SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a landmark move for India’s aerospace industry, the Tata Group and Airbus Helicopters have zeroed in on Bangalore as the likely location for their final assembly line (FAL) to produce H125 rotorcraft. Emerging as the frontrunner from a shortlist of five potential sites, Bangalore’s selection underscores its growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation. This joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Helicopters marks India’s first private-sector helicopter assembly facility, aligning with the nation’s “Make in India” initiative and positioning the country as a key player in global rotorcraft production.

The Bangalore facility will serve as the nerve center for assembling the H125, a versatile single-engine helicopter renowned for its performance across civil and defense applications. Under the partnership, TASL and Airbus will handle the integration of all major components, including avionics, mission systems, electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, fuel systems, flight controls, and dynamic components. Powering the H125 will be the Safran Arriel 2D turboshaft engine, a proven workhorse that enhances the helicopter’s reliability and adaptability. The facility will also oversee testing, qualification, and delivery, ensuring that each aircraft meets stringent global standards.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a striking display of India’s advancing defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased a full-scale model of the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) under Project Dhvani at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition held at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. This unveiling, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of cutting-edge hypersonic technology, positioning the nation among global leaders in this domain. Project Dhvani, with its innovative wave-rider design, promises to redefine efficiency and performance at hypersonic speeds, offering a glimpse into the future of India’s military arsenal.

Project Dhvani represents DRDO’s ambitious foray into developing Hypersonic Glide Vehicles capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5—approximately 6,200 km/h—while evading modern air defence systems. The full-scale model displayed at Gachibowli Stadium embodies the wave-rider configuration, a design that leverages the vehicle’s own shockwaves to minimize aerodynamic drag and enhance lift, ensuring superior performance in the hypersonic regime. This approach, rooted in advanced aerodynamics, allows the HGV to “ride” its shockwaves, reducing energy loss and enabling sustained high-speed flight.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s aerospace sector is buzzing with excitement, and at the heart of this momentum is DG Propulsion Private Limited (DPPL), a Delhi-based startup making waves with its indigenous jet engine technology. Prateek Dhawan, the company’s visionary Director, recently revealed ambitious plans to venture into the turbofan engine segment—a move that could redefine DPPL’s role in the global aviation landscape. Speaking about the company’s future, Dhawan emphasized that this leap hinges on securing investments within the next two to three years, a timeline that aligns with DPPL’s rapid rise following the success of its DG J40 jet engine.

DPPL has already carved a niche for itself with the DG J40, a micro-turbojet engine designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and defense applications. Boasting a thrust capacity of 40 kgf, the J40 has proven its mettle through rigorous testing, including a notable one-hour endurance run that exceeded expectations. This success has not only showcased India’s growing prowess in aerospace innovation but also put DPPL on the radar of investors, defense contractors, and industry watchers. Now, buoyed by this achievement, Dhawan sees an opportunity to take DPPL into the next frontier: turbofan engines.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sparked intrigue at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition, held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, by showcasing a mock-up of a previously unseen ballistic missile system labeled “BM-04.”

This debut, part of a sprawling display of India’s defense technologies, has left analysts and enthusiasts speculating about its role in the nation’s missile arsenal. Described by DRDO as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), the BM-04 appears to be designed to counter enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, incorporating a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster—a configuration hinting at hypersonic ambitions. While the model is a dummy, its unveiling marks a tantalizing glimpse into DRDO’s evolving missile strategy.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), one of India’s leading defense shipyards, has revealed that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the P-17 Bravo project—a new class of stealth, guided-missile frigates—is expected to be issued by the end of 2025. This announcement signals the start of a highly anticipated procurement process that could reshape India’s naval capabilities and bolster the country’s domestic shipbuilding industry.

