India’s defence production reached a record INR 151,000 crore (USD 17 billion) for 2024-25, driven mainly by state-run industries. Defence exports rose to INR 6,695 crore (USD 755 million). New initiatives and collaborations aim to enhance self-reliance and sustainability, positioning India as a future global defence manufacturing hub.
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.
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.
On October 18, 2025, India launched its first batch of BrahMos missiles from Lucknow, marking a key milestone in defense self-reliance. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the project’s alignment with the ‘Make in India’ vision, enhancing national security and creating jobs in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor.
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.
By A Correspondent Bengaluru (Karnataka): In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the first centre fuselage assembly for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A from Hyderabad-based VEM Technologies on May 30, 2025. India’s Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev […]
By N. C. Bipindra China dreams of turning the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA, into a “world-class” military by the end of 2049. Two out of every ten and seven of the top twenty-five of the world’s largest defense companies are from China. But does high volume necessarily […]
(Editor’s Note: The views are that of the author’s. For the writer’s other interests, read the credit line at the end of the article.) By Lt Gen Prakash Katoch. The United States identifies Russia as its top adversary. On Jul. 19, 2021, the Russian frigate ‘Admiral Gorshkov’, sailing […]
By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: Before signing the contract, they were unsure. After pocketing the deal, they are undecided. “We need some more time,” was the matter-of-factly reply from Indian defence manufacturer Tata Advanced Systems Limited‘s (TASL’s) managing director and chief executive officer Sukaran Singh to a […]
Bengaluru: India‘s Dynamatic Technologies Limited will be making the American Boeing Company‘s newest tactical fighter jet F-15EX Eagle II aerostructures at its facility in the southern city of Bengaluru. “Dynamatic Technologies has been awarded a contract for manufacturing assemblies for Boeing’s newest tactical fighter, F-15EX Eagle II. This […]
New Delhi: India‘s Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh today invited American companies to invest in the nation and contribute in making for the world from the Indian soil, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rajnath Singh said, at the 18th India-US Economic Summit organised by the Indo-American […]
New Delhi: The Indo-American joint venture, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), has recently delivered the 150th C-130J Super Hercules empennage from its manufacturing facility located at Adibatla in Hyderabad, marking a key milestone in the partnership that has contributed significantly to the Indian aerospace industry. The delivery […]
Jaisalmer (Rajasthan): In a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities, the first deliverable firing unit of Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) System was handed over to Indian Air Force (IAF) in the presence of Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh at Air Force Station here today. The […]
