Army Chief’s Russia Visit Puts Spare Parts, Air Defence, BMP-3 And Future Tanks In Spotlight

Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth’s visit to Russia marks a pivotal moment in India-Russia defence ties, with discussions centred on spare parts, air defence systems, BMP-3 infantry vehicles, and future battle tanks, The Print reported.

The trip is the first by an Indian Army chief in six years and comes amid Moscow’s push for deeper collaboration in joint production and technology transfer.

Gen Dhiraj Seth will meet Russian Army Chief Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev and other senior military officials. His agenda includes upgradation of Russian-origin weapons systems, securing spare parts and supplies, and evaluating new platforms being offered by Moscow.

This visit is strategically significant as nearly the entire Armoured Corps and Mechanised Infantry of the Indian Army are built around Russian-origin systems.

The availability of spare parts for Russian-origin equipment remains a pressing issue. From assault rifles and armoured personnel carriers to tanks, rocket launchers, and air defence systems, Russian-origin platforms are deeply embedded in the Indian Army. Ensuring sustained supply chains is critical for operational readiness.

Russia has offered several new systems to India. Among them is the Pantsir-S1M, an upgraded short-range mobile air defence system. The Indian Army is already pursuing the Carrier Air Defence Tracked (CADET) program, with at least 50 percent indigenous content, to protect mechanised columns across varied terrains up to 5,000 metres altitude.

The Pantsir system, combining surface-to-air missiles with twin 30-mm cannons, is designed to defend critical assets against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and precision-guided weapons.

India had previously considered the Pantsir in 2013 but opted for South Korea’s Hybrid Biho, though the deal collapsed over indigenous content requirements.

Another major Russian proposal is the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle. India has thousands of BMP-2s built under licence, forming the backbone of its Mechanised Infantry. While the Army is pursuing an indigenous program to modernise the BMP-2 fleet, Russia’s BMP-3 offer coincides with India’s Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) project, raising questions about whether India will opt for indigenous modernisation or consider Russian alternatives.

Russia is also pushing proposals for a new-generation main battle tank. India’s Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program aims to replace ageing T-72 and T-90 fleets. Moscow could offer its advanced T-14 Armata or propose joint development tailored to India’s requirements. This aligns with Russia’s broader pitch to move beyond a buyer-seller model towards joint production and technology transfer, as seen in the BrahMos missile program.

India continues to sustain Russian-origin systems. In March, it signed a ₹445 crore contract for upgrades to Tunguska air defence missile systems. This reflects India’s pragmatic approach of balancing indigenous development with Russian support to maintain operational capability.

The visit also comes against the backdrop of President Vladimir Putin’s confirmed participation in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi from 12–13 September 2026.

Russia has been actively pushing defence proposals, including additional S-400 systems, Su-57 joint production, and submarine technologies. Moscow is keen to expand partnerships with Indian private defence companies, moving beyond traditional state-run collaborations.

This visit by Gen Seth is expected to reinforce India-Russia defence cooperation, particularly in land-force modernisation, while also testing the balance between indigenous programs and Russian offers.

Agencies

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Government Officially Designates Indigenous Kaveri Dry Engine To Power India’s UCAVs

India’s indigenous Kaveri Dry Engine has now been firmly designated as the power plant for the country’s Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs), with manufacturing underway through Indian Industry Partners.

This marks a decisive step towards aerospace self‑reliance, as the engine moves into advanced testing and certification phases.

The Kaveri Dry Engine is a non‑afterburning aero engine specifically optimised for UCAV applications. It incorporates an indigenously designed high‑inlet‑distortion‑tolerant fan, a fuel‑control system, an autonomous engine‑control system, and a short jet pipe. These features are crucial for stealth operations, reducing infrared signatures and ensuring reliable thrust control during combat missions.

The Ministry of Defence Annual Report 2025–26 confirmed that the First Engine to Test was integrated in July 2025. Performance and operability testing in the uninstalled condition has been successfully completed. The engine is now undergoing a rebuild for installed‑condition demonstrations, including the staircase test, which validates thrust response across incremental power settings.

Manufacturing of engine modules through Indian Industry Partners is progressing steadily. Companies such as Godrej & Boyce are engaged in precision assembly, marking a shift from purely state‑run research to industrial‑scale production. This collaboration accelerates timelines for certification tests and strengthens India’s defence‑industrial base.

The Gas Turbine Research Establishment has introduced advanced compressors, turbine blades, and stealth‑oriented coatings into the derivative design. The Dry Kaveri variant delivers around 49–52 kN thrust, tailored for unmanned combat aerial vehicles such as the Ghatak UCAV.

Trials have included unrestricted throttle capability tests and Accelerated Simulated Endurance Mission Tests, replicating loiter‑strike‑loiter cycles, rapid throttle changes, and thermal cycling. These validated durability, fuel efficiency, and stealth performance.

By late 2025, the first production‑standard Dry Kaveri (D1) was handed over for baseline validation. Subsequent variants have undergone 150‑hour endurance and altitude trials. Over 140 hours of cumulative testing have been completed, including 70 hours of ground runs in Bangalore and 75 hours of airborne trials in Russia. Certification is targeted for 2026, subject to Cabinet Committee on Security clearance for the Ghatak UCAV.

The Ghatak UCAV, powered by the Kaveri Dry Engine, is expected to cruise near Mach 0.9, operate at altitudes up to 40,000 feet, and carry precision‑guided munitions over ranges exceeding 1,000 kilometres. Its endurance of about two hours on internal fuel makes it suitable for deep‑penetration missions. The absence of an afterburner reduces weight and infrared visibility, enhancing survivability in contested airspace.

The National Aero Engine Test Complex in Karnataka is being readied to support indigenous validation. This facility will reduce reliance on foreign centres and allow parallel endurance trials.

