In 2024, global arms sales hit USD 679 billion, but India and China’s defense industries diverged significantly. India saw its defense revenue rise 8.2% due to domestic orders, while China experienced a 10% decline due to corruption issues. This shift indicates India’s potential for greater global defense influence amidst China’s challenges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4-5, 2025, is significant amid shifting geopolitics and India’s strategic recalibration. The focus will be on defence cooperation, particularly concerning the S-400 air defence system. Both nations seek to adapt their partnership while addressing new challenges and pressures from the West.
India’s Ministry of Defence has signed two significant agreements with the US for long-term support of the Navy’s MH-60R helicopters, worth INR 7,995 crore. Over five years, the package enhances sustainment with spares, training, and local repair facilities, promoting self-reliance and operational readiness for anti-submarine and other critical missions.
India and Indonesia reinforced their defence and strategic partnership on November 27, 2025, focusing on Indo-Pacific security. Both nations pledged to enhance military collaboration, technology transfer, and maritime security. The dialogue, influenced by recent high-level visits, aims to address regional tensions and promote stability while deepening bilateral cooperation in various domains, including Scorpene submarine building.
In an interview, Dr. Vivek Lall of General Atomics discussed India’s MQ-9B programme, highlighting its role in enhancing ISR operations and industrial partnerships amid defense modernization. The USD 3-billion deal is underway, emphasizing “Make in India.” Opportunities in AI and cybersecurity signal deepening US-India defense collaboration, driven by technological advancements and local integration.
On November 26, 2025, India approved a INR 7,280-crore scheme to establish an integrated manufacturing ecosystem for sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). This initiative aims to enhance domestic production, reduce import reliance, and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, aligning with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitments while creating skilled jobs and boosting advanced manufacturing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
