India 

New Delhi — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has demonstrated and implemented indigenous Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology for high-frequency defence applications, including next-generation radars and electronic warfare systems. The development is part of India’s efforts to build domestic capability in advanced semiconductor technology. The technology was highlighted in the Ministry of Defence’s annual report for 2025-26. It covers advanced components used to generate, amplify, receive and control high-frequency signals. Such components have applications in radar, electronic warfare, communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and unmanned systems.   Indigenous GaN Technology for X-Band Applications A single indigenous GaN chip measuring 3.5 × 3 mm can deliver up to 30 watts of power and operate at speeds reported to be 300 times faster than silicon. The development includes indigenous GaN Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) technology for applications up to the X-band. The technology also includes indigenously fabricated S-band GaN High Electron-Mobility Transistor (HEMT) power bars, power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers and switch MMICs, which have been designed, fabricated and demonstrated. GaN is a semiconductor material suited to high-frequency and high-power applications. Its use in radar transmitters and electronic warfare systems allows the development of compact components capable of handling high-frequency signals and significant power levels.   SSPL Develops GaN and SiC Technology The latest progress builds on work by DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL). In November 2024, the Ministry of Defence said SSPL had developed indigenous processes for manufacturing 4-inch-diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating GaN HEMTs rated up to 150 watts and MMICs up to 40 watts for applications up to X-band frequencies. The Ministry said GaN/SiC technology can provide improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and enhanced performance. It identified the technology as important for future combat systems, radars, electronic warfare, communications, intelligence, reconnaissance and unmanned systems. Limited production capability for indigenous GaN-on-SiC MMICs has also been established at the Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre (GAETEC) in Hyderabad. According to the Ministry, these multifunctional MMICs have applications in strategic systems, space, aerospace and 5G and satellite communications.   iDEX Brings Private Industry Into GaN Development The development is also linked to the government’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme. On December 1, 2023, iDEX-Defence Innovation Organisation signed its 300th contract with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited for the design and development of advanced GaN semiconductors for next-generation wireless transmitters used in defence applications, including radars and electronic warfare jammers. The Ministry of Defence said at the time that almost all GaN components were being imported because the technology is sensitive and cutting-edge, with exports controlled or restricted by several countries. The project aimed to design, develop and manufacture GaN components in India using indigenous technology. The contract was signed in New Delhi by then Additional Secretary (Defence Industries Production) and Defence Innovation Organisation CEO T Natarajan with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited. Former Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and senior civil and military officials were also present. The development of indigenous GaN and SiC-based MMIC technology, together with limited production capability at GAETEC and industry participation through iDEX, is intended to strengthen India’s domestic semiconductor capability for defence and other strategic applications.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 16:00:05

 India 

NEW DELHI — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of its indigenous Supersonic Target (STAR) missile in November 2025, according to the Ministry of Defence’s annual report. The STAR programme is designed to provide the Indian armed forces with a high-speed aerial target for testing and training air-defence systems, radars, tracking equipment and missile interceptors against supersonic threats. The system is powered by an indigenous Liquid Fuelled Ramjet (LFRJ) engine developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. The STAR uses a two-stage propulsion system, with a solid rocket booster providing initial acceleration before the liquid-fuelled ramjet takes over for sustained supersonic flight.   Key Development Milestones During 2025, DRDO completed qualification testing of the STAR's onboard avionics, including its navigation, flight-control and telemetry systems. The dedicated launcher and catapult system were also developed and qualified. Static propulsion testing was completed up to the stage of ramjet ignition before the November 2025 flight trial. The STAR is designed to operate at speeds of Mach 1.8 to Mach 2.5, with an altitude range of approximately 100 metres to 10 kilometres. Its stated operational range is 55 to 175 kilometres, while available programme information gives flight durations of 50 to 200 seconds. The system can conduct different flight profiles, including low-altitude and sea-skimming trajectories, allowing air-defence systems to be tested against high-speed targets under different conditions. The programme also supports India's development of indigenous liquid-fuelled ramjet technology. Work has been reported on possible air-launched configurations, although the primary role of STAR remains that of a supersonic target. The successful November 2025 flight, together with the completion of avionics qualification, launcher and catapult development, and static ramjet testing, represents significant progress in the STAR programme.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-13 14:42:03

