Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk India Visit: India and Poland have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, placing greater emphasis on defence manufacturing, military engagement, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism as the two countries seek to respond to a changing international security environment.
Rheinmetall UK Gun Hall Telford: Britain has taken a significant step towards rebuilding its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities with the official opening of Rheinmetall’s new UK Gun Hall in Telford, marking the return of independent large-calibre weapons production to the country after a gap of around 20 years.
Tajikistan SCO Meeting: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, describing the threat as one of the gravest challenges to peace, security and development.
Indian Navy Landing Platform Dock: The Indian Navy has moved forward with plans to acquire four large amphibious warships, issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to shortlisted domestic shipyards for a programme estimated to cost nearly ₹50,000 crore ($5.26 billion).
DRDO Shortlists SSS Defence and Kalyani Group for India’s Indigenous 20mm Helicopter Gun. India has taken another step towards strengthening its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) shortlisting SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group to develop an indigenous 20mm turret gun system for the country’s combat helicopters. The project…
Australia’s Ghost Shark UUV: Australia is preparing to give its naval forces a new kind of underwater weapon, one designed to operate without a human crew and carry out dangerous missions far from its shores. The Ghost Shark, an autonomous underwater drone being developed for the Royal Australian Navy, will be capable of launching explosive-carrying aerial drones, deploying sea mines and delivering supplies to special forces operating in difficult-to-reach locations.
Indian Air Force Swadeshi Empresa Firefighting Robots: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 80 indigenous firefighting robots designed to tackle dangerous blazes at air bases, adding a new layer of protection for military personnel, aircraft and critical infrastructure during emergencies.
Rheinmetall and MSC Romania’s Mangalia Shipyard: Rheinmetall and Swiss shipping company MSC have secured the successful bid to acquire Romania’s Mangalia shipyard for around €138 million, with plans to transform the facility into a dual-use shipbuilding centre serving both civilian and military markets. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, creating a new industrial base for naval construction and commercial shipbuilding in south-eastern Europe.
Indian Navy Swavlamban 2026 Seminar: The Indian Navy is set to hold the fifth edition of its flagship Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar, Swavlamban 2026, in New Delhi on 26 and 27 October, bringing together start-ups, industry leaders, researchers, investors and defence officials to strengthen India’s capabilities in indigenous naval technology.
India Coast Guard and South Korea Coast Guard Maritime Cooperation: India and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to closer maritime security cooperation following the 14th High Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG), held in Incheon, South Korea, on 14 October 2026. The meeting focused on improving operational coordination, strengthening professional exchanges and developing a more effective framework for addressing shared maritime challenges.
US Army’s Hanwha Defense built XM-1776 Mobile Artillery: South Korean defence manufacturer Hanwha has unveiled the XM1776, a new wheeled 155mm mobile howitzer designed to give the US Army greater battlefield mobility, faster firing capability and improved crew protection. The system was presented at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting in Washington on 12 October 2026, as the US military advances its plans to modernise its artillery forces.
Gopalan Aerospace Hoskote Drone Facility: Bengaluru-based Gopalan Aerospace has inaugurated a new production line at its Hoskote facility as it looks to expand its presence in the aerospace, defence and space sectors. Backed by a reported investment of around US$40 million, the expanded manufacturing facility is expected to support more complex engineering programmes and the company’s ambitious plans to scale up unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production.
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 and Vikram-1U Rockets Secure New International Customer. Skyroot Aerospace Reflect Orbital Satellite Launch: India’s Skyroot Aerospace has secured two dedicated launch bookings from US-based startup Reflect Orbital, adding another international customer as it seeks to establish itself in the global small-satellite launch market. The agreement, announced on 14 October 2026, covers two missions…
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth approximately US$432 million (Rs 4,106 crore) to strengthen the communication capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Indian Navy. The agreements, signed in New Delhi on 15 October 2026, cover the indigenous GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes.
