The Indian Ministry of Defence is procuring 30 advanced Low-Level Light-Weight Radars to enhance low-altitude air defense against aerial threats, improving surveillance capabilities along sensitive borders while promoting indigenous manufacturing.
The Ministry of Defence reported significant progress in the ‘Year of Reforms 2025’, focusing on enhancing India’s defence, jointness among forces, self-reliance, and veteran welfare through various modernization initiatives.
India Optel Limited has partnered with France’s Safran Electronics and Defence to manufacture two advanced defence systems in India, enhancing the Make-in-India initiative. The agreement, signed on December 22, 2025, emphasizes domestic production of the SIGMA 30N navigation system and CM3-MR sight, improving India’s defence capabilities and reducing import reliance.
India’s USD 1 billion deal with General Electric for 113 F404 jet engines marks a significant milestone for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft program. It aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s fleet amid declining numbers and supports India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing, signaling a strong shift towards domestic aerospace capabilities and broader military readiness.
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.
Zen Technologies Limited is advancing in India’s defence ecosystem, shifting from training simulators to a comprehensive defence tech innovator. With strategic acquisitions and an aggressive patenting approach, it aims to build proprietary technology and enhance its market stance, aligning with government initiatives like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ to bolster indigenous defence capabilities.
