IISc's Compact CO₂ Engine Promises Breakthrough In Sustainable Power Generation

The Indian Institute of Science has unveiled a breakthrough compact tandem cylinder reciprocating engine for CO₂-based power generation, offering a 100 kW output with a footprint ten times smaller than conventional systems and a technology readiness level of 6.

This innovation directly addresses the limitations of supercritical CO₂ turbomachinery at sub-megawatt scales, opening new opportunities for aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.

The problem with conventional supercritical CO₂ power-generation systems lies in their reliance on high-speed turbomachinery. At sub-megawatt scales, these systems demand turbine speeds between 60,000 and 1,00,000 rpm, which introduces rotor-dynamics challenges, sealing difficulties, and high manufacturing costs.

The complexity of precision components has limited commercial viability, particularly for decentralised and compact applications.

The innovation developed at IISc replaces turbomachinery with a reciprocating piston-cylinder arrangement. This compact tandem cylinder reciprocating engine integrates compression, expansion, and heat exchange within a single-cylinder design.

By adopting this approach, the system reduces operating speeds by nearly 90–95 per cent compared to conventional designs, while maintaining efficiency and scalability.

Performance parameters are notable. The engine generates more than 100 kW of power, achieves a round-trip efficiency of approximately 35 per cent, and occupies a footprint ten times smaller than traditional power blocks.

These attributes make it highly suitable for industrial waste-heat recovery and decentralised energy generation. The reduction in size and speed also enhances reliability and lowers maintenance requirements.

The technology readiness level has reached stage 6, indicating prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. This positions the engine close to commercial deployment, with opportunities for collaboration and licensing actively being sought. The IISc’s IPTel office is facilitating industry partnerships, with contact available through office.iptel@iisc.ac.in.

Relevant industries include aerospace, automotive, and energy. In aerospace, compact CO₂ engines can provide auxiliary power units with reduced weight and improved efficiency. In automotive applications, they can support hybrid systems and waste-heat recovery. In energy, they offer decentralised solutions for sub-megawatt generation and industrial waste-heat conversion.

The IISc team, led by Dr Pramod Kumar, has already filed patents internationally and domestically. The Indian patent was filed in December 2020, with subsequent filings in the United States and under PCT frameworks. The technology has been granted protection under US patent US12209553B2, published in January 2025, ensuring intellectual property security for commercialisation.

Supporting infrastructure at IISc includes a supercritical CO₂ test loop and high-speed turbomachinery rigs. The department has produced 154 publications, secured seven granted patents, and undertaken eight consultancy projects. Sixteen students are actively engaged in research, contributing to the development of sustainable energy technologies.

The broader context of supercritical CO₂ research highlights its potential as a replacement for steam in power plants. With properties combining the density of a liquid and the behaviour of a gas, sCO₂ enables compact, efficient power cycles.

India’s efforts, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, have already demonstrated indigenous sCO₂ power blocks. The reciprocating engine represents a critical step in overcoming the engineering challenges of turbomachinery at small scales.

This innovation aligns with global priorities in sustainability and energy efficiency. Industrial waste-heat recovery, which accounts for nearly 63 per cent of global primary energy consumption, can be significantly enhanced through compact CO₂ systems. By reducing dependence on water and lowering capital costs, the reciprocating engine contributes to climate-conscious energy solutions.

The commercialisation opportunity is significant. Industries seeking compact, efficient, and scalable power solutions can collaborate with IISc to integrate this technology. The invitation for licensing discussions underscores the readiness of the innovation for market adoption.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Luxembourg's Xavier Bettel’s India Visit To Boost Ties In Tech And Diplomacy

Luxembourg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Xavier Bettel will undertake a three-day official visit to India from 7 to 9 September. His program includes high-level engagements in New Delhi and Chennai.

Bettel will arrive in the national capital on Monday and is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House later in the day. This meeting will mark the first major engagement of his visit.

On Tuesday, Bettel will travel to Chennai where he will visit the IIT-Madras campus. He will also tour the IIT-Madras Research Park, which has become a hub for innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. Later, he will inaugurate a new SES campus, reflecting Luxembourg’s interest in expanding its footprint in India’s technology and education sectors.

The Deputy Prime Minister will depart India in the early hours of Wednesday, concluding his official program.

This visit follows Jaishankar’s engagement with Bettel in Luxembourg earlier this year. During that meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties and explored areas for greater collaboration, particularly in FinTech, space, and Artificial Intelligence.

Jaishankar highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and Luxembourg, noting that the two countries have enjoyed 78 years of diplomatic ties. He emphasised Luxembourg’s importance not only as a bilateral partner but also as a gateway to deeper engagement with the European Union.

The External Affairs Minister praised Bettel for his role in strengthening India-Luxembourg relations and for supporting closer India-EU ties. He acknowledged Bettel’s influence in shaping the larger relationship and his advocacy for deepening cooperation between India and the European Union.

Jaishankar also pointed to the scope for expanding bilateral cooperation beyond traditional trade. He stressed that emerging areas such as FinTech, space, the digital world, and Artificial Intelligence offer significant opportunities for productive collaboration.

India and Luxembourg established diplomatic relations in 1948 and have since maintained warm and friendly relations marked by mutual understanding and cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Luxembourg opened its Embassy in New Delhi in February 2002 and maintains honorary consuls in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore, underscoring its commitment to strengthening ties with India.