The experience gained from the Kaveri program has strengthened India’s expertise in engine integration, endurance testing, and material science, paving the way for future indigenous fighter engines such as Kaveri 2.0 and propulsion systems for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

India’s indigenous combat‑drone engine journey is therefore entering a crucial phase. The combination of domestic innovation, private‑sector partnerships, and international testing collaborations underscores a turning point in India’s aerospace self‑reliance.

Ministry of Defence GoI

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Denied Access, India Built Its Own: The Story Behind Dr Meena Mishra Who Developed GaN Chip For Next-Gen Defence Platforms

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has achieved a landmark breakthrough in semiconductor technology with the successful development of indigenous Gallium Nitride-based Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit technology for high-frequency defence systems, Economic Times reported.

At the centre of this achievement is Dr Meena Mishra, director of the Solid State Physics Laboratory, who has led the team that built this capability despite the technology being denied to India by other countries.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted the achievement in its annual report for 2025–26, noting that the indigenous GaN technology can support next-generation radar, electronic warfare, communications, and unmanned platforms.

A single chip measuring just 3.5 mm by 3 mm can deliver up to 30 watts of power while operating at speeds up to 300 times faster than silicon, making it a decisive leap in India’s semiconductor capability for defence.

Gallium Nitride is a semiconductor material suited to applications where electronics must operate at high frequencies and handle significant power. These characteristics are vital for systems that generate, amplify, receive, and control high-frequency signals, including radar transmitters, electronic warfare equipment, and communications systems.

GaN components are particularly relevant to active electronically scanned array radars, electronic warfare jammers, and other military systems where compact, high-performance electronics are essential.

In defence systems, GaN semiconductor components manage high-frequency electrical signals. In AESA radars, transmit and receive modules allow electronic beam control without mechanical movement.

GaN-based components enable higher-power signals, improved efficiency, and reduced size and weight. The same technology is used in electronic warfare systems to detect, interfere with, or respond to adversary signals.

The Solid State Physics Laboratory has developed indigenous processes for producing four-inch silicon carbide wafers and fabricating GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors.

These have been rated up to 150 watts, while MMICs have been rated up to 40 watts for X-band applications. Limited production capability for GaN-on-SiC MMICs has been established at the Gallium Arsenide Enabling Technology Centre in Hyderabad.

The Ministry of Defence has emphasised that GaN and silicon carbide technology provides improved efficiency, reduced size and weight, and enhanced performance for future combat systems, radars, electronic warfare equipment, and communications.

Applications extend across fighter aircraft, naval vessels, ground-based air-defence systems, missiles, drones, and other unmanned platforms. Beyond defence, multifunctional MMICs have applications in strategic systems, space, aerospace, 5G, and satellite communications.

The significance of this development lies in its strategic independence. GaN technology is considered sensitive, and exports are restricted by several countries. India had previously relied on imports for most GaN components, creating vulnerabilities in defence supply chains. Indigenous capability ensures that Indian defence platforms are no longer dependent on overseas suppliers for critical semiconductor components.

The Innovations for Defence Excellence program has supported this effort. In December 2023, the Ministry signed a contract with Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited to design and develop advanced GaN components for next-generation wireless transmitters used in radars and electronic warfare jammers. This reflects the growing role of Indian Start-Ups in strengthening the country’s defence technology base.

India’s entry into the GaN technology club places it among a select group of nations with indigenous capabilities in advanced semiconductor technology for defence.

The achievement led by Dr Meena Mishra and her team at SSPL is not only a scientific milestone but also a strategic step towards self-reliance, enabling India to modernise its defence platforms and expand export potential in high-technology systems.

Agencies

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IAF Launches Dronathon-2026 To Showcase Indigenous Unmanned Systems And Vayu UTtaM At Pokhran

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the first Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, announced PIB.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, HQ IDS, and representatives of the Indian Army and BSF. The initiative marks a significant step by the IAF to engage directly with India’s unmanned systems industry and assess emerging technologies under realistic operational conditions.

The three-day event, scheduled from 14 to 16 September 2026, has brought together more than 20 leading defence companies, Start-Ups, MSMEs, DPSUs, and innovators from India’s rapidly evolving unmanned systems ecosystem.

The Indian Air Force views unmanned systems as a vital complement to manned aviation, providing commanders with enhanced reach, persistence, responsiveness, and flexibility in air operations.

During Dronathon-2026, participating companies and innovators are demonstrating their Unmanned Aircraft Systems and associated technologies at the Pokhran range. The demonstrations cover a wide spectrum of operational capabilities, including surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technologies, electronic warfare, and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

The central focus is to move beyond technology demonstration towards achieving operational effect. Systems are being assessed for reliability, effectiveness in contested environments, and adaptability to evolving operational requirements and emerging threats.

On the opening day, the Vice Chief of the Air Staff also released the ‘IAF UAS Roadmap’. This roadmap provides clarity to Indian industry on capability priorities and is intended to facilitate focused innovation. It will enable the unmanned airborne systems industry, academia, and research organisations to align their efforts with the future requirements of the IAF.

A major highlight was the successful demonstration of “Vayu UTtaM,” the indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management system. In real-time trials at Pokhran, it detected and tracked both military and civil UAS.

This capability is designed to facilitate coordinated management of UAS operations in increasingly congested airspace, while also supporting identification and timely mitigation of unauthorised or rogue drones.

With the proliferation of unmanned systems, Vayu UTtaM has potential applications beyond the military domain, including airspace safety, civil aviation, critical infrastructure protection, and public safety.

Dronathon-2026 reinforces the Indian Air Force’s commitment to Atmanirbharta in unmanned systems. The focus extends beyond airframes to the complete ecosystem, encompassing propulsion, sensors and payloads, communications, autonomy, electronic warfare, countermeasures, and airspace management. 

