India’s Ministry of Defence signed a INR 2,312 crore contract with HAL for eight Dornier 228 aircraft, enhancing the Coast Guard’s capabilities and promoting indigenous defense manufacturing.
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.
On December 30, 2025, India’s Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth INR 4,666 crore for CQB carbines and heavyweight torpedoes, enhancing military capabilities and supporting domestic manufacturing initiatives.
The Defence Acquisition Council of India has approved capital acquisitions worth INR 79,000 crore to enhance military capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing self-reliance and modernisation.
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.
Thales has awarded a contract to SFO Technologies for producing components of the RBE2 AESA radar for India’s Rafale fighter jets, enhancing “Make in India” and defence self-reliance. This collaboration strengthens local manufacturing capabilities and supports India’s role as a hub for advanced defence technologies, reflecting a commitment to strategic autonomy.
Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Lockheed Martin have begun construction on a cutting-edge MRO facility for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet in Bengaluru. Set to enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness, it will offer comprehensive maintenance services and boost India’s aerospace capabilities. The facility signifies significant US-India defense collaboration and innovation opportunities.
In an interview, Dr. Vivek Lall of General Atomics discussed India’s MQ-9B programme, highlighting its role in enhancing ISR operations and industrial partnerships amid defense modernization. The USD 3-billion deal is underway, emphasizing “Make in India.” Opportunities in AI and cybersecurity signal deepening US-India defense collaboration, driven by technological advancements and local integration.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics & Defense have signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement to manufacture the HAMMER precision-guided weapon system in India, enhancing the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The 50:50 joint venture will focus on indigenization, with BEL leading assembly and support, boosting India’s strategic autonomy in advanced munitions.
India’s shipbuilding industry marked a significant milestone on November 24, 2025, with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, it features over 80% indigenous content and enhances India’s naval capabilities amid regional tensions, symbolizing the nation’s shift toward self-reliance in defense.
India has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro to procure BvS10 ‘Sindhu’ armoured vehicles, enhancing its high-altitude mobility and combat capabilities. Produced in partnership with BAE Systems at L&T’s Hazira facility, these vehicles will support operations in extreme terrains, bolstering the Indian Army’s readiness in strategic regions.
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.
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.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred 12 technology licensing agreements to industry partners during SAMANVAY 2025 in Bengaluru. This initiative, part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ program, focuses on collaboration in defence technologies, enhancing India’s self-reliance in manufacturing and fostering innovation among industries and start-ups.
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.