Bettel’s three-day visit, with engagements in both New Delhi and Chennai, is expected to reinforce the partnership and open new avenues for collaboration in technology, innovation, and strategic sectors.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

IIT-Madras Pulls-Off India's Biggest 6G Technological Breakthrough As Bharat Testbed Achieves Blazing 6.39 Gbps Speed

India has achieved a breakthrough in its 6G journey as IIT Madras researchers demonstrated an indigenous 6.39 Gbps data transmission speed on the Bharat 6G THz Testbed, Times Now reported on its Instagram handle.

This milestone strengthens India’s position in next-generation communication technology and highlights its growing deep-tech capabilities.

Researchers at IIT-Madras have successfully achieved a wireless data transmission rate of 6.39 Gbps using the Bharat 6G THz Testbed. This demonstration marks a significant step in the development and testing of terahertz communication technologies for future 6G networks.

The achievement underscores India’s growing expertise in advanced wireless communication and its push towards homegrown innovation in the 6G era.

The Bharat 6G THz Testbed operates in the terahertz spectrum, covering frequencies between 300 GHz and 10 THz. These frequencies lie between millimetre-wave and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Terahertz communication is attracting global research interest because it offers access to much wider bandwidths than existing wireless communication bands, enabling the transmission of substantially larger volumes of data at extremely high speeds.

At 6.39 Gbps, the demonstrated link was capable of transmitting 6.39 billion bits of data every second. While such speeds are currently being tested in controlled environments, they represent the potential of high-frequency links for applications requiring rapid data transfer.

Extended reality, advanced robotics, autonomous systems, and highly connected infrastructure are among the areas that could benefit from such high-capacity wireless links.

For example, immersive extended reality applications demand the rapid exchange of large amounts of visual and sensory data, while autonomous systems require minimal delays in communication.

The demonstration was carried out in collaboration with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) and supported by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF).

A key aspect of this achievement is the availability of an indigenous environment for developing and testing high-frequency wireless technologies in India.

The Bharat 6G THz Testbed allows researchers to evaluate communication systems under controlled conditions before integration into larger networks, helping to identify technical challenges and validate performance.

India’s broader Bharat 6G vision aims to position the country as a major contributor to next-generation communication technologies and global standards.

Commercial 6G deployments are expected around 2030, and India’s latest demonstration shows that the nation is already experimenting with technologies that could define the future of communication.

The leap from 5G to 6G is not just about faster mobile internet; it is about connecting more devices, processing vast amounts of data, and supporting technologies that demand near-instant communication.

This achievement also reflects India’s growing deep-tech ecosystem, where indigenous research and development are driving progress in telecommunications.

The success of IIT-Madras highlights the importance of building advanced testbeds and achieving high-speed transmission capabilities to lay the technological foundation for the 6G era.

It is a significant milestone for Indian deep-tech and telecommunications research, reinforcing the country’s ambition to lead in global communication innovation.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India’s GaN Avengers Aim To Transform Semiconductor Future

Agnit Semiconductors has emerged from the Indian Institute of Science’s Innovation Centre in Bangalore as the country’s first Gallium Nitride-based semiconductor company.

Founded by six scientists with over 120 research papers to their credit, the Start-Up is determined to rebrand India’s semiconductor industry by moving beyond traditional silicon.

Their vision is to build a globally relevant product within five years, specialising in the design and manufacturing of GaN-powered semiconductors.

The lab at IISc is equipped with advanced devices including a thermal chamber, semiconductor characterisation equipment and electrical test instruments.

This infrastructure reflects years of research and experimentation that have now begun to yield tangible results. Agnit’s founders believe India is not far behind in GaN technology and, with the right incentives and policies, can catch up with global leaders.

Countries such as China, the US, Germany and Taiwan are already established players in GaN semiconductors.

However, India’s National Semiconductor Mission 2.0, with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crores, provides a strong foundation for competition. Hareesh Chandrasekar, Agnit’s CEO, emphasises that government support must go beyond policy to include acting as customers for indigenous technology.

The team, dubbed the “magnificent seven,” includes five professors and two PhD scholars. Their expertise spans semiconductor device physics, photonics, fabrication processes and wide bandgap materials. Chandrasekar himself worked nearly a decade in the US as a silicon chip designer before returning to India to focus on GaN.

His co-founder Digbijoy Neelim Nath specialises in GaN transistors for power switching and radiofrequency applications. Other members include Madhusudan Atre, a theoretical physicist with decades of experience, Mayank Shrivastava from IIT-Bombay, Shankar Kumar Selvaraja from Ghent University, and Srinivasan Raghavan with deep expertise in fabrication. Muralidharan Rangarajan, a pioneer in materials sciences, was also a co-founder before his passing in 2024.

Their collaboration is marked by animated discussions and interdisciplinary synergy. Agnit’s journey began in 2015 with a proposal to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for a greenfield GaN foundry. In 2017, approvals were granted for a ₹3,000-crore facility to produce GaN chips, complementing IISc’s Centre for Nano Sciences and Engineering.

Gallium Nitride is a wide-bandgap semiconductor capable of operating at higher voltages, temperatures and frequencies than silicon.

Its advantages include reduced energy losses, lower heat generation and resilience under high electric fields. Applications range from fast chargers and electric vehicles to 5G systems and radars.

