India-Austria summit meeting on defence, education and startups:New Delhi — India and Austria on Thursday elevated their bilateral ties with a sweeping set of agreements and initiatives spanning defense, technology, education, business, and culture, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker in the Indian capital.
Fincantieri Wins US Navy’s Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Contract: Trieste, Italy. Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri has secured its first contract under the U.S. Navy’s ambitious Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program, marking a significant milestone in a project designed to reshape amphibious operations and expand the Navy’s future fleet.
TKMS Navantia Shipbuilding MoU: Madrid/Kiel, April 15, 2026 – In a move set to reshape Europe’s naval defense landscape, German naval systems leader TKMS AG & Co. KGaA (TKMS) and Spanish shipbuilder Navantia S.A. (Navantia) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore strategic cooperation on shipbuilding projects. The partnership could see TKMS-designed submarines produced at Navantia’s shipyards in Spain, signaling a new era of European industrial collaboration.
Rheinmetall, Destinus missile joint venture: In a move underscoring Europe’s accelerating push to expand its defence industrial base, Rheinmetall and Destinus have agreed to establish a joint venture focused on manufacturing advanced missile systems, including cruise missiles and ballistic rocket artillery.
GE Aerospace-IAF-HAL Contract for LCA Tejas F404-IN20 jet engine: NEW DELHI — In a move that signals a decisive shift toward Indian defense self-reliance, American aviation giant GE Aerospace has finalized a series of high-stakes agreements with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Navantia Wins MRO Contract for Turkish Navy Ship TCG Anadolu: Ankara, 13 April 2026 — Spanish shipbuilder Navantia and the Turkish Naval Shipyards General Directorate (TGM) have signed a new framework agreement to provide comprehensive life-cycle support for the Turkish Navy’s amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu, strengthening long-standing maritime cooperation between Spain and Turkey.
India-Uzbekistan Military Exercise Dustlik: The 7th edition of the India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise, “Dustlik,” is underway as an Indian Army contingent departed on April 12 for the Central Asian nation, marking another step in the steadily expanding defense partnership between the two countries.
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 for French Navy: Vienna / Paris — The French Navy is significantly expanding its unmanned aerial capabilities with a new order for advanced rotary-wing drones, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing maritime surveillance and operational flexibility.
Ran Samwad 2026: Bengaluru, India, 6 April 2026 – The Indian Military is hosting the Tri-Service Seminar ‘Ran Samwad’ (Discourse on War) on April 09-10, 2026, at the Air Force Training Command in Bengaluru. This seminar marks a pivotal moment in India’s defence strategy, beginning a continued and structured dialogue on the emerging paradigms of warfare. The theme for this edition of Ran Samwad is “Multi-Domain Operations: An Imperative for Addressing Conventional and Irregular Threats.”
India’s indigenous fighter jet program has hit a critical bottleneck, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) moves to impose financial penalties on GE Aerospace over prolonged delays in the supply of fighter jet engines—delays that have effectively frozen the production line of the Tejas Mk-1A.
Vietnam Helicopter Corporation Airbus H225 Helicopter: Hanoi, Vietnam, 7 April 2026 – The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH), through its subsidiaries Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), has placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters. The acquisition aims to enhance the corporation’s offshore energy operations and gradually replace ageing aircraft within its fleet.
Elbit Systems’ PULS Artillery System for Greece: Haifa, Israel, April 6, 2026 – Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) (TASE: ESLT) announced today that, following its previous announcement on December 16, 2025, it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $750 million (€650 million) to supply its Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) artillery rocket systems to the Hellenic Armed Forces. The agreement, made in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, is set to be executed over the next four years, with an additional ten years of follow-on support.
The commissioning of INS Aridhaman on April 3, 2026, marks a watershed moment for India’s strategic posture. As the third nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to enter service, the vessel—codenamed S4—solidifies India’s “No First Use” policy by ensuring a robust, survivable second-strike capability.
DRDO-NSTL’s Large Cavitation Tunnel: On April 3, 2026, the Defence Minister laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Large Cavitation Tunnel (LCT) at the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The facility, a premium laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is set to significantly enhance India’s naval research and testing capabilities. It marks a pivotal step toward achieving technological self-reliance in the maritime defence sector.
