The Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a record ₹7.85 lakh crore (≈ $85.6 billion) to the Ministry of Defence, making it the single largest component of government spending and accounting for 14.68% of the total budget. This marks a sharp increase from last year’s ₹6.81 lakh crore, underscoring India’s focus on military preparedness, modernization, and national security.

Key Highlights of Defence Allocation

• Total Allocation: ₹7.85 lakh crore (FY 2026-27)
• Share of Union Budget: 14.68%
• Increase from Previous Year: Up from ₹6.81 lakh crore in FY 2025-26
• Capital Outlay (Modernisation): ₹2.19 lakh crore earmarked for new equipment, fighter jets, and infrastructure upgrades
• Revenue Expenditure: ₹5.53 lakh crore for salaries, allowances, maintenance, and operational preparedness
• Defence Pensions: Continued support for retired personnel
• Civil Establishments: Administrative and institutional spending under MoD

Breakdown of Spending

Category	Allocation (₹ lakh crore)	Purpose
Capital Outlay	2.19	Modernisation, fighter jets, infrastructure
Revenue Expenditure	5.53	Salaries, allowances, maintenance, operations
Defence Pensions	~0.9 (approx.)	Retired personnel support
Civil Establishments	Included in total	Administrative costs

Implications

• Military Readiness: Enhanced funding for modernisation ensures India’s armed forces remain equipped to handle future challenges.
• Innovation & Technology: Investment in defence R&D and procurement of advanced systems strengthens indigenous capabilities.
• Personnel Welfare: Sustained focus on salaries, pensions, and allowances reflects commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel.
• National Security: Reinforces India’s strategic posture amid regional tensions and global security challenges.

In summary: The ₹7.85 lakh crore allocation to defence in Union Budget 2026-27 is not just the largest share of government spending but also a clear signal of India’s intent to modernize its military, safeguard sovereignty, and invest in long-term national security.

India’s Pralay missile is a cutting‑edge, short‑range ballistic weapon system that signals a major leap in the country’s conventional strike capabilities. Recently tested successfully off the Odisha coast, it is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s modern battlefield deterrence.

The Rise of Pralay: India’s Tactical Game-Changer

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Pralay is a surface‑to‑surface missile with a range of 150–500 kilometers. It carries a payload of 500–1,000 kilograms, making it versatile enough to deliver high‑explosive warheads against fortified enemy positions, airfields, or logistics hubs. Unlike India’s strategic missiles designed for nuclear deterrence, Pralay is intended for conventional precision strikes, filling a critical gap in India’s arsenal.

The missile is equipped with a state‑of‑the‑art navigation and guidance system, ensuring high accuracy even in complex battlefield environments. Its ability to perform salvo launches—firing multiple missiles in quick succession from the same launcher—was recently demonstrated in Odisha, proving its readiness for real combat scenarios. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the tests as a milestone in India’s march toward self‑reliance in advanced missile technology.

Why Pralay Matters

Pralay is often compared to Russia’s Iskander and China’s DF‑12, both tactical ballistic missiles designed for battlefield dominance. Analysts note that Pralay’s speed and precision make it a formidable counter to regional threats, especially in scenarios where India needs to neutralize enemy air defenses or strike high‑value targets quickly.

Its induction will give the Indian Army and Air Force a credible conventional deterrent, reducing reliance on nuclear options and strengthening India’s posture in limited conflicts. The missile’s ability to penetrate advanced air defense systems through rapid salvo firing adds another layer of strategic advantage.

Technical Highlights

• Range: 150–500 km
• Payload: 500–1,000 kg
• Guidance: Advanced navigation system for high precision
• Launch Capability: Salvo firing from mobile launchers
• Role: Conventional tactical strikes, complementing India’s strategic missile forces

Strategic Significance

The successful tests in late 2025 mark Pralay’s transition from development to user evaluation trials, paving the way for induction into India’s armed forces. Its indigenous design underscores India’s growing self‑reliance in defense technology, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

By fielding Pralay, India strengthens its ability to conduct quick, decisive conventional strikes, a capability that is crucial in modern warfare where speed and precision often determine outcomes. It also sends a clear signal to adversaries that India is prepared to defend its interests with advanced, homegrown technology.

In essence, Pralay is more than just a missile—it is a symbol of India’s evolving defense doctrine, blending indigenous innovation with strategic foresight. Its induction will not only enhance battlefield capabilities but also reinforce India’s position as a rising power in advanced missile technology.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) a Rs. 1,661.9 crores contract for supply of 255,128 CQB Carbines (5.56 x 45 mm) to the Indian Army. The contract signed on 30th December, 2025, sets forth order execution within five years.

