Defence

Bengaluru/Moscow, October 29, 2025: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Public Joint Stock Company United Aircraft Corporation (PJSC-UAC) Russia signed an MoU for production of civil commuter aircraft SJ-100 in Moscow, Russia on October 27, 2025. Prabhat Ranjan, HAL and Oleg Bogomolov, PJSC UAC, Russia, signed the MoU in the presence of Dr. D. K. Sunil, CMD, HAL and Vadim Badekha, Director General, PJSC UAC. SJ-100 is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft. As on date, more than 200 aircraft have been produced and are being operated by more than 16 commercial airline operators. For India, HAL believes that SJ-100 will be the game changer for short-haul connectivity under the UDAN Scheme. Under this arrangement, HAL will have the rights to manufacture SJ-100 aircraft for domestic customers. This will also be the first instance wherein a complete passenger aircraft will be produced in India. The last such project was HAL’s production of AVRO HS-748, which started in 1961 and ended in 1988. It is estimated that over the next ten years, the Indian aviation sector will require over 200 jets in this category for regional connectivity and an additional 350 aircraft for the Indian Ocean region to serve nearby international tourist destinations. The manufacturing of the SJ-100 aircraft marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Indian aviation industry. It’s a step towards fulfilling the dream of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the civil aviation sector. Manufacturing will also strengthen the private sector and create direct and indirect jobs in the aviation industry. Courtesy: HAL

New Delhi, October 21, 2025: In a step towards India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, Embraer Defense & Security and Mahindra Group, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) to advance the C-390 Millennium solution for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. This agreement was inked alongside the inauguration of Embraer’s national office in Aerocity, New Delhi. The agreement builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2024 at the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi, deepening the scope of cooperation to include joint marketing, industrialisation and developing India as a hub for the C-390 Millennium. Since the signing, the C-390 Millennium aircraft has further increased its operator base globally. Embraer and Mahindra Group will work closely with stakeholders in the country and engage with India’s military and aerospace ecosystem to identify opportunities for local manufacturing, assembly facilities, supply chain and MRO activities. The long-term ambition is to position India as a manufacturing and support hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft, serving both domestic and regional requirements. This partnership unites Brazil’s world-class aerospace innovation with India’s manufacturing prowess and contributes to the strengthening of ties between the two nations while positioning India as a potential hub for the C-390 Millennium aircraft in the region. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security said, “The agreement is a significant milestone in our relationship with Mahindra Group. India’s aerospace industry is dynamic and world-class, and together we aim to deliver the most advanced and reliable military transport solution to the Indian Air Force. This partnership is more than an aerospace deal – it reflects our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and the growing friendship between Brazil and India.” Vinod Sahay, Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group said: “The C-390 Millennium is unmatched in capability, efficiency, and versatility. By deepening our collaboration with Embraer, together we will ensure that the C-390 Millenium for the IAF’s MTA campaign will not only contribute to India’s security and aspirations but also supports the ‘Make in India’ philosophy and further self-reliance.” About C-390 Aircraft The C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class and can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military transport aircraft and flies faster (470 knots) and farther. It can perform a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, airdrops, medical evacuation, search and rescue], firefighting, and humanitarian operations. It can operate from temporary or unpaved runways. The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling, both as a tanker and as a receiver. The current fleet, in operation, has demonstrated a mission completion rate of more than 99%, highlighting exceptional productivity in its category.

