SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-1A is nearing a critical milestone as it undergoes rigorous extra firing and electronic warfare (EW) trials to ensure it meets the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational standards. According to sources cited by the Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), the IAF is likely to receive its first fully operational Tejas Mk-1A in the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26, potentially between late April and early May 2025.

The trials follow the Mk-1A’s maiden flight on March 28, 2024 (not February as initially misreported), when the first aircraft, designated LA-5033, took to the skies from HAL’s Bengaluru facility for an 18-minute sortie. That flight, however, utilized older Category B F-404 engines—reserve units from earlier Tejas Mk-1 production—due to delays in the supply of new GE F-404-IN20 engines. These interim engines allowed HAL to maintain testing momentum, but the aircraft’s full potential hinges on the integration of the latest powerplants.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

The Indian Army is turning to private sector ingenuity to enhance the anti-drone capabilities of its T-90 Bhishma main battle tanks, a critical component of its armored fleet. With over 1,200 T-90s in service and hundreds more in production, the Army aims to integrate an autonomous anti-drone system into the tanks’ existing remotely operated 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gun (AAG), currently operated manually by the tank commander. This ambitious upgrade seeks to counter the rising threat of low-speed aerial targets, such as drones, by leveraging advanced technology to achieve 360-degree autonomous detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) of targets, alongside the development of specialized fragmentation rounds.

The T-90’s current setup includes a 12.7 mm NSV heavy machine gun mounted on the turret, remotely controlled via the commander’s TKN-4S Agat-M sight, part of the 1A45 fire control system (FCS). While this configuration, indigenized and improved by Indian firms over its Russian origins, allows the commander to observe and engage aerial threats, the process remains manual—relying on human detection, aiming, and firing. This limitation has become a liability in modern warfare, where drones and loitering munitions, as demonstrated in conflicts like Ukraine, pose a persistent and agile threat to armored units. The Army now envisions a fully autonomous solution to transform the T-90 into a drone-repelling powerhouse.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a striking vision of India’s aerospace future, Harsh Vardhan Thakur, Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), recently shared a computer-generated imagery (CGI) video that has set the defense community abuzz. The video, posted on March 28, 2025, depicts the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand flying in formation with HAL’s Warrior Loyal Wingman Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).

This cinematic showcase hints at a transformative leap for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army: the integration of manned and unmanned platforms operating in tandem, with the LCH Prachand potentially serving as a mothership for the Warrior UCAVs.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a recent interview with Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), an Indian Air Force (IAF) official expressed strong confidence in the forthcoming upgrades to the Su-30MKI, asserting that the enhanced fighter jet will decisively outclass the Chinese J-35A stealth aircraft, particularly in the hands of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The official highlighted that while the J-35A may incorporate stealth measures to reduce its radar signature, it falls short of being a true stealth jet capable of challenging the upgraded Su-30MKI, equipped with the indigenous Virupaksha radar and Astra MkIII missile.

The backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, the Su-30MKI, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade under the “Super Sukhoi” program, featuring the Virupaksha—a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with an impressive 2,400 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs). Paired with the Astra MkIII beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, this combination is poised to deter any Pakistani pilot flying the J-35A from testing the limits of Chinese stealth technology.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Nabhdrishti Aerospace has secured $3 million in a seed funding round led by Accel, with participation from IIMA Ventures and other existing investors. Announced in late March 2025, this infusion of capital will propel the company’s mission to develop fuel-flexible gas turbines for power generation and aircraft propulsion, addressing India’s long-standing reliance on imported propulsion systems. Founded by a trio of industry veterans with roots at General Electric (GE), Rolls-Royce, and DRDO-GTRE, Nabhdrishti is poised to redefine aerospace innovation with its cutting-edge technology.

