India and Vietnam established a significant maritime partnership through a landmark agreement on submarine search and rescue support on November 10, 2025. This agreement, signed during the 15th Defence Policy Dialogue, enhances defence collaboration and strategic alignment amid rising regional tensions, particularly with China, while promoting technological cooperation and expanding joint initiatives in the Indo-Pacific.
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 held its 11th India Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru on Nov. 3, 2025, with over 30 Indian firms and defence officials to enhance industrial collaboration. The event focused on strengthening India’s defence manufacturing and establishing partnerships for upcoming programmes, featuring recognition of exemplary Indian suppliers and a commitment to deeper US-India strategic ties.
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’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will assess the performance of 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) on November 10, 2025, as part of a push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The review includes plans to double R&D investments, promote innovation, and enhance export capabilities to position DPSUs globally.
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 naval modernization is advancing rapidly, with a new indigenous warship or submarine joining the fleet every 40 days. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi outlined plans for over 200 domestically built vessels by 2035, emphasizing self-reliance, strategic partnerships, and technological integration in defense manufacturing.
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.
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.
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 Mumbai: Indian aerospace firm Max Aerospace & Aviation Limited is setting up an INR. 8,000 crore (~US$930 million) helicopter manufacturing facility in Nagpur, aiming to serve both the military and civilian sectors. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government in […]