Waterfly Technologies’s Hummingbird eBoat: Indian deep-tech startup Waterfly Technologies is preparing to take its electric Hummingbird craft from controlled lake tests to the open sea, with a trial planned between Chennai and Puducherry by December 2026. The development marks an important step in the company’s effort to build a new form of coastal transport that combines features of aircraft and boats.
Munitions India Limited and Sigma Advanced Systems MoU: Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Sigma Advanced Systems Limited (SASL) have signed an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to localise technology for course-correction fuses used in 155mm artillery ammunition, in a move aimed at strengthening India’s domestic precision-guided weapons capabilities.
Raghu Vamsi Group-University of Sheffield AMRC MoU: Hyderabad-based Raghu Vamsi Group has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to strengthen its manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom and India, with a particular focus on aerospace, defence and advanced materials.
Indian Army Nagastra Loitering Munition: The Indian Army has received 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions from Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to expand its domestically developed unmanned weapons capabilities. The company, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India, has described the consignment as the largest single-batch delivery of loitering munitions to the Army by a manufacturer.
Indian Navy Combined Maritime Forces: The Indian Navy has completed its first-ever command of a task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational maritime security partnership based in Bahrain. The eight-month assignment concluded on 14 October 2026, marking a new stage in India’s participation in international maritime training, cooperation and capacity building.
India-Czech Republic defence cooperation: India and the Czech Republic have agreed to expand their defence industrial cooperation following high-level bilateral talks in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Karel Havlíček, the Czech Republic’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade, to review existing collaboration and explore opportunities to strengthen the partnership.
SDHI Financial Results: Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has reported a significant increase in operating revenue for the first half of the 2026-27 financial year, alongside a substantial order book that provides visibility for the company’s shipbuilding and heavy engineering operations through FY31. The company announced its unaudited financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2026 on 13 October.
India DRDO military semiconductor manufacturing: India’s push to become a global semiconductor powerhouse is gaining momentum, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set to lead a dedicated session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026). The event, scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from 27 to 29 October 2026, will bring together experts from industry, academia, chip development and defence electronics to examine the technologies that will shape India’s digital and strategic future.
Aequs Aerospace-Safran component manufacturing contract: Indian precision engineering company Aequs has secured new long-term supply agreements with French aerospace group Safran, strengthening a partnership that has developed over more than a decade and expanding its involvement in major commercial aircraft programmes.
India’s technical-textile industry has secured a potentially significant opportunity in the global aerospace market, with speciality textile manufacturer Kusumgar Limited signing a long-term supply agreement with Safran, the international aerospace, defence and space group. The agreement marks a strategic step for Kusumgar as it seeks to expand its presence in a sector where materials must…
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s Shogei Submarine: Japan’s unveiling of the Shogei submarine on 8 October 2026 highlights the country’s continuing investment in quiet, technologically advanced underwater platforms. Built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Kobe, the new vessel is part of Japan’s Taigei-class submarine programme, which is designed to strengthen underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and maritime deterrence in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.
India MoD’s new SoP for use of Proof Range by private companies: India has taken another step towards strengthening its domestic defence industry by simplifying access to military testing facilities and removing testing charges for selected development projects. The revised rules are intended to make it easier for Indian manufacturers, startups and innovators to test new defence equipment, reduce development costs and bring home-grown technologies closer to operational use.
India’s Defence Exports in FY 2025-26: India is stepping up its efforts to become a major global defence manufacturing power, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling for greater private sector participation, increased investment in research and development (R&D), and the ability to rapidly expand production during military emergencies. The government’s priorities reflect a broader strategic ambition: reducing dependence on foreign military equipment while strengthening India’s ability to design, develop and manufacture advanced defence technologies at home.
