Category: Aerospace

Lockheed Martin Deepens ‘Make in India’ Push: US Defence Giant Expands Supplier Ties at Bengaluru Conference

Lockheed Martin held its 11th India Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru on Nov. 3, 2025, with over 30 Indian firms and defence officials to enhance industrial collaboration. The event focused on strengthening India’s defence manufacturing and establishing partnerships for upcoming programmes, featuring recognition of exemplary Indian suppliers and a commitment to deeper US-India strategic ties.

India USD 1 Billion Jet Engine Deal with American GE: Can It Finally Turbocharge the Tejas Fighter and Self-Reliance Dream?

India’s USD 1 billion deal with General Electric for 113 F404 jet engines marks a significant milestone for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program. It aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s fleet amid declining numbers and supports India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, signaling a strong shift towards domestic aerospace capabilities and broader military readiness.

India HAL Signs INR 6,000-Crore Deal with American GE for 113 F404 Engines to Power 97 Tejas Mk1A Fighters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a significant agreement with General Electric for 113 F404-GE-IN20 engines, enhancing India’s indigenous fighter jet program. This deal supports the production of 97 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A for the Indian Air Force, reinforcing defense cooperation and advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

India’s Medium Transport Aircraft Tender: What It Means for the Air Force and the Defence Industry

India is set to procure a new fleet of Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force, estimated at INR 70,000 crore. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in airlift capabilities, bolster domestic manufacturing, and enhance defense partnerships, while ensuring technology transfer and local assembly to support ‘Make in India’.

Airbus, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Sign agreement to Pioneer Waste-to-Sustainable Aviation Fuel R&D in India

Airbus and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya have signed a Joint Study Agreement to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from waste materials. This partnership aims to enhance India’s aviation decarbonisation and circular economy goals by leveraging GSV’s academic strengths and Airbus’ industry expertise, ultimately fostering local SAF production capabilities for India’s aviation sector.

Zuppa and Divide By Zero Join Forces to Bring 3D-Printed Drone Factories to the Frontlines of Defence

India’s Zuppa and Divide By Zero Technologies are partnering to create mobile rapid fabrication units for 3D printing and assembling drones at the frontlines. This initiative enhances defence self-reliance, allowing forces to manufacture drones on demand, increasing adaptability and effectiveness in real-time mission scenarios, and positioning India as a global leader in defense innovation.

How ISRO CMS-03 Launch Empowers a Combat-Ready Indian Navy to Monitor Chinese Ships in the Indian Ocean

On November 2, 2025, ISRO launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, enhancing India’s self-reliance in satellite technology. Weighing 4,410 kg, it improves military communication for the Indian Navy and boosts national connectivity. This milestone underscores India’s growing space capabilities, with ISRO planning further launches in the near future.

Adani Defence & Aerospace wins SIDM Champion Award 2025 for Kanpur Ammunition Complex

Adani Defence & Aerospace received the SIDM Champion Award 2025 for excellence in ammunition design and manufacturing. The award, presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, highlights the advanced capabilities of their 500-acre Ammunition Complex in Kanpur. CEO Ashish Rajvanshi emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense production and expanding its manufacturing ecosystem.

L&T, General Atomics Join Forces to Manufacture Advanced Combat Drones in India

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) have formed a strategic partnership to produce Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in India. The collaboration aims to fulfill Indian armed forces’ needs, enhance self-reliance, and significantly reduce import reliance through technology transfer and indigenous manufacturing.

Airbus Helicopters Hosts Safety Symposium to Strengthen India’s Rotorcraft Ecosystem

Airbus Helicopters hosted a symposium on October 30, 2025, in New Delhi to enhance flight safety in India’s rotorcraft sector. The event gathered aviation stakeholders to discuss best practices in accident prevention and safety management, featuring keynotes on proactive safety culture and a roadmap for future safety enhancements in helicopter operations.

Air India Transformation on Track Despite Turbulent Year, INR 4,000 Crore Hit from Pakistan Airspace Closure

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, at the Aviation India 2025 conference, reaffirmed the airline’s transformation goals amid significant challenges, including a tragic crash and operational disruptions. The closure of Pakistani airspace is estimated to cost INR 4,000 crore. Despite setbacks, he expressed optimism regarding Air India’s growth and improvements in service quality by 2026.

Tata Advanced Systems India, Safran France Open Aeroengine Rotating Parts Manufacturing Facility in Hyderabad

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines opened a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Hyderabad on October 28, 2025, dedicated to producing components for CFM LEAP aircraft engines. This development strengthens the India-France aerospace partnership, aligns with local manufacturing initiatives, and enhances India’s role in global aviation supply chains.

India HAL, Russia UAC to Jointly Manufacture SJ-100 Passenger Aircraft in India, MoU Comes Ahead of Putin Visit

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 27, 2025, to jointly manufacture the SJ-100 civil aircraft in India. This partnership aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in aviation, boost employment, and support short-haul connectivity through the UDAN scheme.

Safran’s USD 163 Million Hyderabad MRO Set to Power India’s LEAP into Global Aviation

Safran Aircraft Engines is set to open a USD 163 million MRO facility in Hyderabad by November 2025, enhancing India’s aviation maintenance capabilities. This facility will support LEAP engines, marking India’s transition to a global aviation hub. The growth of India’s commercial fleet presents significant opportunities for engine manufacturers like Safran.

India and China Reconnect: First Direct Flight in Five Years Marks Thaw in Relations

India and China have resumed direct air connectivity after more than five years, with IndiGo launching its inaugural flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou on October 26, 2025. This development follows discussions between leaders of both nations and aims to enhance trade and cultural exchanges, marking a gradual normalization of relations post-pandemic and border tensions.