Nashik, 17th Oct 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the third Production Line of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second Production Line of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the Nashik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on October 17, 2025. He also flagged-off the first LCA Mk1A produced at the facility. In his address, Raksha Mantri described the flight of the state-of-the-art aircraft as a shining symbol of India’s growing Aatmanirbharta in defence. Highlighting the transformation of the defence sector in the last decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he asserted that the country, which once imported 65-70% of critical military hardware, is now manufacturing 65% of the equipment on its own soil. He voiced the Government’s resolve of increasing domestic manufacturing to 100% in the times to come. “When we came to power in 2014, we realised that without self-reliance, we can never be truly secure. In the beginning, we faced numerous challenges, the biggest being ‘limited defence preparedness’ and ‘import dependency’. Everything was limited to Government enterprises, and the private sector had no significant participation in the production ecosystem. In addition, there was not enough focus on defence planning, advanced technology, and innovation. This forced us to depend on other countries for critical equipment and cutting-edge systems, which increased costs & created strategic vulnerabilities. This challenge encouraged us to move forward in the direction of new thinking and reforms. The results are visible today. We not only reduced import dependency, but also strengthened our commitment to indigenisation. Whatever we used to buy from abroad, we are now manufacturing it domestically, be it fighter aircraft, missiles, engines and electronic warfare systems,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. Listing out other feats achieved due to the Government’s consistent efforts, Raksha Mantri stated that annual defence production, which was worth Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15, has surged to a record figure of over Rs 1.50 lakh crore in 2024-25, with exports touching an all-time high of Rs 25,000 crore from less than Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago. “We have now set a target of increasing defence manufacturing to Rs 3 lakh crore and exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he added. On the constantly-evolving nature of modern-day warfare, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored the importance of staying ahead of the curve as Artificial Intelligence, cyber warfare, drone systems & next-generation aircraft are shaping the future, and wars are being fought across multiple frontiers. “India must always stay ahead in this new race, and not lag behind,” he said, exhorting HAL to make its mark in the fields of next-generation aircraft, unmanned systems & civil aviation, and not limit itself to LCA Tejas or HTT-40. As Raksha Mantri voiced the Government’s commitment towards inducting state-of-the-art, indigenous technologies, he appreciated the role of HAL in carrying forward the vision, terming the Defence Public Sector Undertaking as the backbone of India’s defence sector. While he praised HAL for providing operational support to the recently-decommissioned MiG-21, he also shed light on its valuable contribution during Operation Sindoor. “In our security history, there have been only a few instances when the entire system has truly been tested simultaneously. Operation Sindoor was one such mission. Our forces not only demonstrated valor and commitment, but also displayed their confidence in indigenous platforms. HAL provided support at various operational sites 24 hours a day during the operation. It ensured the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness by carrying out prompt maintenance on fighter jets and helicopters. The Nashik team performed the crucial task of installing the BrahMos missile on the Su-30, which destroyed terrorist hideouts during the operation. This proved that when it comes to national security, we can make our own equipment and protect ourselves with it,” said Shri Rajnath Singh. Raksha Mantri lauded HAL Nashik for playing a pivotal role in taking India’s defence manufacturing capabilities to newer heights for over six decades – from manufacturing and overhauling fighter jets such as MiG-21 & MiG-27 to becoming the production house of Su-30, terming the campus as a glowing symbol of self-reliance. Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the ongoing construction of the LCA Tejas and HTT-40 aircraft is also the result of collaboration between various industry partners of the country. “This collaboration is proof that if the government, industries, and academia work together, no challenge is too big,” he said, acknowledging the trust placed by the Indian Air Force in aircraft such as Tejas and HTT-40. On the joint Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility for both civil and military aviation established in the Nashik division, Raksha Mantri exuded confidence that the initiative will create new employment opportunities in Nashik and surrounding areas. He also took note of the fact that the entire HAL complex is now paperless, digital, and completely sustainable. He called it a true symbol of New India’s technological leap. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar described the inauguration of two production lines as a symbol of India’s growing technological confidence, industrial strength, and strategic foresight. “The event marks a new chapter in HAL’s journey, one that enhances our nation’s production capacity and strengthens the foundation of a robust, self-sustaining aerospace ecosystem. The Secretary (DP) termed LCA Tejas Mk1 as not merely a fighter aircraft; but a statement of India’s design and manufacturing excellence – conceived, developed and produced indigenously through the collaboration of HAL, Aeronautical Development Agency, DRDO and the Indian Air Force. He added that the HTT-40, fully designed and developed by HAL, stands as a shining example of the company’s ability to conceptualise, design and deliver critical defence platforms completely indigenously. CMD, HAL Dr DK Sunil termed the successful operationalisation of the LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 production from Nashik as a testament to HAL’s capacity for expansion. “HAL’s Nashik Division’s capacity to produce indigenous advanced fighters in addition to Su-30MKI has added momentum to our production efforts to meet delivery timelines. It has also resulted in the creation of around 1,000 jobs