 India 

Bengaluru — The Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) presented updated design details of its indigenous High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) at the International Conference on Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (ICAAV) 2026, held in Bengaluru on August 20–21. The conference was jointly organised by ADE-DRDO and the Design Division of the Aeronautical Society of India and focused on autonomous aerial vehicle technologies and applications. The aircraft is a 6-ton-class turboprop-powered platform designed mainly for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with provisions for strike operations. ADE has completed system analysis and feasibility studies, while an Expression of Interest (EoI) was issued in late 2025 to identify an Indian Development-cum-Production Partner. The current design uses a single turboprop engine in a pusher configuration, an approximately 25-metre wingspan and a predominantly composite airframe. Earlier studies examined Y-tail and single-engine twin-boom configurations, with earlier all-up weight estimates of 4,800–5,700 kg. The current design has an AUW of about 5,500–6,000 kg. The HALE RPA is designed to operate at around 40,000 feet, with the service ceiling indicated above 35,000 feet. It is expected to cruise at around 390 km/h, have an endurance of more than 25 hours, and a range exceeding 1,000 km. The aircraft is designed to carry approximately 2,000 kg of payload, with six underwing hardpoints for precision-guided bombs and missiles. Its ISTAR payload options include EO/IR sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), ELINT, SIGINT and COMINT systems. Communication links are specified at approximately 300 km for Line-of-Sight (LOS) and 1,000 km for Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) operations. A key feature is its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capability. Command software will allow the aircraft to be controlled from fixed Ground Control Stations as well as manned airborne platforms, including fighter aircraft and naval multi-role helicopters. The architecture is designed to support coordinated operations involving fighters, helicopters and ships. It also includes multi-sensor data fusion and autonomous take-off and landing. The propulsion options are centred on engines in the 900–1,500 shaft-horsepower class, including the Honeywell TPE331-10, which is in the approximately 940-horsepower class. ADE also has longer-term plans for an indigenous propulsion solution. The development phase is planned to include five HALE RPAs and two complete ground systems, subject to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance and subsequent certification by CEMILAC and DGAQA. DRDO will retain the design and intellectual property rights, while an industrial partner will undertake manufacturing, integration and testing. ADE has also pursued modular contracts covering the aircraft's digital mock-up, propulsion supply and production partnership. General Atomics has been associated with the programme in a technical consultancy role on selected technologies. Separate efforts are also underway on jet-powered and stealth-oriented HALE concepts, while the turboprop configuration remains the main endurance-focused ISTAR-strike design. The programme is intended to support India's indigenous development of HALE-class unmanned aircraft and establish an industrial base for such systems. Further progress will depend on formal project approval and finalisation of the industry partnership.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-10 16:29:02

 India 

NEW DELHI —  Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the Ministry of Defence’s competitive process to develop the Indian Army’s next-generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle-Indian Light Tank (AFV-ILT) under Project Zorawar. The programme is valued at nearly ₹20,000 crore. The selection follows a three-year evaluation of technical and commercial bids from five entities, with TASL securing the L1 position. Mahindra Defence Systems emerged as the second-lowest bidder (L2). Under the Make-1 category, the government will fund up to 70% of development costs. TASL will develop and demonstrate two prototypes within 130 weeks, while Mahindra Defence Systems will also be invited to develop its own prototype. The competitive approach is intended to maintain competition and strengthen the supply chain. The bidding process was delayed after one competitor raised objections to the selection. The Indian Army and Defence Ministry examined the objections and found them invalid, allowing the programme to move forward towards the Production Order stage. The Indian Army requires approximately 295 light tanks under this competitive Make-1 segment. The tanks are intended for high-altitude areas, deserts, marshlands and riverine terrain, where heavier main battle tanks can face mobility limitations. The light tank is expected to be in the approximately 25-tonne weight class, allowing better mobility and air-transportability in restricted mountain areas. The platform is planned to have a 105–125 mm calibre main gun and speeds of up to around 60 km/h. TASL has proposed an indigenous turret system along with self-developed loitering munitions. Project Zorawar is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahlon, the 19th-century Dogra military commander. The programme marks the first time a private-sector company will fully build a battle tank for the Indian armed forces. TASL has previously supplied tactical trucks and infantry fighting vehicles to the Army, and the project expands its role into tracked armoured systems. The wider Project Zorawar programme also includes a separate parallel effort by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for an initial batch of light tanks, while the competitive Make-1 process covers the larger requirement of approximately 295 tanks.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-09 09:17:18

