AFI
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In a significant move towards self-reliance in defense avionics, the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Korwa facility, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from Panchkula, signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025. This collaboration aims at developing an indigenous Head-Up Display (HUD) for the Hawk 132 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJTs) used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for Stage-II pilot training.
The Hawk 132 AJTs, which have been integral to IAF’s training regime, will now benefit from this technological leap. The HUD is a critical component in modern aircraft, providing pilots with vital flight information projected onto a transparent screen in their line of sight, allowing them to keep their heads up and eyes on the sky, enhancing both safety and combat effectiveness.
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The third phase of India’s ambitious space-based surveillance programme, SBS-3, is set to see its first batch of satellites launched between 2027 and 2028. This phase marks a significant shift as it will involve the private sector in a major capacity for the first time. Under this ?27,000 crore initiative, a total of 52 satellites will be deployed, with 31 being constructed by three private firms, while the remaining 21 will be developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The programme, which received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security several months ago, underscores a new era in India’s space policy, emphasizing collaboration between public and private sectors. Unlike the first two phases of the SBS programme, SBS-1 and SBS-2, where ISRO was solely responsible for satellite production, SBS-3 will leverage the capabilities of private companies to expand and diversify India’s space assets.
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In a significant step towards enhancing India’s naval defense capabilities, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has entered into a License Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the manufacture of an Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) designed for the RBU 6000/IRL Launcher. The formal signing of the agreement took place during the Aero India 2025 event, marking a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defense technology.
The ceremony where the document was exchanged saw the presence of Shri DV Srinivas Rao, Director (Technical) of BDL, alongside the Hon’ble Rajya Raksha Mantri (RRM), Shri Sanjay Seth. This collaboration signifies not only an advancement in indigenous manufacturing but also underscores the commitment to bolstering the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
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Lockheed Martin has expressed optimism regarding the potential sale of the F-35 Lightning II to India following a recent announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump supporting the move. A company spokesperson stated:
“We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements, including the fighters.”
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At Aero India 2025, a significant announcement was made by a representative of the Indian Navy, confirming that the naval fleet of MiG-29K fighters will be exclusively equipped with the Astra Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). This development marks a clear distinction from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which continues to operate with both Astra Mk1 and Mk2 variants.
The Astra Mk2, a more advanced iteration of the indigenous Astra missile series, is set to enhance the MiG-29K’s capabilities significantly. With an extended range and improved performance metrics, the Mk2 variant is designed to provide a strategic advantage in air combat scenarios, ensuring the Indian Navy’s carrier-based jets maintain superiority in engagements beyond visual range.
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As Pakistan explores options to acquire 5th-generation stealth fighters, including the Chinese J-35A and the Turkish KAAN, India’s potential acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II alongside its indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) could significantly shift the regional air power balance. A combined fleet of F-35As and AMCA jets would not only counter Pakistan’s emerging capabilities but also provide India with superior air dominance, stealth, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
J-35A (FC-31) a Chinese twin-engine carrier-based stealth fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, with features comparable to the F-35 but with likely weaker avionics and engine performance. Pakistan could be the first foreign customer for the jet, leveraging its deep military ties with China.
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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has marked a significant achievement in its collaboration with Thales Group, delivering the 7,000th transmit/receive (T/R) module for the RBE2 radar system used in the Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter jets. This milestone underscores BEL’s role in the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian government, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities in high-tech defense sectors.
The journey began in November 2020 when BEL, for the first time, contributed the front end of an RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to Thales, which was then delivered to Dassault Aviation. Fast forward four years, and BEL has now produced and delivered an impressive 7,000 T/R modules, showcasing a substantial leap in production capacity and technological prowess.
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Lockheed Martin has expressed optimism regarding the potential sale of the F-35 Lightning II to India following a recent announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump supporting the move. A company spokesperson stated:
“We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements, including the fighters.”
