Defence

New Delhi, 27th June 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China on June 26, 2025. The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on a range of subjects covering current geopolitical situations, cross-border terrorism and Indo-Russian defence cooperation. The Russian Defence Minister highlighted the long-standing Indo-Russian relations which have stood the test of time and expressed solidarity with India on the horrendous and cowardly terrorist act of 22nd April in Pahalgham, Jammu & Kashmir. It was one of the most important recent meetings between the leaders of the two nations, being held in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor and the consequent necessity of augmenting defence production, especially in critical items such as air defence, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities, and upgrades of air platforms. Supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades, and procurement of critical military hardware in expeditious timeframes were some of the key takeaways of the meeting.

New Delhi, 27th June 2025: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao, China on June 26, 2025. The two Ministers held in-depth discussions on the need to maintain peace and tranquility along the Indo-China border. Raksha Mantri acknowledged the work being undertaken by both sides to bring back semblance of normalcy in the bilateral relations. He highlighted the necessity of solving the complex issues through a structured roadmap of permanent engagement and de-escalation. Rajnath Singh also stressed on border management and to have a permanent solution of border demarcation by rejuvenating the established mechanism on the issue. He emphasised the need to create good neighbourly conditions to achieve best mutual benefits as well as to cooperate for stability in Asia and the world. He also called for bridging the trust deficit created after 2020 Border standoff, by taking action on ground.

The only fully-funded, in-production and variant-agnostic solution to meet the electronic warfare demands of F-16 operators around the world. L3Harris’ Viper Shield is accomplishing critical production milestones. The production hardware configuration is currently in flight testing, and Electromagnetic interference (EMI/EPT) Safety of Flight testing began for its next iteration of software development. Viper Shield is an advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite that significantly enhances both offensive and defensive capabilities. It is the only EW capability for the F-16 that is fully funded through development. Well into its development cycle, Viper Shield is an excellent and advanced solution for the global F-16 fleet. Seamless Integration with F-16 Variants One of Viper Shield’s most impressive features is its compatibility with various F-16 configurations. It seamlessly fits into the Block 70/72 new aircraft, as well as the Block 40 and Block 50 F-16 fleets, including D-models, without requiring any redesign. It can also be integrated into previous F-16 blocks through a podded system, which attaches to an aircraft without requiring extensive internal modifications. The podded system incorporates the same Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), optimizing sustainment while ensuring the same electronic warfare protection regardless of internal or external configuration This adaptability puts Viper Shield 3-5 years ahead of its competitors, guaranteeing that L3Harris’ international partners receive the most advanced capabilities. Robust Funding and Expanding Partnerships The development of Viper Shield is fully funded and backed by six partner nations, with more expected to join this year. “This strong financial support and the substantial number of orders underscore the confidence and trust placed in Viper Shield’s capabilities,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “Our competitors simply cannot match this level of readiness and support for the global F-16 fleet.” System Performing Under Pressure Viper Shield production hardware flight testing began in January 2025 with test flight in a single-seat Block 70 F-16. In addition, environmental testing of production hardware in an anechoic chamber has commenced and will prove Viper Shield’s ability to perform reliably in various operational conditions. Spiral software development of the all-digital, software-defined system continues, allowing the L3Harris team to test enhancements while also producing hardware for current customers. In Production and Scaling to Meet Demand Ushering in the next generation of digital fighter pilot protection, Viper Shield is designed for modern aircraft to defeat advanced threats. Units have been in production for nearly a year and the team is rapidly scaling to meet customer demands. L3Harris is on track to deliver Viper Shield production hardware by 2025, with a ramp-up to full production by mid-2026 for the 168 systems currently on contract. This timeline reflects the company’s dedication to meeting global demands with precision and speed. ( News based on the Press Release. It is published unedited)

Jakarta,13rd June 2025: Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, has made its presence at the Indo Defence Expo & Forum 2025, being held from 11th-14th June in Jakarta, Indonesia. Known for established expertise in next-generation artillery platforms and land systems, as well as a plethora of defence solutions across domains, KSSL is reinforcing its position as a key player in the global defence landscape. KSSL is focusing on its flagship indigenous solutions – Garuda 105 and MArG 45. The Garuda 105, an ultra-lightweight 105mm/37 calibre Mounted Gun System, stands out for its rapid deployment capabilities, especially suited for high-altitude and quick-response operations. It’s a Shoot & Scoot” and “go anywhere” gun system. The MArG 45 series, comprising 155mm mounted gun systems available in both 39 and 45 calibre configurations, showcases India’s advanced artillery engineering designed for precision, mobility, and power. KSSL’s presence is perceived as a significant step forward in fostering defence industrial collaboration between India and Indonesia. As the largest defence exhibition of its kind in Southeast Asia, Indo Defence Expo & Forum 2025 provides extensive industrial networking and defence export opportunities, that help build on the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. KSSL’s participation at Indo Defence Expo 2025 not only highlights its technological capabilities but also underscores the broader vision of India to deepen defence ties and promote indigenous solutions in the global market.