The initiative highlights the IAF’s determination to integrate indigenous innovation into its operational framework, ensuring preparedness for future challenges.

PIB

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India’s Strategic Window For Su-57 And S-500 Deal

India faces a critical decision: Russia’s offer of Su-57 stealth fighters and S-500 air defence systems could plug immediate capability gaps, but the deal’s value depends on full technology transfer, source-code access, and co-production to avoid long-term dependence. Major Gaurav Arya stresses that India has only a limited strategic window to negotiate such terms in an interview with Times of India.

Russia has placed the Su-57 and S-500 at the centre of its defence pitch to India. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter combining low observability, advanced avionics, long-range weapons, and supermanoeuvrability.

India’s Air Force currently suffers from depleted squadron strength, with only 29 operational squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. The indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is unlikely to see its first flight before 2029–30, leaving a dangerous stealth gap as China expands its J-20 fleet and Pakistan prepares to induct J-35 fighters.

Major Arya argues that India should not restrict itself to a token Su-57 purchase. Instead, a larger order could provide meaningful deterrence while strengthening India’s bargaining position for deeper industrial cooperation. He emphasises that India must demand complete transfer of technology, access to source code, and localisation rights. Without these, India risks repeating past mistakes of importing platforms without mastering their ecosystems.

The S-500 Prometheus represents Russia’s most advanced long-range air and missile defence system. With an interception range of around 600 km and capability against ballistic missiles, hypersonic threats, and near-space targets, it would add a higher-tier shield above India’s existing S-400 batteries. 

Russia has reportedly offered co-production of the S-500 in India, which could transform the acquisition into an industrial partnership with local manufacture, sustainment, and even third-country exports.

India’s operational experience with the S-400 during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully countered Pakistani aerial threats, has already validated Russian air defence technology.

However, Arya cautions that India must avoid overlapping with indigenous programs such as Project Kusha, which aims to deliver a homegrown long-range air defence capability. The decision must weigh whether the S-500 fills a genuine capability gap or risks duplication.

Russia has also proposed an $11 billion upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fleet into “Super Sukhois”, with AESA radars, modern avionics, electronic warfare systems, and new engines. This would complement any Su-57 acquisition but also add to India’s already diverse fighter inventory, which includes Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and TEJAS. Each type brings its own logistical burden.

The strategic pressure is undeniable. China’s expanding stealth fleet and missile arsenal, combined with Pakistan’s expected J-35 induction, compress India’s timelines. Arya insists that India cannot afford to wait passively for AMCA. A negotiated Su-57 and S-500 package, with ironclad guarantees of technology transfer and industrial participation, could bridge the gap while strengthening indigenous capability.

Yet the risks are substantial. Importing another Russian fighter type enlarges training, maintenance, and supply-chain complexity. The S-500’s integration into India’s existing command architecture, sensors, and indigenous systems remains uncertain. Financial costs, delivery schedules, and long-term dependence on Russian logistics are unresolved.

The limited strategic window lies in the current geopolitical context. With Russia seeking to offset Western sanctions and India diversifying suppliers, Moscow is more likely than ever to concede deeper cooperation. Arya concludes that India must seize this moment to negotiate hard, ensuring that any Su-57 or S-500 deal is not just about buying platforms but about building sovereign capability.

Agencies

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Rudram-3 Hypersonic Missile Advances Steadily, Set to Redefine India’s SEAD Strategy

Rudram missile development continues to progress, with Rudram-3 positioned as an advanced hypersonic air-to-surface and anti-radiation missile designed for a range of 550 to 600 kilometres. This weapon is being developed to provide the Indian Air Force with a decisive capability in neutralising enemy defences.

The missile’s primary role is suppression and destruction of enemy air defences, known as SEAD and DEAD missions. It is specifically designed to target surveillance radars, command hubs, and communication infrastructure, thereby paralysing the adversary’s ability to detect, track, and coordinate responses.

Rudram-3 achieves hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 5 and potentially reaching Mach 7 or more. This velocity ensures rapid response times from launch to target impact, drastically reducing the window for interception. Such speeds make it extremely difficult for enemy defence systems to react effectively.

The missile weighs approximately 1,600 kilograms and carries a sophisticated payload. It employs advanced multi-mode guidance systems, including passive homing heads, active radar seekers, and infrared seekers. This combination allows it to adapt to different battlefield conditions and ensures precision strikes against varied targets.

Integration is primarily planned for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. This platform provides the necessary payload capacity and operational flexibility to deploy Rudram-3 effectively.

Future compatibility is also expected for platforms such as the TEJAS MK-2, which will expand the missile’s deployment options across India’s combat fleet.

The Rudram-3 program is part of a broader indigenous effort by the Defence Research and Development Organisation to field advanced hypersonic systems.

India is simultaneously pursuing hypersonic glide vehicles, scramjet-powered missiles, and directed energy weapons. Rudram-3 represents the operational spearhead of this initiative, being the first hypersonic missile integrated into frontline combat aircraft.

This missile strengthens India’s deterrence posture by undermining adversary surveillance and missile systems from long ranges. By destroying enemy air defence infrastructure, Rudram-3 creates openings for follow-on strikes by other platforms, ensuring freedom of action in contested airspace.

The integration of Rudram-3 with the Su-30MKI is closely aligned with the ongoing Super Sukhoi upgrade program. This upgrade modernises the aircraft with advanced avionics, electronic warfare suites, and enhanced radar systems. Together, these improvements ensure that the Su-30MKI fleet will lead deep-strike and suppression missions during future high-intensity conflicts.

Beyond its immediate role, Rudram-3 reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology. By fielding an indigenous hypersonic SEAD weapon, India reduces dependence on foreign suppliers while demonstrating its ability to innovate in cutting-edge domains.