Defence remains the most strategic sector, with GaN enabling more efficient radars and communication systems. Agnit has already run five pilot projects for government and private strategic customers, with two products designed and manufactured in India.

These are intended for radars, jammers and radios, with hopes of scaling into commercial production.

India remains heavily dependent on imported semiconductors, with 90–95 per cent of requirements sourced from countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch report highlights the need for deeper integration into global value chains and a shift towards higher value-added activities. Chandrasekar argues that India need not be fully self-reliant but should focus on strategic areas where it can achieve world-class standards.

The founders stress that technology must prove itself beyond the lab by meeting customer demands for quality, timelines and scalability. Agnit’s mission is to answer these challenges and position India firmly on the global GaN map.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

DRDO And TIFR Hyderabad Collaborate On Femto-Tesla Atomic Magnetometer For Defence And Geophysical Applications

Agni-V takes off during a DRDO trial to validate MIRV capabilities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Young Scientists’ Laboratory for Quantum Technology (DYSL-QT) has entered into collaboration with the TATA Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Hyderabad to develop an ultra-sensitive atomic magnetometer, Alpha Defense reported.

This project is aimed at achieving femto-Tesla scale magnetic field detection, a level of precision that would mark a significant leap forward in quantum sensing capabilities for both advanced defence and geophysical applications.

The project seeks to upgrade sensitivity from the currently demonstrated room-temperature pico-Tesla scale in the 1–50 kHz range down to the femto-Tesla domain. This enhancement in sensitivity will allow detection of extremely weak magnetic fields, enabling applications in strategic defence systems where stealth and precision are paramount, as well as in geophysical mapping where subtle variations in the Earth’s magnetic field can reveal hidden structures and resources.

The magnetometer under development is designed to function as a dual DC/AC system, making it versatile for multiple operational environments. In defence, such a system could be deployed for submarine detection, navigation in GPS-denied environments, and surveillance of concealed metallic objects. In geophysics, it could be used for mineral exploration, archaeological surveys, and monitoring tectonic activity with unprecedented accuracy.

The core technology driving this initiative is based on optically pumped atomic vapours combined with laser diagnostics. By exploiting quantum states of atoms, the system can measure minute magnetic variations with extraordinary precision.

Optically pumped magnetometers operate by aligning atomic spins using laser light and then detecting their precession in response to external magnetic fields. This quantum-level interaction provides the foundation for ultra-sensitive detection, far surpassing conventional magnetometers.

The collaboration between DYSL-QT and TIFR Hyderabad represents a strategic effort to harness indigenous expertise in quantum technologies. TIFR brings deep academic and experimental knowledge in atomic physics and quantum optics, while DYSL-QT contributes defence-oriented research and application-driven development. Together, they aim to deliver a prototype that can be integrated into India’s defence and scientific infrastructure in the near future.

This project also aligns with India’s broader National Quantum Mission, where DRDO plays a pivotal role in advancing sovereign quantum technologies.

The femto-Tesla magnetometer initiative complements other ongoing efforts in quantum communication, quantum gyroscopes, and atomic clocks, reinforcing India’s ambition to establish leadership in next-generation quantum sensing and secure systems.

The successful development of this magnetometer will not only strengthen India’s defence capabilities but also open new frontiers in scientific exploration. By bridging fundamental research with applied defence technology, DYSL-QT and TIFR Hyderabad are laying the groundwork for innovations that will have far-reaching impact across multiple domains.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

IISc And DRDO Launch HybridNet To Detect Fake News Using Multimodal AI

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science and the Defence Research and Development Organisation have unveiled HybridNet, a multimodal framework designed to detect fake news by identifying mismatches between text and images.

The system represents a significant step in the fight against misinformation, particularly in an era where manipulated content spreads rapidly across digital platforms.

HybridNet’s core approach is to treat open-source Vision Language Models as reasoning tools rather than conventional classifiers.

This allows the framework to move beyond simple labelling and instead perform deeper logical checks on the consistency of multimodal content. By leveraging reasoning capabilities, the system can provide more reliable authenticity assessments.

The framework runs a three-stage consistency check. First, it examines image-text alignment to determine whether the visual content matches the accompanying narrative.

Second, it performs image-image comparisons to detect duplication, manipulation, or inconsistencies across visual datasets.

Third, it conducts text-text checks to identify contradictions or semantic mismatches within the written content itself. This layered approach ensures that HybridNet can capture subtle discrepancies that single-modality systems often miss.

HybridNet is designed to be lightweight. It distils observations into a compact classifier that generates clear, human-readable explanations alongside authenticity scores. This transparency is critical, as it allows analysts and end-users to understand why a particular piece of content has been flagged as suspicious, rather than relying on opaque machine outputs.

The system also incorporates active learning to reduce the burden of data annotation. By intelligently selecting which samples require labelling, HybridNet maintains high accuracy while using labels for less than half of the training data. This efficiency makes the framework more practical for large-scale deployment, where manual annotation is often a bottleneck.

Beyond its technical design, HybridNet reflects a broader push by IISc and DRDO to develop indigenous AI solutions for national security and information integrity. The framework is particularly relevant in the context of defence and strategic communication, where misinformation campaigns can have serious consequences.

