Yearly Archives: 2026

Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Noida International Airport in March

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.

India Asks French Dassault to Submit Comprehensive Bid for 114 Rafale

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, Expands Focus on Defence Robotics

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 Joint Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN’ Commences in Uttarakhand

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.

IAI’s BlueWhale AUV Delivered to German Navy

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 and CCPL Sign MoU for Efficient Cargo Transfer

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.

AISATS to Invest ₹4,458 Crore at Noida International Airport

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.

Eyes That See Through Dust and Darkness: Elbit Will Supply Helmet Display to Israel Air Force

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.

India’s Regional Jet Dream Takes Wing: Adani-Embraer Propose E175 Final Assembly Line

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.

Bundeswehr’s Luchs 2: Rheinmetall Secures Major Turret and Simulator Contracts

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…

Spain’s Indra Group and Leonardo Sign Cyber Defence MoU

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…

India-France Strategic Partnership Takes Flight with H-125 Final Assembly Line

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.

Rajnath Singh Opens Cutting-Edge Facilities at BEL, Flags off 3rd, 4th Akash Missile Regiments

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 6th Annual Defence Dialogue to Be Co-Chaired by Defence Ministers in Bengaluru

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’s Solar Defence Unveils 125kg Precision Guided Air Bomb

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 Clears $43 Billion Defence Deals for Rafale Jets, P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft

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.

Fincantieri Group’s WASS Secures Record €200 Million Torpedo Contract from Saudi Arabia

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 and Generative Bionics Partner to Develop Humanoid Robot for Shipyards

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.

India’s Olee Space Unveils World’s Most Compact AI-Powered Laser Sniper on UGV Platform

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 Opens Third World Defense Show in Riyadh

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.

AAI and Apogee Aerospace Join Forces to Propel Amphibious Aviation in India

AAI-Apogee Aerospace Partnership: Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI), a subsidiary of Amphibian Aircraft Holdings (AAH), and Apogee Aerospace Pvt Ltd on February 5 announced a strategic collaboration aimed at establishing amphibious aviation as a strategically important capability for India. The partnership is anchored by the Albatross 2.0 amphibious aircraft platform and reflects a shared vision to position India at the forefront of this niche yet increasingly vital aviation domain.

Fincantieri, WSense Sign Strategic Deal to Advance Underwater Wireless Technologies

Fincantieri-WSense Partnership: Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri has announced the signing of a strategic agreement with WSense, an Italian deep-tech company specializing in underwater wireless communication, marking a new phase in the collaboration between the two groups. The agreement aims to strengthen Fincantieri’s capabilities in delivering cutting-edge systems for the underwater domain, a sector of growing importance for security, infrastructure protection, and environmental sustainability.

Airbus Projects Asia-Pacific Aviation Services Market to Hit US$138.7 Billion by 2044

Airbus Global Services Forecast for Asia-Pacific: Airbus has forecast that the Asia-Pacific aviation services market will reach US$138.7 billion by 2044, underpinned by sustained fleet expansion and rising air traffic demand. According to Airbus’ latest Global Services Forecast (GSF) for Asia-Pacific, including China and India, total services demand in the region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the next two decades.

Israel Ministry of Defense Signs $130 Million Deal with Elbit Systems for CH-53K Helicopter Integration

Elbit Systems to Equip Israel Air Force’s CH53-K Helicopters: The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed an agreement valued at approximately $130 million (more than NIS 400 million) with Elbit Systems to integrate advanced Israeli-made technologies into the Israeli Air Force’s future CH-53K “Pereh” heavy-lift helicopters. The deal was signed through the Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) as part of Israel’s preparations to receive 12 new helicopters that will replace the aging “Yas’ur” fleet currently in service.

Leonardo Signs Letter of Intent with Indonesia for M-346 F Aircraft to Support Air Force Training and Combat Needs

Indonesia-Leonardo M346 F Trainer Aircraft Deal: Rome / Singapore Airshow 2026, February 4, 2026 – Leonardo, in partnership with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of Indonesia, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to supply and support the Leonardo M-346 F “Block 20” aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

Airbus Inaugurates Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to Advance Sustainable Aerospace Research

Airbus Centre of Excellence at Gatishakti Vishwavidyala (GSV): Airbus has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for aerospace studies at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), India’s industry-driven university focused on transportation and logistics, located in Vadodara, Gujarat. The initiative marks a significant step in Airbus’ long-term commitment to strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem through research, innovation, and talent development.