This achievement is expected to accelerate collaborations between DRDO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and the armed forces in developing next-generation strike systems.

The induction of Rudram-3 is likely to alter the balance of air power in the region. With adversaries investing heavily in advanced surface-to-air missile systems and electronic warfare, India’s ability to neutralise these defences at long range is a critical countermeasure. Rudram-3 ensures that the Indian Air Force retains survivable and effective strike capabilities in modern warfare.

Agencies

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Swift-K Drone Unleashed For Precision Kamikaze Missions

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has advanced its indigenous unmanned strike capability with the SWIFT-K, a high-speed stealth kamikaze drone designed for rapid, one-way precision attacks.

The system combines turbojet propulsion, stealth shaping, and autonomous navigation, marking a significant leap in India’s drone warfare technology.

The SWIFT-K is powered by a turbojet engine, enabling speeds of approximately Mach 0.6. This places it in a high-subsonic category, far faster than conventional propeller-driven loitering munitions. The speed drastically reduces enemy reaction time, enhancing its survivability against modern air defence systems.

The drone carries an integrated warhead weighing 8 Kg, equivalent to nearly ₹6.6 Lakhs worth of explosive payload capacity in military procurement terms. This makes it suitable for neutralising unprotected personnel, equipment, and even high-value assets such as radar stations or missile batteries. 

The expendable nature of the platform ensures cost-effective deployment in high-risk missions.

Navigation is achieved through an INS-GPS system reinforced with anti-jam GNSS capability. This design ensures resilience against electronic warfare, allowing the drone to maintain course even in contested environments.

The MESH ((MESH communication is a decentralised network where devices connect directly with each other and pass data along without needing a central hub, router, or cell tower) communication datalink further enhances operational flexibility by enabling networked coordination with other drones or command centres, even in areas with degraded GPS availability.

The endurance of the SWIFT-K is 60 minutes, sufficient for tactical missions within regional theatres. Its stealth flying-wing configuration reduces radar visibility, making it particularly effective against advanced air defence systems such as the HQ-9 operated by Pakistan. The tailless design, developed through DRDO’s earlier SWIFT technology demonstrator program, reflects India’s mastery of complex aerodynamic control laws.

Two prototypes have already completed high-speed taxi trials at the Aeronautical Test Range in Challakere, Karnataka. These trials validated acceleration, braking, steering, and structural behaviour, paving the way for full flight testing. The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bangalore is leading the program, building upon its earlier success with autonomous flying-wing demonstrators.

Production partnerships include Cingularity Aerospace, HFCL, OPPila Microsystems, and Xagrotor Tek. These collaborations highlight the growing role of Indian industry in defence innovation, with Start-Ups and established firms jointly contributing to airframe, avionics, and propulsion systems. The involvement of academic incubators at the Indian Institute of Science further accelerates technological development.

The SWIFT-K project underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology. Unlike traditional UAVs, which return after missions, the kamikaze role of SWIFT-K makes it expendable yet strategically valuable. It is designed to penetrate contested airspace, strike high-value targets, and be destroyed in the process, offering a cost-effective solution against sophisticated adversaries.

The drone’s compact design, ensures ease of deployment and rapid launch capability. Its stealth features, combined with autonomous flight and integrated warhead, position it as a formidable addition to India’s arsenal of unmanned systems.

This development comes at a time when loitering munitions and kamikaze drones are reshaping modern battlefields globally. India’s entry into this domain with SWIFT-K signals a decisive step in countering regional threats and enhancing deterrence.

Agencies

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QUAD Advances Logistics Network As India And China Seek Diplomatic Reset

Even as New Delhi works to consolidate a diplomatic thaw with Beijing, the Quad has advanced towards operationalising a logistics network designed to expedite humanitarian and disaster-relief operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Australia, India, Japan and the United States recently concluded a tabletop exercise in Tokyo aimed at driving forward the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the four nations achieved significant progress in finalising standard operating procedures to establish a formal institutional framework for the network.

The drill, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Defence on 3 and 4 September, centred on simulated natural-disaster scenarios. Officials assessed methods for pooling logistical assets from all four partners to enhance coordination and interoperability.

This exercise followed the initial IPLN tabletop drill in Hawaii in April last year and a subsequent field training exercise in Guam in December. Alongside logistical planning, delegations discussed coordinating crisis-response and emergency relief efforts, while extending condolences to populations affected by recent flooding.

The IPLN was originally introduced as a civilian initiative at the Quad leaders’ summit in September 2024. It harnesses the logistics resources of the four countries strictly for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief purposes.

The Tokyo exercise took place immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The encounter marked Xi’s first visit to India in seven years.

During the talks, Prime Minister Modi stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border is fundamental to restoring bilateral normalcy, emphasising adherence to established agreements and mutual understandings. Beijing, however, advocated for parallel progress, suggesting that bilateral cooperation should advance concurrently with efforts to resolve the boundary dispute.

Both governments noted the continued utility of active diplomatic and military mechanisms, referencing the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks held on 25 August and senior commander-level flag meetings on 6 and 7 September.

While the Quad consistently maintains that it is not a military alliance, focusing instead on maritime security, critical technologies and humanitarian assistance, Beijing has repeatedly characterised the coalition as an exclusive bloc designed for containment. New Delhi firmly rejects this perspective.

The conclusion of the Tokyo drill coincides with a broader sequence of bilateral defence engagements involving India and the other three Quad member states, underscoring the coalition’s expanding operational depth.

ANI

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HAL Completes TEJAS MK-1 Order As MK-1A Production Accelerates

Hindustan Aeronautics' TEJAS two-seater variant, however, has faced repeated delays. HAL has struggled with engine supply bottlenecks from GE Aerospace, the same American company that powers SAAB’s Gripen-F.