The co-founders—Rohit Chouhan, Arjun Srivatsa, and Antanu Sadhu—bring a wealth of experience to the table. Chouhan, who also worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (DRDO-GTRE), joins Srivatsa and Sadhu in leveraging their time at GE and Rolls-Royce to tackle one of aerospace’s toughest challenges: propulsion. Graduates of IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), respectively, the trio is channeling their expertise into a common-core micro gas turbine platform designed for dual-use applications.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

BEML Limited, a leading public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence, launched its indigenously designed and manufactured High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) 12×12 at its Palakkad complex in Kerala. Developed in collaboration with the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this state-of-the-art vehicle promises to enhance the operational mobility of India’s armed forces while advancing the nation’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” vision for self-reliance in strategic military assets.

The formal launch ceremony was presided over by BEML Limited’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shantanu Roy, with G. Ramamohana Rao, Director of VRDE, in attendance, alongside BEML’s functional directors and senior officials from both organizations. The HMV 12×12, engineered to tackle extreme terrains and harsh climatic conditions, represents a significant leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of modern military operations.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant development for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, Russia has extended an offer to jointly develop a new flat nozzle design for the fifth-generation stealth fighter, contingent on India selecting its Izdeliye 177S engine. This proposal, emerging from discussions at Aero India 2025 and subsequent negotiations, underscores Russia’s intent to deepen its defense partnership with India while bolstering the AMCA’s capabilities with cutting-edge technology. The Izdeliye 177S, a fifth-generation engine with elements derived from the advanced AL-51 (Izdeliye 30) under development for Russia’s Su-57, could position the AMCA as a formidable contender in modern air combat—if India takes the plunge.

The AMCA, spearheaded by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to deliver a stealthy, supercruising fighter with advanced sensor fusion to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) future needs. A critical component of this ambition is the engine, which must balance thrust, stealth, and efficiency. While the AMCA Mark 1 is slated to use General Electric F414 engines (98 kN thrust), the IAF has long sought a more powerful indigenous or co-developed engine in the 110-130 kN range for the Mark 2 variant, capable of supercruise and enhanced performance. Russia’s Izdeliye 177S, boasting a reported 142 kN of thrust with afterburner and stealth-optimized features, exceeds these specifications, making it an enticing option.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a key player in India’s naval shipbuilding sector, is on track to deliver the first of two Triput-class frigates, named Triput (Mighty Arrow), to the Indian Navy by the end of 2026. The warship, launched last year, is currently undergoing external fitments, marking a significant milestone in India’s push for indigenous defense manufacturing. GSL confirmed this timeline in a statement to idrw.org, underscoring its commitment to bolstering the Indian Navy’s surface fleet with advanced, domestically built vessels.

The Triput-class frigates are part of a broader effort to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities, building on the legacy of the six 1135.6 frigates currently in service under the Talwar-class and Teg subclass, ordered in two batches of three each. Additionally, four more 1135.6 frigates are under construction—two at Russia’s Yantar Shipyard and two at GSL—under a $2.5 billion project. However, delays have plagued the Russian-built ships, with the first frigate, Tushil, now expected by September 2024, and the second, Tamal, slated for February 2025. In contrast, GSL’s progress with the Triput-class highlights India’s growing self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

GE Aerospace marked a significant milestone in its long-standing partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, with the delivery of the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines. These engines are destined to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk 1A, India’s indigenous fighter jet, further strengthening the country’s military aviation capabilities.

Shawn Warren, General Manager of Combat & Trainer Engines at GE Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about the achievement. “We were excited to deliver the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to our valued customer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited,” Warren said. “This is an important milestone in our 40-year relationship with HAL and in our efforts to ensure a strong future for India’s military by developing next-generation fighters while enhancing the country’s defense manufacturing capabilities.”

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieved another milestone in India’s indigenous defense aviation program with the rollout of the 7th Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A jet, bearing the serial number LA-5039, on March 25, 2025. This development comes just over a year after the first Tejas Mk1A aircraft, serial number LA-5033, conducted its inaugural flight, highlighting the impressive pace at which HAL is manufacturing these advanced fighter jets despite challenges such as engine delivery delays.

