India has enhanced its drone defense capabilities with the launch of the Indrajaal Ranger, the first Anti-Drone Patrol Vehicle (ADPV). Developed by Indrajaal Drone Defence, it can detect and neutralize hostile drones in motion, addressing the rising narcotics and weapons smuggling from Pakistan. The mobile system aims to secure borders and urban areas effectively.
European defence firms Dassault Aviation and Thales have formed a strategic partnership to develop supervised artificial intelligence for military aviation systems, announced on November 26, 2025. This collaboration aims to create mission-critical AI for manned and unmanned aircraft, supporting operations while adhering to ethical frameworks and regulations within the EU.
On November 26, 2025, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) in Hyderabad, a significant MRO facility for LEAP engines, aiming to enhance India’s aviation sector. The facility will employ over 1,000 engineers by 2035, reduce outsourcing, and bolster aerospace self-reliance aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy.
Zen Technologies Limited has secured a INR 108-crore contract from India’s Ministry of Defence for advanced Tank Crew Gunnery Training Simulators, signaling a commitment to indigenous defence technology. This agreement highlights the shift towards simulation-based training, boosting military preparedness and cost-effectiveness while supporting local R&D and innovation in defense solutions.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided weapon system in India, enhancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The 50:50 joint venture will focus on indigenization, with BEL leading assembly and support, boosting India’s strategic autonomy in advanced munitions.
India’s shipbuilding industry marked a significant milestone on November 24, 2025, with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, it features over 80% indigenous content and enhances India’s naval capabilities amid regional tensions, symbolizing the nation’s shift toward self-reliance in defense.
Pakistan’s military operations in Afghanistan conducted in October 2025 reveal a clear pattern: Militarised approach to foreign policy is indicative of profound domestic crises, including economic vulnerability, political illegitimacy, and institutional decay, rather than serving as a viable resolution to these issues.
India’s SMPP has partnered with European firm KNDS to introduce KATANA precision-guided artillery ammunition, enhancing its 155mm munitions capabilities. The collaboration, announced at Milipol 2025, aims to address the Indian Army’s need for advanced artillery systems. KATANA features innovative guidance technology and variants for diverse combat scenarios, supporting indigenisation efforts.
A Tejas Light Combat Aircraft from India crashed during a flying dispaly at the Dubai Air Show 2025 on November 21, 2025. The crash on an international stage has dealt a huge blow to the Tejas’ export potential.
The Indian Navy expresses concerns over China’s naval expansion and submarine deliveries to Pakistan, viewing it as a challenge to regional stability. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan emphasizes readiness and monitors developments. India’s response includes plans for advanced guided-missile destroyers and continued naval modernization amidst growing regional tensions.
India’s helicopter industry is gaining momentum with the launch of its first private assembly line by Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka. This milestone could transform the market, enabling domestic production and reducing import reliance. However, regulatory obstacles and policy fragmentation hinder progress. Enhanced infrastructure and streamlined regulations are essential for realizing the sector’s true potential.
On November 19, 2025, the US approved military deals worth over USD 92 million for India, including Excalibur artillery shells and Javelin anti-tank missiles, enhancing India’s precision-strike capability amid US-India tensions. These acquisitions aim to improve India’s military readiness along its borders with Pakistan and China, reinforcing defense collaboration despite ongoing tariff disputes.
By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: The killing of top Maoist commander Mandvi Hidma in Andhra Pradesh has delivered one of the most consequential setbacks to Left-Wing Extremism in recent memory. Long seen as the most feared battlefield strategist of the CPI (Maoist), Hidma’s elimination is being hailed […]
India’s human spaceflight ambitions are advancing rapidly, with ISRO set for its Gaganyaan mission’s uncrewed flight by December 2025 and crewed mission in early 2027. By 2035, India’s first space station is planned, alongside significant lunar exploration missions. ISRO aims to boost its global market share and capabilities significantly by 2062.
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT) remains a critical risk for India’s helicopters, exemplified by the tragic 2021 crash involving General Bipin Rawat. A landmark partnership between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and HENSOLDT aims to develop an advanced LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance system, enhancing operational safety and autonomy for Indian helicopters in challenging environments.