The F404 and F414 engines have been central to India’s Light Combat Aircraft program, but delivery delays have slowed production and testing.

HAL is completing the original 40-aircraft TEJAS MK-1 order with the delivery of the final two twin-seat trainers, while simultaneously accelerating production of the upgraded TEJAS MK-1A variant despite persistent engine supply delays. The MK-1A program is now backed by expanded production lines and a distributed supply chain, with the first squadron expected by March 2027.

The Indian Air Force’s foundational TEJAS MK-1 contract comprised 16 Initial Operational Clearance single-seaters, 16 Final Operational Clearance single-seaters, and 8 twin-seat trainers. With the last two trainers now being delivered, HAL has formally completed this initial 40-aircraft order, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter program.

HAL is now focused on the TEJAS MK-1A, a more advanced variant designed to address operational gaps and enhance combat capability. Production has been slowed by delays in the supply of F404-IN20 engines from GE Aerospace.

Although ten engines have been delivered so far, the program remains over two years behind schedule. HAL has already assembled around 30 MK-1A airframes, with 20 completing preliminary flight activity, but many remain grounded awaiting engines.

The company has invoked contractual penalties against GE for late deliveries, and GE has committed to scaling production to 24 engines in 2026–27 and 30 annually thereafter.

The Indian Air Force is racing to field its first TEJAS MK-1A squadron by March 2027, targeting 18–20 aircraft including trainers. This is critical as the Air Force currently operates only 29 fighter squadrons against an authorised strength of 42–42.5, leaving a deficit worsened by the retirement of MiG-21s. 

HAL’s new production line at Nasik, inaugurated in October 2025, has expanded capacity to 24 aircraft annually, with plans to scale to 30 by fiscal year 2028. The Nasik line also spreads the industrial base beyond Bangalore, creating resilience against single-site disruptions.

Private industry has become deeply integrated into the TEJAS MK-1A supply chain. Larsen & Toubro, Lakshmi Machine Works, and Dynamatic Technologies are producing complex sub-assemblies such as wings, fuselage sections, and precision aero-structures.

This distributed ecosystem, with centre fuselage assemblies from Hyderabad and wing work at Coimbatore, reflects India’s broader defence-industrial strategy of leveraging private partners for scale and efficiency. Analysts estimate this ecosystem represents a ₹40,000 crore market opportunity.

Technically, the MK-1A introduces major upgrades over the Mk-1. These include the EL/M-2052 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, an indigenous electronic warfare suite, beyond-visual-range missile capability, software-defined communications, and improved maintainability through advanced diagnostic systems.

Two aircraft have already been modified for system and weapons integration testing, with successful trials of the ASRAAM short-range missile and Astra beyond-visual-range missile. The Indian Air Force has agreed to certain exemptions to allow early deliveries, but insists that critical capabilities such as radar-to-EW integration and missile firing tests must be completed before induction.

HAL has confirmed that five MK-1A aircraft are fully ready for handover, incorporating all contracted capabilities. Nine additional aircraft have been built and flown but await engines.

The company plans to deliver five fighters by March 2026, with deliveries scaling up as engine supplies stabilise. A follow-on contract for 113 additional engines was signed in November 2025 to support the second batch of 97 aircraft, ensuring long-term continuity of the program.

The completion of the MK-1 order and the ramp-up of MK-1A production represent a turning point in India’s fighter fleet modernisation.

The TEJAS program is not only replacing legacy aircraft but also building a sustainable aerospace ecosystem, positioning India as a credible manufacturer of modern combat aircraft.

Success in meeting delivery timelines will be crucial for both operational readiness and India’s ambitions to export the TEJAS platform in the future.

Agencies

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Raana Semiconductors To Roll Out 12-Inch CZ Machines For Solar Industry, Targets ₹300 Crore By FY28

Raana Semiconductors, a Chennai-based deep tech Start-Up specialising in equipment for converting pure silicon into ingots, is preparing to launch its first commercial-grade 12-inch Czochralski (CZ) single-crystal machine within the next 10 to 12 months, The Hindu Business Line reported.

This marks a significant milestone for India’s solar manufacturing industry, as the machine will be tailored specifically for solar module makers.

The CZ method is one of the most widely used processes for converting pure silicon into single-crystal ingots, which are then sliced into wafers for chips, solar cells, sensors, and other applications.

Globally, more than 90 per cent of semiconductor electronics rely on wafers produced through this method, underscoring its importance in advanced technology manufacturing.

Founder and CEO Rajasekar Elavarasan explained that Raana’s first range of 12-inch CZ machines will be directed towards solar module manufacturers. He stated that the company aims to manufacture and supply machines capable of supporting cell production of approximately 10 GW over the next three years. This ambition aligns with the increasing vertical integration within India’s solar module industry.

Several Indian solar module makers, including Grew Solar, Vikram Solar, and Swelect Energy, are actively building ingot and wafer manufacturing capacities. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has also proposed that solar ingots and wafers be included under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) from 1 June 2028. This move will enforce local sourcing of these components, strengthening domestic supply chains for module manufacturers.

Elavarasan revealed that Raana is in advanced discussions to secure an order for around 2 GW of machine capacity from a major solar manufacturer in India. If finalised, this deal could push the company’s topline to nearly ₹300 crore by FY28, reflecting strong commercial potential for its indigenous technology.

To support this expansion, Raana is establishing a 40,000 sq ft facility in Hosur dedicated to manufacturing CZ machines. The company’s machines are currently about 70 per cent localised, with plans to incrementally increase localisation levels in the coming years. This strategy is expected to reduce reliance on imported components and enhance India’s technological sovereignty.

