Defence

From its decisive role in 1971 war to its presence in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike & Operation Sindoor the MiG-21 proved its mettle in multiple theatres of conflict: RM “Excelled as an interceptor, ground-attack platform, frontline Air Defence & trainer aircraft. MiG-21 was a Bird of all seasons” “More than 11,500 MiG-21s built worldwide, approx. 850 served with the IAF, Testifying its popularity, credibility & multi-dimensional capabilities” “MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem is working in unison to take this legacy forward” New Delhi, 26th Sept 2025: “The legacy of the MiG-21 will live on in India’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta in defence. The aircraft symbolises the continuity of courage, discipline and patriotism that will inspire the development of indigenous platforms such as LCA-Tejas and the upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),” stated Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the Decommissioning Ceremony of the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-21 in Chandigarh on September 26, 2025. The ceremony marked the final operational sortie of the MiG-21, bringing to a close an illustrious chapter of more than six decades in the history of the IAF. Raksha Mantri underlined that when the world looks at India tomorrow, it should see a nation that began with the MiG-21 and now leads with futuristic defence technologies. Shri Rajnath Singh saluted the valour and dedication of the air warriors of the IAF who have, through courage & sacrifice, safeguarded the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the nation. He paid glowing tribute to the MiG-21, describing it as more than just a machine, but rather a symbol of India’s rise in military aviation, a shield of national defence, and a faithful companion of the Armed Forces since its induction in 1963. Raksha Mantri pointed out that more than 11,500 MiG-21s were built worldwide, of which approximately 850 served with the IAF, which testify the aircraft’s popularity, credibility and multi-dimensional capabilities. Raksha Mantri recalled how the MiG-21 proved its mettle in multiple theatres of war and conflict, from its decisive role in the 1971 war, where it attacked the Governor’s House in Dhaka under hostile conditions and hastened India’s victory, to its presence in the Kargil conflict, the Balakot airstrike, and Operation Sindoor. “In every historic mission, the MiG-21 carried the Tricolour with honour. Its contribution has never been limited to a single event or battle, it has been a pillar of India’s air power for decades,” he highlighted. Highlighting the aircraft’s versatility, Shri Rajnath Singh described the MiG-21 as the “bird of all seasons” which excelled in every conceivable role as an interceptor deterring enemy aircraft, a ground-attack platform displaying offensive capability, a frontline air defence jet protecting Indian skies, and a trainer aircraft that groomed countless pilots. “The foundation of our highly skilled fighter pilots was laid on the MiG-21. Standing on this legendary platform, generations of air warriors learned to fly, adapt, and succeed in the toughest conditions. Its role in shaping India’s air strategy cannot be overstated,” he underlined. Shri Rajnath Singh further stated that the MiG-21 performed far beyond expectations of both its designers and operators, evolving from a 1950s-era jet into a formidable, upgraded platform known by names such as Trishul, Vikram, Badal and Bison. He added that this adaptability is what kept the MiG-21 at the heart of the IAF’s inventory for so long. “The MiG-21 taught us never to fear change, but to embrace it with confidence. Today, India’s defence ecosystem, our research labs, academia, DPSUs, private sector, startups and youth is working in unison to take this legacy forward,” he underscored. Raksha Mantri also addressed misconceptions regarding the age of the aircraft. He clarified that while the initial MiG-21s inducted in the 1960s and 70s were retired long ago, the aircraft in service until now were at most 40 years old, a lifespan considered normal for fighter jets worldwide. He underlined that the MiG-21 was continuously upgraded with advanced radars, avionics and weapon systems, thanks to the efforts of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Commending HAL engineers and scientists, he stated that their relentless work kept the aircraft technologically relevant and battle-ready for decades. Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised that this farewell should not be seen merely as a ceremonial military tradition, but as an extension of India’s civilisational ethos. Drawing from Indian philosophy, he said, “Our ancient culture teaches us that divinity resides not only in living beings, but also in non-living objects. Just as we worship the earth, rivers, trees and tools that serve us, today’s farewell to the MiG-21 is an act of gratitude towards a machine that protected our skies and inspired confidence in our people for over 60 years.” He added that this moment was akin to the rituals performed for weapons on Dussehra, reflecting a continuity of respect towards all that empowers the nation. Underscoring the special significance of Chandigarh as the venue, Raksha Mantri stated that it was this place that India’s supersonic journey began with the induction of the MiG-21 into No. 28 Squadron, the ‘First Supersonics’. “This soil has witnessed a glorious chapter that redefined India’s air power. Today, history comes full circle as we bid farewell to that very aircraft from the same place,” he added. The ceremony was marked by a spectacular flypast led by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, a rare and symbolic gesture that reflected the deep respect the IAF holds for the legendary aircraft. The event featured a series of aerial displays including a skydiving demonstration by Akash Ganga, formation take-offs by MiG-21s, the Badal and Panther formations, precision drill movements by the Air Warrior Drill Team, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team and a symbolic flypast showcasing Jaguars and MiG-21s in a historical recreation of Combat Air Patrol. A joint MiG-21 and LCA Tejas flypast highlighted the transition from the legendary Bison to the indigenous Tejas. A ceremonial switch-off of six MiG-21 aircraft in front of the dignitaries marked the