Delhi, 30th May 2025: In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A was handed over to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by M/s VEM Technologies in Hyderabad on May 30, 2025. The handover took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar and Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of HAL, Dr. D. K. Sunil. This event marks for the first time a major sub-assembly for the LCA Tejas being manufactured by a private Indian company. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Defence Production), Shri Sanjeev Kumar hailed the partnership between HAL and VEM Technologies in accelerating the production of LCA Mk 1A. He said that there is a significant growth in defence production at a rate of about 10% annually as well as in our defence exports. This would not have been possible without the support of industries and Public Sector Units like HAL. Security and sovereignty of the country are paramount and cannot be achieved without own manufacturing and supply of spare parts which could meet the requirements of the Armed Forces, he added. CMD, HAL, acknowledged the rapid growth of Tier 1 and MSME suppliers in the production of the LCA Tejas. The handover marked a significant milestone in establishing a fourth production line for the LCA Mk1A, in addition to the two existing lines in HAL-Bengaluru and one in HAL-Nashik. He assured that with major sub-assemblies underway, HAL will increase the production of the LCA aircraft and ensure timely deliveries to the Indian Air Force. HAL has built a national aerospace ecosystem by closely supporting private partners and providing critical inputs such as jigs, fixtures, tools, and technical know-how. This has enabled companies like L&T, Alpha Tocol, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), VEM Technologies, and Lakshmi Machine Works (LMW) to produce complex sub-assemblies such as centre fuselages, fuel drop tanks, pylons, rear fuselages, wings, fins, rudders, and air intakes. The LCA Tejas Division has already received structural modules of air intake assemblies, rear fuselage assemblies, loom assemblies, and fin and rudder assemblies in the Mk1A configuration. HAL plans to extend this outsourcing model to future projects, reinforcing its in-house capacity with the expertise of Indian industry. In line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, HAL continues to drive indigenisation efforts in the aerospace and defence sector. HAL has partnered with over 6,300 Indian vendors, including 2,448 MSMEs, supporting thousands of skilled jobs and contributing to a robust domestic supply chain. In the last three years, HAL has placed orders worth Rs 13,763 crore with Indian vendors and is actively pursuing the indigenisation of complex aircraft systems and critical components across platforms. (News & Image Courtesy: PIB )

Delhi, 28th May 2025: In a significant push towards enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and fostering a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has approved the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Programme Execution Model. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) is set to execute the programme through Industry partnership. The Execution Model approach provides equal opportunities to both private and public sectors on competitive basis. They can bid either independently or as joint venture or as consortia. The entity/bidder should be an Indian company compliant with the laws and regulations of the country. This is an important step towards harnessing the indigenous expertise, capability and capacity to develop the AMCA prototype, which will be a major milestone towards Aatmanirbharta in the aerospace sector. ADA will shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase.

Langkawi, 22 May 2025: India’s major defence technology firm in private domain, Samtel Avionics Ltd. has entered into a strategic collaboration and exclusivity agreement with Malaysia-based Aerospace Technology Systems Corp. Sdn. Bhd. (ATSC). The agreement aims to jointly support the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) fleet, particularly the Su-30MKM aircraft, with cutting-edge avionics systems, repair and overhaul services and post-sales support. Under the agreement, ATSC and Samtel will jointly support RMAF in Malaysia for the repair, upgrade, technical services, and post-sales support related to aircraft display systems, avionics components, and automated test equipmentof Su-30MKM aircraft and other RMAF aircraftin Malaysia. The companies also agree that ATSC will procure avionics, aircraft display systems and automatic test equipment for Su-30MKM aircraft and other RMAF aircraft from Samtel. ATSC, which already holds a binding contract to provide MRO services for the RMAF’s Su-30MKM fleet, will leverage this collaboration to become the centre of excellence for all related services, including spares, upgrades, modernisation, and technical support. Samtel, in turn, will supply advanced avionics and display systems, while supporting local capability development through knowledge transfer and sustained engagement. “This partnership is a significant milestone in our global growth journey,” said Mr. Puneet Kaura, Managing Director & CEO, Samtel Avionics. “It aligns perfectly with our vision of providing indigenous, world-class avionics solutions to allied nations while fostering long-term industrial partnerships. Through ATSC’s strong local footprint and our technology leadership, we are confident of delivering exceptional value to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.” Lt Col Dato Mohd Fadzar Bin Suhada, CEO, ATSC commented, “We are proud to deepen our relationship with Samtel Avionics through this exclusive collaboration. This agreement supports our vision of strengthening Malaysia’s defence readiness while promoting industrial cooperation with strategic partners like India.”