By combining multimodal reasoning with efficient learning strategies, HybridNet positions itself as a robust tool against adversarial information operations.

This initiative also aligns with India’s wider focus on artificial intelligence for defence applications. DRDO has previously emphasised the importance of trusted indigenous AI systems, particularly in areas such as cyber defence and threat intelligence.

HybridNet complements these efforts by addressing the information warfare dimension, ensuring that fake news detection is not only accurate but also explainable and resource-efficient.

The project demonstrates how academic institutions and defence organisations can collaborate to tackle pressing technological challenges. IISc’s expertise in advanced AI research and DRDO’s focus on national security applications create a synergy that strengthens India’s capability to counter misinformation.

HybridNet is therefore not just a technical achievement but also a strategic milestone in safeguarding information ecosystems.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Chandigarh Scientists Develop Acoustic Anti-Drone System To Neutralise UAVs Without Bullets Or Lasers

Scientists at the Central Scientific Instruments Organisation have unveiled a new acoustic-based anti-drone system, Times of India reported.

The technology is designed to disable unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles in mid-air, at a time when India faces persistent threats from small, low-cost drones used for cross-border smuggling and other covert operations.

The system works by directing high-intensity sound waves at a drone’s internal balance sensors. This causes the drone to lose stability and potentially crash within seconds. The project has been funded by IHUB-NTIHAC, a technology innovation and cybersecurity hub established at IIT-Kanpur. Plans are now underway to move the technology towards commercial production and deployment.

The CSIO is actively seeking industrial partners with the technical expertise to transfer the technology into commercial manufacturing and marketing. This step is seen as crucial to scaling up the acoustic detector for widespread use.

Unlike conventional jammers that disrupt radio signals, the CSIO system targets the drone’s internal Micro-Electro-Mechanical System gyroscopes. These sensors measure rotational speed and angular velocity, enabling the drone’s flight computer to maintain balance.

By directing sound at these sensors, the system forces them to oscillate uncontrollably, generating false readings. The drone’s computer then attempts to correct movements that are not actually occurring, leading to instability, wobbling, drifting or tumbling from the sky.

Because the system interferes with the drone’s internal balance mechanism rather than its communication link, it can also disable fully automated UAVs that do not rely on remote-control signals. This makes it particularly effective against autonomous platforms.

India continues to face growing threats from drones used for smuggling narcotics, weapons and counterfeit currency across borders. The large-scale deployment of drones during Operation Sindoor last year highlighted the expanding role of unmanned platforms in modern warfare.

Rogue operators are increasingly adopting advanced methods such as encrypted communication, forged KYC-based SIM cards and GPS-enabled systems to evade detection.

Experts note that acoustic-based anti-drone systems are primarily intended for short-range detection, generally covering a few hundred metres. They are especially useful in urban or densely built environments where radar-based detection may be less effective. Such systems can provide an additional layer within a multi-tier air defence network.

An Air Force officer explained that acoustic systems are designed for point defence against micro and nano drones. They can complement radar and radio-frequency jammers, offering simple, effective and highly mobile protection. Acoustic sensors are capable of detecting different types of drones, making them versatile in varied operational scenarios.

However, acoustic counter-drone technology has limitations. Its detection range is restricted, and performance can decline in areas with high background noise.

Environmental conditions such as strong winds and unsuitable temperatures can also reduce effectiveness.

For this reason, acoustic systems are best used alongside other counter-drone technologies rather than as standalone solutions.

The CSIO technology includes a dual-action capability that protects authorised drones operating in the same airspace. Its attack and protection modules function independently and feature a modular design that can be integrated into existing commercial off-the-shelf hardware.

The organisation has already submitted an expression of interest to scale up the technology for commercialisation. It is now seeking industrial partners capable of taking the acoustic detector into production and marketing, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous counter-drone capabilities.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Thrustworks Dynetics Validates India’s First Resonance Ignition System With KeroLOX Hot-Fire Tests

Thrustworks Dynetics has achieved a landmark breakthrough by validating India’s first Resonance Ignition System through three consecutive KeroLOX hot-fire tests, positioning India among only three known entities worldwide to demonstrate this advanced architecture.

This milestone underscores the rapid rise of capital-efficient deep-tech innovation in India’s private space sector.

Thrustworks Dynetics, incubated at SINE-IIT-Bombay and operating from Pune, has successfully executed hot-fire trials that validated its Resonance Ignition System. This system replaces conventional heavy spark plugs and single-use pyrotechnic igniters with an acoustically controlled mechanism.

By leveraging combustion chamber geometry, it generates controlled acoustic shockwaves to initiate ignition. The design is notable for having zero moving parts, being driven entirely by internal propellant pressure, and enabling infinite restarts, even in vacuum conditions.

The tests were conducted using kerosene and liquid oxygen (KeroLOX) propellants at an operating pressure of 5.08 bar.g. This validation demonstrates the robustness of the system and its adaptability to modern propulsion requirements.

Restart capability is critical for orbital manoeuvres, satellite orbit corrections, and extended-duration missions, making this innovation strategically significant.

The ignition system is being integrated into ANYA, Thrustworks’ 3D-printed, 20 kN reusable semi-cryogenic engine platform. ANYA is designed as a modular propulsion unit, enabling rapid prototyping and scalable manufacturing.