A carbine is a lightweight, short-barreled rifle designed for easier handling and mobility compared to full-length rifles. CQB carbines are compact rifles specifically designed for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) — combat in confined spaces such as urban warfare, anti-terror operations, and room-to-room fighting.

Here, CQB = Close Quarter Battle → Refers to combat at very short ranges, often under 100 meters. Hence, CQB Carbine = A compact firearm optimized for speed, agility, and precision in tight environments.

The 5.56 x 45 mm CQB Carbine is an indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) compact firearm jointly developed by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), DRDO and Bharat Forge Ltd., Pune.

Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, we – BFL, and our wholly- owned defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), remain dedicated to equipping the Indian Armed Forces with ‘Made in India’ advanced defence equipment and platforms.

About Bharat Forge: Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), a Pune-based Indian multinational, is a technology driven global leader in providing high performance, innovative safety critical components and solutions for several sectors including automotive, power, oil and gas, construction & mining, rail, marine, defense and aerospace. BFL has global manufacturing footprint with presence across five countries, with the largest repository of metallurgical knowledge and offers full service supply capability to its geographically dispersed marquee customers from concept to product design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and validation. To learn more, visit www.bharatforge.com

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) closed 2025 with major reform milestones, including ₹3.84 lakh crore worth of capital acquisition approvals and ₹1.82 lakh crore in signed contracts, marking a decisive push toward indigenisation, jointness, and modernization of India’s armed forces.

Key Achievements in the "Year of Reforms 2025"

• Capital Acquisition Push
  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals worth ₹3.84 lakh crore since January 2025.
  • MoD signed contracts worth ₹1.82 lakh crore by December 2025, achieving 80% utilization of the capital acquisition budget.
• Indigenisation & Private Sector Role
  • Strong emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
  • Increased participation of private industry to secure supply chains and reduce import dependency.
• Operational Readiness
  • Reforms were accelerated after Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, which highlighted gaps in preparedness.
  • India conducted joint military exercises with the US, France, Russia, and others to strengthen interoperability.
• Policy & Structural Changes
  • Review and revision of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
  • Encouragement of foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence.
  • Rationalisation of restricted distance norms near defence establishments.
• Welfare & Governance
  • Improved welfare delivery mechanisms for personnel.
  • Whole-of-government approach to build a modern, integrated, and future-ready defence ecosystem.

Snapshot of Progress

Reform Area	Key Progress in 2025	Strategic Impact
Capital Acquisition	₹3.84 lakh crore approved; ₹1.82 lakh crore signed	Boosts modernization & readiness
Indigenisation	Private sector role expanded	Strengthens self-reliance, supply chain security
Policy Framework	DAP 2020 revised, FDI encouraged	Streamlined procurement & global partnerships
Operational Preparedness	Joint exercises, post-Operation Sindoor reforms	Enhanced combat readiness & interoperability
Welfare & Governance	Improved delivery mechanisms	Better morale & efficiency

Challenges & Trade-offs

• Budgetary Pressure: High capital expenditure may strain fiscal priorities.
• Technology Gaps: Despite indigenisation, advanced systems still rely on imports.
• Geopolitical Risks: Reforms were partly reactive to cross-border tensions, raising sustainability questions.
• Private Sector Integration: Balancing speed with quality assurance in defence manufacturing remains complex.

Strategic Outlook

The Year of Reforms 2025 positioned India’s defence sector on a trajectory toward greater self-reliance, jointness, and modernization. However, sustaining momentum will require:

• Continued investment in R&D.
• Stronger public-private collaboration.
• Vigilant monitoring of geopolitical developments.

This reform wave reflects India’s intent to transform its armed forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready team while ensuring welfare and governance improvements.

Tonbo Imaging Limited, a global defence electronics original equipment manufacturer (OEM), has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with market regulator the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

The company’s initial public offering comprises an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 18,085,246 equity shares of face value ₹2 each.

The Offer for Sale comprises 1,960,000 equity shares by Promoter Selling Shareholders, 339,700 equity shares by the Promoter Group Selling Shareholder, and 15,635,046 equity shares by Investor Selling Shareholders.