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defence company, is set to roll out the prototype of the much-anticipated Tejas MkII later this year, between November and December. However, in a departure from tradition, HAL has decided to forego the usual pomp and circumstance associated with such milestones. Sources speaking to idrw.org at Aero India 2025 confirmed that there will be no rollout ceremony, and neither media nor VVIPs will be invited to the event.
The decision to avoid fanfare reflects HAL’s focus on the operational readiness and performance of the Tejas MkII rather than on the ceremonial aspects. The rollout will be a technical milestone to prepare for the rigorous testing phases ahead.
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In a significant step towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred the technology for the Su-30 Brake Parachute system to Ordnance Equipment Factory (OEF), Hazratpur. This pivotal Transfer of Technology (ToT) was officially handed over during the Aero India 2025 event in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ceremony saw the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, presenting the technology to OEF Hazratpur’s General Manager, Amit Singh.
The Brake Parachute system is an essential safety feature for fighter jets, engineered to decelerate aircraft during landing, thus preventing runway overruns. This system is particularly vital for ensuring safe stopping distances in both normal and emergency scenarios, especially for high-speed jets like the Su-30MKI. With this technology transfer, all fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force operating in India will continue to benefit from indigenously designed and developed Brake Parachutes, underscoring the nation’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defense components.
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At Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, ideaForge Technology Limited, a global leader in drone technology, unveiled a new range of advanced UAV platforms, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing India’s defense and industrial capabilities. The newly introduced UAVs—NETRA 5, SWITCH V2, Tactical UAV (Concept), and Logistics UAV (Concept)—showcase ideaForge’s dedication to delivering indigenously developed solutions that meet the evolving needs of defense forces and industries across a wide range of demanding missions.
Aero India, as one of the premier aerospace and defense exhibitions in the country, served as the perfect stage for ideaForge to present these groundbreaking aerial innovations. The new range of UAVs reinforces ideaForge’s mission to push the boundaries of drone technology, providing secure, reliable, and highly effective platforms for surveillance, logistics, and tactical operations. These UAVs are designed to meet the challenges of modern warfare and industrial needs, offering enhanced operational efficiency without compromising on equipment security.
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Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has taken a significant step in advancing soldier mobility by showcasing its latest innovation—a Passive Exoskeleton. Developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this cutting-edge system is designed to assist soldiers in carrying heavy combat loads across challenging terrains.
The Passive Exoskeleton, a product of collaboration between TASL and DRDO, is designed to address one of the most persistent challenges faced by soldiers – the physical burden of carrying heavy combat loads over rugged and demanding terrains.
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In a landmark achievement for India’s burgeoning defense sector, Bengaluru-based startup Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) has announced its first international export order for 35 units of the FWD 100 ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) autonomous aircraft. This deal, signed with a Sub-Saharan nation whose name remains undisclosed, marks the first time an entirely indigenous Indian autonomous aircraft has penetrated the international market.
The FWD 100 ISR, a sub-variant of the previously successful FWD 200B, is a testament to India’s growing prowess in aerospace innovation. Designed, developed, and manufactured at FWDA’s state-of-the-art facility in Electronic City, Bengaluru, this aircraft is a beacon of India’s capability to produce world-class defense technology.
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Dynauton Systems, a division of Dynamatic Technologies Limited, has unveiled India’s first Sub-Medium Altitude Long Endurance (Sub-MALE) class UAV, named ‘Cheel’. The UAV, designed for long-range reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering, marks a significant step in India’s indigenous UAV development.
The Cheel UAV is designed for both military and civilian applications, including border surveillance, intelligence gathering, disaster response, and law enforcement operations. Its satellite communication capability allows seamless beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations, making it a formidable asset in strategic and tactical missions.
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India is in the final stages of negotiations for the export of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to a foreign country, with a formal contract expected to be signed later this year. While Indonesia was widely speculated to be the second customer after the Philippines, recent media reports suggest that the deal in progress is with a different nation.
The land-based version of the BrahMos missile has recently attracted attention from several Middle Eastern countries. Sources indicate that the evolving geopolitical situation has prompted multiple nations to explore neutral suppliers like India for advanced weaponry, reducing their dependence on traditional arms suppliers.
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