Washington, DC, May 12, 2025: Embraer has concluded a U.S. demonstration tour of the multi-mission medium airlift and tanker KC-390 Millennium with a static display at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The two-day event was attended by U.S. military representatives, members of the U.S. Congress and members of the press. Over the last two weeks, the KC-390 has attended several events across the country to showcase its unmatched capabilities to the U.S. Defense, Space, public security and disaster relief communities. At the ARSAG (Aerial Refueling Systems Advisory Group) annual conference, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Embraer highlighted that the KC-390 Millennium is ready to support the U.S. Department of Defense to overcome some of the critical air refueling challenges facing the U.S. and partner nations worldwide. After that the aircraft visited the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, to demonstrate how it can set a new standard of performance and cargo capacity in rescue mission support and space logistics operations. At the Special Operations Forces Week (SOF Week) conference, in Tampa, Florida, the KC-390 promoted its multi-mission capabilities for special forces operations. “We are thrilled to see the positive feedback from everyone that visited or had the chance to fly in the aircraft during this series of demonstrations, and we see many opportunities for the KC-390 in the U.S.,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “The aircraft offers an unbeatable combination of unmatched performance, cargo capacity and low operating costs and that is why we are extremely confident that the KC-390 fits the needs of the U.S. Armed Forces”. The KC-390 is being able to perform the most demanding missions under the most difficult scenarios, including Aerial Refueling and Agile Combat Employment. It is a medium airlift and tanker designed and built in the 21st century, a multi-mission jet by design that offers greater performance and better productivity with low operational costs. The aircraft is also equipped with a modern and comprehensive suite of sensors and communication equipment that support vital connectivity between aircraft, operational commands, and troops on the ground. Additionally, KC-390’s robust integrated electronic warfare and self-protection system drive survivability. This means multi-mission capability and interoperability are built-in by design, enabling the aircraft to be ready for all mission profiles from delivery to Air Forces. Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium is quickly becoming the aircraft of choice among NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members and allies in Europe, contributing to the modernization of their armed forces while adding new capabilities and enhancing interoperability with allied forces. The KC-390 is already in operation with Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary, and has already been ordered by the Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, and an undisclosed customer in addition to Sweden and Slovakia, both of which recently selected the aircraft. South Korea completes the growing list of nations that have opted for the KC-390. The KC-390 Millennium is currently in production and has been in operation for many years at Full Operational Capability. It is an off-the-shelf platform that is available today and ready to provide affordable mass for the U.S. and global markets to deal with emerging threats.

Minister of State, Defence Sanjay Seth participated in Victory Day celebrations during his visit to Russia from May 08 to 09, 2025. The celebrations were organised on May 09, 2025, in Moscow to commemorate 80th anniversary of the victory of Soviet People in the Second World War (1941-45). Sanjay Seth laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and witnessed the Victory Day Parade, along with the distinguished delegates from other countries. The participation of Raksha Rajya Mantri in the Victory Day Parade is the symbol of longstanding special and privileged strategic partnership between India and Russia. During the visit, MoS Defence met the Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin and extended congratulations for the 80th Victory Day. He also held a bilateral meeting with the Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel General Alexander Fomin and thanked the Government & people of Russia for their support in India’s fight against the menace of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. The two Ministers also discussed multifaceted military & military – technical cooperation and agreed to further deepen ties within the framework of existent institutional mechanisms. The two sides will continue to hold regular consultations and enhance cooperation in the evolving situation. Shri Sanjay Seth also interacted with the prominent members of the Indian Community at the Embassy of India, Moscow. Courtesy: PIB

New Delhi, 5th May 2025: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight-trials of Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur Trial site in Madhya Pradesh on May 03, 2025. Developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, the airship was launched carrying an instrumental payload to an altitude of around 17 kms. Data from onboard sensors was received and would be utilised for development of high-quality fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights. Envelop pressure control and emergency deflation systems were deployed in flight for their performance evaluation. Trial team recovered the system for further investigation. The total duration of the flight was about 62 minutes. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO for the successful maiden flight-trial of the system. He stated that this system will uniquely enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance capabilities, making the country one of the few countries in the world having such indigenous capabilities. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the DRDO team involved in design, development and trial of the system. He said the prototype flight is a milestone towards realisation of lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems that can remain airborne for very long endurance at stratospheric heights. Courtesy: PIB