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Bangalore-based firm NewSpace Research & Technologies is preparing to present its cutting-edge Sheshnag-20 system to the Indian Army for testing, following recent successful flight trials and a high-profile unveiling at the World Defence Show 2026 in Riyadh. As India's first fully homegrown canister-launched swarming loitering munition in its weight class, the Sheshnag-20 moves away from using single, isolated drones. Instead, it introduces smart, AI-guided swarms designed specifically for...

India is exploring a major shift in its maritime strategy by considering the development of nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines (SSGNs). Naval planners and design experts are discussing the feasibility of modifying the existing S4-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) platform to create this new variant. This approach is seen as a practical, time-saving, and budget-friendly solution to address a crucial shortfall in underwater offensive capabilities while the...

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides with the Netra Mk-2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) initiative, marking a massive upgrade over its predecessor. This ₹20,000 crore programme aims to replace the constraints of older systems with cutting-edge radar and sensor technology. By stepping up to this next-generation platform, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive a substantial boost to its long-range scanning, target tracking...

India is preparing for a monumental leap in combat aviation by adopting a collaborative, consortium-style industrial model for its next-generation aircraft propulsion. The Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is spearheading a comprehensive partnership framework, expected to be executed alongside French aerospace giant Safran, to develop a 120kN-class engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mark-2 programme. Unlike previous procurement strategies, this estimated $7...

If India chooses to join the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet initiative, building the aircraft within the country would offer immense financial benefits, states Indian Air Force veteran Group Captain Uttam Kumar Devnath (Retd). He points out that India's long history of manufacturing Russian combat aircraft makes the prospect of domestic assembly and gradual localisation a highly practical and strategic move. ad The foundation for this optimism is the decades of experience Indian...

India’s ambition to master hypersonic technology has rapidly shifted from a future goal to a present reality. The nation is actively developing a comprehensive, multi-tiered hypersonic strike network designed for nuclear deterrence, naval dominance, and highly accurate conventional strikes. Leading this strategic leap are three highly advanced, interconnected weapon systems: the Dhvani Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), and the Extended...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is making significant strides in upgrading its airlift capabilities. Following the Defence Acquisition Council's (DAC) recent Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in March 2026 to procure 60 aircraft, the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program is entering its decisive final stages. This major procurement effort aims to phase out the ageing fleet of over 100 Antonov An-32s—which have been the backbone of the IAF's transport fleet since the 1980s—while also reducing the...

The race to develop India's next-generation unmanned combat aircraft is heating up, with two distinct Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiatives emerging. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-owned aerospace manufacturer, is progressing with its CATS Warrior platform. Simultaneously, Hyderabad-based private deep-tech firm Paninian India is constructing the Swayatt-M1, its own autonomous aerial system. While both drones are envisioned to act as "loyal wingmen" supporting...

India’s ambitious stealth drone project, the Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), is set to receive a major sensor upgrade. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), development is rapidly advancing on a specialised Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system tailored specifically for the platform. Designed with Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) technology, this indigenous radar will allow the Ghatak to strike deep into hostile...

Following the recent commissioning of INS Aridhaman (S4) on April 3, 2026, India’s maritime nuclear capabilities are advancing rapidly toward a new era of self-reliance. Attention is now turning to the next vessel in the lineup, the S4* (commonly known as the "S4 Star"). This fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) is projected to consist of nearly 90% locally sourced components, marking a massive leap in India's journey toward total independence in strategic defence...

India's push to upgrade its artillery firepower has taken a major step forward with the rapid induction of the Suryastra rocket system. Rooted in the advanced PULS (Precise and Universal Launching System) technology from Israel's Elbit Systems, the platform was cleared for immediate service after showcasing impressive accuracy and adaptability during pre-contract testing. ad To bring this capability into the field quickly, the Indian Army executed a ₹293 crore emergency procurement contract...

India is actively adopting a two-pronged strategy for its future combat aviation needs. hile New Delhi is currently evaluating potential participation in European sixth-generation fighter consortia—such as the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) or the France-led Future Combat Air System (FCAS)—it remains completely committed to its domestic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk-2. Official sources confirm that the indigenous fighter will not be sidelined; rather, it is being...

Despite boasting advanced radar networks, proven interception capabilities, and successful induction into the Indian Armed Forces (where it is known as the "Abhra" system), the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) has encountered significant friction in the international arms market. Co-developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the system's export hurdles are not tied to technical flaws. Rather, they emerge from...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its aerial combat capabilities through the development of a highly innovative system called the Air-Dropped Canisterised Swarm (ADC-S). Designed to be deployed from major transport aircraft—including the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules, and the C-295—this project aims to introduce a highly adaptable and budget-friendly precision strike method for today's complex combat zones. Spearheaded by the Directorate of Operations (Remote) at Air...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to request clearance from the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) to acquire a massive fleet of Software Defined Radios (SDRs). These advanced communication systems, frequently referred to as an "airborne Internet," are vital for modernising the military's network-centric combat strategies. Senior officials note that SDRs are now viewed as an essential requirement to seamlessly connect decision-makers, sensory equipment, and various platforms across the...

Russian military analysts believe that India’s anticipated move to secure a second contract for the S-400 air defence system is heavily influenced by tactical observations from recent Middle Eastern conflicts. Igor Korotchenko, a prominent Russian military expert and Director of the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT), suggests that New Delhi is closely evaluating how American-made air and missile defence platforms, such as the Patriot and THAAD, have fared in...

India is closing in on a massive agreement to acquire 400 Astra Mk-1 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missiles. This strategic move will vastly enhance the indigenous aerial strike power of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Engineered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Astra Mk-1 is a cornerstone of the nation’s "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative. Procuring these domestic weapons...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has clarified its roadmap for the fast-paced unmanned aerial systems sector. The state-run aerospace giant confirmed it has no plans to manufacture Shahed-style loitering munitions. Instead, the company is dedicating its resources to sophisticated Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). The responsibility for developing and building smaller, explosive loitering munitions will be handed over entirely to India’s private industry and agile technology...

Military experts are currently debating whether the responsibility for funding the next-generation Rafale F5 fighter jet will shift to India following the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) sudden exit from the project. The reality is that France will now have to shoulder the entire financial weight of the development on its own. The breakdown in cooperation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over technology sharing. Specifically, Paris declined to give Abu Dhabi access to highly sensitive...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is actively reviewing a proposal from Moscow to locally manufacture or co-produce the Sukhoi Su-57, a fifth-generation stealth fighter. HAL's Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. D.K. Sunil, recently shared public insights into the progress of these high-level bilateral negotiations. According to Dr. Sunil, Russian delegates have already delivered comprehensive presentations to the Indian Air Force (IAF) outlining the advanced capabilities of the Su-57...