The Journey of Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit: When the Indian government announced that Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit would step up as the country’s next top air commander, it marked a significant leadership transition for the nation’s military. Taking over the reins as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Dixit brings with him nearly four decades of distinguished military service, extensive operational experience, and a reputation as a seasoned experimental test pilot. Stepping into the role on October 31, 2026, he succeeds outgoing Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, inheriting command of one of the world’s most formidable and technologically evolving air forces.
The India-UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 began on 5 October at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand, bringing troops from the two countries together for two weeks of training focused on operations in mountainous terrain.
Bharat Forge-Pratt Whitney Canada Contract for Aerospace Component Manufacturing: Bharat Forge Ltd has secured a long-term contract from Pratt & Whitney Canada to manufacture and supply mission-critical components for aerospace engines, marking another step in the Indian engineering company’s expansion in the global aerospace supply chain.
Airubs delivers 32 satellites to Eutelsat OneWeb: Eutelsat has taken delivery of the first 32 next-generation satellites that will form part of a major overhaul of its OneWeb low Earth orbit network, marking a significant step in the company’s effort to keep its global connectivity service running with newer spacecraft.
Rheinmetall-Argotec Satellite Launch: Rheinmetall has taken a significant step into the space domain after its Italian subsidiary, Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A., and Italian space company Argotec successfully placed their first jointly developed satellite into orbit.
Italy Lays Keel of Second U212NFS Stealth Submarine. Italy has laid the keel of its second U212NFS submarine, advancing a four-boat programme designed to replace ageing submarines in the Italian Navy and strengthen its ability to operate quietly and for longer periods beneath the sea. Fincantieri held the keel-laying ceremony for the submarine at its…
Rheinmetall’s Skoppum Defence Factory in Norway: German defence company Rheinmetall has expanded its industrial presence in Norway with the opening of a new facility in Skoppum, strengthening its local capabilities in development, production, system integration, logistics and customer support.
South Korea’s Investment in USA in Alaska LNG Projects and Texas Nuclear Plants: US President Donald Trump has unveiled a package of South Korean investment plans worth up to $200 billion, centred on energy infrastructure across the United States. The announcement covers three major areas: a large gas-fired power plant in Texas, plans for eight large nuclear power plants across the US, and a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska.
Afridex 2026: Nigeria is stepping up efforts to develop its domestic defence industry, with the government seeking greater local manufacturing, investment and international partnerships as it prepares to host the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition, AFRIDEX 2026.
US Air Force F-47 6th Gen Fighter: US Defence and Aerospace giant Boeing has been selected to develop and build the US Air Force’s next-generation air-superiority fighter, marking a major step in Washington’s effort to replace the F-22 Raptor and prepare for future air combat.
INS Sahyadri, INS Kulish Join ASEAN Partners for AIME-2026 in Subic Bay. The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) has begun at Subic Bay in the Philippines, bringing Indian naval ships together with maritime forces from ASEAN member states for a series of professional and operational engagements. The exercise commenced on September 28…
Russia is set to present a wide range of military equipment and weapons at the ADEX 2026 International Defense Exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan, as Rosoboronexport leads a joint Russian industry delegation at the event. The exhibition is taking place from September 30 to October 2, with Russian companies displaying equipment designed for different branches of…
India, South Korea Hold 10th Joint Meeting to Deepen Defence Industry and Logistics Ties India and the Republic of Korea have held the 10th meeting of their Joint Committee on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation, with both sides reviewing existing collaboration and discussing ways to expand their defence partnership. The meeting took place in New…
The Indian Air Force has begun the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing together aircraft and personnel from India and seven foreign countries for a multinational air exercise focused on joint training and interoperability.
Tata Projects and Canada based MDS Aero Support Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly develop and deliver aero-engine testing infrastructure in India, bringing together Tata Projects’ infrastructure capabilities with MDS’s specialist expertise in gas turbine engine testing.
Odisha-based heavy-payload unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer BonV Aero has supplied 45 UAVs to the Indian Army’s Eastern Command for use in tactical logistics and other mission-specific operations, according to the company.
Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission: The Indian Coast Guard has stepped up maritime cooperation with its Quad partners, with ICG Ship Shaunak sailing from Chennai for Perth, Australia, on 25 September as part of the Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.
Italy has formally launched one of its most important naval defence programmes in recent years, with Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) signing a contract worth approximately €3.7 billion for the development and construction of two new-generation DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy.
India signs ₹810.79 crore contract for 160 SAT-SAAW weapons. The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹810.79 crore (about $85.35 million) contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons, or SAT-SAAW, for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was signed in New Delhi on 23 September in the…
Tejas, Rafale and Su-30MKI Take Part in India-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 Exercise. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have concluded their latest bilateral air exercise, Veer Guardian 2026, after 14 days of joint training at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The exercise ended on 22 September and brought together…
India has signed a Rs 586 crore (USD 61.7 million) contract to equip its T-72 and T-90 tanks with indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units, in a move aimed at improving the operational readiness and reliability of some of the Indian Army’s key armoured platforms.
REPMUS 2026: Rheinmetall is demonstrating a new approach to maritime security at a major multinational exercise in Portugal, where navies, defence companies and research organisations are testing how unmanned systems can work together to protect critical infrastructure.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius formally accepted the aircraft from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, on 18 September 2026. Germany is due to receive 35 F-35As in total, with the full fleet scheduled to become operational by 2029.
KNDS-HAL sign contract for 126 THL20 Gun Turrets for LCH Prachand: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a contract with European defence company KNDS for 126 THL20 gun turrets for India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, adding a new layer of firepower to a platform designed for some of the country’s most demanding operating environments.
India has taken another step towards strengthening its ability to move heavy military equipment by air after the JCBL Group received technology for an indigenous 20-tonne Heavy Drop System designed for C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft.
India-Sri Lanka Naval Exercise SLINEX-2026: India and Sri Lanka are strengthening their maritime cooperation through the 13th edition of their annual bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-26, being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026.
IG Defence’s Kal Drone Completes Pokhran Trial: India’s push to develop indigenous long-range unmanned strike capabilities has received a boost with the successful completion of a trial of KAL, a long-range one-way attack drone developed by Indian defence technology company IG Defence. The trial was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and marks an important development milestone for the company’s efforts to build an indigenous unmanned platform capable of long-range operations.
BEL-Elbit Systems’ DIRCM Supply Chain Agreement: India’s Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has taken another step towards expanding its presence in global defence supply chains after signing an export purchase-order agreement with Israel-based Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd for the production and supply of sub-assemblies used in Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems.
Dhruva Space-Thales Alenia Space MoU: A new cooperation agreement between India’s Dhruva Space and European space company Thales Alenia Space could open a pathway for Indian-built satellite platforms, subsystems and manufacturing capabilities to be considered for future international space programmes.
Naval Group, Nibe Agreement Targets Next-Generation Naval Systems for Indian Shipbuilding. French naval defence major Naval Group and India’s Nibe Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding cooperation in advanced naval technologies and strengthening India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities. The agreement was signed in Paris and Mumbai on 18 September 2026…
Bengaluru-based deep-tech startup DheyaTech has raised Rs 43 crore in a pre-Series A funding round as it prepares to take its indigenous small gas-turbine engine technology from development towards production. The company is targeting applications across aerospace, unmanned systems, distributed power generation and emerging hydrogen-based energy technologies, in a sector where India has traditionally relied significantly on imported propulsion systems.
Afridex 2026: The Africa International Defence Exhibition has formally announced a 26-strong Official Media Partnership Programme. This initiative is designed to expand international reporting and analysis of the defence and security priorities currently shaping the African continent. As preparations continue for the inaugural event, the network aims to bridge the information gap between African industrial developments and professional audiences worldwide. Defence Star is Bronze Media Partner for the Africa’s prestigious defence expo.