Adani Defence & Aerospace and Leonardo Forge Strategic Partnership to Build India’s Helicopter Ecosystem

Adani Defence – Leonardo Partnership Agreement: New Delhi, February 3, 2026 – Adani Defence & Aerospace (AD&A), the flagship defence and aerospace arm of Adani Enterprises, and Leonardo, a global leader in defence and aerospace, announced a strategic partnership to develop a comprehensive helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Denmark Awards Rheinmetall Major Ammunition Supply Contract Under Seven-Year Framework Agreement

Rheinmetall Wins Denmark Order for Supply of Ammuniton: Denmark has commissioned Rheinmetall to supply a wide range of ammunition under a large-volume framework agreement, marking a significant strengthening of the country’s defence capabilities. The agreement was formally signed during a ceremony held on 30 January 2026 and has a duration of seven years.

ST Engineering Launches Integrated Airframe and Nacelle MRO Service Centre in Singapore

Singapore – ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace business has inaugurated an integrated airframe and nacelle maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) service centre at its Singapore facility. This marks the first time ST Engineering has combined both capabilities under a single roof in its global MRO network, offering operators a streamlined, one-stop solution.

India Allocates Record $85.67 Billion for Defence in FY 2026-27

India Defence Budget 2026: February 1, 2026, New Delhi: In a decisive move to bolster India’s national security, the Union Budget 2026 has allocated a historic $85.67 billion (₹7.85 lakh crore) to the defence sector, marking the largest-ever budgetary provision for the armed forces. This landmark allocation, a 15% increase from last year, comes in the wake of the “historic success” of Operation Sindoor—a major military operation that demonstrated India’s strategic capabilities and further reinforced the nation’s resolve to enhance its defence infrastructure.

Wings India 2026: Asia’s Largest Civil Aviation Event Opens in Hyderabad

Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, is poised to become a defining moment for the global aviation industry as it prepares to convene policymakers, industry leaders, innovators and investors from around the world. The four-day mega event will be held from 28 to 31 January 2026 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, and will be formally launched with a grand inaugural ceremony led by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu, alongside senior dignitaries from India and abroad.

Embraer, Adani Defence & Aerospace Partner to Build Regional Transport Aircraft Ecosystem in India

Embraer-Adani Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) India: New Delhi, January 27, 2026 — Brazilian aerospace major Embraer and Adani Defence & Aerospace on Tuesday announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a comprehensive regional transport aircraft (RTA) ecosystem in India, marking a significant step toward strengthening indigenous aerospace manufacturing and regional connectivity.

HAL’s CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman Achieves Key Milestone

HAL’s CATS Warrior – Tata ELxsi: January 2022, Bengaluru: India’s push towards next-generation air combat capabilities received a major boost as the CATS Warrior, a critical unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) under Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), successfully cleared a key development milestone. The achievement was announced by TATA Elxsi, a key industry partner in the programme.

India to Showcase Defence Manufacturing Strength at 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition in Nairobi

India–Kenya Defence Exhibition in Nairobi: Nairobi / New Delhi, January 19, 2026— India is set to deepen its defence industrial engagement with Africa as a high-level Indian delegation, led by Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, visits Kenya from January 19 to 21, 2026, to participate in the third India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar. The event will be held in Nairobi on January 19 under the Brand India initiative of the Department of Defence Production.

UAE’s EDGE Group, Qatar’s Barzan Holdings Agree to Establish Strategic Joint Venture

EDGE Group – Barzan Holding Joint Venture DIMDEX 2026: Abu Dhabi/Doha — EDGE Group of the UAE and Qatar’s Barzan Holdings have agreed to establish a strategic joint venture aimed at the collaborative development of advanced defence technologies, marking a significant step in strengthening long-term industrial and defence cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Parliamentarians Visit DRDO Lab NSTL, Review Indian Navy’s Underwater Capabilities

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence Visits NSTL: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, chaired by Radha Mohan Singh, undertook an on-the-spot study visit to the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam on January 20, 2026, to review critical research and development efforts supporting the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare and maritime security capabilities.

6K Additive Named Preferred Powder Supplier for AGF Defcom as Suppressor Market Surges

6K Additive: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania — 6K Additive, a global leader in advanced metal powder production, has been selected as the preferred supplier of additive manufacturing powders to AGF Defcom, marking a significant strategic partnership aimed at supporting the rapidly expanding suppressor market. The announcement was made on January 19 during the SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Defence Minister Inaugurates Medium Calibre Ammunition Facility in Nagpur, Flags Off Guided Pinaka Rockets for Armenia

Rajnath Singh – Solar Group Medium Caliber Ammunition Factory: Nagpur, 19 January 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, underscoring the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub in the defence sector.