Founded in 2003 by technologists with prior experience at the U.S. Department of Defense and Sarnoff Corporation, Tonbo Imaging transitioned into a defence-focused product manufacturing company in 2012 following the buyout by its promoters. The company is promoted by Arvind Lakshmikumar, Ankit Kumar and Cecilia D’Souza. The promoters have been together for two decades and bring together a wealth of experience in global defence programs product engineering and capital raising.

Marquee investors who are invested in the company include Qualcomm Ventures, Artiman, Edelweiss Value, Celesta Capital II LP, HBL Engineering, Tenacity Ventures, India Exim Bank and Florintree.

As per the F&S Report in its DRHP, Tonbo Imaging is the fastest-growing defence technology player in India in terms of revenue, EBITDA and PAT margin growth (CAGR FY23–FY25) among listed peers. During the same period, it was also the largest manufacturer by sales value of thermal imaging systems supplied to government and defence agencies in India.

In FY25, the company accounted for 93% of India’s thermal imaging exports, positioning it as the largest exporter of such systems from the country. It serves a diversified customer base including global militaries, law enforcement agencies, homeland security organisations and global defence OEMs.

The company designs, develops and manufactures International Traffic in Arms Regulations (U.S.) free advanced sensing, processing, communication and guidance systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting and control applications. It is evolving from standalone tactical systems to integrated autonomous platform solutions, combining multiple hardware and software subsystems for battlefield deployment.

Its diversified product portfolio is broadly classified into tactical systems and platform systems, spanning the electromagnetic spectrum from visible imaging to long-wave infrared and multi-sensor imaging and includes thermal imaging cores, weapon sights, hand-held thermal imaging binoculars, targeting systems, missile seekers, fire control systems and missile guidance systems, enabling autonomy on the battlefield.

Its offering emphasises on miniaturisation, low size-weight-and-power (SWaP) designs, modular payloads and AI-enabled image processing, with applications across remote weapon stations, missile seekers, ISR platforms, armoured vehicles and soldier-wearable systems. Its mission is to assist, augment and replace humans on the battlefield.

As on June 30,2025 it has over 20,000 systems deployed across 24 countries.

The company is among the few Indian defence players with 100% ownership of its intellectual property, spanning optics, embedded software and electronics, with no dependence on external technology partners. It operates an asset-light model, retaining core design and IP ownership while outsourcing manufacturing to certified electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partners such as Kaynes Technology India Limited and Avalon Technology and Services Private Limited though all prototype development, system integration, and qualification testing are conducted in-house.

As of September 30, 2025, it had an order book of ₹ 2,665.70 million. Additionally between October 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025, it has received orders aggregating to ₹ 716.80 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2025, revenue from operations stood at ₹686.77 million, with India contributing ₹632.86 million, accounting for 92.15% of total revenue, while the rest of the world (Middle East/Africa) contributed ₹41.70 million, representing 6.07%; Europe and Asia accounted for ₹3.19 million (0.46%) and ₹7.69 million (1.12%), respectively, during the quarter, while profit after tax (PAT) for the period was ₹54.31 million, with a PAT margin of 7.68%.

In Fiscal 2025, revenue from operations increased to ₹4,690.80 million, with Europe emerging as the largest contributor at ₹3,065.18 million, accounting for 65.34% of total revenue, followed by India at ₹1,570.44 million (33.48%), Asia at ₹7.69 million (0.16%) and the United States at ₹0.51 million (0.01%), while PAT stood at ₹727.60 million, reflecting a PAT margin of 15.34%.

Revenue from overseas customers rose to ₹3,073.38 million in Fiscal 2025, accounting for 65.52% of revenue from operations, compared to ₹2,081.46 million (48.61%) in Fiscal 2024 and ₹180.64 million (18.66%) in Fiscal 2023. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, revenue from customers located outside India stood at ₹44.89 million, representing 6.54% of revenue from operations.

Some of its key projects include developing airborne systems with high performance EO/IR gimbal for an Indian defence R&D organisation, a multi-spectral infrared seeker and command launcher unit with advanced computer vision capabilities for a defence manufacturing company and a cost-effective, FSO communication system suitable for terrestrial and naval applications, addressing the limitations of current FSO technologies in challenging environments for Indian armed forces.

JM Financial Limited and IIFL Capital Services Limited are the Book Running Lead Managers to the issue.

RRP Defense Limited (BSE: 530929) and Meprolight Ltd., Israel, a global leader in electro-optics, night-vision and weapon-sight systems, are pleased to announce a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering next-generation defence technologies to the Indian market.

