SOURCE: AFI
At Aero India 2025, Tata Elxsi achieved a significant milestone in its journey of innovation and collaboration in the Aerospace & Defence sectors. The company proudly handed over the CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman prototype to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at the India Pavilion, a major development that underscores Tata Elxsi’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that will shape the future of Indian defence.
The event was graced by Mr. Manoj Raghavan, Managing Director of Tata Elxsi, who was present to mark the successful handover of the CATS Warrior prototype. The Loyal Wingman aircraft is part of an advanced program aimed at enhancing the capabilities of India’s defence sector through autonomous systems that can operate alongside manned fighter jets, assisting in combat and reconnaissance missions.
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At Aero India 2025, Astra Microwave Products Limited, a leader in the design and development of advanced microwave components and systems, announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India’s largest and most respected engineering and defense technology companies. The MoU marks the beginning of a collaborative effort between the two industry giants to work together on radar technology and systems, with a focus on enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
The MoU between Astra Microwave and L&T is set to focus on joint cooperation in the development, manufacturing, and integration of radar systems for both defense and industrial applications. This collaboration leverages Astra Microwave’s expertise in advanced microwave technology and L&T’s extensive experience in systems engineering, design, and large-scale defense manufacturing.
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At Aero India 2025, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, to collaborate on the development of Unified Air Space Management solutions and sensor technologies for Loitering Munition (LM) and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). This strategic partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to advancing India’s defense capabilities, particularly in the areas of aerospace and defense electronics.
BEL, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, holds a leadership position in the Defense/Strategic Electronics market within India. As a multi-product, multi-technology, multi-unit conglomerate, BEL offers an impressive portfolio with over 600 products spanning various sectors, including radars and fire control systems, weapon systems, communications, network-centric systems, naval systems, electronic warfare, avionics, anti-submarine warfare, tank electronics, homeland security, and more.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, significant updates regarding the Tejas MkII program were provided to idrw.org by officials from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These updates highlight key milestones in the aircraft’s development, including the rollout timeline for the first prototype, expected flight dates, and the program’s streamlined path toward production and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Tejas MkII, a more advanced iteration of the Tejas MkI, is progressing well, with the first prototype rollout expected to happen by the end of 2025. The aircraft is currently being assembled, with much of its components like Center fuselage sections have arrived along with its wings. The assembly process is underway, with officials confirming that the aircraft is in the assembly jig, preparing for its final construction stages.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Project director of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Dr Krishna Rajendra Neeli said that the highly anticipated first flight of the AMCA is scheduled to take place by the end of 2028, and rollout likely by end of 2027 marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey to develop a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet. While this news is promising, he also revealed that the program only received its much-needed financial clearance in the first quarter of 2024.
Dr. Neeli explained that the AMCA is not just an advanced aircraft but a leap into the future of fighter jet technology. The AMCA will be India’s first 5.5-generation fighter jet, setting it apart as a highly capable, versatile, and stealthy platform in the skies. It is set to include an impressive range of innovations that will define the next generation of combat aircraft.
Continue readingSOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The long-awaited first flight of the Archer NG (Next Generation) is expected to take place in late March or early April, marking a significant milestone in the development of this innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). idrw.org has previously confirmed that taxi trials for the Archer NG have already been successfully conducted, with no additional ground trials scheduled before the aircraft receives its final clearance for in-flight testing. The Archer NG is now on track to meet the developmental objectives that its predecessor, the TAPAS-BH-201, was unable to fully achieve.
One of the key design aspects of the Archer NG is its unique combination of technologies borrowed from the Tapas UAV program, particularly the front section. However, unlike Tapas, the Archer NG utilizes a distinctive single-engine, twin-boom pusher configuration. This configuration gives the UAV a high level of stability and control, allowing it to meet the demanding requirements of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.
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During his visit to Aero India 2025, a candid and somewhat critical conversation was caught on camera between Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and HAL Chairman D.K. Sunil while the IAF chief was inspecting the IJT-36 Yashas trainer aircraft. The conversation, which was shared by the defense news portal NationalDefence on its YouTube channel, highlights the growing concerns within the IAF regarding the pace and progress of HAL’s production, particularly for the Tejas Mk1A fighter aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal Singh was blunt in his assessment of the current state of HAL’s efforts, expressing his frustration over the Tejas Mk1A program and the overall mission readiness of the company. He was heard saying, “HAL is our company, we have all worked there. But I find that HAL is just not in mission mode.”