According to GRSE, the RFP will pave the way for the selection of L1 and L2 bidders by mid-2026. The L1 shipyard, deemed the lowest bidder, is poised to secure a massive order worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore, while the L2 shipyard, the second-lowest bidder, will receive an order valued at around Rs 30,000 crore. These contracts will cover the construction of the advanced warships, which are designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational strength with cutting-edge stealth and missile capabilities.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, Tamal, the last warship India will import from abroad, is on track for commissioning in June 2025. This stealth frigate, currently under construction in Russia, marks the end of an era as India shifts toward complete self-reliance in warship design and production. As the commissioning date approaches, an Indian naval crew has already arrived in Russia to participate in a series of critical trials, ensuring the vessel is ready to join the fleet.

Tamal is the second of two stealth frigates being built in Russia under a $2.5 billion inter-governmental agreement signed with India in October 2016. The deal, part of Project 11356, includes four frigates: two constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia (INS Tushil and Tamal), and two to be built domestically at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with Russian technical assistance. The first Russian-built frigate, INS Tushil, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, in Kaliningrad, attended by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Now, Tamal is poised to follow, closing the chapter on imported warships for the Indian Navy.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Recent developments suggest that India is poised to take a significant step toward enhancing its air defence capabilities through a potential partnership with Russia to produce the advanced Pantsir air defence missile-gun system locally. Commodore A Madhavarao (Retd.), Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), confirmed to Sputnik India that discussions on local production are “going well,” marking a potential milestone in the decades-long defence collaboration between the two nations.

The prospect of India producing Russia’s Pantsir systems stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2024 between BDL and Russia’s state-owned Rosoboronexport. The agreement, signed during the 5th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) subgroup meeting in Goa, laid the groundwork for cooperation on variants of the Pantsir, a mobile, short-range air defence system known for its versatility and effectiveness. The Pantsir-S1, in particular, combines missile and gun capabilities, making it a formidable tool against a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant leap forward for India’s indigenous defense capabilities, Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies recently conducted the maiden flight of its Sheshnaag 150, a long-range strike Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The successful test marks a pivotal moment for the company and underscores India’s growing prowess in advanced aerospace technology.

The Sheshnaag 150, designed as a precision strike platform, demonstrated its capabilities during the flight, particularly in its terminal phase. Engaging a designated ground target, the UAV achieved an impressive Circular Error Probable (CEP) of just 5 meters—a testament to its high precision and reliability. This metric, which measures the radius within which half of a weapon’s strikes are expected to land, highlights the Sheshnaag 150’s potential as a formidable asset for targeted operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

At the Aero India 2025 exhibition, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India introduced a new prototype of a 155 mm guided projectile, designed specifically for the Bharat Forge Limited’s (BFL) 155 mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).

This innovative munition, captured in an image by idrw.org, has an fin-stabilized projectile, guided by a combination of GPS and an Inertial Navigation System (INS). Measuring 1 meter in length and weighing approximately 50 kg, the projectile is engineered to extend the firing range of the ATAGS to between 40 and 50 kilometers. According to DRDO officials, this guided projectile is still in its design and development phase, indicating future enhancements and potential production.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Aviation industrial expert Mahesh Hegde has raised concerns regarding the rationale behind the development of the RTA-90 aircraft based on turboprop engines, given the limited demand for such aircraft in India. Speaking to idrw.org, Hegde emphasized that market projections from major aerospace manufacturers indicate a marginal requirement for turboprop-powered regional jets in India over the next two decades.

According to Hegde, procurement projections by all major aerospace vendors that manufacture commercial jets suggest that only 6 percent of the total planned aircraft procurement by Indian airline operators in the next 20 years will consist of turboprop-powered regional jets. Instead, the market will be dominated by narrowbody jets, with a particular preference for aircraft in the A321 class, which are powered by high-bypass turbofan engines rather than turboprop engines.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT) is once again pushing the boundaries of India’s aerospace and defense innovation with the Ishuk—a miniaturized glide device that transforms a basic aerial iron bomb into a precision-guided powerhouse. Unveiled as a marvel of aerodynamics and engineering, this compact system promises to revolutionize kinetic strikes with its pinpoint accuracy, exceptional range, and adaptability across multi-rotor and fixed-wing platforms. Designed for steep, direct attacks with minimal drag on its carrier aircraft, Ishuk signals NRT’s ascent as a trailblazer in unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—and a potent force multiplier for India’s armed forces.