Under this collaboration, Meprolight and RRP Defense Limited will jointly work on the distribution, assembly, technology integration, and future localisation of Meprolight’s advanced product line in India. The partnership includes:

• Collaborative sales and distribution of Meprolight products within India for military and law-enforcement agencies.
• Co-development of pricing, commercial strategy, and payment terms, mutually agreed between both organisations.
• Technology transfer by Meprolight to support assembly, testing, and integration at RRP Defense’s Mahape facility under the Government of India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
• A long-term roadmap for local manufacturing of select electro-optic systems using indigenous components through RRP Electronics and other ecosystem partners.

Mr. Rajendra Chodankar, Chairman, RRP Defense Limited, said, “This collaboration with Meprolight affirms India’s growing capabilities in precision defence manufacturing. Integrating world-class electro-optic technology into our Mahape facility enables us to serve the Indian Armed Forces with domestically assembled, battle-tested solutions. Together with Meprolight, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and advancing our role in the global supply chain.”

About RRP Defense Limited

RRP Defense Limited is a leading Indian defence manufacturer dedicated to advancing the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under the leadership of technocrat-entrepreneur Rajendra Chodankar, the company has evolved from a trading entity into a deep-tech defence production enterprise.

RRP Defense focuses on indigenising critical systems in Electro-Optics, Thermal Imaging, and UAV technologies. The company has strengthened its ecosystem through the acquisition of RRP Drone Innovation and the formation of Vimananu Limited, enabling a full spectrum of Drone-in-a-Box and anti-drone solutions.

Through collaborations with Meprolight (Israel) and CYGR (France/USA), along with indigenous semiconductor support from RRP Electronics, the company is positioned to deliver high- precision, battle-ready systems to the Indian Armed Forces and global partners. 

About Meprolight Ltd., Israel

Meprolight is a globally recognised manufacturer of advanced electro-optic systems, night- vision devices, and weapon sights for defence, paramilitary, and law-enforcement agencies. With decades of battlefield experience and international deployment, Meprolight’s solutions are known for reliability, precision, and combat-tested performance.

The Consulate General of India in New York hosted a high-level roundtable titled “From Traction to Transaction: Bridging the Gap – Co-creating the Next Era of Innovation, Investment & Global Leadership,” bringing together senior policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts from India and the United States to advance the next phase of bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies, investment, and talent exchange.

Hosted jointly by Primus Partners and Meridian International Center, the discussions marked a decisive shift in the India–U.S. partnership—from shared intent to tangible outcomes—focused on innovation, defense collaboration, responsible AI, and cross-border investment.

Opening remarks from representatives of both nations underscored the shared vision of advancing Mission 500, which seeks to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The session explored how deeper integration in clean energy, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and defense could reshape global supply chains and unlock new investment pathways.

India U.S. Roundtable NYC

In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications for U.S. defense strategy and regional development, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the headquarters of U.S. Space Command will officially relocate from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, Alabama.

The move reactivates a 2021 plan that had previously designated Huntsville—widely known as “Rocket City”—as the preferred site due to its robust aerospace infrastructure, cost efficiency, and proximity to key defense assets. The decision reverses a 2023 Biden-era directive that had kept the command in Colorado, reigniting debate over political influence in military basing decisions.

Why Huntsville?

Huntsville is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and a dense ecosystem of defense contractors including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. The city has long been a hub for missile defense, satellite development, and space launch innovation.

This is about mission readiness, cost-effectiveness, and long-term strategic advantage,” Trump stated during the announcement. “Huntsville is where the future of American space defense belongs.

What Is U.S. Space Command?

Reestablished in 2019, U.S. Space Command oversees military operations in space, including satellite defense, missile tracking, and global communications. It plays a critical role in safeguarding U.S. assets against emerging threats from adversaries like China and Russia, who are rapidly expanding their own space capabilities.

The relocation is expected to involve the transfer of approximately 1,700 personnel and the construction of new facilities over the next five years.

Economic & Strategic Impact

The move is projected to inject billions into Alabama’s economy, creating over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. It also positions Huntsville as a central node in the U.S. military’s evolving space strategy, potentially influencing future procurement, R&D, and international collaboration.

Global Implications

For international observers, the relocation signals a renewed emphasis on space as a contested domain. As global powers race to secure orbital assets and develop anti-satellite technologies, the U.S. is doubling down on its commitment to space superiority.

