and integration of the Astra Mk-II BVRAAM, the Tejas Mk1A offers enhanced situational awareness and long-range engagement capabilities. Its electronic warfare suite further boosts survivability, making it adept against regional threats, such as Pakistan’s Fatah-4 missile. This advancement in indigenous capabilities not only strengthens …

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing Project Kusha, a long-range surface-to-air missile system aimed at bolstering India’s air defense capabilities against threats from Pakistan and China. This initiative, often compared to Russia’s S-400 and S-500 systems, includes four interceptor variants: the M1 (150 km range) for tactical threats, the M2 (250 km) for medium-range targets, the M3 (350-400 km) for high-value aircraft and ballistic missiles, and a naval variant designed to counter …

Rolls-Royce is considering establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the AE2100 engine used by the Indian Air Force (IAF), aligning with the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral defense collaboration and reinforce Rolls-Royce’s commitment to India by enhancing local capabilities and scaling partnerships in the multi-role transport aircraft program. Furthermore, the company plans to double its sourcing from India over the next five years, showcasing …

Astrophel Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe to advance reusable rocket technology and propulsion testing, leveraging ISRO’s facilities for critical development activities. This partnership aims to enhance India’s space supply chain and support the indigenous production of advanced components, thereby bolstering the country’s technological independence. Astrophel’s innovative approach to propulsion has positioned it as a leader in cost-effective space solutions, with plans for a suborbital launch and a reusable hopper prototype …

India is set to host two significant defence meetings with the US this month, aiming to expedite procurement processes, particularly concerning the delivery of F404 engines for the TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets and the acquisition of six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft. These discussions highlight the resilience of the India-US defence relationship amid previous tariff disputes and are designed to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism through upcoming military exercises. The joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas, involving over …

The Indian Navy has received its third indigenous Survey Vessel (Large), INS ‘Ikshak’, from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), marking a significant advancement in India’s maritime capabilities. This vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment for comprehensive coastal and deep-water surveys, highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance, as it boasts over 80% indigenous content. Notably, ‘Ikshak’ is the first SVL to feature accommodation for women officers and sailors, reflecting the Navy’s progressive approach towards inclusivity. The …

India and the Philippines have established a joint venture, the SMPP-ADFC, to enhance local defence manufacturing, aligning with their respective self-reliance initiatives. This partnership, formalized during President Marcos Jr.’s visit to India, focuses on producing advanced defence products like ballistic protection systems and ammunition components, directly supporting Philippine military needs and ensuring compliance with local laws. As both nations face maritime tensions in the Indo-Pacific, this collaboration signifies a strategic counterbalance to Chinese influence, strengthening …

Pakistan has unveiled the Fatah-4, a ground-launched cruise missile aimed at countering India’s successful Akash air defense system, which previously intercepted its Fatah-1 and Fatah-2 missiles. The Fatah-4 boasts a range of over 750 kilometers and features advanced AI-based guidance for precision targeting, yet its subsonic speed of 0.7 Mach leaves it vulnerable to India’s air defense capabilities. While the missile’s low-altitude flight profile enhances its survivability against radar detection, it is likely to be …

Filipino defense analysts are advocating for the Philippine Navy to equip its warships with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, particularly following a provocative collision involving Chinese naval forces near Scarborough Shoal. This incident has highlighted the necessity for stronger deterrent capabilities against increasing Chinese maritime aggression in the West Philippine Sea. The BrahMos missile, with its impressive speed and precision, is viewed as essential for enhancing the Philippines’ anti-access/area-denial strategies and safeguarding its Exclusive …

The Indian Army’s Vajra Corps is enhancing its artillery capabilities by equipping BM-21 Grad, Smerch, and Pinaka systems with anti-drone cope cages to counter the rising threat of UAVs in modern warfare. This upgrade addresses vulnerabilities exposed in recent conflicts and aims to bolster the survivability of critical artillery systems against drone attacks. The integration of cope cages not only protects these legacy platforms during operations but also aligns with India’s self-reliance goals in defense …

The Tejas Mk2 program is set to revolutionize the Indian Air Force’s capabilities with significant fuel capacity and range upgrades. New external fuel drop tanks, including a 1300-liter supersonic tank and 1800-liter pinched waist tanks, boost its total fuel load to nearly 6000 kg, greatly enhancing mission endurance and making it suitable for ultra-long-range operations. The Tejas Mk2, equipped with advanced avionics and the General Electric F-414 engine, aims to replace aging fleets and can …