Two senior Indian Air Force instructors will train Royal Air Force fighter pilots in the UK, marking a unique military collaboration. Stationed at RAF Valley, they’ll instruct on the BAE Hawk T Mk2 jet trainer for three years starting post-October 2026, enhancing defense ties and interoperability between India and the UK.
The Netherlands has joined the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, enhancing its air power and defense ties. This partnership aims to develop unmanned aircraft to operate with F-35 jets, responding to security concerns amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and evolving hybrid warfare tactics in Europe.
India has successfully test-fired the Nag Mk II Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from its new Light Tank, marking a significant achievement towards self-reliance in defense technology. The missile hit a target five kilometers away, showcasing India’s advanced capabilities in armored warfare and readiness against threats along its western borders.
India plans to invest INR 65,400 crore (USD 7.44 billion) in fighter aircraft engines, aiming for self-reliance in aerospace. By 2035, approximately 1,100 engines will be needed, reducing foreign dependence. Collaboration with international firms for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and an emphasis on domestic capabilities will support this initiative.
The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps has partnered with six defence companies to create New Generation Vehicle Repair Hubs in Ladakh, enhancing military logistics and operational readiness. These hubs will enable on-site maintenance, reducing downtime and fostering self-reliance in defence logistics, while empowering local employment and skill development.
Bengaluru-based Globals unveiled its Maritime Cyber Situational Awareness Platform, MarCAP, at a cybersecurity seminar organized by the Indian Navy in New Delhi. The platform, designed to enhance cyber awareness and protect ship systems, addresses the rising maritime cyber threats. Key officials stressed the importance of resilience in digitally connected maritime environments.
Embraer Defense & Security and India’s Mahindra Group have signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement to enhance the C-390 Millennium for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft program. This partnership aims to localize production and establish India as a regional manufacturing hub, reflecting a commitment to self-reliance and enhancing defense capabilities.
India is advancing towards replacing its MiG-21 fleet by launching the Tejas Mk1A, domestically developed Light Combat Aircraft, on October 17, 2025. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defense, targeting increased production and exports while incorporating private industry into the supply chain, enhancing capability and efficiency.
The Indian Army has signed a INR 130.58-crore contract with JBM Auto Limited for 113 electric buses and 43 fast chargers, marking a significant move towards sustainable mobility. This initiative, part of the Prime Minister’s e-Drive, will reduce fossil fuel reliance and support India’s ‘Net Zero’ goals, enhancing the Army’s logistic efficiency.
Naval Group France and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited have renewed their MoU to enhance collaboration on exporting Scorpene-class submarines, reaffirming the Indo-French partnership in naval technology. Signed on October 16, 2025, the agreement supports India’s defense manufacturing ambitions, promoting self-reliance and innovation while positioning India as a global submarine hub.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has laid the keel for a new Acoustic Research Ship (ARS) for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This cutting-edge vessel will enhance India’s underwater research capabilities, supporting acoustic studies and oceanographic data collection, with advanced operational features and a 30-day endurance.
The Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard conducted their inaugural joint scuba diving expedition, “Forging Bonds Beneath the Waves,” from October 8, 2025, off Maharashtra’s Vijaydurg coast. The initiative, involving 20 divers, aimed to enhance cooperation, operational coordination, and marine conservation, showcasing the unity and teamwork between India’s air and maritime forces.
On October 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an Advanced Night Vision products factory in Nimmaluru, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of INR 360 crore. This facility aims to enhance India’s defense production capabilities, create skilled employment, and solidify self-reliance by manufacturing vital electro-optical systems for the armed forces.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity in India’s maritime operations at a seminar on October 16, 2025. He highlighted the vulnerabilities posed by digital systems and cited recent cyberattacks affecting global shipping. Tripathi urged that cybersecurity must be integral from the design stage to ensure national and economic security.
On October 16, 2025, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the nation’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities, setting ambitious targets for production and exports by 2029. He emphasized the importance of youth, innovation, and technology, particularly AI, in achieving these goals, and inaugurated the School of Defence and Aerospace Technology for advanced skill development.