In a landmark cross-border transaction, Indian billionaire Satyanarayan Nuwal’s Solar Industries India has agreed to acquire South Africa’s prominent explosives and fertiliser group, Omnia Holdings. Valued at approximately $1.4 billion (₹133 billion) or 21.8 billion rand, the all-cash deal marks a major milestone in the expansion of Indian industrial enterprises into the African continent and international markets.
Russian Helicopters, Grenade Launchers and Patrol Boats Feature at AAD 2026. Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport is using the 2026 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition to present a broad range of military and security equipment aimed at potential customers across the continent. The company’s display at AAD 2026 covers several areas, including
Rheinmetall Canada has broken ground on an expansion of its facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, as the defence company seeks to increase its ability to develop, produce and support autonomous military ground systems in Canada. The announcement comes as Rheinmetall marks 40 years of operations in the country and points to a growing emphasis on land…
Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK are joining forces to develop and support a new mobility capability for the British Army, bringing together expertise from the defence and automotive industries.
BRICS 2026: Modi-Xi Jinping Meeting: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told Chinese President Xi Jinping that peace and tranquillity along the disputed India-China border must remain the foundation for improving relations between the two countries, signalling that New Delhi still sees the Himalayan frontier as the key test of any broader rapprochement with Beijing.
BRICS New Delhi Declaration: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. BRICS New Delhi Declaration: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability 1. We, the Leaders of BRICS countries, met in New Delhi, India, from 12 to 13 September 2026 for the XVIII BRICS Summit held under the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and…
BRICS 2026 Declaration: BRICS leaders have used their New Delhi declaration to mount a broad challenge to the way global security, trade and international institutions are governed, combining a tougher call for action against terrorism with demands for reform of the United Nations Security Council, opposition to unilateral economic sanctions and strong support for Palestinian rights.
BRICS 206 – Modi takes aim at concentration of global power: NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a fundamental overhaul of the institutions that govern the global economy and international security, saying the existing world order has become a “pyramid” in which power is concentrated at the top while countries bearing the consequences of global decisions remain largely shut out of them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, with the two leaders reviewing a wide range of issues spanning trade, defence, energy, space and people-to-people ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, marking the 25th anniversary of one of the most devastating attacks in modern history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with the two leaders discussing bilateral relations, cooperation in multilateral forums and the rapidly changing situation in West Asia.
Airbus-Unseenlabs Satellite Partnership for CASSIOPÉE Programme: France is moving to renew one of its most important space-based military intelligence capabilities, with Airbus Defence and Space and French New Space company Unseenlabs selected to develop the country’s next-generation signal intelligence satellite system.
Hanwha Aerospace-Croatia Chunmoo Rocket Launcher Deal: South Korean defence company Hanwha Aerospace has secured a €411.8 million contract from Croatia to supply 18 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher systems, marking its first defence agreement with the country and strengthening the system’s growing presence across Europe.
Bengaluru Space Expo BSX India 2026: India’s space industry is gathering in Bengaluru this week as the ninth edition of the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) brings together government agencies, established aerospace companies, start-ups, investors, researchers and international participants around a rapidly changing question: how far can India take the commercialisation of space?
Italy transfers 2 Fremm class frigates to Greece: Italy and Greece have taken a significant step towards closer naval and defence cooperation with the signing of an agreement covering the transfer of two Italian FREMM frigates to the Hellenic Navy.
Defence Acquisition Council Clears Defence Procurement Worth Rs 1.1 lakh crore: India has approved a major new round of defence acquisitions, with the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) giving in-principle approval to military procurement proposals estimated at about $11.58 billion (₹1.10 lakh crore).
India’s Khagantak-243 Glide Bomb: The Indian Air Force has successfully conducted a drop trial of the Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb, adding another domestically developed weapon to India’s expanding portfolio of air-launched precision systems.
