India has strengthened its defence export strategy with the signing of a BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam, while discussions with Indonesia are in the final stages, according to the Defence Secretary in Singapore. The agreements highlight India’s push to position the supersonic cruise missile system as a key export under its strategic defence partnership framework. Officials stated that India is increasingly willing to share advanced defence technology with trusted partner nations. The move is seen as a major step in boosting India’s global defence footprint, enhancing regional security cooperation, and deepening ties with Southeast Asian countries amid growing geopolitical competition. (PC: X)

The Defence Ministry has issued requests for proposals to three shortlisted private sector bidders for developing five prototypes of India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), the country’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jet project worth ₹15,000 crore.   The shortlisted bidders include Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Larsen and Toubro with Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge with Bharat Earth Movers Limited. Developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency, the AMCA will initially use GE-414 engines, with future variants expected to feature made-in-India Safran engines.   The first prototype is expected by 2027, while the fighter’s maiden flight is likely between 2028 and 2029 before serial production begins in the mid-2030s. (PC: HT)  

The Indian Air Force’s frontline Su-30MKI fighter jets are set to receive a major technology upgrade under the ambitious ‘Super Sukhoi’ programme. The Ministry of Defence has issued a request for proposal to equip the aircraft with advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing GPS systems.   The upgrade aims to strengthen the jets against electronic warfare threats, including GPS disruption and signal spoofing during combat operations. The Su-30MKI, considered the backbone of the IAF fleet and a key asset during Operation Sindoor, will also receive enhanced electronic warfare capabilities under the modernisation programme.   The project is part of India’s larger push to improve indigenous defence technology and extend the operational life of the fighter aircraft for future missions. (PC: Economic Times)

The Indian government has finalised a Letter of Request (LoR) to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force and is expected to send it to France within weeks. About 90 aircraft will be manufactured in India through a Dassault Aviation partnership with an Indian company, while the remaining jets will be delivered in fly-away condition. The procurement follows Defence Acquisition Council approval and will proceed through an inter-governmental route. India aims to secure Interface Control Documents to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG. The deal is expected to help address the IAF’s fighter squadron shortfall until indigenous programmes, including LCA Mk2 and AMCA, mature. (PC: The Indian Express)

India has successfully tested the Vayu Astra loitering munition developed by private company Nibe Limited. The system completed trials in mountain areas of Joshimath and desert regions of Pokhran. The drone can carry anti-tank and anti-personnel warheads up to 100 km. Unlike normal drones, it can stay in the air and wait for a target before attacking. It is controlled through a two-way communication link. The system can also be used for surveillance and later recovered with a parachute. Officials said the trials are still in the early stages. India also tested long-range rocket systems during the demonstration. 

The United States has approved a "$198.2 million" support package for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The deal includes spare parts, technical help, training, and logistics support. The helicopters are used by the Indian Air Force and the Army Aviation Corps. The US said the package will help India "meet current and future threats" and improve homeland defence. Boeing and Lockheed Martin will be the main contractors. The US also approved a "$230 million" support package for India’s M777 howitzers.

India’s first locally built Airbus C295 military transport aircraft is expected to roll out soon from Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s facility in Vadodara. The same aircraft model was recently used by the United States Air Force in a mission to rescue pilots from Iran. The aircraft is being produced under a ₹21,935 crore deal between Airbus and the Indian Air Force. India will receive 56 C295 aircraft, with 40 being manufactured in the country. The project marks a major step in India’s private defence manufacturing sector. (PC: Airbus, Indian Air Force)

India has successfully carried out the first flight trial of the indigenously developed Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of Odisha. The trial was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Air Force on May 7. The Defence Ministry said TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system that can convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. The system was developed by Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad along with other DRDO labs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the teams involved in the project. (PC: The Hindu)

India is set to receive its fourth S-400 Triumf squadron from Russia in May 2026, significantly strengthening its western air defence along the Pakistan border. The system, capable of tracking 300 targets at a range of 600 km, will plug critical surveillance gaps in Punjab and Rajasthan. However, India’s strategy goes beyond a single platform, integrating systems like MR-SAM, Akash missile system, and upcoming Project Kusha into a layered network. This multi-tier architecture ensures comprehensive protection against drones, missiles, and aircraft, positioning India among nations with the most advanced and resilient air defence systems globally. (PC: Reuters)

GE Aerospace has signed a deal with the Indian Air Force to set up an engine repair depot in India. The facility will support F404-IN20 engines used in the HAL Tejas Mk1. It will be owned and run by the IAF, with technical support from GE. The move will reduce delays and improve aircraft availability. Officials said it will cut dependence on foreign repair centres. The project also supports India’s push for self-reliance and better defence preparedness.