Defence

Mumbai, October 4, 2026 : Embraer and Mahindra Group are continuing preparatory discussions and planning activities regarding an industrial and support ecosystem for the C-390 Millennium in India, as the companies jointly pursue the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. As part of their ongoing preparations, Mahindra and Embraer are working with the Government of Maharashtra and have identified Nagpur for a potential Final Assembly Line for Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft production in India. The proposed facility would support the local assembly and industrialisation of the aircraft in India, subject to the Embraer C-390 Millennium being selected by the Government of India and an order being placed under the IAF’s MTA programme. The companies are working closely with the Maharashtra Government on completion of the associated processes, with the objective of ensuring that the required industrial infrastructure can be progressed expeditiously if the programme is awarded to the partnership. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO Embraer Defense & Security, “Embraer is pleased to deepen its partnership with Mahindra as we advance our preparations to bring the C-390 Millennium’s industrial capabilities to India. Identifying Nagpur as a potential location for an assembly facility is an important step in building a robust, long-term aerospace ecosystem in the country. We value the support of the Government of Maharashtra and look forward to working closely with our partners to strengthen India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities, subject to the C-390 Millennium being selected for the Indian Air Force programme.” Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group, “Mahindra is committed to building a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem in India and to creating meaningful manufacturing and technology capabilities that contribute to the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat ambitions. As we work with Embraer on the C-390 Millennium, we are preparing the industrial ecosystem required to support the programme at scale. Nagpur offers a compelling opportunity for such a capability, and we are very grateful to the Government of Maharashtra on expeditiously allotting the land in Nagpur and helping with the related requirements. These preparations are, of course, subject to the selection of the C-390 Millennium by the Government of India and the placement of the IAF order.” The proposed Nagpur facility would be a state-of-the-art facility in India bringing knowhow on aircraft assembly, system integration, manufacturing engineering, local supply chain development and others into the country. Subject to the programme award, the partnership intends to progressively integrate Indian aerospace companies into the C-390 Millennium ecosystem, to deliver manufacturing, aftermarket services, training and lifecycle support, in line with the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives. Embraer and Mahindra entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement in October 2025 to jointly advance the C-390 Millennium for the IAF’s MTA programme, building on their earlier MoU signed in February 2024. The agreement envisages collaboration on industrialisation, local manufacturing, assembly, supply chain development and MRO activities in India. In February 2026, the companies also announced plans to work towards establishing a C-390 Millennium MRO capability in India, subject to the aircraft’s selection under the MTA programme. The C-390 Millennium is a multi-mission military transport aircraft designed to perform a range of missions including troop and cargo transport, airdrop operations, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions. The aircraft has a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes and is designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The proposed industrialisation programme would leverage Embraer’s aerospace engineering and aircraft manufacturing expertise with Mahindra’s established manufacturing capabilities and extensive Indian industrial ecosystem. The companies will continue to engage with the Government of India, the Indian aerospace ecosystem and the Government of Maharashtra as they progress preparations for the programme. *This release contains forward-looking statements regarding potential industrial activities, manufacturing capabilities, facilities, collaborations and business opportunities. Such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the outcome of the Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft procurement process, governmental approvals, the execution of definitive agreements and other factors beyond the parties’ control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Meerut, 21 September 2026: The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team of the Indian Air Force took to the skies of Meerut for the first time on September 19 and 20, 2026, captivating spectators with a breathtaking display. Over 1 lakh people, including students, National Cadet Corps cadets and National Service Scheme volunteers turned up over two days to witness the display. Notably, three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who performed aerobatics, are from Meerut. On September 20, 2026, the show was witnessed by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. Posting on X, Shri Sanjay Seth described the event as a remarkable blend of discipline, precision, teamwork, and professionalism, and a testament to the Indian Air Force’s glorious capabilities. He commended the courage and dedication of SKAT which has performed in over 800 airshows, both in India and abroad, in its 30-year journey, so far. Posting on X on the first day of the display, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh praised the precision and courage of SKAT pilots who painted the sky in the colours of the Tricolour, showcasing breathtaking precision and courage. He called it a proud and inspiring moment for the state and a nation as a whole. Other dignitaries who witnessed the show include Rajya Sabha MP Dr Laxmikant Bajpai, UP Minister of State Shri Somendra Tomar, and Members of the Legislative Council Shri Ashwini Tyagi and Shri Dharmendra Bhardwaj.