Semi-cryogenic Rocket Engine: ANYA

Unlike other launch start-ups that aim to build complete rockets, Thrustworks positions itself as a B2B supplier, offering modular and scalable propulsion subsystems to reduce development timelines for larger launch vehicle manufacturers.

To support this rapid development, Thrustworks has created India’s first Mobile Rocket Engine Test Bed.

This infrastructure allows flexible, instrumented hot-fire campaigns across different sites, enhancing testing efficiency.

The company is also building an Integrated Rocket Facility to centralise design, 3D printing, and qualification under one roof, ensuring streamlined development cycles.

Founded in 2023 with ₹7 crore in seed funding, Thrustworks Dynetics has demonstrated how Indian start-ups can achieve complex hardware innovations at early-stage capital scale.

Globally, resonance-based ignition systems have typically required national space agency support, multi-million euro funding, and long development cycles.

By achieving this milestone independently, Thrustworks has positioned India as a credible player in advanced rocket ignition technologies.

The resonance ignition architecture is technically demanding due to combustion instability risks, geometric precision requirements, and acoustic wave coupling challenges. Its successful validation reflects the increasing capability of Indian start-ups to build advanced aerospace hardware domestically. The system also has potential dual-use applications beyond launch vehicles, including satellite reaction control systems, rocket-assisted take-off systems, and extended-burn propulsion for tactical aerospace platforms.

Thrustworks collaborates with ecosystem stakeholders such as ISRO, IN-SPACe, Bharat Forge, Godrej Aerospace, and INOXCVA. These partnerships are expected to accelerate the company’s progress toward higher Technology Readiness Levels through continued hot-fire validation and integrated engine testing. The milestone strengthens India’s long-term propulsion ecosystem and reduces dependence on foreign technologies.

This achievement marks a structural advancement in indigenous rocket ignition subsystem capability. By validating resonance-based ignition, Thrustworks Dynetics has placed India in an elite global club of propulsion innovators, reinforcing the country’s ambitions to emerge as a leading space power.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

Mumbai Start-Up Breaks Western Monopoly With Indigenous Missile Cooling Technology

A Mumbai-based start-up, Techno Defence Pvt Ltd, has successfully developed an indigenous Joule-Thomson (JT) Cooler for missile seekers, breaking a long-standing Western monopoly and opening up a high-value defence export market, Business Line reported.

The innovation, achieved with DRDO support, is now attracting international interest but remains subject to strict Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restrictions.

The breakthrough began with a chance meeting between IIT-Bombay alumnus Dr Pravin Salinkar and a DRDO lab director around 2017–2018. Salinkar, aged 75, accepted the challenge of developing a critical defence technology.

Alongside fellow IIT-Mumbai alumnus Sudarshan Saraf, he co-founded Techno Defence Pvt Ltd, assembling a small team of engineers and technicians, mostly women, to tackle the project.

By 2020, the team secured funding under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to design and build the JT Cooler. This miniature, lightweight, vibration-free device rapidly chills infrared sensors and focal plane arrays in missiles to cryogenic temperatures of approximately –196 °C.

Such cooling is essential because infrared seekers generate their own thermal energy at ambient temperatures, producing background noise known as dark current. This noise can overwhelm weak infrared signals from distant targets, causing the missile to lose track. The JT Cooler suppresses this internal noise, enabling precise target detection and tracking.

The JT Cooler is a strategic technology controlled under the MTCR and previously possessed only by countries such as the United States, France, and Israel. It is not required for missiles that rely on satellite navigation systems, but for infrared-guided seekers it is indispensable.

Techno Defence’s design differs from foreign models, relying on specialised production techniques and equipment developed in collaboration with small-scale and cottage industries. The assembly process demands skilled work under microscopes, pure materials, and clean environments, all subject to stringent quality controls to meet defence-grade reliability standards.

By 2023–24, the project was completed and handed over to DRDO for trials, which proved successful. The indigenous JT Cooler has now positioned India as a credible player in a niche but strategically vital defence technology domain.

The innovation has already attracted interest from foreign buyers, though exports require special permits due to MTCR restrictions. This marks a significant step in India’s defence self-reliance program, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty.

Techno Defence operates as a joint venture with Technocraft Industries (India) Limited, giving the project a strong industrial base.

The company has also collaborated with DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat, ensuring scientific depth and operational credibility. The JT Cooler joins a growing list of indigenous defence technologies that India is developing to meet both domestic needs and international demand.

The lean manufacturing success story highlights how a small team, leveraging local industries and innovative design, cracked one of the most complex engineering challenges in missile technology.

It demonstrates India’s ability to compete in high-value defence markets, while also showcasing the role of DRDO’s funding programs in nurturing private-sector innovation.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India Accelerates Naval Expansion With 200 Indigenous Warships And Future Technologies

India is accelerating its naval expansion with the ambitious goal of operating nearly 200 warships by 2035, a move driven by China’s growing Indo-Pacific presence and Pakistan’s modernising fleet.

The expansion is anchored in indigenous shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and enhanced by future technologies such as AI, unmanned systems, and network-centric warfare.

The Indian Navy is undergoing one of the largest fleet expansions in its history. Its long-term vision is to operate close to 200 warships and submarines, a significant increase from the current strength of around 150 vessels. This expansion is not only numerical but qualitative, focusing on stealth, firepower, and multi-domain readiness.

