India and Russia have finalized a significant agreement to manufacture small aircraft piston engines domestically, bolstering India’s military self-reliance and supporting its growing fleet of UAVs and loitering munitions. This collaboration, which includes a Transfer of Technology clause, marks a shift from a traditional buyer-seller dynamic to joint development, enhancing operational readiness and supply chain stability. The high-performance engines, expected to power systems like the Nagastra-1 and Astra 100 kamikaze UAV, will enable extended flight times and advanced capabilities for surveillance and precision strikes, reflecting India’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and fostering a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.