India, 19 September 2026: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over two Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Final Operational Clearance Twin Seater Trainers & three HTT 40 Basic Trainers to the Indian Air Force, and four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Civil Aviation Shri K Rammohan Naidu in Bengaluru, Karnataka on September 18, 2026. In his address, Raksha Mantri described the handing over as a significant milestone in the nation’s progress towards indigenous aerospace capability, technological self-confidence and self-reliance. “Our aim is to make India capable, self-reliant, and globally competitive in meeting its aerospace requirements,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that India is moving systematically towards Aatmanirbharta in defence, as the nation is manufacturing the state-of-the-art equipment indigenously ever since Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government began working with the core mantra of self-reliance. “We’ve taken steps to not only provide the opportunity to Defence Public Sector Undertakings to advance in the defence sector, but also encourage the private industry, ensuring a level playing field,” he added, while listing the steps taken by the Ministry of Defence to promote self-reliance. Raksha Mantri stressed the need to advance systematically in the aerospace sector, terming self-reliance in the domain as the need of the hour. “There can be no sudden ‘big bang’ in the development of aerospace systems. It is a vast and gradual process involving a wide range of components. All the products and components involved represent small rungs on a long ladder; we must move forward one step at a time. Naturally, there would be challenges, but we need to view them as milestones on a larger roadmap to achieve progress in a sector as complex and crucial as aerospace,” he said. Shri Rajnath Singh also termed the handing over ceremony as a symbol of the growing synergy between civil aviation and defence aerospace capabilities, emphasising that the development of a robust aerospace industry should not be limited merely to meeting defence requirements. He called for building an ecosystem capable of effectively addressing the needs of both the civil and military aviation sectors. “When capabilities such as aircraft design, avionics, propulsion, composite materials, flight control systems, manufacturing, and certification are developed within the country, they benefit the entire aerospace sector. We must build an integrated aerospace ecosystem which is self-reliant across every domain. I am confident of achieving this endeavour through our collective strength,” he said. Asserting that the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, and future air operations will be information-intensive and technology-driven, Raksha Mantri underscored the importance of developing complex systems indigenously. He stated that combat effectiveness can only be ensured through a combination of well-trained personnel, advanced technology, integrated systems, and rapid decision-making, expressing confidence that LCA FOC Trainer will play a crucial role in preparing the pilots for this demanding operational environment. “While the Dhruv-NG exemplifies our indigenous civil aerospace prowess, LCA FOC Trainer stands as a symbol of indigenous military aerospace capability and the maturity of its fighter aircraft ecosystem,” he added. On the HTT-40, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that India had, for years, relied on imported aircraft to meet its basic training requirements, but HAL is now indigenously manufacturing HTT-40 to cater to the needs of IAF. Highlighting the aircraft’s export potential, he expressed confidence that the HTT-40 would find demand in international markets and fulfil its intended role in strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities. Raksha Mantri highlighted HAL’s expertise across aircraft manufacturing, helicopter development, overhaul, repair, maintenance and aerospace engineering,  calling it a pillar in India’s endeavour to build indigenous aerospace capabilities. He exhorted the DPSU to further expand its capabilities across the entire aerospace value chain, including design, development, manufacturing, certification, lifecycle support and global marketing. Shri Rajnath Singh called for realistic project timelines to address delays in ongoing technical projects. He noted that delays can create gaps in meeting critical defence requirements, lead to cost escalations and increase the risk of technology obsolescence. Terming R&D as a crucial priority area, Raksha Mantri urged young scientists, engineers, designers, test pilots, and technicians to take it as a challenge to create technologies that do not exist today. He called upon them to develop capabilities that secure a leading position for India in the global aerospace technology landscape over the coming decade. Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the need to not view public and private sectors as competitors, but collaborators. “There is a need for enhanced public-private synergy to build next-gen indigenous aerospace capabilities. By working together, we can accelerate the growth of India’s aerospace sector. We must prepare for the sector’s transformation through Artificial Intelligence, autonomous systems, unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, cyber technologies, and next-generation propulsion, with a strong focus on their indigenous development and integration. Let us all resolve to make India not only self-reliant in the field of aerospace technology but also a global leader,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation Shri K Rammohan Naidu said that the certification and induction of the Dhruv NG into civil operations marked an important milestone for India’s indigenous civil aviation ecosystem. He termed it as a reflection of the growing capability of Indian industry to develop and support advanced aerospace platforms for commercial applications. CMD, HAL Shri Ravi K stated that the handover of Tejas FOC Twin Seater Trainers, HTT 40 Basic Trainers and Dhruv NG helicopters demonstrates HAL’s ability to develop and deliver platforms for diverse civil and defence requirements. These two platforms, he added, reflect the depth of capability that HAL has built over the years and the strength of the indigenous aerospace ecosystem that supports them. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar; and Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Samir Kumar Sinha attended the event. The LCA Twin Seater Trainers are the final two aircraft under the FOC contract. The aircraft will support the Indian Air Force’s training requirements and provide pilots with an indigenous training

