Category: Defence

New Delhi: India and France are advancing towards a substantial defence agreement valued at approximately €300 million for the supply of additional SCALP cruise missiles to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This development follows the missiles’ proven efficacy during Operation Sindoor last year, where they delivered precise strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The SCALP, also recognised as the Storm Shadow, is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile renowned for its stealth features and pinpoint accuracy. Launched from Rafale fighter jets alongside BrahMos missiles, it successfully neutralised high-value targets including the…

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Mumbai: Navi Mumbai-based VTOL Aviation India Private Limited has unveiled the VLM_X, a cutting-edge Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) loitering munition designed as a kamikaze drone for precision strikes in modern warfare. This Made-in-India innovation integrates AI-powered target recognition with stealthy operation, marking a significant step forward in India’s indigenous defence capabilities. The VLM_X stands out for its ability to process real-time camera feeds autonomously, identifying and engaging a wide array of threats including vehicles, personnel, tanks, radars, drones, aircraft, RF transmission systems, and marine vessels. Operators can employ a…

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New Delhi: India is exploring significant defence collaboration opportunities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Malaysia on 7-8 February. The Ministry of External Affairs has highlighted potential sales of Dornier aircraft, alongside maintenance and upgrade prospects for Scorpene submarines and Su-30SM fighters. Speaking in New Delhi ahead of the visit, Secretary (East) P Kumaran outlined promising avenues in defence cooperation. He emphasised opportunities for Dornier aircraft sales, noting Malaysia’s interest in mid-life upgrades and retrofitting for its Scorpene submarines. Both nations operate Su-30 aircraft, prompting India to propose…

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Amravati: Telangana-based Apogee Aerospace has secured a landmark ₹3,500 crore ($390 million) contract with Australia-based Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) for the procurement and local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft. This deal marks a significant stride for India’s indigenous defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting the growing prowess of private sector players in high-value international partnerships. The Albatross 2.0, an advanced multi-role amphibian aircraft, is designed for versatile operations across maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), disaster relief, and troop transport. Capable of landing on…

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New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is set to convene in the second week of February. This pivotal meeting comes just ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India for the Artificial Intelligence Summit. Key procurement proposals aimed at bolstering the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces will dominate the agenda. A senior defence official has confirmed that the DAC will grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for several high-priority acquisitions. These moves are designed to address critical gaps in military capabilities…

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New Delhi: Okulo Aerospace has marked a significant milestone in India’s unmanned aviation sector with its Suvi-V1 UAV becoming the country’s first solar-electric fixed-wing drone to receive official Type Certification. The certification validates the platform’s airworthiness and signals its readiness for sustained, high-endurance missions across both strategic and civilian domains. From a technology perspective, the Suvi-V1 adopts a solar-electric hybrid architecture, combining onboard batteries with solar energy harvesting to significantly extend flight endurance. This approach reduces reliance on frequent ground-based recharging, allowing the UAV to remain airborne for longer durations…

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New Delhi | The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has stepped up preparations for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first human spaceflight programme, with extensive testing underway ahead of the first uncrewed launch planned for March 2026. Despite recent setbacks in other launch programmes, ISRO has reiterated that the flagship mission remains firmly on track for a crewed launch in 2027. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said that the upcoming uncrewed mission, designated G1, will serve as a critical validation phase before astronauts are sent to space. Speaking in New Delhi last week,…

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New Delhi: India and the United States stand on the brink of sealing a landmark $3 billion defence pact for six additional P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, bolstering the Indian Navy’s surveillance prowess amid deepening bilateral ties. This agreement follows the recent finalisation of a significant trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, injecting fresh momentum into long-stalled negotiations. The Indian Navy currently operates 12 P-8I aircraft, stationed at bases in Arakkonam and Goa, forming the cornerstone of its reconnaissance efforts along the eastern and western seaboard. These platforms excel…

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New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved swiftly to counter media speculation regarding delays in the delivery of its indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighter jets. The company also assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year. The company confirmed (5-Feb-2026) that 5 aircraft stand fully ready for handover to the Indian Air Force, complete with all major contracted capabilities as per agreed specifications. An additional nine jets have already been constructed and test-flown, underscoring HAL’s progress amid supply chain hurdles. Reports circulating in several outlets…

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New Delhi: The delivery schedule for India’s indigenous TEJAS MK-1A fighters has encountered further setbacks, with projections now indicating a slip beyond May 2026, reported Manu Pubby of Economic Times. Sources reveal that although at least five jets stand manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, they remain unfit for Indian Air Force (IAF) induction owing to incomplete avionics integration and pending certifications. This development dashes hopes tied to HAL’s reiterated commitment of inducting five aircraft by March 2026, originally a revision from the March 2025 target disrupted by engine supply…

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