TCS has been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by BEL and is set to revolutionalise the tactical communications of Strike Formations by provisioning High Speed 5G based info links
TCS has been indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by BEL and is set to revolutionalise the tactical communications of Strike Formations by provisioning High Speed 5G based info links
Exclusive: Top Indian arms makers held rare meetings in Russia on potential joint ventures, sources say
At least half a dozen executives from top Indian arms makers, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge , attended rare meetings in Russia this year to discuss potential joint ventures, three people familiar with the matter said.The meetings took place during the first visit of India's defence business leaders to Russia since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The visit by the defence business leaders had not previously been reported. The Indian government is seeking to re-orient its decades-old defence ties with Russia to focus on joint development of weapons.
Any potential collaboration with Russia risks setting back plans by Indian defence firms to jointly develop Western arms as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push to make India, one of the world's biggest arms importers, a global manufacturing hub.
Western diplomats have previously said that a key obstacle to the transfer of sensitive military technology to India is its defence ties with Russia and the vast amount of Russian-origin arms used by the Indian military, totalling about 36%.
The talks in Moscow were held on the sidelines of a visit by an Indian defence-industrial delegation on October 29-30, headed by India's Defence Production Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, that was aimed at laying the ground for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India on December 4-5.
A spokesperson for Adani Group denied that executives from any of its firms attended the meetings. India's defence ministry and the other firms cited by the sources did not respond to requests for comment.
JOINT PRODUCTION IN INDIA
The meetings discussed the potential for manufacturing of spares for Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jet, and other Russian-origin air defence and weapon systems, as well as a Russian proposal to set up production units in India for development of equipment that could potentially also be exported to Moscow, said two of the sources and another industry executive.They spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter.
Russia has been India's top arms supplier for decades, and during Putin's visit the two sides said they had agreed to reorient their partnership "to joint research and development, co-development and co-production of advanced defence technology and systems" to support India's self-reliance in defence.
INDIAN EXECUTIVES IN MOSCOW
A broad delegation of representatives from defence units of Indian conglomerates, state-owned firms, as well as startups involved in the development of drones and artificial intelligence for military use attended the meetings, the sources said.An executive at engineering conglomerate Kalyani Group's Bharat Forge, which makes components for missiles and artillery guns, attended the meetings as part of efforts to source or jointly develop components for Russian-origin tanks and aircraft as well as to explore potential future collaboration on helicopters, two of the sources said.
Adani Defence and Aerospace, a unit of billionaire Gautam Adani's apples-to-airports conglomerate Adani Group, was represented by its Chief Executive Ashish Rajvanshi, the sources said.
Also attending was an executive from the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers advisory group that lists more than 500 arms and military equipment makers as its members, including the defence arms of conglomerates Tata Sons, Larsen & Toubro, and state-owned firms such as Bharat Electronics
SANCTIONS RISK
Reuters reported in 2024 that a Bharat Forge subsidiary was among the three Indian firms that exported artillery shells to Europe, some of which were later diverted to Ukraine, resulting in a diplomatic protest from Moscow.Indian firms, however, would be hesitant about striking new deals with Russia due to the risk of secondary sanctions, an Indian executive said.
While India can use diplomatic outreach and lobbying to offer some protection from sanctions, an Indian defence official said the firms would have to factor in the political risks themselves.
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This is with reference to the Reuters news article titled "Top Indian arms makers held rare meetings in Russia on potential joint ventures". We unequivocally deny any representation or participation in the meetings referenced in the article. No individual representing Bharat Forge or any Kalyani group company has travelled to Russia since 2021.
Airport + DRDO + AMCA fighter jet factory + NETRA surveillance hub + high-tech industries.
Astra Microwave Products Ltd has received an order for procurement of 06 (Six) Nos. of Klystron-based S-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) along with associated systems including AWS and Disdrometers with 03 years warranty followed by 07 years CAMC for a total consideration of Rs.171.38 crores
Astra Microwave Products Ltd has received an order for Supply of Modules, Cable Assemblies and Antenna for SDR for a total consideration of Rs.124 crores inclusive of all applicable taxes from Astra Rafael Comsys Private Limited (Joint Venture company)
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has secured additional orders worth Rs. 776 Cr. since the last disclosure on 14" Nov 2025. Major orders received include indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial System (SAKSHAM), Software Defined Radios, Anti Drone Systems, communication equipment, medical electronics, gun control systems, weapon control systems, security software, avionics, masts, components, upgrades, spares, services etc.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has secured additional orders worth Rs. 776 Cr. since the last disclosure on 14" Nov 2025. Major orders received include indigenous Counter Unmanned Aerial System (SAKSHAM), Software Defined Radios, Anti Drone Systems, communication equipment, medical electronics, gun control systems, weapon control systems, security software, avionics, masts, components, upgrades, spares, services etc.