At present, Raana has deployed over 40 CZ machines capable of producing 2-, 4-, and 6-inch ingots. These machines are primarily used for research purposes and are installed in defence, atomic, and other national laboratories. Additionally, Raana has developed machines capable of producing ingots from materials such as lithium niobate and germanium, which are used in quantum applications and infrared cameras.

On the semiconductor side, Elavarasan clarified that the company is pursuing a different strategy. For chips, Raana intends to supply only wafers rather than machines, thereby retaining complete intellectual property rights over ingot and wafer manufacturing. However, for solar applications, the company will continue to sell machines. Raana plans to introduce a commercial 12-inch CZ machine for chips within the next three years.

Globally, countries such as Germany, Korea, the US, and China dominate the manufacturing of CZ machines. Elavarasan noted that more than 90 per cent of ingot machines used in solar manufacturing are produced in China, highlighting the strategic importance of India developing its own indigenous capabilities in this sector.

Agencies

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President Putin Formally Offers India Its Advanced Izdeliye 177S Engine For Super Sukhoi Air Power Edge

Russia has formally offered India its advanced Izdeliye 177S engine for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, according to Russian state-owned agency Sputnik.

The proposal was tabled as Moscow pushes a wider package of defence cooperation during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi.

The offer comes at a time when India and Russia are discussing a major upgrade of nearly 260 Su-30MKIs under the estimated ₹91,667 crores ‘Super Sukhoi’ program. The initial phase is expected to cover 84 aircraft, with the remainder to follow in subsequent tranches.

The 177S engine is capable of delivering up to 14.5 tons of thrust and has a reported service life of up to 6,000 hours. Russian officials have also claimed that the engine can reduce fuel consumption by around 7 per cent across operating modes, which would translate into significant operational savings for the Indian Air Force.

The engine has broadly similar dimensions and weight to the AL-31F/FP engines currently powering the Su-30MKI. This similarity could make integration easier, although Indian defence planners would need to conduct a detailed technical evaluation before taking a final decision.

The Super Sukhoi program is expected to include new AESA radars, modern avionics, improved electronic-warfare systems and new engines. These upgrades are aimed at extending the fleet’s relevance well into the 2040s and ensuring parity against regional adversaries.

India already has an established industrial base for the Su-30MKI. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd manufactures AL-31FP engines under licence and is also involved in the aircraft’s production and overhaul. This existing infrastructure could be leveraged for local assembly or licensed production of the 177S, subject to negotiations on technology transfer.

The engine proposal is part of a broader Russian defence package. Moscow has also proposed joint production of Su-57 fifth-generation fighters in India, along with additional S-400 air-defence systems and the newer S-500 system.

Russia has further offered to establish an S-400 maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in India, which would strengthen long-term sustainment of the system.

India is separately developing the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, but its first flight is not expected before 2029–30. The Su-57 proposal could therefore give New Delhi another option for adding a fifth-generation fighter capability while the AMCA program progresses.

The two sides are also discussing the possible acquisition of around 300 Russian R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles. These weapons, with ranges exceeding 300 kilometres, would significantly enhance the reach of India’s air combat capability.

For the Su-30MKI fleet, the 177S proposal could provide an engine upgrade alongside the wider Super Sukhoi program. However, any move would depend on technical evaluation, cost considerations, technology transfer arrangements and the scope for local production. The decision will be closely watched as it could shape the trajectory of India’s combat aviation modernisation for decades.

Agencies

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India Embeds Drones Into Every Formation As Spectrum War With Pakistan Intensifies

India’s military doctrine has shifted decisively, embedding drones into the very lowest levels of combat formations.

Operation Sindoor proved that unmanned systems were no longer auxiliary assets but frontline tools, performing as much of the real work as fighter jets and missiles.

The Army has now institutionalised this lesson, ensuring that drones are integral to every arm of the force.

Nearly 385 infantry battalions are being equipped with their own Ashni platoons. Each platoon carries ten drones, four dedicated to surveillance and six configured as kamikaze loitering munitions. This means a frontline company commander no longer needs to route a strike request up the chain of command.

He can identify a target and neutralise it directly from his own position, compressing the decision cycle and enhancing battlefield autonomy.

The armoured corps has introduced Shaurya Squadrons, tested during Exercise Amogh Jwala near Jhansi. These squadrons embed drone crews directly into tank regiments operating T-90s and Arjuns. Armour now has its own eyes and strike capability, independent of higher formations.

Artillery units are similarly reinforced with Divyastra batteries, integrating drones into gun positions for precision targeting. Light infantry formations are being restructured into Bhairav commando battalions, designed for rapid, drone-integrated operations. None of these exist in isolation; they are all part of a unified doctrine where every arm possesses its own organic drone layer rather than borrowing one.

Behind this tactical rollout lies a major procurement drive. India is fast-tracking 87 indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, with at least 60 percent local content.

This marks the first time private manufacturers have been awarded a MALE contract at such scale, breaking decades of reliance on Israeli imports. MALE drones can loiter for hours over border stretches, conducting surveillance and precision strikes without requiring nearby runways.

DRDO’s catalogue now exceeds a hundred platforms. Archer-NG, initially a surveillance drone, is being armed with precision bombs and air-to-air missiles, enabling it to both monitor and destroy targets. Ghatak, the stealth combat drone, is designed to penetrate enemy air defences and strike deep without risking pilots.

TAPAS-BH is India’s indigenous long endurance surveillance platform for the Line of Actual Control and Line of Control. All three are progressing from prototype to induction. Above them sits the High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) class, capable of flying higher and staying airborne for days, monitoring vast stretches of ocean or border.

India does not yet have an indigenous HALE ready, so leased American MQ-9B SeaGuardians currently fill the gap, flying above 50,000 feet over the Indian Ocean while domestic HALE programs advance.

