SOURCE: AFI

ideaForge, India’s pioneer and market leader in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), will be showcasing its cutting-edge Logistics Platform at Aero India 2025. This high-altitude, all-terrain drone is designed for uncompromised mission delivery in any environment, ensuring reliability both day and night.

The Logistics Platform is engineered to operate autonomously with quick turnaround times, making it a formidable asset in challenging terrains. With interchangeable payloads, it can seamlessly switch between cargo transport, medical evacuation (medevac), and manned missions, redefining robust and dependable performance in aerial operations.

SOURCE: AFI

Airbus is set to captivate attendees at Aero India 2025 with an impressive showcase of its cutting-edge aerospace solutions, including the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), the A400M Transporter, and the H125 Helicopter. This year’s event, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, will highlight Airbus’s commitment to advancing India’s aerospace, defense, and security sectors.

The A330 MRTT will be a focal point at the exhibition, demonstrating its dual role as both an aerial refueling tanker and a strategic airlifter. With its ability to refuel multiple aircraft simultaneously, enhance operational range, and transport troops or cargo, the MRTT is pivotal for operations in extended missions. Its presence at Aero India underscores Airbus’s focus on strengthening military logistics and operational flexibility.

SOURCE: AFI

The iconic B-1B “Lancer” supersonic bomber, known for its formidable presence in the skies, is set to make a triumphant return to Aero India in 2025. This time, the U.S. Air Force has confirmed that the “Lancer” will not only be part of the static display but will also dazzle attendees with aerial demonstrations, highlighting its capabilities and reaffirming the strengthening defense ties between the United States and India.

The B-1B Lancer, affectionately nicknamed “The Bone” (a play on B-One), is a long-range, multi-mission bomber capable of carrying out missions worldwide from its bases in the United States or forward-deployed locations. Its capability to deliver both conventional and, in the past, nuclear payloads makes it a versatile asset in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory.

SOURCE: AFI

In a firm stance on maintaining the integrity and accuracy of military equipment testing, the Indian Army has rejected repeated requests from companies to conduct critical ballistic tests at a police laboratory. Instead, the Army insists on using the time-tested facilities of the Defence Ministry, specifically the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL).

Over the past year, the Defence Ministry has encountered numerous instances where companies involved in supplying military gear, like bullet-proof jackets and helmets, have sought to conduct their ballistic tests at alternative locations, particularly police laboratories. This trend has sparked a debate on the standardization and reliability of testing procedures for military equipment.

SOURCE: AFI

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a cornerstone in India’s defense manufacturing sector, is set to make a significant impact at Aero India 2025. The premier biennial air show, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, will witness AVNL showcasing the unparaded engines of both the T-90 and Arjun Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), highlighting India’s strides in indigenous defense technology.

AVNL, established as part of the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board, has been at the forefront of producing armoured vehicles for the Indian Armed Forces. The Aero India event will provide a platform for AVNL to unveil the intricacies of the engines that power some of the most formidable tanks in the Indian military arsenal.

SOURCE: AFI

In a strategic pivot, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has decided against procuring a third aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy, opting instead to enhance its underwater capabilities through an expanded nuclear submarine fleet. This decision marks a significant shift in naval strategy, focusing on stealth, deterrence, and long-range strategic operations.

The decision comes at a time when India is reassessing its defense priorities amidst growing regional tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where China’s naval expansion is a major concern. The Indian Navy has been vocal about the need to balance its force projection capabilities against the backdrop of evolving threats.

SOURCE: AFI

In a significant stride towards enhancing its military surveillance and strike capabilities, India is set to receive the first batch of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the United States in 2029. This development, which comes after years of negotiations and agreements, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington in the realm of defense technology.

The acquisition, valued at nearly $3.5 billion, was formalized under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This deal was one of the outcomes of high-level discussions between Indian and U.S. leadership, aiming to fortify the security apparatus of both nations in the Indo-Pacific region. According to the agreement, the delivery of these advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will span from January 2029 to September 2030, with the initial drone landing on Indian soil marking a new chapter in military technology transfer.

SOURCE: AFI

DJ Propulsion has officially announced its participation in the upcoming AeroIndia 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company and India’s aerospace industry. The event will showcase DJ Propulsion’s cutting-edge jet engines, highlighting the progress made in domestic engine manufacturing.

Reflecting on the journey, DJ Propulsion’s founder emphasized the challenges faced during the initial stages. “When I started, there was literally no one making jet engines in India’s open market. I was desperate to partner with someone—anyone—just to see these beasts run. PSUs? Good luck getting access,” he remarked.

SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Navy has found itself at the center of a controversy after it inadvertently featured an American F-16 fighter jet in one of its promotional videos, instead of the Russian-made MiG-29K, which is actually in service with the Indian naval aviation. The mistake, described by many as an embarrassing oversight, has sparked a wave of criticism and jest on social media platforms and among defense analysts.

The promotional video, meant to showcase the prowess and capabilities of the Indian Navy, included footage of various naval assets. However, eagle-eyed viewers quickly pointed out the inclusion of the F-16, a multirole fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force, which has never been part of the Indian Navy’s fleet.