 India 

NEW DELHI —  India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which provides in-principle administrative approval and is an important step in India’s defence procurement process. According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 98 per cent of the procurements covered by these approvals will be sourced from Indian industry, reinforcing the government’s focus on domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.   Indian Army to Receive New Mobility and Combat Support Systems For the Indian Army, the DAC approved the procurement of Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Recce Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs), Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MML), Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs), Trawl Tanks and the Sarvatra Bridge System. The CBRN Recce Vehicles will be used to detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by CBRN agents. The High Mobility Vehicles are intended to improve the Army’s operational capabilities, logistics support and mobility in challenging terrain. The Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers will provide the Army with a fast and responsive mine-laying capability in difficult terrain. The approved Advanced Light Helicopters will be used by both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force for complex missions across different terrains and operational situations. The Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System will provide composite crossing capabilities to fighting formations during operations across varied terrain.   Navy to Get Arudhra Radars and Indigenous Marine Gas Turbines For the Indian Navy, the DAC approved the procurement of Arudhra Radars and the design, development and subsequent procurement of Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs). The Arudhra Radars will replace the existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at various Naval Air Stations. The Marine Gas Turbines are intended for warship propulsion. Their design and development in India, followed by procurement, is aimed at reducing the Navy’s dependence on foreign vendors for this capability.   Air Force Approvals Focus on Electronic Warfare and Security The DAC also approved proposals aimed at enhancing the war-fighting capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters. Among the specific approvals was the Ground-Based Multi-Purpose Jammer (GBMPJ). The system will provide effective jamming against adversary radars. The council also cleared the installation of the Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC) system. DEFSAC will replace existing paper-based identity cards, passes and permits with an interoperable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based smart card system for access to defence facilities. The Ministry of Defence announced the decisions through an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau on September 7, 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also highlighted the approvals on his official X account, pointing to the focus on strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial base.   Chaired the meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) today. The DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various acquisition proposals of the Defence Forces at an estimated cost of about Rs 1,10,000 crore.Of the total AoNs accorded, approximately 98% of procurements… — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 7, 2026   With about ₹1.10 lakh crore in capital acquisition proposals receiving AoN and approximately 98 per cent of the procurements expected to be sourced from Indian industry, the latest approvals cover mobility, surveillance, propulsion, electronic warfare, aviation and military access-security capabilities across the three services.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-07 15:54:10

 India 

HYDERABAD — The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL) is developing a vehicle-mounted jammer designed to counter cognitive radio-based military communication systems. Three units of the new system are currently under development. According to the project details, each jammer will provide 360-degree detection and jamming coverage across a frequency range of 30 MHz to 6 GHz. The system is designed to operate at ranges of up to 20 km. A key feature of the jammer is its response time of less than 5 microseconds. This capability is intended to allow the system to track and jam radios that rapidly change their operating frequencies, including systems capable of frequency hopping at up to 2,000 times per second. The jammer is being developed as a mobile electronic warfare system. The complete system can be deployed from its vehicle in less than one hour, allowing it to be used for tactical operations and relocated when required. Delivery and testing of the three units are scheduled to be completed within 21 months. Following completion, the units will be evaluated for their ability to detect and disrupt cognitive radio threats within the specified frequency band and operational range.   DLRL’s Role in Electronic Warfare DLRL, based in Hyderabad, is one of DRDO’s laboratories working on electronic warfare technologies for the Indian armed forces. Its work covers areas including communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic support measures (ESM), electronic countermeasures (ECM), digital receivers and jamming systems. DRDO’s technology roadmap specifically lists smart jamming against software-defined radios (SDRs) and cognitive radio-based military communication radios as an electronic warfare development area assigned to DLRL. Cognitive radios can adapt their transmission characteristics according to the surrounding electromagnetic environment. This can include changing operating frequencies, making them more difficult to counter with conventional jamming approaches. The new system is therefore focused on responding to rapidly changing communication signals. DRDO describes electronic warfare as the use of electromagnetic energy to determine, exploit, reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic countermeasures include jamming and deception intended to prevent or reduce an adversary’s effective use of the spectrum. The development of the vehicle-mounted jammer adds to DLRL’s existing work in mobile electronic warfare systems and digital signal-processing technologies. DRDO has also established dedicated system integration and evaluation facilities at DLRL for testing communication and non-communication electronic warfare systems. The three systems under development will provide an opportunity to evaluate the jammer against cognitive radio-based communication threats and assess its performance across the specified frequency band and range.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-05 14:30:00