Indian Navy’s INS Taragiri Stealth Frigate: INS Taragiri, the fourth ship of the Project 17A class, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The event was graced by the Defence Minister, who described the warship as a symbol of India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance, and formidable naval…
India’s Private Space Sector: India’s space sector is entering a new phase of growth and innovation, with a notable increase in the involvement of private industries in space research and satellite launches. The government’s efforts to encourage private sector participation have already yielded significant outcomes, with numerous satellite launches and ambitious projects lined up for the coming decades.
India’s Space Economy: India’s space economy is on the brink of a remarkable transformation, fueled by government initiatives designed to accelerate growth, boost private sector involvement, and enhance global competitiveness. According to the latest figures, India’s space economy was valued at approximately $8.4 billion in 2023, representing around 2% of the global space economy. However, with proactive reforms and strategic investments, India aims to increase its share significantly, projecting a growth trajectory that will see its space economy reach $44 billion by 2033 and $100 billion by 2040—approximately 8% and 10% of the global market share, respectively.
New Delhi/Kolkata/Kochi, March 30–31, 2026 — In a powerful demonstration of its growing shipbuilding capability and operational readiness, the Indian Navy inducted four indigenously built warships within a span of just 48 hours, marking one of the most significant fleet expansions in recent years.
India Space Startup Fund – Antariksh Venture Capital Fund: India’s push to build a globally competitive private space ecosystem is gathering pace, with the government confirming that its first dedicated venture capital fund for spacetech startups is now operational and nearing the investment stage. Speaking in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Jitendra Singh…
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Vice Chief of the Army Staff: New Delhi, April 1, 2026 — In a significant leadership transition for the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth formally assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) on Tuesday. His appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, characterized by extensive operational, command, and strategic experience.
Rheinmetall AG-Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat Autonomous Aircraft: In a significant step toward modernizing Europe’s air combat capabilities, Rheinmetall AG and Boeing Defence Australia have announced a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat autonomous aircraft to the German armed forces. The collaboration aims to deliver a mature collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) solution for the Bundeswehr by the end of the decade.
Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium Sweden Cold Weather Campaign: Vidsel, Sweden — March 31, 2026 — Embraer has successfully concluded an intensive cold-weather testing campaign of its KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, demonstrating the platform’s full operational capability in Arctic conditions and reinforcing its suitability for modern rapid-deployment doctrines.
NAVAIR-Near Earth Autonomy Agreement: Pittsburgh, PA — In a significant step forward for naval logistics, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) a contract to develop an aircraft-agnostic autonomy solution for uncrewed ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship operations. The agreement, executed through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium (NASC), aims to enhance the U.S. Marine Corps’ capabilities for resilient, autonomous logistics in contested maritime environments.
India MoD clears additional S-400 air defence missiles for IAF, Dhanush Artillery for Army: New Delhi, March 27, 2026 — In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Friday approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for a series of defence procurements worth approximately $25.3 billion USD (₹2.38 lakh crore at ₹94 per USD). The clearances, spanning the Indian Air Force, Army, and Coast Guard, mark one of the largest defence modernization efforts in recent years.
New Delhi, March 27, 2026 — The Ministry of Defence has signed two major defence contracts worth approximately $91.3 million USD (converted from ₹858 crore at ₹94 per USD), aimed at strengthening India’s air defence systems and maritime surveillance capabilities. The agreements were formalized at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on Friday.
Rheinmetall-Indra Group MoU: German defence giant Rheinmetall AG and Spain’s Indra Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their strategic partnership, targeting major opportunities in military vehicle systems and broader defence technologies across Europe and Latin America. The agreement sets the stage for the creation of a joint venture later this year, aimed at bidding for a significant Spanish Army contract covering the procurement of up to 3,000 military trucks, alongside several hundred tactical vehicles—projects expected to be worth several billion euros.
CSIR-NAL KKR Aerospace QPlance Technology Transfer Agreement: New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) ecosystem, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) has signed a landmark technology transfer agreement with KRR Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. to enable large-scale production of the QPlane, an indigenous all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone.
