India aims to bolster its aviation sector, projecting over 400 airports by 2047, with a focus on mass connectivity, sustainable fuel, and self-reliance in manufacturing, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi.
The Indian Air Force expects to receive five Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft by March 2026, with delays attributed to supply chain issues. HAL has overcome engine delivery challenges to meet this timeline.
A private operator’s Learjet 45 aircraft crashed on January 28, 2026, during landing at Baramati in Maharashtra, killing all the occupants, including the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
FLY91 has partnered with Timetooth Technologies to design and supply indigenous aircraft passenger seats, enhancing domestic aviation capabilities and supporting India’s self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing, according to a recent MoU signed.
The Indian Army has chosen Shield AI’s V-BAT unmanned aerial systems and Hivemind software for operations along its borders, enhancing military capabilities with autonomous technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
India and the EU signed a defence agreement on January 27, 2026, focusing on counter-terrorism and military collaboration, amidst rising tensions with China and global security challenges.
Dr. Sreoshi Sinha’s book ‘The Secret War’ examines global terrorism as a threat to civilization, emphasizing its moral implications and India’s response while addressing legal frameworks and humanitarian concerns.
A 2021 policy by India’s Ministry of Defence aims to boost simulator-based training in the armed forces, currently underutilized at less than 15%. Increased adoption is essential for cost efficiency and environmental benefits.
The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Suryadipta Projects to build three 200-tonne barges, enhancing indigenous shipbuilding, supporting MSMEs, and aligning with the Make in India initiative for self-reliance.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing. He highlighted the role of the private sector and reported significant growth in domestic production and defence exports. He flagged off a tranche of Pinaka rockets to Armenia and opened a medium calibre ammunition manufacturing plant of Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur.
The Indian Navy and Bharat Electronics Limited developed the Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software, enabling fully autonomous operations of warships, enhancing indigenous defense capabilities and supporting unmanned warfare at sea.
India plans to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, valued over Rs 3 lakh crore, with the proposal cleared by a defence panel. A contract could be finalized next month.
Bharat Forge Limited secured a INR 300-crore military contract to supply indigenous unmanned systems, enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence. The deal includes advanced drones designed for rapid deployment and modern warfare.
In this interview in New Delhi ahead of Army Day 2026, India’s Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi tells Defence Capital editor N. C. Bipindra about the lessons learnt from global conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, the continuing preparations to meet the growing challenges from China and Pakistan, the adoption of advanced technologies to increase firepower and combat potency, apart from his vision for a future-ready soldier and the army. Here are the excerpts:
The Indian Army is rapidly transforming its strategies and technologies, emphasizing drones, logistics, and integrated operations while enhancing counter-terror capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.