At Aero India 2025, held earlier this year, HAL showcased five fully assembled Tejas Mk1A aircraft that were ready for delivery to the IAF, signaling the company’s readiness to scale up production. The rollout of the 7th jet, LA-5039, within a year of the first flight of LA-5033, underscores HAL’s accelerated manufacturing capabilities. This achievement is particularly notable given the delays in engine supplies, a challenge that HAL has navigated with commendable efficiency.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s indigenous defense aviation capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is on track to complete the production of the first Tejas MkII aircraft by the end of October 2025. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, which aims to deliver a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter to the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to sources familiar with the development, over 60% of the aircraft’s assembly has already been completed, with HAL focusing on integrating critical avionics and systems typically installed in the final stages of production.

HAL officials have confirmed that most of the equipment currently being integrated includes avionics, electronic warfare systems, and other subsystems reserved for the final stages of production. These components are critical for the aircraft’s operational capabilities, including its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced cockpit displays, and enhanced weapon systems integration. By October 2025, HAL aims to have the aircraft 100% ready, setting the stage for the next phase of its development journey.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Estonia, a Baltic nation strategically positioned near Russia, is intensifying its efforts to bolster its air defense capabilities, with a keen interest in Indian air defense radars. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance surveillance and communication systems, with plans to replace its existing air defense radars by 2027. Jonatan Vseviov, Secretary General of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently highlighted Estonia’s intent to collaborate with Indian companies in defense production, aligning with the European Union’s (EU) push to ramp up military spending in the coming years.

Estonia’s interest in Indian technology stems from its need to modernize its defense infrastructure amid heightened regional security concerns. The country has already taken significant steps to strengthen its air surveillance network, exemplified by the ongoing construction of a new radar installation on Hiiumaa Island, expected to be completed by mid-2026. However, with the scheduled replacement of its air defense radars on the horizon, Estonia is exploring international partnerships to meet its ambitious timeline and technical requirements.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a strategic move to modernize its logistical capabilities, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of Logistic Drones tailored for medium and high-altitude operations. This dual RFI, targeting Logistic Drones (Medium Altitude) and Logistic Drones (High Altitude) along with their accessories, aims to finalize Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs), determine procurement categories, and identify capable Indian vendors. The Army has set an ambitious timeline, expecting delivery within two years of the contract award, aligning the initiative with the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” programs to bolster indigenous defense manufacturing.

The RFI reflects the Army’s recognition of drones as a game-changer for logistics in the challenging terrains along India’s northern borders, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These regions, marked by rugged mountains and extreme weather, pose significant hurdles to traditional supply chains, particularly for forward posts in remote areas. The drones are envisioned as a solution to provide an “operational logistic surge,” ensuring timely delivery of critical supplies to troops stationed at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters for medium-altitude variants and up to 5,000 meters for high-altitude models.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

In a significant step toward enhancing its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army, under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure rocket ammunition for its in-service 122mm Grad BM-21 Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) system. The move underscores the Army’s intent to strengthen its firepower across diverse terrains, from plains and deserts to high-altitude mountainous regions, ensuring operational readiness for a range of artillery tasks. With this RFI, the Army is reaching out to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and authorized Indian vendors to identify capable partners for this critical project.

The 122mm Grad BM-21, a Soviet-origin MBRL system, has been a mainstay of the Indian Army’s rocket artillery regiments for decades. Known for its rapid salvo capability, the system can unleash a barrage of rockets to saturate targets, providing crucial fire support in both offensive and defensive operations. The RFI specifies that the new ammunition must be compatible with the existing in-service launchers, which feature launch tubes approximately 2.8 meters in length. This ensures seamless integration without necessitating modifications to the current fleet—a practical consideration given the system’s widespread deployment.

SOURCE: IDRW.ORG

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key player in India’s aerospace and defense sector, has unveiled its latest innovation: a cutting-edge Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Tracked, designed to enhance military and security operations.

This indigenous platform showcases TASL’s growing expertise in autonomous systems, reinforcing its role as a leader in India’s “Make in India” defense ecosystem. With versatile features and robust specifications, the UGV Tracked promises to meet a wide range of operational needs, from logistics support to frontline combat assistance.