At its core, Ishuk is a retrofit genius. It takes a standard unguided “dumb” bomb—typically a low-cost, high-explosive workhorse—and outfits it with a high-precision guidance and control kit. The result? A glide bomb that rivals costlier precision munitions in accuracy and lethality, without the hefty price tag. With a low radar cross-section and a high glide ratio, Ishuk extends the bomb’s range far beyond traditional free-fall limits, allowing strikes from safer standoff distances. Weighing next to nothing compared to its payload, it ensures the carrier—be it a drone or manned aircraft—suffers minimal performance penalty, a critical edge in dynamic combat zones.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s ambitious Tejas MkII program has taken a major leap forward in stealth technology, according to Dr. V. Madhusudana Rao, the Project Director of the Mk 2 programme at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). In a recent statement, Rao revealed that the frontal Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the Tejas MkII is just one-fourth that of its predecessor, the Tejas MkI, marking a substantial improvement in the aircraft’s ability to evade radar detection.

“If the Tejas MkI has a frontal RCS of X square meters, the Tejas MkII achieves an RCS of just one-fourth of X,” Rao explained. This reduction is a testament to the meticulous design overhaul undertaken by the ADA and its partners, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The MkII incorporates radar-absorbent materials (RAM), composite-heavy construction (making up 90% of its surface area), and redesigned airframe features like twisted air-intake ducts and close-coupled canards—all aimed at minimizing its radar signature from the front. While the aircraft is not a full stealth fighter, this improvement in frontal RCS enhances its survivability against enemy radar systems, a key advantage in modern air combat.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on an ambitious project to revive its collection of vintage aircraft, aiming to bring back to life some of the historic planes that have graced its skies. Currently, the IAF’s vintage fleet includes the de Havilland Tiger Moth and the Harvard trainer, both of which have rich histories within the force. Now, there’s a buzz about potentially adding another legendary aircraft to this collection – the Hawker Hunter.

Dakota DC-3, Hurricane, and Spitfire aircraft, which have been part of IAF’s history, are slated for restoration. The Dakota DC-3, known for its versatility in transport and numerous military roles, the Hurricane, a formidable fighter from WWII, and the Spitfire, renowned for its speed and agility, are set to be brought back for flying displays, showcasing India’s aviation heritage.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The eagerly anticipated first trial of the Pinaka naval variant is slated to occur later this year, marking a significant milestone in naval defense technology. Developed as an advanced iteration of the renowned Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system, this naval version is tailored specifically for underwater operations and submarine countermeasures.

Unlike its land-based predecessor, the Pinaka naval variant is engineered to tackle maritime threats, boasting an impressive range of 75 kilometers. This capability positions it as a formidable asset for naval forces, enhancing their ability to neutralize submarine-based threats from a safe distance. The system’s design reflects a strategic shift toward versatile, long-range underwater defense solutions, addressing the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a landmark development for Indo-US defense cooperation, India and the United States have signed a new pact to jointly produce advanced autonomous weapon systems, announced during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump on February 13, 2025. This initiative, named the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), aims to forge robust industry partnerships between the two nations, focusing on the co-production of cutting-edge drone technologies. The systems developed under this alliance will not only bolster the defense capabilities of India and the US but also hold the potential for export to friendly nations, enhancing security in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.

The ASIA initiative builds on the U.S.-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation, reflecting the growing importance of autonomous systems in modern warfare and maritime security. The pact, formalized during the Modi-Trump summit, underscores a shared commitment to counter regional challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions with China have heightened the need for advanced surveillance and defense technologies.