SOURCE: AFI

At the inaugural THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025 held on April 17, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), underscored the urgent need for India to significantly increase its research and development (R&D) spending to address emerging defense challenges. Speaking during a panel on ‘Future-Proofing India’s Defence,’ Dr. Kamat welcomed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent announcement to raise R&D allocation to 10% of the defense budget over the next five years but stressed that even this may not suffice to keep pace with global technological advancements.

India currently allocates approximately 5-6% of its ?6.21 lakh crore (around $75 billion) defense budget to R&D, significantly lower than global leaders like the United States (11-14%) and China (estimated 15-20%). Dr. Kamat argued that this gap hinders India’s ability to develop cutting-edge technologies critical for modern warfare, such as hypersonics, quantum computing, and directed energy weapons (DEWs). “We invest only 5% of our defense budget on R&D. This has to increase to 10-15% if we are to achieve our goals,” he said, echoing sentiments shared earlier at the 21st Subroto Mukerjee Seminar in January 2025.

SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking achievement for defense infrastructure, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Hyderabad-based deep-tech startup Simpliforge Creations and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, has constructed the world’s highest on-site 3D-printed structure—a protective military bunker—at an altitude of 11,000 feet in Leh, Ladakh. Completed in just 14 hours of printing time under Project PRABAL, this feat marks a monumental leap in rapid, resilient construction technology, showcasing India’s innovation prowess in extreme environments and bolstering its strategic preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Named PRABAL (Pioneering Rapid Additive Building in Adverse Landscapes), the initiative represents a pioneering effort to deploy advanced 3D printing technology for military infrastructure in high-altitude, low-oxygen (HALO) conditions. The bunker, designed to protect troops from harsh weather and potential threats, was constructed using a specialized robotic 3D printing system and a custom-engineered concrete mix tailored to withstand Ladakh’s sub-zero temperatures, low humidity, and high ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The structure’s form-optimized design, built with locally sourced materials like sand and aggregates, enhances its durability while reducing logistical dependencies.

SOURCE: AFI

The competition between India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and South Korea’s KAI FA-50 has been a focal point in the global light fighter market, particularly in countries like Malaysia and Egypt. However, allegations of corruption and bribery have cast a dark shadow over the procurement processes in these nations, with claims that KAI’s FA-50 secures contracts not through merit but through illicit financial incentives.

This has led to a narrative that the Tejas, despite its competitive capabilities, is unlikely to win in such environments where systemic corruption allegedly influences decisions, as reported in Malaysian local news and echoed in recent developments in Egypt.

SOURCE: AFI

A fascinating glimpse into the evolution of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas has emerged, courtesy of Review Vayu’s 50-year anniversary edition. An early concept design of the LCA, showcased in the publication, reveals a striking similarity to the General Dynamics F-16XL, an experimental variant of the F-16 developed by the United States in the 1980s. This conceptual plan-view drawing offers a window into the formative stages of India’s ambitious journey to build a homegrown fighter jet.

The LCA Tejas, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a cornerstone of India’s quest for self-reliance in defence aviation. The early design, as depicted, features a cranked-arrow delta wing configuration, a hallmark of the F-16XL. The F-16XL, an experimental prototype, was designed to enhance the F-16’s range, payload, and aerodynamic performance, boasting a distinctive double-delta wing that improved lift and fuel efficiency. The resemblance in the LCA’s early concept suggests that Indian designers may have drawn inspiration from the F-16XL’s aerodynamic innovations during the program’s nascent stages in the 1980s.

SOURCE: AFI

German regional aircraft manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft has been actively promoting its 40-seater D328eco turboprop, a next-generation aircraft designed for efficiency, sustainability, and regional connectivity. With strong backing from its local suppliers in India, the D328eco is being positioned as a transformative solution for regional air travel. But does this aircraft truly align with India’s aviation demands? A closer analysis reveals that the D328eco is not only a viable option but potentially a perfect fit for India’s burgeoning regional aviation market.

India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by rising air travel demand, economic expansion, and government initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched in 2016 to enhance regional connectivity. The India Aviation Market is projected to reach USD 14.78 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12.03% to USD 26.08 billion by 2030, reflecting the sector’s rapid expansion. With 50% of India’s 1.458 billion population under 25 years old, there is a significant young demographic eager to travel for business, education, and leisure, particularly to underserved regions.

