Belrise Industries partners with Israel’s Plasan Sasa to enhance India’s defence capabilities through the ATEMM platform, aiming for indigenisation under Make in India initiatives.
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.
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 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’.
At the India Defence Conclave 2025, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the importance of shared defence innovation and collaborations for enhancing India’s military capabilities against evolving threats. He highlighted moving from dependence to dominance through strategic partnerships, dual-use technologies, and civil-military fusion, asserting that operational efficiency is critical for future warfare.
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.
The introduction of the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category aimed to promote self-reliance in India’s defense sector. However, a decade later, urgency in procurement, spurred by mechanisms like Emergency Procurement, has diluted original intentions, favoring imports over innovation. Reforms are necessary to ensure genuine support for indigenous defense firms and maintain strategic autonomy.
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.
Lockheed Martin will host its 11th India Suppliers Conference on November 3, 2025, in Bengaluru, themed “Collaborate to Transform.” The event aims to integrate Indian firms into global supply chains, fostering innovation aligned with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. It will feature keynotes, B2B meetings, and recognition of suppliers, enhancing local defence capabilities.
The Indian government is considering granting “infrastructure” status to aircraft manufacturing to reduce imports and enhance domestic production. This initiative would attract foreign partnerships and stimulate investment through financial incentives. Notably, the Airbus-Tata collaboration on C295 aircraft represents a significant step in developing India’s aviation manufacturing capability, aligning with national growth aims.
The Indian Ministry of Defence has raised concerns about the Indian Air Force’s request for acquisition of 114 multi-role fighter aircraft, deeming it incomplete. Focused on self-reliance, the MoD demands most aircraft be made in India with higher indigenous content. Dassault must establish local facilities to secure the deal.
India is set to abandon plans for three additional French-origin Scorpene submarines as it focuses on the advanced Project-75I, which will involve the construction of six German-origin stealth submarines. This shift, influenced by technological advancements and production challenges, reflects India’s strategic military needs amid regional security threats.
India’s government is evaluating seven defense firms for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, aiming to develop a homegrown sixth-generation fighter jet. With various industry collaborations, the process will conclude in a month, initiating subsequent contracts. The first prototype is expected to fly in 2029, enhancing India’s air superiority amid regional threats.
India’s HAL facility in Nashik has shifted focus to indigenous military aviation, modernizing to produce the LCA Mk1A and HTT-40 trainers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked a historic milestone with the LCA’s first flight. While production capacity is set to increase, concerns remain over timely delivery and meeting IAF’s fighter requirements.
On October 18, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant in Lucknow as a major step towards India’s technological sovereignty in defence. The facility enhances self-reliance in strategic materials and is expected to boost employment and attract industries, marking a significant advancement in India’s defence capabilities.