Defense analysts suggest the move could accelerate partnerships with allied space agencies and prompt further investment in space-based deterrence systems

In a landmark achievement for India’s defense modernization, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today successfully conducted the maiden flight-tests of the all-indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The multi-layered system, designed to neutralize a spectrum of aerial threats, marks a significant leap in India’s self-reliant defense capabilities.

What Is IADWS?

The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System is a tiered, modular air defense architecture that combines:

• QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles) for medium-range threats
• VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) for close-range engagements
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) using high-power lasers to disable drones and low-altitude targets

All components are seamlessly coordinated through a Centralised Command and Control Centre, developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), enabling real-time threat assessment and response.

Maiden flight Tests of Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) was successfully conducted on 23 Aug 2025 at around 1230 Hrs off the coast of Odisha.

IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system comprising of all indigenous Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM),… pic.twitter.com/Jp3v1vEtJp

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) August 24, 2025

Inside the Test: Precision Across Layers

Conducted at 12:30 PM IST at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, the test involved three aerial targets:

• Two high-speed fixed-wing UAVs
• One multi-copter drone

Each target was intercepted by a different tier of the IADWS:

• QRSAM neutralized medium-range UAVs with precision-guided missiles
• VSHORADS engaged short-range threats using shoulder-fired systems
• DEW successfully disabled the drone using laser energy

Strategic Implications

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, stating:
“The successful demonstration of IADWS reflects India’s growing prowess in multi-layered air defence and indigenous innovation. It strengthens our ability to protect critical infrastructure and national assets against evolving aerial threats.”
This test places India in elite company alongside nations like:

Country	System Name	Capabilities
🇺🇸 USA	Patriot, THAAD	Long-range, ballistic missile defense
🇷🇺 Russia	S-400	Multi-target, long-range interception
🇮🇱 Israel	Iron Dome	Short-range rocket and drone defense
🇮🇳 India	IADWS	Integrated kinetic + laser-based defense

What’s Next?

With successful validation of its layered architecture, IADWS is expected to undergo further trials before deployment across strategic zones, including border regions and critical urban infrastructure. Its modular design allows for rapid deployment and scalability, making it a cornerstone of India’s future air defense grid.

JSW Sarbloh Motors, a subsidiary of JSW Defence Private Limited, a JSW Group company, today formed a strategic joint venture with Tomcar USA, a globally respected manufacturer of high-performance all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), for the local production of the TX range ATVs in India.

This landmark partnership signifies a major initiative by the JSW Group in line with India’s efforts to develop indigenously-manufactured tactical mobility platforms for Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Police units, and strategic industrial sectors requiring ultra-durable extreme mobility off-road platforms.

Under the joint venture, JSW Sarbloh Motors will indigenize, manufacture, assemble, and support the Tomcar TX range at its facility in Chandigarh. The first India-assembled TX units are expected to roll out by early 2026, with field trials and demonstrations planned for multiple defence and paramilitary agencies in the coming months.

Mr. Parth Jindal of the JSW Group, said "We are delighted to announce this strategic joint venture between JSW Sarbloh Motors and Tomcar USA, which marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhance India's defence capabilities. The TX platform is designed to meet the rigorous demands of our armed forces and security agencies whilst ensuring superior durability, flexibility, and safety. At JSW, we believe in combining cutting-edge technology with local production capabilities to foster a robust industrial ecosystem that strengthens our national security and creates job opportunities.”

Mr. Jaskirat Vladimir Singh Nagra, CEO and Founder Director of JSW Sarbloh Motors, said, "This joint venture is more than a business partnership, it is a strategic alignment of vision and purpose. We are committed to offering India’s defence and industrial sectors world-class mobility platforms with the ruggedness, modularity, and reliability they demand. We look forward to this exciting collaboration and are confident that our joint efforts will set new standards in tactical mobility within India and beyond."

Mr. Ram Zarchi, Founder & Principal of Tomcar USA, stated "We are honoured to announce our strategic joint venture with the JSW Group, marking a pivotal milestone in Tomcar’s entry into India. This partnership will allow us to deliver our proven platforms to the Indian Armed Forces, combining Tomcar’s decades of mission-grade engineering with JSW’s advanced manufacturing expertise and first-class leadership. Together, we will strengthen India’s tactical mobility capabilities while expanding Tomcar’s global footprint, particularly into right-hand-drive markets.”