China’s naval dominance, with more than 370 warships including carriers and advanced submarines, has intensified India’s urgency. Pakistan’s acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines from China, equipped with air-independent propulsion for extended underwater endurance, further complicates India’s maritime security environment. These developments have compelled India to accelerate shipbuilding and commissioning cycles.

Recent inductions such as the Project 17A stealth frigates INS Mahendragiri and INS Dunagiri, along with shallow-water anti-submarine warfare crafts like INS Malvan and INS Anjadip, highlight India’s focus on both blue-water and coastal defence.

The Navy is commissioning a new warship or submarine every six weeks, with 15 vessels planned for induction in 2026 alone. This pace is unprecedented in Indian naval history.

Indigenous shipbuilding lies at the heart of this expansion. The Indian Naval Indigenisation Plan, launched in 2015, is structured around three pillars: float, move, and fight.

Over 90 per cent of hull systems and 60 per cent of propulsion systems are already indigenised, while combat systems are steadily progressing toward self-reliance. Collaboration with DRDO, IITs, private industry, and shipyards such as Mazagon Dock, Garden Reach, and Cochin Shipyard has created a robust ecosystem for naval production.

India’s submarine fleet is also being modernised under Project 75I and Project 77, which aim to deliver advanced conventional and nuclear-powered submarines.

These will complement surface combatants and aircraft carriers, ensuring persistent sea control and deterrence across the Indian Ocean. Maritime aviation, unmanned systems, and forward bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep are being integrated into this network-centric force structure.

Future technologies will play a decisive role. Artificial intelligence is being incorporated into combat management systems, enhancing threat detection and decision-making. Unmanned surface and underwater vehicles are being developed to extend surveillance and strike capabilities.

Network-centric warfare will allow distributed fleets to operate cohesively, maximising India’s geographic advantage in monitoring chokepoints and safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication.

India’s naval expansion also has a humanitarian dimension. As a regional first responder, the Navy has escorted hundreds of merchant vessels through high-risk zones such as the Red Sea and continues anti-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean. A larger fleet will strengthen India’s ability to project stability and provide disaster relief across the region.

Challenges remain, including reliance on imported specialised steel, fragmented supply chains, and technological gaps in sensors and propulsion. However, targeted investments, international collaboration, and a clear roadmap toward full self-reliance by 2047 are addressing these obstacles.

This expansion is not about matching China ship-for-ship but about building sufficient, networked combat power to secure India’s maritime interests. By 2035, India aims to field a balanced fleet of over 200 warships and submarines, capable of safeguarding trade routes, deterring adversaries, and asserting its role as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India Plans To Completely Replace Russian Avionics From Su-30MKI And MiG-29

India has formally launched the Sankalp‑2026 program to completely replace Russian avionics, radars, EW systems, and armaments on its Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29 fleets, marking a decisive shift towards technological sovereignty and reduced dependence on Russian suppliers.

The initiative prioritises 270 Sukhoi fighters and 70 MiG‑29s, with upgrades extending their service life until 2050.

The Indian Air Force has unveiled Sankalp‑2026 as a comprehensive roadmap to indigenise critical systems across its Russian‑origin combat fleet.

The program was initiated in response to sanction risks and supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, which exposed vulnerabilities in India’s reliance on imported spares and avionics.

The compendium highlights that the heaviest focus will remain on sustaining the Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29 fleets. Together, these aircraft form the backbone of India’s air combat capability, with the Navy also operating 40 MiG‑29K marine variants.

The roadmap calls for replacing Russian avionics, onboard electronics, radar stations, EW suites, navigation, and communication systems with indigenous alternatives.

A key priority is the integration of Indian Astra beyond‑visual‑range air‑to‑air missiles, reducing dependence on Russian weapons. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that under the Super Sukhoi program, 84 fighters will receive new AESA radars, upgraded EW and navigation systems, and compatibility with both Indian and Western armaments by the end of the year. This will extend the operational lifespan of the fleet until 2050.

Earlier plans in 2025 under the “Super‑30” program envisaged partial upgrades, including AESA radars, Astra missiles, and digital cockpits with localisation levels of up to 78 per cent.

At that stage, the focus was on achieving a “4.5+ generation” capability rather than a complete rejection of Russian solutions. 

By early 2026, reports suggested that Russian technologies such as AL‑41F‑1S engines would still be involved, alongside HAL contracts for AL‑31FB and RD‑33 engine production. However, the launch of Sankalp‑2026 signals a clear departure, extending sovereignty to avionics, EW systems, and armaments without Russian participation.

The program also addresses the domestically built TEJAS light fighter jet, emphasising full indigenisation of avionics and EW suites, most notably the integration of the Uttam AESA radar. This radar will significantly enhance Tejas’ combat capabilities and reduce reliance on imported systems.

To accelerate implementation, the IAF is exploring the “Plant‑in‑Plant” concept, allowing private industry partners to operate directly within secure Base Repair Depots.

This arrangement is designed to speed up indigenous repair, overhaul, and spare production. Nodal Technology Centres established at BRDs are already collaborating with IITs and DRDO, with nearly 300 projects underway to overcome supply chain issues for critical spares.

The Russia‑Ukraine conflict has severely disrupted traditional military logistics, causing scarcity of critical spares and escalating costs. This has forced the IAF to rethink its maintenance doctrines and prioritise indigenous production of high‑technology spares, particularly line replaceable units such as avionics, EW systems, and aero‑engine components.

