Defence

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

New Delhi, 29th April 2025: The Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Aircraft (22 Single-Seater and four Twin-Seater) for the Indian Navy. It includes Training, Simulator, Associated Equipment, Weapons and Performance-Based Logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IGA has been signed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Armed Forces of France Sebastien Lecornu. The signed copies of the agreement, aircraft package supply protocol and weapons package supply protocol were exchanged by Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi on April 28, 2025. In line with the Government’s thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes Transfer of Technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India. The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and revenue for a large number of MSMEs in setting up, production and running of these facilities. Manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in maritime environment. The delivery of these aircraft would be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India. Rafale-Marine has commonality with the Rafale being operated by IAF. Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF. The induction would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea. (Pix & News Courtesy: PIB/MoD, GoI)

New Delhi, 9th April 2025: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Defence of UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at South Block, New Delhi on April 08, 2025. The two leaders expressed happiness on the current defence cooperation through institutional mechanisms, military exercises, exchange of training programmes etc. Both the Ministers acknowledged that defence cooperation needs to be scaled up to match the progress made in other areas such as trade and business, in line with the vision and determination of the two leaders – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They identified training exchanges as one of the key areas of defence cooperation which would enable understanding of each other’s defence ecosystems and accelerate strengthening of bilateral defence ties. The two leaders expressed satisfaction on the active Coast Guard-to-Coast Guard cooperation and committed to further deepen it by formalising the same through an MoU. They were convinced that close collaboration between the defence industries should be an integral part of the bilateral cooperation. They emphasised on increasing defence industry collaboration and discussed opportunities for enhancing partnership in defence manufacturing. Both the Ministers acknowledged active participation from the two sides in each other’s exhibitions & defence expos, and welcomed India-UAE Defence Partnership Forum which has the potential to result in strategic Joint Ventures and co-production projects benefiting both countries. They also agreed to focus on complementarities for the two countries in the Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates initiatives. Through a post on X after the meeting, Raksha Mantri stated that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE is of immense priority for India. “In the coming years, we are eager to work closely in areas such as defence cooperation, co-production and co-development projects, innovation and technology. Both India and the UAE are committed to work towards peace and prosperity in the region,” he added. The Defence Cooperation MoU with the UAE was signed in 2003, and an MoU on Defence Industry Cooperation was signed in 2017. India and the UAE have strong bonds of friendship based on centuries-old cultural and economic ties. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)

Abu Dhabi,21st February 2025: EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has ended its participation at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, with an impressive new sales tally of US$ 2.9 Billion (AED 10.65 Billion), and the launch of 46 ground-breaking solutions and services across the air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. IDEX 2025, the largest edition to date, enabled EDGE to showcase its diverse portfolio of 218 advanced solutions, the vast majority of which are UAE made, at its massive 9,000 sqm stand at the landmark defence and technology event. Among the sixteen contracts awarded was a major EUR 500 million deal announced by MAESTRAL, a naval joint venture between EDGE and Fincantieri, for In Service Support (ISS) of the UAE’s naval fleet; a contract by UAE Ministry of Defence to supply aerial munitions at a value of US$1.18 billion; and a US$ 61.8 million contract, also from the UAE Ministry of Defence for the supply of advanced GPS PROTECT anti-jamming systems. At the closing of the event, Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, commented: “This has been a very busy week for EDGE, and the support of our main customer and solid commitments and interest from international customers and partners, highlights the tremendous success we continue to enjoy. IDEX 2025 gave us the ideal platform from which we showcased how far we have come and the heights we are aiming for in the future as a global leader in advanced technology for the defence and civilian spheres. “EDGE is firmly committed to playing a pivotal role in the strengthening of the UAE’s indigenous defence offerings, to continuously disrupting the industry, and our own capabilities, with faster development, speedier delivery, and at revolutionary price points. We will grow and excel through partnerships, and we will strive to always remain ahead of the game across air, land, sea and space domains, and in the provision of superior world-class electronic warfare, secure communications, and sovereign cryptography and post-quantum capabilities, for the challenges of tomorrow. We look forward to the next edition of IDEX in 2027, where I am confident EDGE will once again surprise the industry with the huge achievements few considered possible five years ago.”