DCX Systems wins major order for maritime patrol radar: New Delhi: DCX Systems has secured a significant purchase order worth ₹563.45 crore (≈ $60.6 million), marking a major milestone for the Bengaluru-based defence electronics firm and reinforcing its role in India’s rapidly expanding indigenous defence ecosystem.
Solar Defence and Aerospace’s uav and robotics factory Nagpur: New Delhi: In one of the largest private-sector investments in India’s defence manufacturing space, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited has announced plans to invest ₹128 billion ($1.36 billion) in a cutting-edge robotics and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production facility in Nagpur.
MARTE: Europe’s main battle tank: Brussels, March 25, 2026 — Europe’s defence industry has taken a major step toward consolidating its technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy with the MARTE project — the Main ARmoured Tank of Europe. Funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), MARTE represents far more than a traditional military technology initiative; it is a cornerstone for ensuring Europe’s relevance in high-intensity land warfare in the decades to come.
Leonardo Completes Full Acquisition of GEM Elettronica: Rome, March 23, 2026: Italian defence and aerospace giant Leonardo has announced the completion of its acquisition of GEM Elettronica, increasing its stake from 65% to full ownership.
India’s Defence Minister Urges Youth to Prepare for Future Wars: “Modern Warfare Demands a Robust Military and Vigilant Citizens”. In a powerful address during the Raising Day celebrations and Diamond Jubilee of Sainik School, Ghorakhal, in Uttarakhand, on March 21, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted a crucial message for India’s youth: they must be…
New Delhi, March 19, 2026 — Calling for a decisive push in defence innovation amid an increasingly volatile global security landscape, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday urged the country to transform itself into a global hub for drone manufacturing within the next few years. Speaking at the National Defence Industries Conclave 2026 in…
Amara Raja Group enters Defence Electronics: Hyderabad, March 19, 2026: In a significant move towards strengthening India’s defence self-reliance, Amara Raja Design Alpha (ARDA), a specialised engineering R&D firm and a part of the $2 billion Amara Raja Group, has ventured into the defence electronics sector with the successful development of an indigenous Power Conditioning Cabinet (PCC) for naval sonar systems. This marks the company’s first foray into mission-critical defence technology, reflecting its expanding capabilities and commitment to supporting India’s growing naval indigenisation efforts.
India Floating LiDAR Buoy System: New Delhi, March 18, 2026: India has marked a significant achievement in ocean observation technology with the successful trial of its indigenously developed Floating LiDAR Buoy System, an innovation poised to revolutionise weather forecasting and offshore wind energy development. The trial was conducted by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) off the coast of Muttom, Tamil Nadu, showcasing the nation’s growing expertise in marine science and its commitment to self-reliance in high-tech infrastructure.
India’s D4 Anti-Drone Shield: New Delhi, March 19, 2026: India’s naval capabilities have just taken a decisive leap forward with the formal induction of the D4 Anti-Drone Shield, an indigenous counter-unmanned aerial system (CUAS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system, dubbed “Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy,” is a significant stride toward India’s self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the government’s broader “Make in India” ambitions.
BEL India News: Bengaluru, March 19, 2026: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), has recently secured a significant batch of orders valued at Rs 1,011 crore. This announcement comes just weeks after BEL’s previous disclosure on February 25, 2026, marking a continued strong performance for the Bengaluru-based defence giant. The new contracts will bolster the company’s portfolio of advanced technology solutions, further establishing BEL’s role as a key player in India’s defence and security sectors.
HQ-IDS Second Niche Technology Nexus Seminar – NTN: New Delhi, March 17, 2026: In a significant step towards advancing India’s defence capabilities, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) organized the Second Niche Technology Nexus (NTN) Seminar on March 16, 2026, in New Delhi. With a focus on the theme ‘Cognitive Spectrum Operations and Quantum Technologies,’ the seminar served as a platform for experts from diverse sectors, including the Defence Forces, academia, industry, start-ups, and research organizations, to engage in deep deliberations on cutting-edge technological advancements and innovative solutions.
Leonardo acquires Becrypt: London, March 11, 2026: Leonardo S.p.A. has taken a decisive step to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities with a binding agreement to acquire Becrypt Ltd, a UK-based specialist in secure data transfer, endpoint security, and cloud protection. The acquisition, executed through Leonardo’s UK subsidiary Leonardo UK Ltd, aims to enhance the company’s Zero Trust portfolio and strengthen its role within the UK and the wider Five Eyes cyber defence domain.