Cairo, 7th Sept 2026: The Sarang Helicopter Display Team of Indian Air Force has reached Egypt to participate in the 2nd edition of the EI Alamein International Airshow, scheduled to be held from 08 to 10 September 2026 at EI Alamein International Airport. The IAF Sarang team is the world’s only five helicopter display team. The team will showcase precision, professionalism and flying skills through a series of meticulously choreographed displays. This marks another significant milestone in international engagements by the Indian Air Force reflecting growing defence and diplomatic ties between India and Egypt. Flying the indigenously designed and manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, the Sarang team is renowned for its demanding formation manoeuvres close-proximity flying and synchronised aerial sequences. The display highlights not only the exceptional skill and discipline of its pilots but also the capabilities of India’s indigenous aerospace industry. The Sarang team will display its famous “Dolphin Leap” manoeuvre and also present a new manoeuvre called the Spot Stall Turn. The team’s participation will provide an opportunity for spectators and aviation enthusiasts from across the world to witness the versatility and agility of the ALH Dhruv while witnessing the bold spirit of the Indian Air Force. The El Alamein International Airshow brings together leading Air Forces as well as professionals in the aerospace, defense, and space sectors from around the world The Sarang display over Egyptian skies will add a distinctive dimension to the event, besides strengthening ties with other International teams from across the world. Aviation World is the official Media Partner of EI Alamein International Airshow 2026.

New Delhi, September 4th 2026: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade of Belgium Theo Francken in New Delhi on September 03, 2026. During the interaction, the two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of defence and industrial cooperation. The two ministers agreed to expand bilateral ties through defence cooperation dialogue, high-level visits, training and capacity building. Both leaders also discussed issues of regional peace & security and acknowledged the need for maritime security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. They reiterated that the partnership between India and Belgium is based on shared values of mutual trust & respect. The meeting was conducted on the sidelines of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever in New Delhi.

The two-seat fighter, developed by Saab in partnership with Brazilian industry, accelerates training and enhances operational performance. Sweden,28th August 2026: Saab has successfully completed the first flight of Gripen F, the two-seat variant of Gripen E. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for 40 minutes. The flight was conducted at Saab’s airfield in Linköping by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos. This inaugural sortie successfully verified the functionality of the aircraft core systems and its initial flight performance. “This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics. With this mission, Gripen F enters the airborne phase of its test campaign. Following the initial production acceptance flights, the programme will move into a progressive envelope expansion phase, in which the aircraft full performance limits — including speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack — will be cleared step by step. In parallel, tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions specific to the two-seat configuration will also be evaluated. Gripen F is the result of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden, as well as the extensive technology transfer carried out under the Brazilian Gripen Programme. More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have participated in training activities related to the development, production, flight testing and maintenance of the aircraft. As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co-development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation. The campaign will be conducted by Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. Once the planned activities and aircraft acceptance procedures have been completed, Gripen F will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.