 India 

HYDERABAD,  — The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have secured an Indian patent for BAM-H24, a boron-, hydrogen- and nitrogen-rich energetic compound developed for advanced solid rocket propulsion. The Indian Patent Office granted Patent No. 599900 to the Chairman of DRDO and the Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM) at the University of Hyderabad, which is now known as the Defence Innovation and Advanced Technology Centre (DIA-CoE). The patent was filed on December 21, 2022, and was granted on August 20, 2026. The invention is formally titled “N1,N1,N1,N4,N4,N4-hexaethylbut-2-yne-1,4-diaminiumdodecaborane: The Next Generation Solid Rocket Propellant Fuel.” The compound, designated BAM-H24, covers its synthesis, structural elucidation and energetic properties.   BAM-H24 designed for solid rocket propulsion According to the University of Hyderabad, BAM-H24 is intended to have multiple roles in advanced high-energy material formulations. It can function as a solid rocket propellant fuel, fuel additive or burn-rate accelerator. The compound is expected to provide high specific impulse and reduced ignition delay, properties that can improve energy efficiency and performance in solid rocket propulsion systems. Its potential applications include missile systems and space launch vehicles. However, the patent itself represents protection of the underlying compound and research; its grant does not by itself establish that BAM-H24 has already been integrated into an operational missile or launch vehicle.   Safety and storage properties BAM-H24 also has reported characteristics aimed at improving the handling and storage of energetic materials. The research team reported strong chemical and thermal stability and high insensitivity to impact and friction, reducing the risk associated with accidental ignition during handling. Another reported property is its non-hygroscopic nature, meaning the material does not readily absorb water. This can help preserve its integrity in humid storage conditions.   DRDO-UoH research collaboration The invention was developed through collaboration between DRDO and ACRHEM at the University of Hyderabad. The research was led by Dr. Muddamarri Hanumantha Rao of ACRHEM and Professor Muralidharan Krishnamurthi of ACRHEM and the UoH School of Chemistry. The patent provides intellectual-property protection for an indigenous high-energy compound with potential applications in both defence propulsion and space launch systems. It also represents continued collaboration between DRDO and academic researchers in the development of advanced energetic materials. Further research and development would be required to determine the performance of BAM-H24 in specific propulsion systems and its suitability for practical deployment.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-03 17:31:45

 India 

New Delhi, — The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the drop trial of the indigenously designed and developed Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) on September 2. The IAF said the trial met all its stated objectives. The Khagantak-243 is a 300-kg-class stand-off precision-guided glide bomb jointly developed by Nagpur-based JSR Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). JSR Dynamics is responsible for the weapon body and control systems, while BEL provides the electronics and guidance subsystems. The weapon has a cylindrical body, swivel-type mid-body glide wings and five aft control surfaces. It carries a 125 kg Mk-81 general-purpose blast-fragmentation warhead. Its mid-course guidance uses an inertial navigation system (INS) along with GNSS. The Khagantak-243 has a reported range of more than 140 km when released from an altitude of around 12,000 metres. Its glide design allows the launching aircraft to engage targets from a stand-off distance rather than flying directly over the target area. The trial was conducted from a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, which has been identified as the initial integration platform. Future integration with other aircraft, including the MiG-29K and Mirage-2000, has also been reported. The IAF had earlier placed an order with BEL for an unspecified number of Khagantak-243 munitions. The exact quantity and contract value have not been disclosed. The successful trial adds another indigenous stand-off precision weapon to India's developing domestic air-launched weapons capability.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-03 14:27:06

 India 

NEW DELHI, — GE Aerospace has delivered three more F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft programme. The engines were delivered in August 2026, taking the total number of F404-IN20 engines delivered to HAL for the Tejas Mk1A programme to 10. The deliveries are part of a contract signed in 2021, under which GE Aerospace is to supply 99 F404-IN20 engines and associated support to HAL. The agreement is valued at around ₹5,375 crore (approximately $716 million). Engine deliveries have been slower than originally planned, affecting the pace of Tejas Mk1A production. GE Aerospace has been working to increase F404-IN20 production and address earlier supply-chain problems. The F404-IN20 is an uprated version of the F404 engine family and produces up to 85 kN (19,000 lbf) of afterburning thrust. It is equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 Tejas Mk1A aircraft from HAL. In November 2025, HAL also placed a follow-on order with GE Aerospace for 113 additional F404-IN20 engines to support a further 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft, with deliveries scheduled from 2027 to 2032. The latest three-engine shipment is expected to support HAL’s efforts to maintain the Tejas Mk1A production schedule as GE continues to increase engine deliveries.

