SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

As geopolitical tensions escalate and European NATO member states seek to enhance their military self-reliance, several countries are exploring the procurement of Indian-made arms and ammunition. From artillery shells and small-caliber rounds to advanced systems like the Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) and Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM), India’s defense offerings are gaining traction for their NATO compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Europe’s strategic goal of reducing dependence on U.S. suppliers while strengthening their own military capabilities. This shift, underscored by recent developments such as France’s evaluation of the Pinaka system, signals a growing partnership between European NATO nations and India’s burgeoning defense industry.

India’s defense sector, bolstered by the “Make in India” initiative, has made significant strides in producing NATO-compatible munitions and systems, aligning with the alliance’s interoperability standards. Indian-made 155mm artillery shells, 5.56mm and 7.62mm small-caliber ammunition, and 120mm tank rounds adhere to NATO’s 120×570mm specifications, ensuring seamless integration with systems like the Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams tanks used by NATO members. This compatibility is a key factor driving interest from European nations, which are grappling with ammunition shortages and seeking reliable alternatives to U.S. and domestic suppliers.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturer, has successfully navigated supply chain hurdles for its Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, according to HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil. Speaking to Flightglobal, Sunil revealed that while sourcing spares and components from Russia was challenging in 2024, the situation has now stabilized, ensuring a steady flow of critical supplies to maintain the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) frontline multirole fighter.

The Su-30 MKI, a mainstay of the IAF’s combat fleet, relies on Russian-origin components and spares for maintenance and operational readiness. In 2024, HAL faced significant challenges in procuring these supplies due to Russia’s prioritization of its own defence requirements, which strained its export capabilities. “They do have some issues because their plants are running full for their own purposes,” Sunil explained, referring to Russian manufacturers’ focus on domestic needs amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Navy is set to decommission INS Sindhughosh, the first of ten Kilo-class submarines acquired from the erstwhile Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation, nearly four decades after its commissioning in 1986. This move marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts, as it phases out aging platforms to make way for advanced, indigenously developed submarines. INS Sindhughosh will be the third Kilo-class submarine to be retired, following INS Sindhurakshak in 2017 after a tragic accident and INS Sindhudhvaj in 2022 at the end of its service life.

Commissioned on April 30, 1986, INS Sindhughosh was the lead vessel of the Sindhughosh-class submarines, a variant of the Russian Project 877EKM Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines. These submarines have been a cornerstone of India’s underwater warfare capabilities, known for their stealth, endurance, and ability to operate in diverse maritime environments. Over its nearly 40-year service, INS Sindhughosh played a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, conducting patrols, and participating in key naval exercises.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is making significant strides in the development of India’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior, a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate alongside the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). In an interview with Flightglobal, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil provided key updates on the program, highlighting its progress and outlining the roadmap to its anticipated first flight in 2027.

The CATS Warrior, first unveiled at the Aero India 2021 airshow, represents a bold step towards integrating advanced unmanned systems into the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) combat framework, aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence under the Make in India initiative.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities with a potential wet lease agreement for one Airbus A330-200 Phénix Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) from the French Air Force, with negotiations expected to conclude in the coming months. This move follows the IAF’s recent wet lease of a KC-135 Stratotanker from a US firm, signaling a strategic push to address the operational strain on its aging fleet amid heightened regional tensions. The proposed deal, likely to be a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement, underscores India’s intent to enhance its long-range mission capabilities while evaluating advanced tanker platforms for future acquisitions.

The IAF’s current aerial refueling fleet consists of six Ilyushin Il-78 tankers, inducted between 2003 and 2004, which have faced persistent maintenance challenges and serviceability issues, often operating below the desired 70% availability benchmark. This shortfall has constrained the IAF’s ability to sustain extended operations, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), where prolonged air patrols are critical. The recent conflict with Pakistan in May 2025, involving Operation Sindoor, highlighted the need for robust refueling support to maintain air superiority and conduct deep strikes, prompting the IAF to seek interim solutions through leasing.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is poised to expand its partnership with India’s tri-service following the successful securing of orders for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones in June 2024. With deliveries set to commence in 2026 for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, GA-ASI is now exploring avenues to strengthen ties with India, a key market in its global strategy. Informed sources cited by idrw.org indicate that the company is particularly enthusiastic about offering its innovative Gambit Series, signaling a potential new chapter in Indo-U.S. defense cooperation.

The Gambit Series is built around a modular “Gambit Core,” a versatile platform comprising common hardware such as landing gear, baseline avionics, chassis, and other essential systems. This core, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the cost across variants, offers economies of scale, reduces expenses, enhances interoperability, and accelerates the development of specialized models. The series includes four distinct configurations: Gambit 1 for long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); Gambit 2 for air-to-air combat; Gambit 3 as an advanced trainer; and Gambit 4 for stealth combat reconnaissance. This flexibility positions the Gambit Series as a multi-mission asset tailored to diverse operational needs.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Pakistan has formally requested Turkish defense firm Baykar, a leading private company specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), command, control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I), and artificial intelligence, to investigate the repeated failures of the YIHA-III, a high-precision UAV and loitering munition co-developed with Pakistan’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP).