Delhi, 28th August 2026: The inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) was held in New Delhi on August 28, 2026. Both countries agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation across a wide range of areas, including training, military exercises, military medicine, staff talks, defence industry, and Research & Development (R&D). The first meeting of the JDC marked an important step towards operationalising the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation between India and Kuwait, signed during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Kuwait in December 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Raed Alsakran of the five-member Kuwaiti delegation. The Indian delegation comprised representatives from the three Services, Department of Defence Production, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Armed Forces Medical Services and Ministry of External Affairs. Ahead of the JDC meeting, Brigadier General Raed Alsakran laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, New Delhi, and paid homage to the fallen heroes. The Kuwaiti delegation visited DPSU Bhawan, New Delhi, on the first day of their visit, where discussions were held with representatives of the Indian defence industry on potential areas of mutual cooperation. An industry interaction with the Kuwaiti delegation is also scheduled for the second day of the visit. India and Kuwait enjoy traditionally warm and friendly relations, rooted in historical ties that have stood the test of time. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1962. The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister of India to Kuwait in December 2024. Geographic proximity, historical trade links, cultural affinities, and the presence of a large Indian community in Kuwait continue to sustain and nurture the longstanding and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)  

Paris, 20th August 2026: Thales and Systematic has announced a strategic partnership to provide the Danish Armed Forces with advanced, interoperable air defence capabilities. The partnership combines Systematic’s expertise in command-and-control software with Thales’ combat-proven air defence systems, enabling stronger integration and co-ordination of capabilities including SAMP/T NG and other air defence systems. This cooperation will support key Danish defence requirements, including Air Command and Control (C2) and Surface-Based Air Missile Defence (SBAMD), helping deliver a modern and interoperable approach to air defence.It will also strengthen local industrial capabilities in Denmark, supporting long-term national value creation and opportunities for future export. This alliance also reflects the growing importance of European industrial cooperation in delivering sovereign defence capabilities that can meet national and allied requirements. “Systematic brings decades of experience delivering command-and-control software to defence forces and NATO allies around the world. This partnership is an important step to strengthen Denmark’s air defence capabilities with trusted European technology, while building on the strong industrial capabilities we have developed here in Denmark.” Klaus H. Qvist, Vice President Business Development, Systematic. “This partnership with Systematic reflects Thales’ long-term commitment to Denmark. By combining proven solutions with strong local cooperation, we are reinforcing our footprint in the country and contributing to defence capabilities generating value for Danish industry” Martin Soegaard, Country Director Thales Denmark, Ireland, Iceland & Baltics. Together Thales and Systematic will support the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) in achieving an integrated air defence capability, combining their respective expertise to support Denmark’s defence priorities and strengthen its ability to operate alongside NATO Allies. Banner Image Courtesy: © Rune Borre-Jensen  

New Delhi , 19th  August 2026: Ananth Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced electronic systems for defence and aerospace applications. Under the MoU, ATL and BEL will explore opportunities to jointly develop and manufacture advanced systems and subsystems across key strategic technology areas, including missiles, radars, satellites and navigation systems. The collaboration aims to leverage the complementary strengths of the two organisations. BEL brings extensive experience in the development and production of sophisticated defence electronic systems, while Ananth Technologies brings over three decades of expertise in high-reliability aerospace and defence electronics, satellite systems, avionics, navigation technologies and advanced manufacturing. Anurup Pavuluri, Managing Director , Ananth Technologies Said, “The partnership will focus on indigenous design and development, system engineering, electronics manufacturing, integration, testing and production for current and future programmes of strategic importance.” The collaboration is expected to further strengthen India’s domestic aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem, reduce dependence on imported technologies and support the development of advanced indigenous systems for the Indian Armed Forces and the country’s space programmes.

New Delhi, 18th August 2026: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the leasing of two MQ-9B Sea Guardian High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for the Indian Navy for a period of 30 months. The contract is valued at approximately Rs 1,943 crore. It was signed in the presence of Additional Secretary & Director General (Acquisition), Department of Defence, Shri A. Anbarasu, at Kartavya Bhawan-2, New Delhi on August 17, 2026. The MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS, equipped with advanced systems, state-of-the-art sensors and sophisticated payloads, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s Maritime Domain Awareness capabilities. The systems will provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance coverage over vast areas of the maritime domain, strengthening India’s ability to monitor and respond to developments across the Indian Ocean Region. Courtesy: PIB/MOD