Read More → Posted on 2026-09-03 14:06:43

 India 

BENGALURU, — Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Aspera Industries has unveiled ‘Eureka’, an autonomous amphibious aircraft designed to transport cargo faster than sea freight while targeting costs lower than conventional air freight. Founder and CEO Khushi Mittal announced the aircraft publicly on August 29. Eureka is designed to take off and land on water as well as flat land without a pilot onboard. It has a stated payload capacity of 1,000 kg, a range of 2,000 km and a planned operating altitude of 6,500 feet above mean sea level. Aspera was founded in 2025 by Mittal and focuses on purpose-built, long-range aircraft for aerial logistics. The company has raised $750,000 in seed funding from Inuka Capital and aims to manufacture aircraft in India that can compete with boats on cost while delivering cargo much faster.   Designed to Use Water as a Runway Aspera's concept is based on using water as a natural runway, reducing dependence on conventional airport infrastructure. Mittal noted that 150 of the world's 193 countries have a coastline, while many cities, ports and industrial centres have developed around water. The company also points to the fact that about 71% of Earth's surface is covered by water. The aircraft uses a carbon-fibre body and replaces the traditional stepped hull used by older seaplanes with retractable hydrofoils. Aspera says stepped hulls created aerodynamic drag during flight, while the retractable hydrofoils are designed to assist water operations and retract during flight.   Targeting Lower Cargo Costs Around 80% of world trade is transported by sea, according to figures cited by Mittal. Sea freight can take weeks, leading factories and supply chains to maintain three to six weeks of buffer stock. Mittal said flying a tonne of cargo currently costs about 20 times more than shipping it by sea. Aspera is targeting a delivery cost of less than $1 per tonne-kilometre for the initial aircraft and expects the figure to fall below 50 cents per tonne-kilometre at larger fleet scale. The company's longer-term goal is to manufacture large numbers of efficient aircraft in India and reduce the cost of air cargo to a level where flying becomes a practical option for urgent, perishable and high-value goods. Eureka is the company's first publicly announced aircraft under this plan and is intended to reduce cargo delivery times from several weeks to hours.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-30 14:59:17

 India 

NEW DELHI, — India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. The initial agreement is valued at an estimated $45.7 million. The package includes 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles, one additional “fly-to-buy” evaluation missile and 25 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU). It also covers support equipment, simulation rounds, training materials, technical manuals, spare parts and lifecycle support. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi welcomed the signing, saying the agreement reflects the growing U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership and creates opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries' defence industries. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the agreement demonstrates U.S. support for the Indian Army and creates opportunities for the two defence industries to work together. He also highlighted the potential for cooperation to strengthen the defence industrial bases of both countries. The Javelin, produced by the Javelin Joint Venture between RTX and Lockheed Martin, is a man-portable, medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. It uses an imaging infrared seeker and can operate in top-attack and direct-attack modes. The system is designed to engage armoured vehicles and fortified positions. The signing also opens the possibility of future co-production in India. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has previously signed an agreement with the Javelin Joint Venture to explore opportunities for manufacturing the missile system in India. The U.S. State Department had earlier approved a possible sale covering the same core Javelin package and associated equipment. With the LOA now signed, India becomes a customer of the Javelin system, while discussions on broader industrial cooperation can continue.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-28 14:17:22