Airbus-Indamer Technics Radome Repair Facility Nagpur: Airbus has selected Indamer Technics to establish a comprehensive aircraft radome repair facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra, which the companies describe as the first such facility in South Asia. The facility is intended to expand Airbus’ regional aftermarket support and provide local repair, storage and exchange services for radomes fitted to its A320, A330, A350 and A380 aircraft families.
GE Aerospace has delivered three more F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for India’s Tejas Mk1A fighter programme, taking total deliveries under the programme to 10 and providing some relief to a production line that has been affected by engine shortages. The latest engines were shipped to HAL in August 2026. Their arrival comes…
KSSL-Thales MoU for Rocket Production in India: Thales and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), the wholly owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, have signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement covering potential cooperation on 70-mm rocket systems and associated equipment.
India-Belgium Defence Cooperation: India and Belgium are actively seeking ways to deepen their defence industrial collaboration. The goal is to build stronger militaries through co-development and co-production of advanced equipment. This cooperative push was the central focus of high-level discussions in New Delhi, where defence leaders from both nations gathered to explore new avenues for strategic partnership and economic engagement.
KSSL-FN Herstal MoU: Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge, and FN Herstal, a wholly owned subsidiary of FN Browning Group, have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore local manufacturing and industrial cooperation for defence equipment in India.
India-Belgium Defence Relations: On September 3, 2026, diplomatic and military channels between India and Belgium saw significant activity as senior leaders from both nations gathered in New Delhi. The discussions aimed to strengthen institutional ties and review ongoing cooperative frameworks across multiple sectors, with a primary focus on security and industrial manufacturing. As global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift, nations increasingly seek reliable international partnerships based on common strategic interests and reciprocal economic advantages. This high-level interaction served as a formal platform to evaluate current progress and lay out a clear roadmap for future bilateral engagement.
Aero India 2027: Aero India, recognised widely as Asia’s largest air show and one of the world’s premier aerospace and defence exhibitions, is preparing to return with its 16th edition. The upcoming event will take place at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, running from February 8 to 12, 2027. Organised by the Department of Defence Production under the Ministry of Defence, the high-profile gathering aims to bring together leading global aerospace and defence companies, policymakers, technology experts, innovators, industry stakeholders, and defence forces personnel on a shared platform.
Israel-Greece Achilles Shield Missile Defence Agreement: The landscape of international defence and regional security has shifted significantly following a major agreement between Israel and Greece. Known as the “Achilles Shield” program, this approximately €3 billion government-to-government agreement represents the largest defense export deal in the history of Israel-Greece relations and stands as one of the largest in the history of the State of Israel.
INS Nipun: The Indian Navy has formally commissioned INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar class, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. Built to enhance the naval force’s deep-sea diving, underwater intervention, and submarine rescue operations, the vessel represents an important milestone in domestic defense manufacturing.
Mahindra-Airbus Contract for A320Neo and A321XLR Fuselase Skin: Mahindra Aerostructures Private Limited has been awarded a contract by Airbus to manufacture and supply fuselage skins for the A320 family of aircraft. The agreement deepens the existing industrial relationship between the two companies and expands India’s participation in the global aerospace manufacturing sector.
Tata Javelin Joint Venture: Tata Advanced Systems Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between US defense firms Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to co-produce the Javelin All Up Round missile system in India. The agreement marks a significant development in industrial defense collaboration between the United States and India, focusing on local manufacturing, supply chain integration, and regional security.
Olee.space, an Indian advanced photonics and defence technology company, has been chosen as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) for a strategic INR 70 crore (roughly US$7.4 million) Advanced Photonics Development Programme launched by the Government of India.
Indian defence technology company Avantel Limited has secured a landmark ₹117.88 crore order from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to build a domestic voice and data ground hub. The newly awarded contract tasks Avantel Limited with the comprehensive design, development, installation and commissioning of a dedicated Ground Segment Hub. This critical platform will serve as a secure core infrastructure for national defence voice and data communications. Slated for completion by February 2029, the agreement highlights the government’s unwavering commitment to building indigenous, highly resilient defence architecture through specialised domestic technology partners.