The Sankalp‑2026 program therefore represents a strategic pivot. By removing Russian avionics and systems from its frontline fighters, India is not only safeguarding operational readiness but also advancing its long‑term goal of defence self‑reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

IIT-Gandhinagar Develops Indigenous High-Strength Aluminium Alloy To Replace Imports

Researchers at IIT-Gandhinagar have achieved a breakthrough by developing a computationally designed high-strength aluminium alloy that could significantly reduce India’s reliance on imported strategic materials, Economic Times reported.

This innovation is particularly important for defence and manufacturing sectors, where imported alloys such as AA6082 have long been used.

AA6082, a commercial aluminium alloy from the 6xxx series, is favoured for its strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability.

However, the addition of copper and zinc to enhance strength reduces its corrosion resistance, making components vulnerable to degradation over time. This has created a long-standing challenge for strategic infrastructure projects.

A PhD scholar at IITGN, Sagar Kumar Deb, has successfully developed a copper and zinc free alloy that surpasses AA6082 in strength while maintaining excellent ductility and superior corrosion resistance.

This makes it the first indigenous alternative for strategic applications without compromising durability. The alloy is expected to play a crucial role in reducing imports and strengthening India’s self-reliance in critical materials.

The prototype has already been validated under laboratory conditions. The next stage involves industrial-scale validation, beginning with cold-drawn tubes.

Following successful trials, the technology will be transferred to the Indian aluminium industry for commercialisation. A provisional Indian patent has already been filed, marking a step towards securing intellectual property rights for this innovation.

Professor Amit Arora, Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering at IITGN, emphasised that developing indigenous high-performance alloys is vital for strengthening India’s manufacturing ecosystem. He noted that such advancements reduce dependence on imports and enhance the country’s ability to meet strategic (Military) requirements domestically.

Speaking about the immediate goals, Sagar highlighted the importance of completing industrial-scale validation, securing the full patent, and ensuring smooth technology transfer to the aluminium industry.

His research has already gained international recognition, earning him the prestigious Larry Kaufman Scholarship 2026 awarded by CALPHAD Inc. This scholarship honours young researchers contributing significantly to computational materials thermodynamics, a field pioneered by Dr Larry Kaufman.

For Sagar, who hails from Tripura in Northeast India, the recognition carries personal significance. He expressed hope that his journey would inspire students from under-represented regions to pursue advanced scientific research despite resource and financial challenges. His achievement demonstrates how computational thermodynamics and materials design can deliver practical solutions to national challenges.

This development aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defence and strategic manufacturing.

By indigenously designing alloys that outperform imported counterparts, India strengthens its industrial base and secures critical supply chains against global disruptions. The alloy’s successful transition from laboratory to industry will mark a milestone in India’s technological and strategic autonomy.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India And China Explore Academic Cooperation During Foreign Secretary Misri’s Visit To CPC Party School

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Li Wentang, Vice President of the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China, during his official visit to Beijing.

The meeting centred on exploring opportunities for future cooperation and academic exchanges between India and China.

The Indian Embassy in China confirmed that Misri was briefed on the historical significance of the Central Party School, its intellectual contributions, and its academic programs. The institution has long been regarded as a key training ground for Chinese officials, shaping governance and policy frameworks.

In a statement shared on X, the Embassy noted that both sides discussed avenues for academic collaboration and exchanges, underscoring the importance of intellectual engagement in strengthening bilateral ties.

This meeting followed Misri’s earlier engagement with Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, where both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border areas.

The discussions reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and examined ways to advance the vision of the two leaders, who have emphasised that India and China should act as partners and development opportunities for each other.

The talks also explored mutually beneficial outcomes across trade, economic relations, cultural exchanges, and greater people-to-people engagement. Both sides reaffirmed that stability along the frontier remains essential for progress in other areas of cooperation.

On the same day, Misri met Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The dialogue focused on deepening the implementation of guidance provided by the leadership of both nations, with emphasis on political dialogue, academic cooperation, think-tank interactions, and people-to-people exchanges.

Additionally, Misri held discussions with Hong Liang, Deputy Secretary General of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

These talks concentrated on enhancing bilateral exchanges at the political and societal levels, reinforcing the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries.

The series of meetings highlighted New Delhi and Beijing’s continued diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations through dialogue and cooperation across multiple sectors. The emphasis on academic collaboration at the CPC Party School added a new dimension to the engagement, reflecting the role of intellectual and institutional exchanges in building long-term trust.

The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control, where both sides have sought to maintain calm and prevent escalation. The broader agenda of Misri’s visit demonstrates India and China’s intent to balance security concerns with constructive engagement in trade, culture, and academic fields.

ANI

Comments

Continue Reading

Indian Army And IIT-Madras Forge Strategic Partnership For Defence Innovation

IIT-Madras and the Indian Army have formalised a landmark partnership to accelerate defence research and indigenisation, combining operational expertise with advanced academic capabilities to strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical military technologies.

This collaboration will drive innovation through joint research programs, technology development, and the establishment of dedicated centres for defence engineering.