Rafael’s EuroTrophy Secures €330 Million Multi-Nation Contract to Equip Leopard 2 A8 Tanks with Trophy APS

Rafael EuroTrophy-KNDS Deutschland Trophy APS for Leopard MBT: Tel Aviv — Israeli defence company Rafael has announced the signing of a major multi-nation contract under which EuroTrophy GmbH, its European joint venture, will supply Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Leopard 2 A8 main battle tank programmes of Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Indian Navy Signs Contract for Three Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges

Indian Navy Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barrage Suryadipta Projects Private Limited: New Delhi, January 19, 2026: The Indian Navy has signed a contract with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges. The agreement was concluded on January 16, 2026, according to an announcement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, on Monday.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Arrives in Singapore, Strengthening ASEAN–India Maritime Ties

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Singapore Visit: Singapore, January 17, 2026 — The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, marking an important milestone in India’s maritime engagement with Southeast Asia and underscoring the growing depth of naval cooperation between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

BEL, Indian Navy Jointly Develop Indigenous Software Enabling Unmanned Warfare at Sea

BEL-Indian Navy Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS):  Bengaluru (Karnataka) — In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence and maritime technology capabilities, the Indian Navy and state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have jointly developed an advanced software solution that enables fully autonomous, unmanned operations of naval platforms at sea.

Leonardo to Acquire U.S.-Based Weather Radar Specialist Enterprise Electronics Corporation

Leonardo Acquires Enterprise Electronics Corporation:  Washington, D.C., January 16, 2026 — Leonardo has signed an agreement to acquire Enterprise Electronics Corporation (EEC), a U.S. company recognized globally for its advanced weather radar systems and satellite receiving stations, marking a significant expansion of Leonardo’s meteorological and environmental sensing capabilities.

French Rafale Purchase Clears First Hurdle as Indian Defence Panel Approves IAF Proposal

Indian Air Force Rafale Fighter Deal: New Delhi, January 16, 2026 — India has taken a significant step towards expanding the combat strength of its air power, with a high-level defence panel clearing a proposal to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France. The move marks the first formal approval in what could become one of the largest defence acquisition deals in the country’s history, valued at over Rs 3 lakh crore (USD 33 Billion).

Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Framework Agreement to Deepen Commercial Cooperation

Air India- Singapore Airlines Cooperation Agreement: Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement, marking a significant step toward deepening their long-standing partnership and working toward definitive joint business agreements in the future. The agreement is aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Singapore and delivering greater choice and benefits for customers of both airlines.

NBC Bearings and Ahamani EV Technology India Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Advanced Drone Market

NBC Bearings-Ahamani Advanced Inc Partnership for Drone Manufacturing in India: National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NBC Bearings), the flagship engineering company of the multi-billion-dollar CKA Birla Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Ahamani EV Technology India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Taiwan-based Ahamani Advanced Inc., to accelerate the commercialisation and adoption of advanced drone technologies in India. The partnership was announced on January 16 in New Delhi.

Bharat Forge Limited Secures Rs 300 Crore Contracts for Indigenous Unmanned Systems Under Emergency Procurement Framework

Bharat Forge Limited Drone Order: Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), through its Aerospace Division, has achieved a major milestone in India’s defence modernisation efforts by securing contracts worth approximately Rs 300 crore under the Government of India’s ongoing Emergency Procurement–VI (EP-VI) framework. The contracts have been awarded to meet urgent operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and reflect growing confidence in indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Garuda Aerospace and BEL Join Forces to Boost Indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems for Indian Defence

Garuda Aerospace-BEL Drone Manufacturing: Chennai/New Delhi — In a move aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Garuda Aerospace and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue upcoming opportunities for supplying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the Indian Defence Forces, Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and specialised security units. The MoU was formalised in New Delhi on January 13, 2026, with Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director of Garuda Aerospace, and Prahalad, General Manager – Marketing at BEL, signing on behalf of their respective organisations.

Analysis: Pralay’s Strategic Role in India’s Missile Arsenal Amid China’s Rapid Missile Advances

DRDO Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles: Pralay is best understood as a conventional, precision-strike missile designed to strengthen India’s deterrence below the nuclear threshold. Unlike ballistic missiles that are primarily associated with strategic nuclear roles, Pralay is tailored for high-accuracy, battlefield and theatre-level missions. This aligns with India’s need for credible response options against adversaries without escalating to nuclear use.