VEM Technologies-TKMS Ink Landmark Torpedo Pact: HYDERABAD — In a significant development for India’s maritime defence capabilities, VEM Technologies has entered into a strategic teaming agreement with German naval major ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) through its subsidiary ATLAS ELEKTRONIK to jointly produce heavyweight torpedoes in India.
Bharat Forge and Liebherr-Aerospace’s Advanced Landing Gear Machining Facility: Pune: In a significant boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions, Bharat Forge and Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS have inaugurated a state-of-the-art landing gear components machining facility in Pune, marking a new chapter in the country’s integration into the global aerospace supply chain.
Düsseldorf, 11 March 2026: German defence technology group Rheinmetall AG reported a record operating result in fiscal year 2025, driven by rising global defence spending and strong demand for military equipment across Europe and allied nations.
Leonardo Debt refinancing: Rome, March 10, 2026: Leonardo S.p.A. has signed a €600 million ESG-linked Term Loan with a consortium of international and domestic banks, refinancing a portion of debt that matured in January 2026. The loan, which carries a five-year tenor with final maturity in 2031, includes a two-year grace period and proportional repayments starting in the third year.
SMPP Wins Order for 10,000 Bulletproof Jackets for Paramilitary Forces: New Delhi — Indian defence manufacturer SMPP Limited has secured an additional order to supply 10,000 bulletproof jackets (BPJs) to India’s paramilitary forces, strengthening the company’s role as a major domestic supplier of advanced ballistic protection systems.
DRDO-Indian Navy’s ADC-150 Air Droppable Container Tested from P-8I Aircraft: Off the Coast of Goa — In a significant boost to India’s maritime logistics and emergency response capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy have successfully conducted a series of in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from a Boeing P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Dassault Aviation-Hical Technologies Contract for Rafale Aircraft Control Systems: Bengaluru — French aerospace major Dassault Aviation has awarded a long-term manufacturing contract to Indian aerospace firm Hical Technologies for the production of high-precision control system assemblies used in the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft.
India-Indonesia Brahmos missile deal: New Delhi/Jakarta, March 4, 2026: Indonesia has taken a major step toward strengthening its maritime defence capabilities by signing an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, with a final contract valued at approximately $350 million expected to be concluded in the next quarter, according to officials familiar with the development.
New Delhi, March 9, 2026: Paras Defence and Space Technologies has secured a significant defence contract worth ₹80.28 crore from India’s premier military research body, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marking another step in the country’s push to strengthen indigenous defence technologies.
Green Aero jet engine: Bengaluru: In a breakthrough that could reshape India’s small-engine defence ecosystem, Bengaluru-based startup Green Aero has successfully test-fired a sub-kilonewton (sub-kN) jet engine designed to military-grade specifications, marking a major step toward indigenous propulsion solutions for drones and loitering munitions.
Airbus India Technology Centre: Bengaluru, March 6, 2026: European aerospace giant Airbus has inaugurated a major new technology centre in Bengaluru, significantly expanding its operations in India and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the country’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem.
The announcement came during the state visit of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is in India from 4–7 March at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit includes stops in New Delhi and Mumbai, and is accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, officials, and business leaders.
Rheinmetall acuires majority stake in DOK-ING: ZAGREB — German defence technology group Rheinmetall has signed an agreement to acquire a 51% majority stake in Croatian uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) manufacturer DOK‑ING, marking a significant move to expand its capabilities in autonomous and uncrewed defence systems.
India will addtional S-400 missiles, Pantsir-S1 air defence system from Russia: New Delhi, March 12, 2026 – India is advancing a major defence procurement initiative to acquire five additional S-400 Triumf long-range air defence systems and 13 Pantsir-S1 short-to-medium range missile systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army, officials confirmed, even as the specter of potential US sanctions looms over its dealings with Russia.
India MoD $559 million contract for HAL’s ALH Mk-III Helicopters, Russian VL-Shtil Missiles: New Delhi — March 3, 2026 — The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth USD 559 million (INR 5,083 crore) for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy.