Rabat, Morocco, 22nd Sept 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi held a bilateral meeting in Rabat on September 22, 2025, where both ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defence cooperation. The MoU provides for a robust institutional framework to the growing partnership and paves the way for collaboration in defence industry, joint exercises, military training and capacity building. Both leaders decided to intensify defence industry collaboration and agreed on a comprehensive roadmap covering counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping operations, military medicine, and expert exchanges. The discussions between the two Ministers reflected the shared resolve to further strengthen the longstanding friendship between India and Morocco. To give momentum to these initiatives, Defence Minister announced the opening of a new Defence Wing at the Embassy of India in Rabat. He also highlighted the maturity of India’s defence industry and its cutting-edge capabilities, including drone and counter-drone technologies, assuring the Moroccan side that Indian companies are well-positioned to meet the requirements of Morocco’s defence forces. Both Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing exchanges between Armed Forces, facilitating training programmes and exploring opportunities for co-development and co-production in the defence sector. They also stressed the need for multilateral cooperation to address global and regional security challenges and welcomed closer coordination in maritime security given the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean and Atlantic corridors. Defence Minister also extended a formal invitation to Loudiyi to visit India for further discussions on expanding defence cooperation. The meeting marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defence relationship, reflecting the growing convergence of strategic interests between India and Morocco.

Confins, Brazil, September 19, 2025: Embraer had presented the new visual identity of the KC-390 Millennium demonstrator aircraft. Held in Confins, Minas Gerais, the event took place at GOL Aerotech’s facilities, where the aircraft received its new livery. This presentation celebrates the extremely positive momentum of the KC-390 Program through a new and striking visual identity, which reflects the characteristics that have led the Millennium to solidify its position as a global leader in the medium segment of military tactical transport. “This new visual identity represents an important milestone in the history of the KC-390 Millennium, the multi-mission aircraft of the 21st century. Its unbeatable combination of speed, agility, robustness, reliability, technology and efficiency—unique in the segment—not only strengthens the defense capabilities of its operators, but also promotes strategic interoperability among allied nations,” said Bosco da Costa Júnior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. Driven by growing global interest in the KC-390 Millennium, Embraer Defense & Security will intensify marketing and demonstrations to potential customers using the new visual identity, with the first international appearance taking place by the end of this year. The painting of the demonstrator aircraft at GOL Aerotech’s facilities also opens up the possibility of future painting of customers’ aircraft, in addition to the expansion of Embraer’s production capacity to meet the global demand for the KC-390.