India is an aerospace giant on paper, importer in practice—what China did right and we didn't
For decades, India’s defence industry has churned out ‘indigenous’ hardware. Much of it is mere assembly of imported kits or licensed production, masking a deep import dependence.
theprint.in
India is an aerospace giant on paper, importer in practice—what China did right and we didn't
For decades, India’s defence industry has churned out ‘indigenous’ hardware. Much of it is mere assembly of imported kits or licensed production, masking a deep import dependence.
It is not just the Failure of Defence Ministry or Defence Industry
It is the Cumulative Effective of Our Economic development and Ecomomic policies
All our Focus post 1991 economic meltdown was in Earning FOREX
This led to the focus on IT sector, Services sector and a Massive Migration of Talented Manower
There were only 3 areas where we wanted Self Reliance ie Space , Missiles and Nuclear Weapons including Submarines
So today we are successfull in these areas
Groundwork starts for second Nicobar airfield close to key China route - The Tribune
India has formally begun process of constructing 2nd airfield on strategically located Great Nicobar Island, country’s southernmost territory.
India has formally begun the process of constructing a second airfield on the strategically located Great Nicobar Island, the country’s southernmost territory overlooking the Strait of Malacca, a crucial shipping route to China and the Far East.
The proposed airfield will come up at Chingen, adjoining Galathea Bay on Great Nicobar, which is part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. The location lies 150 km north-west of Banda Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia.
Though the project is being overseen by the AAI, the facility will be open for use by naval planes, UAVs and also the Indian Air Force. Sources said it would function as a dual-use facility on the lines of the airports in Chandigarh, Dabolim (Goa), Pune, Leh and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair).
Indian firm unveils Vrishabh UGV
Indian firm Bhairav Robotics has developed a multi-purpose 4×4 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called the Vrishabh combat all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
www.janes.com
Indian firm Bhairav Robotics has developed a multi-purpose 4×4 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) called the Vrishabh combat all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
A company spokesperson said on 13 December that the modular Vrishabh combat ATV features two-axis stabilisation and is capable of performing a range of missions including combat; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; casualty evacuation; and logistical support.
“It [Vrishabh] is designed for harsh plains and desert terrain, where stability, speed, and precision determine survivability,” the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, the company is presently testing the feasibility of modules such as payload integration, control, and autonomy on the Vrishabh ATV. The vehicle is scheduled to undergo field trials with the Indian Armed Forces in 2026, the spokesperson added.
The company is also developing a version of the UGV for mountainous regions. “A higher torque version of Vrishabh optimised for operating in mountainous regions is planned for 2027,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also confirmed that the company's intent positions the baseline Vrishabh UGV for participation in future tenders for unmanned combat vehicle programmes initiated by the Indian Armed Forces. “We anticipate such requirements in 2026,” the spokesperson said.
According to the spokesperson, the Vrishabh combat ATV has a maximum speed of over 50 km/h and an operational range of more than 100 km, and is equipped with a 16 kWh battery pack. The ATV can carry a payload of at least 150 kg.
The Vrishabh ATV is capable of integrating several weapon payloads such as the company's Rakshak remote-control weapon system (RCWS), medium machine gun, light machine gun, AGS-30 grenade launcher, and NSV 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
This is somewhat similar to SBIR to develop deep tech.
Small Business Innovation Research - Wikipedia
IOL signs collaboration agreement with SAFRAN to manufacture two high-precision, combat-proven systems in India
Posted On: 22 DEC 2025 3:55PM by PIB DelhiIn a major milestone in the Make-in-India program envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for Transfer of Production of two high-precision, combat-proven systems, paving the way for their local manufacturing. The systems are: SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, designed for artillery guns and anti-drone systems.
The agreement was signed by CMD, IOL Shri Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics & Defense Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar in New Delhi on December 22, 2025.
Building on the MoU signed in January 2024, this new agreement confirms the commitment of both the partners to manufacture and support these advanced systems in India. Under the partnership, IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support, ensuring the systems meet the operational needs of the Indian Army. By combining IOL’s industrial capabilities in India with Safran Electronics & Defense’s recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the partnership contributes to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the readiness and performance of its land forces.
If they are offering TOT then it means our indigenous systems are now matured.IOL signs collaboration agreement with SAFRAN to manufacture two high-precision, combat-proven systems in India
Posted On: 22 DEC 2025 3:55PM by PIB Delhi
In a major milestone in the Make-in-India program envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for Transfer of Production of two high-precision, combat-proven systems, paving the way for their local manufacturing. The systems are: SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars; and CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, designed for artillery guns and anti-drone systems.
The agreement was signed by CMD, IOL Shri Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics & Defense Mr Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar in New Delhi on December 22, 2025.
Building on the MoU signed in January 2024, this new agreement confirms the commitment of both the partners to manufacture and support these advanced systems in India. Under the partnership, IOL will be responsible for manufacturing, final assembly, testing, quality control and full life-cycle support, ensuring the systems meet the operational needs of the Indian Army. By combining IOL’s industrial capabilities in India with Safran Electronics & Defense’s recognised expertise in high-end inertial navigation and fire-control technologies, the partnership contributes to strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while enhancing the readiness and performance of its land forces.
We must not fall into this trap to derail our own systems.