The Indian Army and IIT-Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding to reinforce India’s defence innovation ecosystem. The agreement was formalised by Major General Gudi and Professor Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director of IIT-Madras, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the armed forces and premier academic institutions. The initiative is designed to enhance research capabilities, build technical expertise, and promote indigenous solutions for defence applications.

Under this partnership, both sides will encourage cutting-edge research, knowledge exchange, and technology development in areas critical to defence preparedness.

The collaboration is expected to support the creation of innovative solutions while strengthening India’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology. This aligns directly with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, reducing dependence on foreign systems and fostering homegrown capabilities.

The Indian Army’s Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) has already partnered with IIT-Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation to establish a Nodal Indigenisation Centre at Avadi near Chennai. This centre is designed to leverage the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor as a hub for defence manufacturing and innovation. It will integrate academic expertise, industry capabilities, and military insights to bridge the gap between field requirements and advanced research.

The collaboration will focus on identifying problem statements from Army equipment and subsystems, co-developing indigenous technologies and prototypes, undertaking technical validation and field evaluation, and supporting productization for deployment.

IIT-Madras Pravartak, a Technology Innovation Hub under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, will play a central role in driving projects in critical domains such as sensing systems, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous technologies. Start-Ups and academic partners will also be engaged to expand the innovation ecosystem.

Senior officials have emphasised the significance of this initiative. Dr M J Shankar Raman, CEO of IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, highlighted that India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technologies requires strong synergy between the armed forces, academia, and innovation ecosystems.

Major General Lalit Kapoor, Commander of the Base Workshop Group (EME), noted that the collaboration will enhance operational readiness, upgrade legacy weapon platforms with advanced technologies, and develop niche capabilities for future roles, while significantly reducing dependence on external sources.

This partnership also reflects the growing role of academic institutions in India’s defence ecosystem. Universities and research centres are increasingly contributing to innovation, advanced engineering, and strategic technology development.

Such collaborations are expected to shape the future of India’s defence capabilities through research-driven solutions, ensuring that the armed forces remain equipped to meet emerging security challenges.

By combining the Indian Army’s operational expertise with IIT-Madras’ research strengths, the collaboration represents a decisive step toward building a robust framework for defence innovation. It strengthens India’s position in defence indigenisation, enhances technological sovereignty, and ensures that the country is better prepared to address evolving threats through indigenous, research-backed solutions.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading

India’s First Flying Taxi To Begin Commercial Services By 2028

India’s first flying taxi, developed by IIT-Madras-incubated ePlane Company, has unveiled its full-scale e200X prototype and is targeting certified flight trials by mid-2027, with commercial services expected to begin in 2028.

The first deployments will be air ambulances, followed by passenger transport, making short-range urban flights a reality within the next decade.

The ePlane Company has launched India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft prototype earlier this month. The aircraft, designated e200X PT-01, represents a major milestone in India’s advanced air mobility ambitions.

It is designed to carry one pilot and two passengers, or up to 200 kg of cargo, with an operational range of 100–110 km on a single charge. This makes it suitable for short-haul flights within cities and across nearby regions, directly addressing traffic congestion and limited ground infrastructure.

The unveiling took place at the company’s newly inaugurated 60,000 sq. ft. production facility in Chennai. The prototype follows five years of research and development, supported by more than 10,000 km of cumulative test flights conducted through earlier subscale platforms.

The aircraft is built using a carbon-fibre composite airframe and powered by an 800-volt battery-electric propulsion system. It incorporates the company’s patented Synergistic Lift architecture, which separates vertical lift and forward cruise propulsion to reduce mechanical complexity and improve efficiency.

The e200X has a compact footprint of 8 metres by 11 metres, making it one of the world’s most compact winged passenger eVTOL aircraft. Its design allows operations from existing urban infrastructure such as helipads and open spaces, with potential for rooftop operations in the future.

The company has already secured commitments for more than 800 aircraft, with a substantial portion intended for emergency medical transport applications.

The first commercial services are expected to begin with air ambulances in 2028. This strategic choice reflects the company’s focus on life-saving utility, aiming to cut critical medical transport times across India by up to seven times.

Passenger transport services will follow, expanding the scope of urban air mobility. The company’s vision is to revolutionise regional travel by offering faster, cleaner, and more sustainable alternatives to road transport.

The ePlane Company has integrated technologies from global partners including NVIDIA, HENSOLDT, and TATA Consultancy Services. NVIDIA’s IGX Thor platform powers onboard computing and digital twin simulations, HENSOLDT provides navigation and situational-awareness systems, and TCS contributes software for battery management and predictive fleet analytics. This collaboration ensures advanced safety, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance capabilities.

Founded in 2019, the company has raised $21.5 million from investors such as Speciale Invest, Antares Ventures, Naval Ravikant, Micelio Mobility, Java Capital, and Anicut Capital. Its board includes aviation industry veterans Aditya Ghosh and Eash Sundaram. With certification targeted for late 2027, the company is preparing for mass production and eventual commercial deployment.

India’s entry into the global eVTOL race places it alongside companies in the US, Europe, and China that are working to commercialise flying taxis.

The e200X project highlights the potential of electric aircraft to reshape mobility by reducing carbon emissions and offering cost-effective solutions for short-distance travel.

By 2028, India could see its first operational flying taxis, beginning with air ambulances and expanding to passenger services, marking a transformative step in the country’s urban transport landscape.

Agencies

Comments

Continue Reading