SOURCE: AFI

In a testament to India’s growing stature as a hub for advanced military training, six trainees from a Friendly Foreign Country are undergoing practical training on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) at the Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering, Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), from April 19 to 30, 2025. The trainees, part of a broader program at the 12 TETTRA School, Air Force Station Hakimpet, are benefiting from MCEME’s state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting India’s commitment to fostering technical excellence and international collaboration in aerospace training .

The ALH, also known as the Dhruv, is a versatile, indigenously developed helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), widely used by the Indian armed forces for roles ranging from reconnaissance to medical evacuation. The practical training at MCEME focuses on hands-on learning, allowing the trainees to gain in-depth knowledge of the ALH’s systems, maintenance, and operational intricacies. This program, running under the aegis of the 12 TETTRA (Technical Type Training) School, is designed to equip air maintenance professionals with the skills needed to handle modern rotorcraft in diverse operational scenarios.

SOURCE: AFI

Balochistan, a resource-rich province in southwestern Pakistan, has long been a region of unrest due to its history of marginalization and insurgency. The Baloch people, an ethnic minority, have often voiced grievances over exploitation by the Pakistani state, lack of economic benefits from their resources, and cultural suppression. This discontent has fueled a decades-long separatist movement seeking greater autonomy or outright independence.

Enter China, which has made Balochistan a centerpiece of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC, often described as a flagship project of the BRI, is a $60 billion-plus infrastructure and energy development plan connecting China’s Xinjiang province to the Arabian Sea via the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. This port is pivotal for China’s strategic ambitions: it provides an alternative trade route bypassing the Strait of Malacca—a potential chokepoint in times of conflict—and positions China closer to Middle Eastern energy markets, reducing shipping times and costs.

SOURCE: AFI

India is rapidly emerging as a competitive player in the global defense manufacturing sector, offering high-quality artillery ammunition and weaponry at a fraction of the cost of Western alternatives. According to two Indian sources, India can produce 155 mm artillery shells for approximately $300 to $400 per unit, a stark contrast to European equivalents, which often retail for upwards of $3,000. This significant price differential underscores India’s growing capability to deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

In addition to ammunition, Indian firms are making strides in the production of howitzers. One source revealed that Indian-made howitzers are priced at around $3 million each—roughly half the cost of comparable European models. This affordability is attracting attention from nations seeking to bolster their defense capabilities while managing constrained budgets.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been actively pursuing the acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) under a tender to bolster its dwindling squadron strength, currently at 31 against a sanctioned 42. The Dassault Rafale, a 4.5-generation fighter already in service with the IAF, is a leading contender for this contract. However, the financial implications of purchasing 110 additional Rafale F4 jets could significantly strain the IAF’s budget, potentially consuming its capital allocation for years.

This article examines the estimated cost of acquiring 110 Rafale jets, compares it to the IAF’s yearly budget, and calculates how long the capital budget might be tied up, drawing on available data and historical spending patterns.

SOURCE: AFI

A recently declassified document labeled “TOP SECRET,” covering the period from 1950 to 1959, offers a revealing glimpse into the geopolitical dynamics between India and China during a critical decade. The report, part of a historical analysis of India’s foreign policy under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, highlights the strategic missteps and ideological underpinnings that contributed to the deterioration of Sino-Indian relations, culminating in the 1962 border conflict. Titled “Section I (1950-1959) Summary,” the document sheds light on Nehru’s approach to China, his handling of the border dispute, and the broader implications for India’s national security.

The document underscores a significant shift in Chinese military superiority between late 1950 and late 1959, a period marked by Mao Zedong’s consolidation of power and China’s growing assertiveness. During this time, Nehru adopted a policy of “friendship” toward the Chinese Communist regime, hoping to foster peaceful coexistence despite Beijing’s increasing hostility. The report notes that Nehru was “gentle” in his dealings with China, reflecting his belief in non-alignment and his vision of India and China as partners in a post-colonial Asian resurgence, often referred to as the “Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai” (India-China Brotherhood) era.