A drone force is incomplete without counter-drone measures. Akashteer, the Army’s automated air defence grid, links radars, guns and missile batteries into a single network. It was proven during Operation Sindoor, working alongside the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and the Navy’s Trigun to intercept Pakistani drones and rockets with minimal damage.

The newly cleared Akash Tarang system adds another counter-drone layer, supported by upgraded L-70 guns. All these systems are integrated under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, the Prime Minister’s 2035 vision for a layered, AI-enabled national air defence net capable of protecting everything from individual bases to entire cities.

Pakistan is simultaneously attempting to close its own vulnerabilities. Under the Mecca Pact, Islamabad has inducted Turkish Korkut 35mm guns, Sahin counter-UAS turrets and Chinese HQ-17AE missiles. 

This is a direct response to the BrahMos strikes during Sindoor that exposed its air bases. However, reliance on imports alone cannot fully address structural weaknesses in its defence grid.

Satellite imagery reveals Pakistan expanding its electronic warfare footprint along the frontier. A suspected Electronic Support Measures node has appeared at Dadyal in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, just 33 km from the Line of Control. Additional ELINT infrastructure is emerging near hardened shelters at PAF Base Sindhri in Sindh.

Together, these developments suggest Islamabad is building a networked electronic warfare grid to monitor Indian troop movements on one flank and Indian Air Force activity on the other. This directly impacts the drone fight.

Every loitering munition, every Ashni platoon quadcopter, every Akashteer sensor link depends on GPS and radio communications, all of which can be jammed, spoofed or intercepted by a robust EW network. A denser Pakistani EW presence means Indian drone swarms must now operate in more contested electromagnetic environments than during Sindoor.

India is responding with its own electronic warfare capabilities. DRDO’s EW suites on Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters, along with ground-based jamming systems deployed along the LoC and LAC, are as critical as the drones themselves.

They ensure that India’s unmanned systems can continue to operate effectively even in hostile electromagnetic conditions, maintaining dominance in the evolving spectrum war.

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West Bengal Clears Path For DRDO Junput Test Facility To Ease Chandipur Congestion

The West Bengal government has confirmed that clearances have been advanced for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s new testing facility in Junput, Times of India reported.

The project is located in Junput village in the Purba Medinipur district, close to the coastal town of Digha. It lies about 177 kilometres from Kolkata and approximately 70 kilometres from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The site spans 8.73 acres along the Bay of Bengal, giving it strategic access to coastal testing corridors.

The facility is intended to ease congestion at the Chandipur range, which has long been burdened with heavy testing workloads and operational traffic. By establishing this new centre, DRDO will be able to conduct trials for short‑range missiles, radar equipment, and a variety of weapon systems without overloading existing infrastructure.

This diversification of testing locations is expected to streamline operations and improve efficiency in India’s defence research programs.

Officials have clarified that earlier administrative delays had stalled progress, but these issues have now been resolved. State authorities have responded to pending clearances, ensuring that the project is firmly back on track. The move reflects a coordinated effort between the state government and DRDO to accelerate defence infrastructure development in the region.

The Junput facility’s proximity to Chandipur is significant, as it allows for complementary operations between the two ranges. Chandipur will continue to handle long‑range and strategic missile trials, while Junput will absorb short‑range and radar‑related testing.

This division of responsibilities is expected to reduce bottlenecks and enhance India’s overall testing capacity.

The location along the Bay of Bengal also provides a natural buffer zone for trials, minimising risks to populated areas. The coastal setting is advantageous for missile trajectory monitoring and radar calibration, making Junput an ideal site for such activities.

The project is part of a broader push to expand defence infrastructure in West Bengal, which has been highlighted by state officials as a key driver of investment and industrial growth.

The establishment of the Junput range underscores India’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities. By reducing reliance on a single testing facility, DRDO is ensuring greater resilience and flexibility in its operations.

The project also signals the government’s intent to integrate regional development with national security priorities, positioning West Bengal as a contributor to India’s defence modernisation program.

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Why India Should Consider Izdeliye 177S For Super Sukhoi Longevity

India’s Su-30MKI fleet remains the backbone of the Air Force, with over 260 aircraft forming the bulk of combat strength. These fighters, powered by AL-31FP engines, are increasingly constrained by limited service life, high overhaul costs, and poor fuel efficiency.

The need for a generational leap in propulsion is evident as India prepares for the Super Sukhoi upgrade program.

The Russian Izdeliye 177S engine stands out as a credible option. Designed as a derivative of the Su-57’s AL-51, it offers dry thrust of nearly 9,800 kgf and afterburner thrust exceeding 15,000 kgf.

Its fuel consumption is markedly lower than the AL-31, and service life is projected at 6,000 hours with overhaul intervals of 1,200–1,500 hours. This would double the endurance of the current fleet while reducing lifecycle costs.

Unlike the AL-41F1S (117S), which is already proven in the Su-35 but offers only incremental improvements, the 177S represents a leap in efficiency and reliability. It was designed to fit into the Su-30MKI airframe without major redesign, meaning India could adopt it without disruptive structural changes.

Engineers have suggested that the 177S could even enable short bursts of supercruise, enhancing patrol endurance and high-altitude performance.

The Super Sukhoi upgrade program already envisages new avionics, Gallium Nitride AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, and integration of indigenous weapons such as Astra, Rudram, and BrahMos. Pairing these systems with the 177S engine would ensure the Su-30MKI remains relevant well into the 2040s, bridging the gap until the AMCA stealth fighter matures.

Russia has pitched the 177S as an export-first design, effectively waiting for India to bankroll certification and production.

ROSTEC has also highlighted its scalability, suggesting it could support India’s AMCA program in the future. This dual-use potential strengthens the case for adoption, as it would align India’s propulsion ecosystem across multiple platforms.