Mr. Mark W. Farage, Interim CEO of Tomcar USA, commented: “This joint venture is the culmination of a thoughtful and deliberate process aimed at creating a truly strategic partnership. We are excited to hopefully contribute to India’s adaptation to the demands of modern warfare by providing the proven, battle-tested Tomcar platform to the Indian Army. In addition, we see enormous opportunity to deploy the Tomcar into India’s diverse commercial sectors – from mining and timber, to search and rescue, border patrol, farming, and beyond. This partnership positions us to deliver unmatched performance, durability, and reliability to customers across the country.”

India has achieved a historic milestone with defence production soaring to ₹1.51 lakh crore (₹1,50,590 crore), approximately $18.19 billion USD.

On July 22, 2025, the Indian Army received its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters at the Hindon Airbase, marking a milestone in its combat aviation modernisation. These helicopters will soon join the Army Aviation Corps squadron in Jodhpur, significantly enhancing battlefield readiness along India’s western border.

It was in 2020 when India signed a US$ 600 million deal with the United States for six AH-64E Apaches specifically for the Indian Army, following a 2017 approval by the Defence Ministry. This order supplements the Indian Air Force’s earlier acquisition of 22 Apaches under a 2015 contract, whose deliveries were completed by mid-2020. The Army’s contract was valued at ₹4,168 crore, with deliveries slated to begin in 2024.

Delivery and Induction Process

Batch	Quantity	Arrival Month/Year	Base
First	3	July 2025	Hindon
Second	3	By end 2025	Hindon → Jodhpur

AH-64E Apache: Key Capabilities

• Twin-engine, tandem-seat attack platform equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensor suites for all-weather, day-night operations.
• Armament includes laser- and radar-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rocket pods, air-to-air Stinger missiles, and a 30 mm M230 chain gun with 1,200 rounds.
• Longbow radar above the main rotor provides 360° target detection and fire control, enabling precision anti-armour and close-air-support missions.

Advanced Operational Features

Strategic Impact

As the remaining helicopters join service later this year, the Army Aviation Corps will ramp up training exercises and joint drills to fully harness the Apache’s capabilities. Longer term, the platform’s interoperability with UAVs and light attack helicopters will further diversify India’s aerial combat toolkit, strengthening readiness across multiple theatres of operation.

It sounds like something out of a sci-fi thriller, but DragonFire is very real—and very potent. Developed by a UK consortium this laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) is designed to neutralize drones, mortars, and even missiles with pinpoint accuracy.

DragonFire is no ordinary military system—it's a laser-directed energy weapon (LDEW) developed by a collaboration of MBDA, Leonardo, and QinetiQ. With a high-power solid-state laser that uses beam-combining technology and doped glass fiber bundles, it can strike targets as small as a £1 coin from over a kilometer away.

In a major boost to India’s defense technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW)—a precision-guided glide bomb designed to neutralize enemy airbases without crossing the border.

What is SAAW?

Key Features:

• Stand-off Precision: SAAW can be launched from a safe distance, keeping pilots and aircraft out of any harm.
• Pinpoint Accuracy: With guidance from GPS, India's own NavIC satellite system, and onboard seekers, the weapon can strike within 3–7 meters of its intended target.
• Cost Efficiency: Unlike powered missiles, SAAW glides to its target, making it a relatively low-cost yet highly effective option.
• Platform Versatility: It’s compatible with a wide range of Indian Air Force aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas, and potentially upcoming unmanned platforms like HAL’s CATS Warrior.

Strategic Implications

Defense analysts view SAAW as a critical addition to India’s evolving smart weapons ecosystem, reflecting DRDO’s growing focus on indigenous innovation and strategic autonomy.

As global conflict theaters increasingly value precision and discretion over brute force, India's SAAW may very well mark a turning point in how modern air power is projected—quiet, calculated, and devastatingly effective from afar.

In a historic leap for India’s maritime strength and self-reliance, the Indian Navy has commissioned INS Arnala, the nation’s first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). Commissioned on June 18 at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, INS Arnala symbolizes a major milestone under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Designed for the Coastal Battlefield

Powered by a diesel engine–waterjet propulsion system — the first of its kind for an Indian warship of this class — Arnala boasts a top speed of 25 knots and an operational range of 1,800 nautical miles, allowing it to patrol vast stretches of coastal waters with agility and endurance.

Eyes and Ears Beneath the Waves

• Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay)
• Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS)
• Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS)

These systems allow the warship to detect silent threats lurking beneath the surface and share real-time data for coordinated action.