Shoft Shipyard Private Limited Wins Indian Navy’s Self-Propelled Fuel Barge Contract: New Delhi — March 3, 2026 — India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, for the construction of four 500-tonne self-propelled fuel barges for the Indian Navy. The contract was finalised on March 2, 2026.
Leonardo Wins £1 Billion UK MoD Contract for 23 AW149 helicopters: Rome / London — March 2, 2026 — The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Leonardo a £1 billion contract to supply 23 next-generation medium helicopters under the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.
Canada PM Mark Carney’s India Visit: NEW DELHI – In a move signaling a definitive thaw in diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have announced a sweeping renewal of the India-Canada Strategic Partnership. The agreement, centered on the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“The World is One Family”), marks a historic “diplomatic reset” following years of strained communication.
Thales Group Quantum Safe Security for 5G Network: New Delhi — March 2026 — Thales has announced what it describes as a world-first breakthrough in quantum-safe security for 5G networks, successfully demonstrating that post-quantum cryptographic protection can be remotely deployed to SIM and eSIM cards already in use.
Rheinmetall Acquires Naval Vessels Lürssen: Düsseldorf / Bremen — March 1, 2026 — Rheinmetall has finalised its acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), the military shipbuilding arm of the Lürssen Group, marking a decisive step in its ambition to become a cross-domain defence systems provider.
Fincantieri’s U212 NFS Submarine: Muggiano, Italy — March 2026 — Fincantieri has marked a major milestone in Italy’s naval modernization programme with the keel-laying of the first U212NFS (Near Future Submarine), destined for the Italian Navy.
Indian Air Force Vavy Shakti Exercise: Pokhran/Jaisalmer, February 27, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday successfully conducted Exercise ‘Vayushakti-26’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, delivering a sweeping demonstration of combat readiness, joint operational synergy, and technological prowess across the full spectrum of air operations.
Indian Navy’s INS Anjadip: Chennai, February 27, 2026: In a significant boost to India’s maritime security architecture, INS Anjadip, the fourth vessel under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project, was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at a ceremonial event held at Chennai Port on Thursday evening.
DRDO VSHORADS missile: New Delhi, February 27, 2026: In a major boost to India’s short-range air defence capabilities, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out three consecutive flight-trials of the indigenously developed Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS).
UAEs’ EDGE Group-South Korea’s DAPA agree to deepen strategic partnership: Abu Dhabi / Seoul — March 2026 — The UAE’s EDGE Group and the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have formalised a sweeping new phase of defence collaboration, signing a Defence Industry Cooperation Framework agreement valued at approximately $35 billion.
ST Engineering Qatar MRO Contract: Singapore / Doha — February 27, 2026 — Singapore-based defence and engineering group ST Engineering has secured a major breakthrough in the Middle East after winning a five-year contract worth €315 million (approximately S$470 million) to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for Qatar’s land forces.
India-Israel Defence Cooperation: In a significant elevation of bilateral ties, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu Thursday announced the upgradation of India–Israel relations to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity,” underscoring defence and security cooperation as a central pillar of the relationship.
Noida International Airport Inauguration: New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Noida International Airport in Jewar next month, a project that is poised to become the largest airport in India. The airport is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the Uttar Pradesh government allocating ₹750 crore for its first phase.
Indian Air Force Exercise Vayushakti-2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will demonstrate its operational prowess at Exercise Vayushakti-26, scheduled to be held on 27 February 2026 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer.
Vajra Prahar military exercise: The 16th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR has commenced at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. Troops from the Indian Army and the United States Army Special Forces are participating in the high-altitude drills.
Milan 2026 Naval Exercise: Organized by the Indian Navy, the exercise brought together 42 ships and submarines and 29 aircraft, including 18 ships from friendly foreign nations. Under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” MILAN 2026 demonstrated unprecedented scale and strategic unity.
India Seeks Comprehensive Bid for 114 Rafale Fighter jets: New Delhi: India has officially requested Dassault Aviation to submit a detailed bid for the procurement of 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) by April 2026. This formal request follows the approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) last month, marking a major step in strengthening the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability to address its growing squadron shortfall. The MRFA programme, valued at a minimum of (USD 27.52 Billion) ₹2.5 lakh crore, aims to procure advanced Rafale jets, including the F4 and potentially the F5 variants.