Financially, the Super Sukhoi upgrade is estimated at around ₹58,000 crores, phased across tranches. Engine modernisation with the 177S would add to this cost but deliver long-term savings through reduced overhaul cycles and improved fuel efficiency. In rupee terms, the lifecycle savings could offset initial investment, especially when measured against the operational mass India requires.

Strategically, adopting the 177S would extend the Su-30MKI’s relevance against adversaries fielding advanced fighters. It would also reduce India’s dependence on older Russian spares, which are increasingly vulnerable to sanctions and supply chain disruptions. By negotiating favourable terms, India could secure both longevity and autonomy in its airpower.

The decision is not without risks. India must weigh deeper reliance on Russian technology against its ambition for strategic autonomy. Yet, the 177S proposal is one of the few that simultaneously enhances combat capability, reduces logistical complexity, and future-proofs India’s fleet.

In the context of India’s force structure shortfall—currently 29 to 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42—the urgency is clear. With MiG-21 retirements and attrition worsening the gap, the Super Sukhoi program, powered by the 177S, could provide the operational mass needed until Rafales and AMCA enter service.

India’s consideration of the Izdeliye 177S is therefore not just about engines. It is about ensuring longevity, sustainability, and strategic relevance of its most numerous fighter fleet. The proposal deserves serious negotiation, as it could define the future of Indian airpower for decades.

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India May Have Enough Plutonium For Up To 225 Nuclear Weapons: FAS Report

India’s nuclear arsenal has been assessed at 190 warheads by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a US‑based non-profit policy think tank.

This figure includes 160 warheads for operational launchers and at least 30 additional warheads for new missiles under production.

The estimates were published in the article India’s Nuclear Weapons – 2026 authored by Hans M Kristensen, Matt Korda, Mackenzie Knight‑Boyle and Eliana Johns of the FAS Nuclear Information Project.

The report emphasises that India continues to modernise its nuclear arsenal. Several new weapon systems have been fielded in recent years, while others are under development to complement or replace existing nuclear‑capable aircraft, land‑based delivery systems and sea‑based platforms.

The analysts estimate that India may have produced enough military plutonium for between 140 and 225 nuclear warheads and might have assembled up to 190. With more systems in development, the stockpile is expected to increase further.

The study notes that India currently operates nine nuclear‑capable systems, comprising two aircraft, six land‑based ballistic missiles and one sea‑based ballistic missile. At least two more systems are nearing completion and are expected to be fielded within a few years.

Indian Nuclear Forces, 2026

Type/Designation	No of Launchers	Year Deployed	Range (km)	Warheads X Yield	No of Warheads
Aircraft	48				48
Mirage 2000H	32	1985	1,850	1 × 12 kt Bomb	--
Jaguar IS	16	1981	1,600	1 × 12 kt Bomb	--
Land-Based Missiles	88				104
Prithvi-II	24	2003	250	1 × 12 kt	24
Agni-I	16	2007	700+	1 × 10–40 kt	16
Agni-II	16	2011	2,000+	1 × 10–40 kt	16
Agni-III	16	2018	3,200+	1 × 10–40 kt	16
Agni-IV	8	2022	3,500+	1 × 10–40 kt	8
Agni-V	8	2023	5,000+	1–6 10–40kt MIRV	24
Agni-P	--	(2027)	2,000	1 × 10–40 kt	--
Sea-Based Missiles	1/12				12
K-15 (B-05)	1/12	2018	700	1 × 12 kt	12
K-4	(2/12)	(2027)	3,500	1 × 10–40 kt	. .
Total Stockpile	148				164
Other Stored Warheads					26
Total Inventory	148				190

As India does not publish official figures for its nuclear stockpile, the estimates are derived from a combination of open sources including government statements, declassified documents, media reports, think tank analyses, industry publications and commercial satellite imagery.

India is among a handful of countries believed to produce both highly enriched uranium (HEU) and weapons‑grade plutonium. Its HEU production is largely assumed to be directed towards fuelling nuclear‑powered vessels and submarines.

The source of India’s weapons‑grade plutonium has been the ageing 100‑megawatt Dhruva reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre near Mumbai, and until 2010 the CIRUS reactor at the same location. After years of delay, the new 500‑megawatt Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Kalpakkam achieved first criticality in April 2026.

Fuelled by reactor‑grade plutonium from India’s first‑generation power reactors, the PFBR irradiates uranium or thorium blankets to produce Plutonium‑239 and Uranium‑233. If operated at 80% efficiency, the PFBR could hypothetically produce about 140 kg of Plutonium‑239 annually, sufficient for up to 35 warheads.

Several more fast breeder reactors are planned, including two in pre‑planning stage, FBR‑1 and FBR‑2, to be located adjacent to the PFBR at Kalpakkam. If operated successfully, these reactors could significantly increase the amount of plutonium available for India’s nuclear stockpile.

As of early 2026, the International Panel on Fissile Materials estimated India had produced approximately 730 kg of weapons‑grade plutonium, with a margin of error of 170 kg. Assuming four kilograms per warhead, this would theoretically be sufficient for between 140 and 225 warheads. 

However, the calculation carries caveats due to uncertainties in warhead design.

The report observes that India may not have used all its plutonium for warhead production, keeping some in reserve. The size of the stockpile also depends on the number and types of launchers available, as it is unlikely India would produce significantly more warheads than its systems can deliver.

The government recently reiterated in Parliament that India remains committed to credible minimum deterrence and a posture of no first use of nuclear weapons. This doctrine has been a cornerstone of India’s nuclear strategy since the Pokhran‑II tests in 1998.

The FAS analysis also compares India’s arsenal with Pakistan’s, noting that Pakistan is estimated to possess approximately 170 warheads, according to a recent SIPRI report. India’s trajectory of modernisation, combined with its fissile material production, suggests a steady expansion of capabilities while adhering to its declared doctrine.

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