Its weapons suite includes lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and anti-torpedo decoys, backed by an Integrated Combat Management System and Integrated ASW Complex, making it a nimble yet lethal sentinel in India’s near-seas.

A Ship of Many Hats

While its primary role is anti-submarine warfare, Arnala is also equipped for:

• Search and rescue operations
• Mine-laying missions
• Surveillance
• Low-intensity maritime tasks

This multi-mission versatility makes it an invaluable asset in maintaining maritime security and disaster readiness across India’s littoral zones.

Built at Home, for Home

Named after Arnala Fort, located off the coast of Maharashtra, the vessel honors India’s rich maritime history. More than 80% of the ship’s components are sourced from Indian companies, including Bharat Electronics Ltd., L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs — a testament to the country’s growing defense manufacturing ecosystem.

INS Arnala is the lead ship of a planned 16-vessel fleet under the ₹12,622 crore ASW-SWC program. These new-generation craft are set to gradually replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes and tighten India’s grip on undersea coastal security.

Specifications

The INS Arnala is a compact powerhouse tailored for coastal anti-submarine warfare, and its specs reflect that precision. Here’s a breakdown of its key technical features:

• Length: 77.6 meters
• Displacement: Over 1,490 tonnes
• Propulsion: Diesel engine–waterjet combination — a first for an Indian naval vessel of this size, enhancing speed and agility in shallow waters.
• Speed: Up to 25 knots
• Endurance: 1,800 nautical miles (~3,300 km).
• Primary Role: Anti-submarine warfare in shallow coastal waters
• Secondary Capabilities: Subsurface surveillance, search and rescue, mine-laying, and low-intensity maritime operations
• Sensors: Hull-Mounted Sonar (Abhay), Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UWACS).
• Weapons Suite: Lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, anti-torpedo decoys, and advanced mine-laying systems.
• Combat Systems: Integrated Combat Management System (CMS) and Integrated ASW Complex (IAC)
• Indigenous Content: Over 80%, with contributions from BEL, L&T, Mahindra Defence, and over 55 MSMEs.

It’s the lead ship in a 16-vessel series under the ₹12,622 crore ASW-SWC program, designed to replace the aging Abhay-class corvettes and form a robust anti-submarine shield along India’s coastline.

In a strategic push towards self-reliance in military technology, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred nine defence system technologies to ten industry partners. This milestone underscores the government's commitment to fostering public-private collaboration in defence production, empowering private firms with advanced military technology for indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

The Defence Systems Being Transferred

• CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II – Designed to detect and analyze Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) hazards on the battlefield.
• Mounted Gun System – An advanced weaponized platform providing superior firepower.
• Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version) – A specialized combat vehicle for counter-terrorism operations.
• 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A – A robust logistics solution for transporting India's main battle tank (MBT) Arjun Mk-1A.
• Expandable Mobile Shelter – A deployable infrastructure for strategic operations and command centers.
• Vajra Riot Control Vehicle – Designed for crowd management and security operations.
• Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun – A mobile repair and maintenance system for India’s premier battle tank.
• Multi-Purpose Decontamination System – Capable of cleansing contaminated environments from hazardous agents.

Industry Partners Driving Defence Innovation

The ten private sector companies receiving these technologies are:

1. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) - CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II, Expandable Mobile Shelter  
2. Bharat Forge Limited - Mounted Gun System  
3. Metaltech Motor Bodies Private Limited - Anti-Terrorist Vehicle (Tracked Version)  
4. BEML Limited - 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A, Unit Maintenance Vehicle for MBT Arjun
5. Tata International Vehicle Applications - 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
6. SDR Auto Private Limited - 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
7. John Galt International - 70-Ton Tank Transporter Trailer for MBT Arjun Mk-1A  
8. Tata Advanced Systems Limited - Vajra Riot Control Vehicle
9. Dass Hitachi Limited - Multi-Purpose Decontamination System
10. Goma Engineering Private Limited - Multi-Purpose Decontamination System

Strategic Importance of the Technology Transfer

This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, enhancing domestic defence capabilities while driving innovation in the private sector. The collaboration is expected to:

• Boost indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports.
• Encourage technological advancements in India’s defence industry.
• Enhance military preparedness through faster production cycles.
• Strengthen public-private ties, positioning private firms as key stakeholders in national security.

Additionally, DRDO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with COEP Technological University, Pune, to 
collaborate on emerging defence technologies, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of military innovation.