Sydney, 10th Oct. 2025: The Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh addressed the maiden India-Australia Defence Industry Business Round Table in Sydney, reaffirming the growing synergy between the two nations across strategic, industrial, and technological domains. “Under the banner of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2020, we stand at a pivotal juncture to re-position our defence relations, not merely as partners, but as co-creators of a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” stated Raksha Mantri. He also added that the Round Table is not merely a dialogue, it is a declaration of intent to make India and Australia natural allies in business, industry and innovation. Rajnath Singh recalled the series of high-level engagements that have strengthened bilateral relations including the India-Australia Summit in November 2024, the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October 2024, the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Australia to India in June 2025 and his ongoing visit to Australia. He underlined that the foundation of the bilateral relationship lies in shared democratic values and institutional similarities. “Both India and Australia are part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Our shared history is built on democracy, diversity, liberty, and similar governance structures,” he added. The MoD highlighted that strong bilateral ties rest on three essential pillars: a forward-looking government-to-government collaboration, people-to-people connect and convergence of business interests. “Our governmental frameworks are robust and getting further strengthened. On the people’s front, we have a large Indian diaspora in Australia, complemented by an increasing Australian presence in India. However, our defence industrial partnership, based on joint R&D, innovation, co-creation and co-production, still has untapped potential,” he stated. Rajnath Singh highlighted the details of India’s recent economic and industrial achievements, stating that India is on a transformative journey of structural reforms, particularly in manufacturing. “Today, India is globally the fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing large economy in the world. Our defence production touched Rs 1.51 lakh crore (approximately USD 18 billion) last financial year, the highest ever with an 18% increase from the previous year. Our defence exports reached Rs 23,622 crore (USD 2.76 billion), with Indian companies now exporting to nearly 100 countries,” he added. Calling for closer industrial collaboration, Rajnath Singh stated, “I see this forum as an important instrument to make India and Australia natural allies in business and industry too. This alliance has compelling economic reasons to be successful and mutually beneficial.” MoD underscored that Australia excels in niche technologies such as quantum systems, autonomous underwater vehicles and advanced maritime surveillance, while India offers vast manufacturing scale, software capabilities, and indigenous strength in shipbuilding, missile technology and space. “This Round Table can be a great catalyst to tap the unrealised potential in our defence industry collaboration,” he added. MoD underlined that initiatives such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive schemes and digital transformation have created an enabling environment for innovation and investment. He stated that government has liberalised the FDI policy up to 74% under the automatic route and beyond that with government approval, especially when modern technology is introduced. Shri Rajnath Singh added that the defence production ecosystem is being continuously liberalised through policy interventions and simplification of compliance mechanisms. “To accelerate defence R&D in the private sector, we have opened avenues for free-of-cost technology transfer through DRDO. There are attractive schemes for development of cutting-edge technologies and they are giving excellent results,” highlighted Rajnath Singh while underscoring the steps taken to promote research and innovation. He added that the DRDO and Australia’s Defence Science & Technology Group are already collaborating on towed array sensors, and discussions are advancing in quantum technology, AI, cyber security, information warfare, and advanced science and technology. The MoD brought light to the fact that India welcomes Australian companies to co-develop and co-produce high-end systems, including propulsion technologies, autonomous underwater vehicles, flight simulators, and advanced materials. He underlined that the ventures can help build interoperable platforms aligned with the strategic objectives of both nations. Highlighting specific areas for partnership, Rajnath Singh stated that India with its robust shipbuilding capabilities, diverse manufacturing base and a growing ecosystem of private sector innovators & start-ups, stands ready to be a trusted partner. “Our shipyards have a proven track record in building and maintaining a wide range of naval platforms. Indian yards can offer refit, mid-life upgrades, and maintenance services to the Royal Australian Navy and vessels under Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program,” he added. MoD cited examples of active industrial partnerships such as Indo-MIM Pvt. Ltd. with Thales Australia, Tata Advanced Systems with W&E Platt Pty Ltd, and Munitions India Ltd. with Aqusport. “These examples show how our industrial ecosystems complement each other and how businesses can become the driving force behind our governments’ strategic intent.” He exuded confidence that this list can grow much bigger in the near future, allowing both sides to fully benefit from the existing potential. Rajnath Singh also welcomed Australia’s proposal for a reciprocal provision of defence articles and services MoU. “We welcome this initiative. Importantly, Australia has identified India as a Top Tier Partner, removing certain regulatory barriers to enable easier technology sharing. This is a testament to the trust and confidence that bind us,” he added. Rajnath Singh underlined the vast opportunities that lie ahead for the two nations. “There are huge opportunities for co-production of naval vessels and sub-systems, ship repair, refits and MRO support in India for Australian and partner nation vessels, joint R&D in autonomous systems and green shipbuilding technologies,” he highlighted. Rajnath Singh stated that by diversifying supply chains, building joint capacities and investing in innovation, the two nations can contribute to a resilient, secure, and self-reliant Indo-Pacific. “I invite the Australian business community to invest, collaborate, and innovate with India. Together, we can develop cutting-edge technologies, build advanced platforms, and ensure that our industries are not just suppliers, but strategic enablers of peace and security in the region,” underscored Rajnath Singh. He urged them to seize this moment to build a partnership that is not only economically beneficial but also

Mumbai, 10th Oct 2025: Minister of Defence( State) Sanjay Seth held a bilateral meeting with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Defence (Minister for the House of Lords), Vernon Coaker, in Mumbai on October 10, 2025. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to India. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing defence engagements and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. Raksha Rajya Mantri noted with satisfaction that the UK CSG, led by Prince of Wales, successfully completed the sea phase of the bilateral maritime exercise Konkan-25 with the Indian Navy off the western coast of India. The CSG is currently engaged in the harbour phase activities at Mumbai and Goa. Shri Sanjay Seth emphasized that such operational interactions enhance mutual understanding of operational philosophies and significantly contribute to interoperability between the two navies. During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation and discussed about India’s growing capabilities in manufacturing equipment and development of indigenous systems bolstering Aatmanirbharta. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the ties in all spheres including collaboration and opportunities in Global Defence Supply Chains. They also reiterated their commitment to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region in support of a free, open and rules-based world order to ensure freedom of navigation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a robust, multifaceted and mutually beneficial defence partnership, guided by the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the ‘India-UK Vision 2035’, adopted during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in July 2025 to the United Kingdom. (Courtesy: PIB)