India’s defence exports new rules and SoP: The Ministry of Defence has introduced a comprehensive sweep of reforms aimed at slashing bureaucratic red tape and expanding international market access for domestic hardware manufacturers. Driven by the Department of Defence Production under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, these structural updates overhaul the Defence Export Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Open General Export Licence (OGEL) framework. The adjustments align directly with national aspirations to transform India into a trusted, globally competitive manufacturing hub under the “Make-in-India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, ensuring that local firms can respond with agility to international commercial demands without compromising sovereign security imperatives.
Indian Army Javelin Anti Tank Guided Missile: The Indian Army has formalized a government-to-government agreement to acquire the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States. The development was officially confirmed by the United States Embassy in New Delhi following the signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance. Valued at approximately USD 45.7 million, the procurement package includes over one hundred Javelin missile rounds, twenty-five lightweight command launch units, simulation systems, and necessary technical support. This contract moves the proposal from a cleared Foreign Military Sale notification by the US State Department into a finalized procurement process.
Safran-HAL’s Aravalli Helicopter Engine: The signing of final contract between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines (SHE) marks a decisive step forward for India’s aerospace sector. Through their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., the partners will design, develop, manufacture, supply, and provide lifecycle support for the Aravalli engine. This new-generation 3,500–4,000 shp turboshaft powerplant is engineered specifically to drive India’s future 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the 12.5-tonne Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
DRDO transfers missile production technology to Indian defence companies: The Indian government has cleared a policy change allowing the transfer of technology for all conventional missile systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) directly to the domestic defence industry. Announced on August 25, 2026, the decision aims to scale up local manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and expand the country’s industrial base.
India-New Zealand Defence Dialogue: The second edition of the Defence Strategic Dialogue between India and New Zealand took place in Wellington. The high-level talks brought together senior defense officials from both countries to review and expand their bilateral security relationship.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor Tata Lockheed Martin C-130 Hyderabad Facility Visit: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor recently visited the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited facility located in Hyderabad, Telangana. The visit aimed to spotlight the ongoing industrial development and the strengthening strategic relationship between the United States and India within the aerospace and defence sectors.
India-Japan Defence Cooperation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi meeting in New Delhi last week will significantly deepen the bilateral defence partnership between India and Japan. Operating under the umbrella of the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership, the talks focused heavily on ensuring regional stability, countering unilateral attempts to change the geopolitical status quo by force, and safeguarding freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific.
Indian Air Force Completes Major Global Drills in Australia and Malaysia. The Indian Air Force has just wrapped up one of its most demanding periods of international cooperation yet, successfully concluding two major multi-nation drills back-to-back: Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 in Malaysia. For anyone watching global geopolitics, these…
INS Mangrol: The Indian Navy has just strengthened its coastal defence capabilities with the official handover of “Mangrol,” the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC). Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, this vessel was delivered on 21 August 2026, marking another significant step forward in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in military manufacturing.
India-UK Defence Cooperation: India and the UK recently held a milestone diplomatic gathering in New Delhi: the 25th India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) Meeting. Co-chaired by top defence officials from both nations, the talks brought together the Indian Defence Secretary and the UK’s Permanent Under Secretary for Defence, Jeremy Pocklington, who was visiting India in this official capacity for the very first time.
Hanwha Defense USA’s K9 Mobile Howitizer wins US Army’s Tactical Canon Programme Prototype Order: WASHINGTON — Hanwha Defense USA has secured a competitive agreement from the U.S. Army to deliver prototype K9 Mobile Howitzers for the service branch’s Mobile Tactical Cannon program. The award covers an initial delivery of six prototype systems, with an option for an additional 12 units. This milestone marks the company’s first major primary contract directly with the U.S. ground forces.