LAT Aerospace Acquires Sharang Shakti; New Delhi: LAT Aerospace, backed by Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal, has acquired Gurugram-based defense robotics startup Sharang Shakti. This acquisition represents the first major move by LAT Aerospace to consolidate its technological base as it shifts focus toward building indigenous capabilities in both the defense and civilian aviation sectors.
India-Japan Dharma Guardian Military Exercise: In the serene hills of Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, soldiers from the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assembled for the 7th edition of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN. The annual bilateral exercise alternates between India and Japan and stands as a pillar of growing defense cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
Israel Aerospace Industries’ BlueWhale AUV Delivered to German Navy: Eckernförde: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) have announced the successful delivery of the BlueWhale, a large autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), to the German Navy. This delivery, which took place on February 25, is a milestone in unmanned submarine defense technology and forms part of the German Navy’s “Kurs Marine 2035+” program, aimed at enhancing maritime defense capabilities.
AISATS-CCPL MoU for Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport: Singapore/Greater Noida: AISATS and Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd. (CCPL) signed an MoU on February 20, 2026, to streamline cargo movement from Delhi’s air freight station to the new air cargo terminal at Noida International Airport. This partnership aims to ensure the efficient and cost-effective transfer of customs-compliant export transshipment cargo, thereby reducing logistics costs for exporters.
AISAT Investment at Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh: Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS) has committed to investing ₹4,458 crore at the Noida International Airport in Jewar, marking a significant private sector contribution to the region’s aviation and logistics infrastructure. The investment was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between AISATS and the Uttar Pradesh government on February 22, 2026, during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s visit to Singapore.
From its headquarters in Haifa, Israel defense technology company confirmed that the HDTS will significantly enhance operational capabilities and flight safety. The system overlays real-time 3D Synthetic Vision Symbology (SVS) directly into the pilot’s field of view, rendering terrain, obstacles, and mission routes as clear digital constructs — even when the outside world disappears into a brown haze.
Embraer-Adani Defence & Aerospace E175 regional jet assembly line India: In a significant boost to India’s regional aviation ambitions, Adani Defence & Aerospace and Embraer have advanced plans to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the E175 regional jet in India. The enhanced Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged in New Delhi in the presence of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and India’s Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Rheinmetall to equip Luchs 2 with CT-025 turret and Oerlikon firepower. German defense giant Rheinmetall has secured a major contract in the mid three-digit million-euro range to supply turret systems, cannons, and simulators for the Bundeswehr’s next-generation Luchs 2 reconnaissance vehicle. Prime contractor General Dynamics European Land Systems signed the agreement in Kaiserslautern in early…
Indra and Leonardo join forces against escalating cyber threats Leonardo-Indra Group Cyber Security Cooperation MoU: Spain’s Indra Group and Italy’s Leonardo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Rome to deepen cooperation in cyber defence across Europe and NATO markets. The agreement aims to accelerate innovation, expand managed cyber defence services, and enhance protection of…
Embraer and Mahindra Group plan to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility in India for the C-390 Millennium, contingent on its selection under the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft program.
Tata Airbus H-125 Helicopter Plant India: On February 17, 2026, a significant chapter in the evolving India-France defence partnership was marked with the virtual inauguration of the final assembly line for the Airbus H-125 Light Utility Helicopter. The event, streamed from Mumbai, saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron joining virtually, with the physical ceremony held at Tata Advanced Systems’ (TASL) facility in Vemagal, Karnataka. Alongside them, key figures from both governments participated, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs Catherine Vautrin, Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. R. Naidu, and Karnataka’s Minister for Large & Medium Industries, Dr. M.B. Patil.
BE Akash Missile Regiments: Bengaluru, February 16, 2026 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru, inaugurated the state-of-the-art Missile Integration facility at the company’s premises. The occasion also saw the flagging-off of the Akash 3rd and 4th Regiment Combat Systems and the unveiling of the Mountain Fire Control Radar, underscoring India’s commitment to indigenising its defence technologies.
India-France Defence Cooperation – Annual Defence Dialogue: Bengaluru | February 15, 2026: India’s Rajnath Singh and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin, will co-chair the 6th India-France Annual Defence Dialogue in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on February 17, 2026. The dialogue will review the full spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding industrial collaboration between the two nations.
India Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s Visit to Australia: New Delhi | February 14, 2026: The Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, will embark on an official visit to Australia from February 16 to 19, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and reinforcing strategic convergence between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
Marine Jet Power Waterjet Production Facility: Panaji, Goa | February 13, 2026: In a major boost to India’s maritime indigenisation drive, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Paramesh Sivamani inaugurated a state-of-the-art Waterjet Production & Testing Facility established by Marine Jet Power (MJP) India in Goa.
India Naval Armament Organisation: Mussoorie | February 13, 2026: The Naval Armament Organisation (NAO) has successfully concluded its 24th Officers-in-Charge (OIC) Conference and 7th IT, Project and Infrastructure Meeting (IPIM) at the Institute of Technology Management (ITM), Mussoorie, on February 12–13, 2026.
Pulwama Attack Anniversary: Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack of 2019, saying their devotion and courage remain etched in the nation’s collective consciousness.
India Department of Defence Production QA-Industry Conclave: A high-level QA-Industry Conclave themed ‘Traceability, Speed and Trust – Leveraging Technology for Smarter Quality Assurance’ was held in New Delhi on February 13, 2026, placing digital transformation at the centre of India’s evolving defence quality framework.
Vienna, 13 February 2026: The Hellenic Navy has signed a contract to procure ship-based Camcopter S-100 Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) for deployment aboard its Frégate de Défense et d’Intervention (FDI) Belharra-class frigates — HS Kimon, HS Nearchos and HS Formion.
Solar Defence 125kg Air Dropped Bomb: New Delhi: In a notable boost to India’s quest for defence self-reliance, Solar Defence on Monday unveiled its indigenously developed Air Bomb 125 kg, a precision-guided munition that has successfully cleared a comprehensive series of trials. Developed under the MAKE-II category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, the bomb marks a significant milestone in private sector participation in advanced munitions manufacturing.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council Clears $43 Billion Deal for Rafale Fighters, P-8I Maritime Aircraft: New Delhi: In a major push to bolster India’s air and maritime combat capabilities, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on February 12, 2026, approved capital acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore (₹360,000 crore) — roughly $43 billion USD at current exchange rates.
New Delhi: In a major boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on February 12, 2026 signed a contract worth ₹2,312 crore (approximately $278 million USD) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Indian Navy Combined Task Force 154: Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) for the first time, marking a significant milestone in India’s expanding role in collaborative maritime security. The development underscores India’s growing commitment to capacity building and cooperative engagement in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond.
Fincantieri, through its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, has secured a landmark contract from the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the supply of MU90 light torpedoes. Valued at more than €200 million, the agreement marks the largest order in the 150-year history of WASS and sets a new record for acquisitions, following a major contract recently signed with the Indian Navy.
Fincantieri, a global leader in high-complexity shipbuilding, has announced a new industrial partnership with Generative Bionics, an Italian company specializing in autonomous humanoid robots. The collaboration aims to develop a humanoid robot designed to work alongside humans in Fincantieri’s shipyards, marking a significant step in the Group’s innovation and robotics strategy.
World Defense Show 2026: India highlighted its growing defence manufacturing strength at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 8–9. Raksha Rajya Mantri (junior defence minister) Sanjay Seth led a high-level Indian delegation to the event and joined international dignitaries at the opening ceremony.
India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2026: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has uploaded the draft Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2026 on its official website and invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders. The announcement was made by the the Defence Ministry on February 10, 2026.
Olee Space’s AI-powered autonomous laser powered sniper for CUAS operations: Pune-based defence technology firm olee.space has unveiled what it describes as the world’s most compact 2-kilowatt AI-enabled laser sniper system mounted on an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), marking a significant advancement in autonomous ground combat systems. The indigenous platform has successfully completed field testing with key defence stakeholders and is now ready for operational deployment and sale, officials familiar with the programme confirmed.
Saudi Arabia World Defense Show: Saudi Arabia formally opened the third edition of the World Defense Show (WDS) in Riyadh on Sunday (February 8, 2026). The show that concludes on February 12, 2026, is organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), bringing together official delegations, government entities, and leading international defense and security companies.