Bangkok, August 26, 2025: Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and received an order for four Gripen E/F fighter aircraft from FMV for the Kingdom of Thailand. The order value is approximately SEK 5.3 billion and deliveries will take place 2025-2030. The contract between Saab and FMV includes three Gripen E and one Gripen F aircraft as well as associated equipment, support and training. Saab has also signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force to deliver a long-term offset package to Thailand as part of the fighter acquisition plan. This will include significant transfer of defence technology and industrial cooperation with Thailand together with new investments across many sectors of the national economy. “We welcome Thailand as the latest customer for Gripen E/F. Thailand is already a well-established Gripen user and familiar with the strengths that Gripen brings to the Royal Thai Armed Forces. Thailand has chosen the most modern fighter on the market with which to build its next generation of strategic, independent capabilities,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates one squadron of Gripen C/D multi-role fighters. Once in operation, the new Gripen E/F fighters will operate alongside Thailand’s existing Gripen fighter force.

New Delhi, 31st July 2025: India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during the 13th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, held at the Secretary level for the first time, in New Delhi on July 30, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and UAE’s Under Secretary of Defense, Lt General Ibrahim Nasser M. Al Alawi, who is leading a high-level defence delegation on a two-day official visit to India. Both sides agreed to elevate defence ties to match the growing momentum in areas such as trade, investment, and people to people relations. The two sides agreed to enhance military training cooperation and discussed their respective training requirements. India offered to provide customised training courses tailored to the UAE’s needs. They also agreed to cooperate on maritime security through sharing of information. In a bid to explore new avenues of defence collaboration, both countries held discussions on training cooperation, defence industrial partnerships, and Service-to-Service engagements. They agreed to pursue joint manufacturing initiatives, including models similar to the collaboration between ICOMM (India) and CARACAL (UAE) for small arms production. The potential for co-developing next generation defence technologies in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence was also discussed, alongside opportunities in shipbuilding including refits and upgrades, and maintenance of common platforms. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard to establish a framework for enhanced cooperation in search and rescue operations, pollution response, anti-piracy efforts, and related maritime security domains. In the run-up to the JDCC, India and UAE also held the 4th Army-to-Army, 9th Navy-to-Navy, and inaugural Air-to-Air Staff Talks from July 28-29, 2025. These deliberations focused on enhancing military exercises, training, and Subject Matter Expert Exchange. The UAE delegation is scheduled to call on the Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth on July 31, 2025, and will participate in the 2nd India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum, co-inaugurated by the UAE Under Secretary and India’s Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar. India and UAE share a robust and growing defence relationship, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s landmark visit to the UAE in 2015. India’s upcoming participation in the Dubai Air Show in November 2025 is set to further reinforce this momentum. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)

Tamilnadu, 29th July 2025: Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an MoU to establish a state-of-the-art testing facility in Mechanical & Material domain Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor in Tiruchirappalli under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS), on July 28, 2025 in New Delhi. The MoU was exchanged between the senior officials of MoD and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO), in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production), MoD Shri Sanjeev Kumar. The DTIS provides up to 75% government funding as ‘Grant-in-Aid’, with the remaining 25% funded by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), comprising Indian private entities and State/Central Governments. For the Mechanical & Material domain testing facility, Micro Labs, a private entity, is the lead SPV member. Other members of the SPV consortium are Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited, Bharat Earth Movers Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Vaidheswaran Industries. Upon the completion of the project, it will provide advanced testing equipment and services to both government and private industry, thus giving a boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence. With an outlay of Rs 400 Crore, the DTIS was launched by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, to set up state-of-the-art testing facilities in collaboration with private industry and Central/State Government. The objective is to promote Aatmnirbharta through indigenous defence production and by reducing military equipment imports. To provide impetus to defence and aerospace sectors within the Defence Industrial Corridors, seven testing facilities were approved – four in Tamil Nadu and three in Uttar Pradesh.

Delhi, 24th July 2025: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a bilateral meeting with Director General, Israel Ministry of Defence Major General (Res) Amir Baram in New Delhi on July 23, 2025. The two sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with a long-term perspective. They concurred to work towards developing an institutional framework for further deepening of defence ties. The Israel DG condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and conveyed full support for India’s fight against terrorism. Defence Secretary reiterated India’s zero tolerance approach to terrorism and condemned the October 07, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel and called for the release of all hostages. The two sides also reviewed the progress of the ongoing defence collaboration activities since last Joint Working Group meeting held in July 2024 in India. This visit by DG Israel MoD marks a pivotal step in India-Israel defence relations and reinforces both sides’ commitment to enhance their strategic partnership.