 India 

KOLKATA, — Kolkata-based aerospace and defence technology company AvionX Aerospace has unveiled Vajra, a Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) designed as a loyal wingman drone for the Indian Navy. The platform is intended to operate alongside manned fighter aircraft, extending operational reach while reducing the exposure and workload of pilots in high-threat environments.   AI-Based Manned-Unmanned Teaming Vajra is designed for Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. According to AvionX, it can provide ISR, electronic warfare support and precision-strike capabilities while operating with manned fighters. The drone uses an AI-driven autonomous system capable of handling complex missions with limited human intervention. Its sensor-fusion system combines data from an AESA radar, EO/IR pod and onboard electronic warfare systems for navigation, target detection and engagement. AvionX lists an AI pilot decision latency of less than 10 milliseconds and an autonomous operation time of 12 to 18 hours.   Stealth and Electronic Warfare Vajra features a low-observable airframe and radar-absorbing materials. AvionX claims these features reduce its radar cross-section by approximately 70 percent, supporting operations in anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) environments. Its electronic warfare suite includes active jamming, chaff and flare dispensers, and electronic intelligence (ELINT). The company states that the system provides more than 90 percent counter-electronic-warfare effectiveness in A2/AD conditions.   Performance and Weapons The platform is powered by a 25 kN turbofan engine and has a listed maximum speed of 1,255 km/h. AvionX gives it an operational range of 3,700 km, a combat radius of 1,850 km, and 12–18 hours of endurance. Vajra is designed to carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles and laser-guided bombs. The company says it can be launched from aircraft carriers as well as smaller naval vessels. AvionX says Vajra uses domestically developed engines, avionics and sensor systems and is being developed in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The company focuses on AI-enabled unmanned systems and defence command software and lists experience in UAV research, development and test flights. Vajra remains a development-stage naval loyal wingman concept, and the specifications currently available are based on information provided by AvionX.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-27 14:16:38

 India 

NEW DELHI — India Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has provided new details about the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, including Pakistan’s intelligence gaps, India’s decision-making during the escalation and the circumstances surrounding reported activity near Kirana Hills. Chauhan, who was serving as CDS during the operation, spoke at the VIMARSH event on Operation Sindoor and its aftermath organised by the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi on August 25. Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. Indian forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The military confrontation later ended with a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.   Pakistan had inaccurate information on Indian naval movements Chauhan said Pakistan’s understanding of the battlefield was poor, including in the maritime domain. He said Pakistani military briefings regularly reported the movements of an Indian carrier battle group in the Arabian Sea. However, when Indian assessments were checked with the Western Naval Command, the reported positions were found to be 100 to 300 nautical miles away from the actual locations. Chauhan said this indicated that Pakistan was either receiving incorrect information or relying heavily on foreign sources. He also said Pakistan’s long-range maritime aircraft did not fly during the operation, limiting its ability to independently collect maritime information.   India maintained a common operational picture Chauhan attributed India’s performance during the operation partly to better situational awareness and battlefield transparency. According to him, information from the Army, Navy and Air Force was available through a common operational picture. This allowed commanders to make decisions using information from across the three services rather than operating with separate assessments. He also identified clear political direction as another factor. Chauhan said the military was given freedom to plan and conduct operations within the political objectives set for the mission.   Sargodha strike and planned Skardu target Chauhan also described a decision taken after Pakistan indicated that it wanted to open talks. He said that when Pakistan contacted India at around 10 am, the Air Chief asked whether the Indian Air Force should strike Sargodha. Chauhan said he authorised the strike. He then asked the Air Force to identify two additional targets. Skardu was selected as one of them and received approval. However, adverse weather conditions later forced a change in the plan, and the target was switched to Bholari. Chauhan said the approach was linked to an escalation principle under which India would deliver the final strike rather than leave the last action to Pakistan.   Kirana Hills was not deliberately targeted Chauhan also addressed reports about activity around Kirana Hills, an area associated with Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure. He said Kirana Hills was not a deliberate Indian target. According to his explanation, loitering munitions were deployed around Sargodha, approximately 10 km from Kirana Hills, to search for radar targets. Chauhan said the munitions could remain in the area for about two hours. If they failed to locate a target during that period, they would eventually come down. He said one of the munitions may have subsequently struck the hills. His explanation is consistent with earlier comments by Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, who had denied that Kirana Hills was deliberately targeted during Operation Sindoor.   Chinese-origin equipment and foreign inputs Chauhan also discussed Pakistan’s military equipment and its dependence on external sources. He said around 70 to 80 percent of Pakistan’s military platforms are of Chinese origin. He acknowledged that Chinese personnel were present in Pakistan during the conflict but linked their presence to normal original equipment manufacturer maintenance arrangements for imported military systems. He also said Pakistan attempted to use commercial satellite imagery from Chinese companies to track Indian movements, but this did not necessarily translate into accurate targeting information.   Ceasefire was decided by the two DGMOs Chauhan disputed claims that the United States had brokered the India-Pakistan ceasefire. He said the ceasefire was decided directly between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan. According to his account, the Pakistani side initially contacted India and the DGMO-level discussions continued before the ceasefire was finalised at around 5 pm. Chauhan said he did not see a role for any third party in the military-level ceasefire decision. He also said he was confident that India had not leaked the ceasefire information to the United States before the announcement and suggested that the information may have come from the Pakistani side.   Political direction and operational freedom Chauhan also referred to a meeting on April 29, 2025, following the Pahalgam attack. He said the political leadership provided the armed forces with operational freedom to determine the timing and manner of the response. According to his account, the guidance included ensuring that the operation did not fail because of human or technical shortcomings and that there should be evidence of the actions carried out. Chauhan said this political direction, combined with the military’s networked operational picture, contributed to India’s ability to make decisions during the operation.   Chauhan’s tenure as CDS Chauhan completed his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff on May 30, 2026, after serving as CDS during Operation Sindoor. He was succeeded by General NS Raja Subramani, who took charge as India’s third CDS on May 31. His latest remarks provide additional details on how Indian military commanders assessed the battlefield, selected targets and managed escalation during Operation Sindoor, while also highlighting gaps that he said affected Pakistan’s understanding of Indian military movements.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 14:52:38