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At the ongoing Aero India 2025, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Chief, DK Sunil, revealed significant developments for India’s defense aviation sector, confirming that 97 additional Tejas Mk1A fighter jets and 156 Prachand helicopters are expected to be ordered in the coming months. The total value of these upcoming orders will amount to a substantial Rs 1.3 lakh crore. These orders will be placed over the next 3 to 6 months, marking a crucial step in bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Tejas Mk1A, an indigenously designed and developed multi-role fighter aircraft, is set to receive a massive production boost in the coming years. The 97 additional Tejas Mk1A aircraft are part of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans to procure a total of 180 units of the Mk1A variant. This follows an initial order for 40 aircraft, which is already in the production phase.
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At Aero India 2025, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense, France, announced a landmark partnership to create a joint venture aimed at manufacturing, customizing, selling, and maintaining the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening India’s defense capabilities by localizing the production of advanced, high-performance munitions.
The agreement between BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense will bring together the technological expertise and defense manufacturing capabilities of both companies to produce the HAMMER system domestically. This joint venture aligns with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which emphasizes the need for indigenous defense production to reduce dependence on foreign imports.
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At the 15th Biennial Aero India International Seminar held in Bengaluru, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) received the baseline configuration of the Astra Weapon System for series production from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This significant milestone was achieved in the presence of the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri (RRM), the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Chairman of DRDO, and senior officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Astra Weapon System is a state-of-the-art, indigenously developed air-to-air missile system that enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force. Designed to engage a variety of aerial targets, the Astra system is built to meet the evolving defense requirements of the IAF, offering superior range, accuracy, and reliability.
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At Aero India 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled a scaled model of the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar under development for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s ambitious 5th-generation fighter jet program. This marks an important milestone for the AMCA program, highlighting the significant advancements in India’s radar and avionics technology, as it moves closer to developing its next-generation stealth fighter.
The AMCA’s AESA radar, a critical component for modern combat aircraft, features Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs). These modules are noted for being smaller than those in the Virupaksha AESA radar, which equips the Su-30MKI fighter jets with approximately 2,400 TRMs. However, the AMCA radar’s TRM count exceeds that anticipated for both the Tejas Mk1A and the forthcoming MkII, indicating a significant upgrade in radar technology.
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For the first time, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has revealed the specifications of its newly developed Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT), showcasing a scale model of the torpedo at Aero India 2025. This advanced torpedo is being developed in collaboration with the Naval Group and is expected to be integrated into India’s Kalvari-class submarines as part of a recent deal between the two entities.
The Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) is a state-of-the-art weapon designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. With its remarkable range, speed, and endurance, the torpedo promises to strengthen the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare abilities.
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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has confirmed a key update regarding the development timeline of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), marking a significant shift in the program’s schedule. In line with earlier reports by idrw.org, ADA has stated that the TEDBF will likely enter service with the Indian Navy in 2038, several years later than initially anticipated. This updated timeline has been attributed to a recalibration of the program’s milestones and an adjustment in the development process.
The TEDBF, a crucial component of India’s naval aviation future, is being developed to replace the aging fleet of Sea Harrier aircraft and complement the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of MiG-29K fighters. Designed for operations from aircraft carriers, the TEDBF is expected to deliver improved performance, enhanced survivability, and greater operational flexibility for the Indian Navy.
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At the ongoing Aero India 2025, Adani Defence showcased its cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), the Akshi 7, a rebranding of the renowned Hermes 650 Spark Multi-Role & Multi-Payload Tactical UAS. Designed to meet the demands of modern military operations, the Akshi 7 is a versatile, high-performance platform, equipped with advanced capabilities for a wide range of applications, from surveillance to reconnaissance and beyond.
The Akshi 7 UAS is built around highly reliable and redundant avionics systems, ensuring safety and operational effectiveness even in the most challenging environments. Its ability to take off and land from short runways, along with its auto-taxi capability, adds a layer of flexibility and efficiency to its operational deployment. Whether in remote or constrained locations, the Akshi 7 is ready to deliver critical support where it’s needed most.
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At Aero India 2025, Rosoboronexport confirmed to idrw.org that Russia is offering its new-generation Kh-69 stealthy cruise missile for integration with India’s Su-30MKI fleet. Unveiled by Russia in 2023, the Kh-69 is a state-of-the-art air-launched missile designed as part of Russia’s latest arsenal of precision-strike weapons, and it presents a powerful addition to India’s airstrike capabilities.
The Kh-69 is designed for tactical missions, giving it the ability to target high-value infrastructure and military positions well inside enemy territory. While its range of 290 kilometers (approximately 180 miles) is shorter compared to long-range Russian missiles like the Kh-101, the Kh-69 is ideal for mid-range precision strikes. Its impressive versatility, advanced guidance systems, and multiple warhead options make it an attractive option for enhancing the strike capabilities of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets.
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