Coimbatore, 18th July 2025: The first set of wing assemblies for Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by Larsen & Toubro, was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu on July 17, 2025. Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar attended the event virtually as General Manager (LCA Tejas Division) Shri M Abdul Salam received the assemblies on behalf of HAL from Precision Manufacturing & Systems Complex unit of L&T. In his address, the Secretary (Defence Production) commended the efforts of HAL and L&T towards achieving self-reliance. He hailed HAL for spearheading collaboration with different private sector partners, nurturing them and ensuring enhanced capability. He expressed confidence in meeting the requirement of the production target for LCA Tejas. He called for expanding horizons and focusing on reducing dependency on other countries. CMD, HAL Dr DK Sunil, who was present during the handing over, termed it as a testament to years of dedicated hand-holding and a shared commitment to excellence from HAL and L&T. “HAL is working with suppliers, both large and SMEs, as an initiative towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace and defence sector. HAL has effectively built a parallel aircraft structural assembly line in the private sector which will help in capacity augmentation of the LCA Tejas program,” he said. Senior Vice President & Head, L&T Precision Engineering & Systems Shri Arun Ramchandani said L&T is set to supply four wing sets annually, with plans to scale up production to 12 sets per annum through advanced assembly processes and automation, he added. Till date, the LCA Tejas Division has received structural modules of Air Intake Assemblies from Lakshmi Machine Works, Rear fuselage assembly from Alpha Tocol, Loom Assemblies from Amphenol, Fin & Rudder Assemblies from Tata Advanced Systems, Centre Fuselage Assembly from VEM Technologies and Wing Assemblies from Larsen & Toubro for the LCA Mk1A. (Content & Image courtesy: PIB/HAL)

Moscow, 1st July 2025: ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC (part of Rostec State Corporation) has handed over another Project 11356 frigate, built by United Shipbuilding Corporation, to the Indian Navy.The commissioning ceremony took place on July 1, 2025 in Kaliningrad. The eighth Project 11356 frigate, built in Russia for the Indian Navy, was christened Tamal, which means “Sword” in Sanskrit. “The successful completion of construction, testing and delivery of the frigate Tamal to India demonstrates ROSOBORONEXPORT’s readiness to effectively fulfill any naval contracts, taking into account current global market trends. The eighth Project 11356 frigate is a model of technology cooperation. It incorporates more than 20 Indian-made ship systems, including the BrahMos supersonic missile system, an automated communications system, a surface search and target acquisition radar, and a sonar station,” – said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC. – “Today the Company is actively developing partnerships with Indian public and private enterprises to jointly develop and manufacture military products on the partner’s territory. We are discussing 50+ projects for all services of the armed forces and are already working on a number of them”. Tamal is a frigate that meets all the current requirements of the global naval shipbuilding market. Its radars are capable of timely detecting all types of air attack weapons, including advanced low-flying anti-ship missiles. The ship has a reliable air defence system based on the Shtil-1 vertical-launch SAM system developed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation. The ship’s armament is sufficient to counter current and emerging threats. Its artillery armament, consisting of 100mm and 30mm artillery systems, together with an EW system, can repel UAV attacks and effectively counter unmanned surface vehicles. The ship has a reinforced helipad, enabling it to operate a Ka-31 long-range early warning helicopter. The delivered frigate Tamal has excellent seaworthiness: it is able to travel 4,850 miles without refueling and stay at sea for 30 days without resupply. Currently India is already operating 7 Project 11356 frigates. In December 2024 a commissioning ceremony for frigate Tushil took place in Kaliningrad. In addition, India’s Goa Shipyard Limited launched the ninth and tenth frigates of this project, which are being built by Indian shipbuilders with the assistance of ROSOBORONEXPORT. ROSOBORONEXPORT aims to strengthen the Russian defence industry’s positions in the Indian arms market through unique technology cooperation proposals that none of its competitors can make today. Issues related to the continuation of ongoing projects in the field of joint development and production of naval equipment, aircraft, armored vehicles, small arms, ammunition are being actively considered, and new ones are also being discussed.