The request follows the recent India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, during which numerous YIHA-III drones landed inside Indian territory in near-intact condition, suggesting that India’s sophisticated electronic warfare (EW) and anti-drone systems may have played a decisive role in disabling the drones mid-flight. This development raises questions about the reliability of the YIHA-III and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s drone strategy against a technologically advanced adversary.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Reports from Greek media outlets, including platforms like Pentapostagma and GeoStratigika, have sparked intense speculation about a strategic defense proposal from India to Greece. According to these sources, India has unofficially offered its Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM) to Greece, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in the Aegean region. With a range of up to 1,500 km, dual warhead capabilities, pinpoint accuracy, and extreme maneuverability, the LR-LACM is being touted as a potential game-changer that could target Turkish airbases, radar installations, and air defense systems in the opening hours of a conflict. This development, unveiled at the DEFEA 2025 exhibition in Athens, comes alongside a strengthening of India-Greece military ties, raising concerns in Ankara about a shifting strategic landscape.

The Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LR-LACM), developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a significant leap in India’s indigenous missile technology. First successfully tested on November 12, 2024, at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, the subsonic cruise missile boasts a range of 1,500 km when launched from land and 1,000 km from naval platforms.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV), designed to replace India’s aging Russian-made BMP-2 infantry combat vehicles, is nearing the development trials phase, slated for September or October. The Indian Army’s mechanised infantry units are eagerly anticipating the rollout of this advanced platform.

Two prototypes, developed by Tata and Bharat Forge, are nearing completion and have undergone rigorous pre-trial preparations. The FICV project aims to modernize the Army’s fleet with indigenous technology, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s long-cherished dream of developing an indigenous jet engine for advanced combat aircraft is nearing a critical milestone as the Kaveri Derivative Engine (KDE), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), is set to undergo its final round of 25 hours of inflight testing on an Ilyushin Il-76 testbed in Russia. The tests, scheduled for late 2025, aim to complete the engine’s certification process by 2026, clearing the path for its integration into the ambitious Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program, according to sources cited by idrw.org.

The KDE, a derivative of the long-troubled Kaveri engine, is designed to power the 13-ton Ghatak UCAV, a stealthy, multi-role unmanned platform capable of both precision strikes and air-to-air combat, including dogfights. The engine’s certification is a prerequisite for securing official funding for the Ghatak program, estimated to require ?5,000 crore (approximately $600 million) for development. The program, led by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), has been on hold to prioritize the KDE’s development, ensuring the engine is fully tested and certified before integration into the UCAV.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is actively evaluating the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by Indian startups, for a range of military applications, according to sources cited by idrw.org. These locally designed electric planes, which include both passenger and cargo configurations, are being studied for their utility in military missions, including troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, and specialized operations in remote and challenging terrains. The move signals a strategic shift toward leveraging cutting-edge, indigenous technology to enhance operational efficiency while reducing costs.

Unlike traditional helicopters, which are complex machines with intricate mechanical components such as rotors, gearboxes, and combustion engines, eVTOLs rely on electric propulsion systems that require significantly less maintenance. Helicopters are notorious for their high upkeep costs due to frequent and labor-intensive maintenance schedules, which involve specialized parts and skilled personnel. In contrast, electric aircraft, with fewer moving parts and simpler designs, offer reduced maintenance demands, making them particularly suitable for operations in remote locations where logistical support is limited. This characteristic aligns well with the Indian Army’s need for reliable, low-maintenance platforms in diverse operational environments, from high-altitude regions like Ladakh to dense urban settings.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s defense technology landscape with the development of the country’s first Photonic Radar, a cutting-edge system that leverages light-based components for signal processing. According to DRDO sources, the radar is now poised to undergo extensive trials to validate its performance, marking a major leap toward enhancing India’s air defense capabilities with ultra-high resolution, stealth detection, and immunity to electronic jamming.

Unlike traditional radar systems that rely on radio frequency (RF) signals, the Photonic Radar employs photonics—using light waves, typically in the infrared or optical spectrum—for signal generation, transmission, and processing. This innovative approach offers several advantages, including unparalleled resolution for detecting small or low-observable targets, such as stealth aircraft and drones, and inherent resistance to electronic countermeasures like jamming, which are increasingly prevalent in modern warfare. The system’s development aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, positioning the country among a select group of nations exploring photonic radar technology for defense applications.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading an ambitious initiative to develop 12 distinct hypersonic missile systems under programs like Project Vishnu, aiming to position India as a global leader in advanced missile technology. This multifaceted program, encompassing Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs), Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs), and anti-hypersonic defence systems, reflects India’s strategic intent to achieve deterrence and operational superiority in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

With successful tests, such as the November 2024 long-range hypersonic missile trial, and ongoing advancements in scramjet propulsion, India is poised to join an elite group of nations—including the United States, Russia, and China—with diverse and operational hypersonic capabilities. This article, drawing on insights from idrw.org and other sources, explores DRDO’s hypersonic program, its technological breakthroughs, and its implications for India’s defence posture.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

According to a recent report by India Today, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s premier aerospace and defence manufacturer, has decided to equip all 73 Tejas Mk1A fighter jets with imported radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems, reversing its commitment to integrate the indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Swayam Raksha Kavach (SRK) Electronic Warfare suite designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

This decision has sparked debate about India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. HAL’s move to issue a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Israeli firm ELTA Systems for the supply of radars and EW suites highlights pragmatic concerns but also raises questions about the readiness of India’s indigenous defence technologies.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant development in India’s naval aviation modernization, the Indian Navy’s pursuit to equip its 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets with the indigenously developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar has met resistance from Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer of the Rafale.

According to sources close to idrw.org, Dassault warned that integrating the Uttam AESA radar, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), would require nearly three years of testing and certification, along with significant upgrades to the Rafale’s Mission Computer. This stance has led the Indian Navy to drop its insistence on the Uttam radar, opting instead for the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, highlighting the complexities of balancing indigenous technology adoption with operational timelines and costs. This article explores Dassault’s arguments, the Navy’s motivations, and the broader implications for India’s defence ecosystem.