To explain one of the transferred technologies, let's take a look at the CBRN Recce Vehicle (Tracked) Mk-II, which was transferred to Bharat Electronics Limited.

This vehicle is designed for reconnaissance in environments contaminated with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) agents. It can detect, identify, monitor, and mark hazardous areas, transmitting this critical information to military formations for strategic response 1

A Bold Step Toward Defence Modernization

With this technology transfer, DRDO is accelerating India’s defence modernization efforts, placing cutting-edge military technology in the hands of private players. This marks a significant shift in how India approaches defence development, ensuring that military assets are produced swiftly and efficiently, backed by the expertise of the private sector.

As India marches towards global leadership in defence innovation, these public-private collaborations will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s military strategy for the future.

Israel has made history by becoming the first country to successfully intercept enemy drones using laser weapons in combat, said a report by NDTV citing tweets with videos of combat. The Israeli Air Force deployed prototype laser defense systems during the ongoing Swords of Iron War, marking a significant milestone in modern warfare.

This is amazing

🇮🇱
During the last war, Israel conducted operational testing of the Magen Or laser interception system, mainly in the northern region, and the system recorded operational successes in the field of interception. pic.twitter.com/elJcaNkXNQ

— Adi 🎗 (@Adi13) May 28, 2025

Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, these high-powered lasers direct intense beams of light at targets, using heat to disable or destroy them. Video footage released by Israel’s Ministry of Defense shows the system in action, igniting drone wingtips and causing them to crash. The technology is expected to complement Israel’s Iron Beam system, which is designed to provide cost-effective defense against drones and short-range projectiles.

India's push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing is expected to make its fighter jets more attractive to nations looking for cost-effective alternatives to Western and Russian aircraft.

Modi led government of India is positioning itself as a potential exporter of fighter jets, particularly the indigenous LCA Tejas. Several countries have expressed interest in acquiring Indian-made aircraft

The Argentine Air Force has shown interest in the Tejas as a replacement for its aging fleet. Reports suggest that Egypt too is considering various fighter jets, including India's Tejas, as part of its modernization efforts. Indonesia has explored options for acquiring Tejas to strengthen its air defense capabilities. Besides, the Philippines could also be a potential buyer given its growing defense cooperation with India. 

Kota Harinarayana, the former program director and chief designer of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, has expressed confidence that India will soon achieve self-reliance in fighter jet production and begin exporting them. 

Prototype of 4.5 Gen of Tejas MK 2

Harinarayana highlighted the progress made in developing a full ecosystem for indigenous aircraft manufacturing, noting that India has already built jets across various categories, including small, medium-sized, and unmanned aerial systems. He believes that in the coming years, India will not only meet its own Air Force's needs but also supply fighter jets to friendly nations.

Notably, the Kaveri Engine is also India's indigenous turbofan engine developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) under DRDO. While it was originally intended to power the LCA Tejas, it has faced challenges in meeting operational requirements, particularly in thrust output and efficiency.

Chinese defence stocks, including China Aerospace Times Electronics, AVIC Aircraft, and Bright Laser Technologies, have been experiencing a sharp decline following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech. The Hang Seng China A Aerospace & Defence Index dropped for the second consecutive session, losing 1.3%, with individual stocks falling between 1% and 4%.

One of the most notable declines was Avic Chengdu Aircraft, the manufacturer of J-10 fighter jets, which saw its share price plummet over 9% in two days. This downturn comes after India's Operation Sindoor, which showcased the effectiveness of indigenous defence systems like the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and electronic warfare systems.

PM Modi emphasized that Pakistan's drones and missiles were neutralized by India's air defence systems, reinforcing confidence in India-made defence equipment.

The Prime Minister's address reinforced confidence in India-made defense equipment, stating that Pakistan's drones and missiles were neutralized by India's air defense systems. This has led to investor skepticism about the reliability of Chinese defense exports.

Investors are reassessing the credibility of Chinese defense exports, especially after India's strong pushback against misinformation regarding airbase attacks. This has resulted in Chinese defense stocks tumbling upto now 9%.

The Hang Seng China A Aerospace & Defence Index has been on a downward trajectory, with major Chinese defense firms experiencing losses between 1% and 4.5%.

The market reaction suggests a shift in investor sentiment, with Indian defence stocks rallying while Chinese defence exporters face uncertainty.

India has successfully developed a 30-kilowatt laser-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) capable of neutralizing aerial threats like fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and swarm drones.

Representative Image