 India 

New Delhi/London — India and the United Kingdom are in the final stages of signing an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), also known as Martlet, for the Indian Army’s tactical units. The planned agreement is valued at £350 million ($468 million) and was announced during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India in October 2025. An initial emergency procurement is already underway, while the formal IGA will expand the purchase into a larger order running into the hundreds of missiles. British officials have indicated that the numbers have increased significantly. The LMMs are manufactured by Thales at its facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Once signed, the Indian order is expected to become the company’s second-largest global LMM order, after the larger Ukrainian order for more than 5,000 missiles under a £1.6 billion arrangement announced in 2025. The Indian deal is also expected to support jobs at the Belfast facility. The missile weighs approximately 13 kilograms, measures 1.3 metres in length and has a 76 mm diameter. It uses laser beam-riding guidance, reaches about Mach 1.5 and has a range of more than 6 kilometres. The LMM can be launched from the shoulder, tripod and vehicle-mounted platforms, and can also be used from helicopters and naval vessels. It is designed to engage low-flying aerial threats, including drones and unmanned aerial systems, as well as light armoured, wheeled and tracked targets. The missile has been in service with the British military since 2019 and has also been used by Ukrainian forces. The procurement forms part of wider India-UK efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and establish reliable defence supply chains. After the missile agreement is concluded, the two countries plan to discuss the co-design and co-creation of future complex weapon systems. The cooperation also includes a maritime electric propulsion partnership for future Indian Navy warships. An Implementing Arrangement for electric-powered naval engines, with an initial value of £250 million, was signed in October 2025.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-26 14:05:21

 India 

New Delhi — India is moving toward large-scale production of indigenous surface-to-air missiles, with around 2,000 QRSAM and Akash-NG missiles potentially entering domestic production if both proposed procurements proceed. The Indian Armed Forces could order around 1,000 QRSAM missiles from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under a contract estimated at ₹11,000–12,000 crore, forming part of a wider QRSAM programme worth around ₹30,000 crore. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is the lead integrator, while L&T is involved with 8x8 launchers and Apollo Micro Systems supplies several subsystems. The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity on July 3, 2025, while final CCS clearance remains pending. BEL expects a decision by September 2026. QRSAM has a reported range of 25–30 km and altitude coverage of around 6–10 km. Initial deliveries are expected over seven to eight years, with subsequent orders potentially taking three to four years once production is established. BEL is also preparing a 75-hectare production complex at Chitrakoot in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The Ministry of Defence is also examining a requirement for around 1,000 Akash-NG missiles. Akash-NG completed final user evaluation trials in December 2025 and features a dual-pulse motor, active radar seeker, canisterised launch system and smaller ground footprint. Its demonstrated range is around 30 km, with further extensions reported toward 50–70/80 km depending on configuration. A major order could still be at least three years away. Meanwhile, Apollo Micro Systems is expanding into complete defence-system development. It agreed in July 2026 to acquire a 41.33% controlling stake in Premier Explosives for about ₹1,550 crore, while SEBI approved an open offer for another 26% stake at ₹698 per share. On August 21, AMS also subscribed to a 34% stake in ShauryAstra Defence Systems, which will focus on indigenous weapon systems, long-range strike platforms, unmanned systems, GNC, seekers, sensors, datalinks and mission software under the guidance of Dr. V. K. Saraswat. The developments could expand India's domestic air-defence manufacturing capacity, while export orders could help sustain production lines after domestic requirements are met.

Read More → Posted on 2026-08-23 13:57:06