Indian Defense Industry General News and Updates

[Speedster1]

My larger point was exploitation of the commercial aspects of the same platform. As long as HAL remains services focused this will continue to be a problem . The idea is to evolve at least the hptr division of HAL into a broader entity catering to both defence as well as the civilian aerospace market much like Bell or Airbus.

Fair point. Although HAL could use a fresh marketing strategy. Remember Ecquador withdrawing Dhruv from service after a spate of crashes?

That was a huge PR disaster for HAL from which it is yet to recover. Exports have come to a standstill since despite the IAF Sarang team helping promote the bird.

Pawan Hans is the sole operator of the civilian version iirc. Perhaps they need to check for other use-cases like air ambulance, firefighting, etc. Take a leaf out of the BK-117 playbook (progenitor of ALH), I'd say.

The latter would make sense only if Mahindra has the vision to take over EMBRAER with the blessings of the GoI acting in tandem with the latter if it is possible though that's the long term goal.

IIRC, Embraer is open to building FAL for the E190 airliner in india, if it wins MTA. Russia has discussed making the SSJ/MS-21 in india but there's no saying if anything would come off it.

 

[_Anonymous_]

Fair point. Although HAL could use a fresh marketing strategy. Remember Ecquador withdrawing Dhruv from service after a spate of crashes?

That was a huge PR disaster for HAL from which it is yet to recover. Exports have come to a standstill since despite the IAF Sarang team helping promote the bird.

Pawan Hans is the sole operator of the civilian version iirc. Perhaps they need to check for other use-cases like air ambulance, firefighting, etc. Take a leaf out of the BK-117 playbook (progenitor of ALH), I'd say.

HAL had no business marketing the ALH when it executed that sale to Ecuador as it wasn't a mature platform nor were in house facilities in HAL developed to cater to exigencies like emergency service on call.That one sale arguably tarnished HAL's reputation more than anything.

@Milspec should be able to tell us more on this . Wonder if HAL has developed all these departments in house after that debacle or is it more of the same.

This is also one of the reasons I was arguing in favour of splitting up HAL into 4 constituents. HAL being the behemoth it is , has no focus as it has no core competencies. It's too sprawling a conglomerate for its own good.

IIRC, Embraer is open to building FAL for the E190 airliner in india, if it wins MTA. Russia has discussed making the SSJ/MS-21 in india but there's no saying if anything would come off it.

Depends on what's the GoI's outlook in the matter. If the objective is to replace Peter with Paul there're not much benefits to be had.

EMBRAER , if it succeeds in opening up a FAL for E-190 & move partial production here , would be entering a gold mine as they'd be cost competitive against the likes of Airbus & Boeing , which militates against our plans of ultimately acquiring EMBRAER assuming our dhotis & babooos have strategic vision & can think that far ahead.

The alternative is to get cracking on the RTA project ASAP. It's already been delayed by aere 2 decades. We need to take it up in Mission Mode. I'd further argue this is the right project for GoI to consider Public Private partnership.

Have a tripartite partnership between Mahindra , EMBRAER & NAL where NAL represents not only GoI but a consortium of government labs . Utilise EMBRAER's expertise in design & development to come up with a clean sheet design.

Divide work share accordingly & fund it in 60:20:20 ratio. If EMBRAER is disinclined to invest , divide the investment into the project between GoI & Mahindra in the ratio 70:30 but have EMBRAER on board not merely as a tech consultant but as an active design & development partner. The IP can be shared between the GoI & M&M with the latter being the production agency.

Unlike AMCA & other pie in the sky projects the GoI has initiated , this has more likelihood of succeeding & if the Pvt Sector is involved you can be sure we can complete the entire development plus certification process in a time bound manner within 10 years with EMBRAER on board.

 

[Speedster1]

Divide work share accordingly & fund it in 60:20:20 ratio. If EMBRAER is disinclined to invest , divide the investment into the project between GoI & Mahindra in the ratio 70:30 but have EMBRAER on board not merely as a tech consultant but as an active design & development partner. The IP can be shared between the GoI & M&M with the latter being the production agency.

Problem is orders for such an aircraft would be far from guaranteed, unlike China where everybody follows the CCPs writ. M&M has some experience building light turboprops via its Australian subsidiary, Gipps Aero but NAL's Saras is yet to deliver. Embraer would naturally be averse to consulting on any design that could ecen remotely compete with its own offerings in the short-medium haul category. We'd best adopt a crawl-walk-run approach imo imbibing production best practices via E-190 assembly before graduating to a new design. Co-developing a stretched KC-390 variant for the Indian civilian market may be a distinct possibility.

 

[Ashwin]

Competition is needed, no doubt. But they're setting up a captive facility for H125 with no local participation. That way they can check all the boxes in terms of MII and not give away any IP. And this helo has been around for decades.

It is local assembly with TATA. But, Why do you care what they are doing? They are doing it for their own long term business ambitions not because of some internal defence contacts or compulsions. Its all bonus as they create some value and generate manufacturing jobs.

 

[_Anonymous_]

Problem is orders for such an aircraft would be far from guaranteed, unlike China where everybody follows the CCPs writ.

Very simple. Increase import tariffs on air planes if we've a good alternative at home. Everything is doable if we've the foresight & will.

Besides it's not as if this forthcoming venture will produce the entire gamut of air planes in house. The aim is to get a part of what's essentially 100% import today & for the foreseeable future be substituted by an in country product much like what China's doing.

M&M has some experience building light turboprops via its Australian subsidiary, Gipps Aero but NAL's Saras is yet to deliver.

Frankly M&M is the weakest link if ever such a JV between NAL, M&M & EMBRAER were to be forged . At least NAL has experience in product development & one in the wings waiting to be tested.

Embraer would naturally be averse to consulting on any design that could ecen remotely compete with its own offerings in the short-medium haul category.

Which is the reason we ought to make EMBRAER a deal which they can't refuse like how we cooked up the Project -75(I) tender framing it in such a way that TKMS - the preferred vendor was made to compete with Navantia the weakest of all submarine mfgrs.

Our long term aim must be to take over EMBRAER for which we need a strategy, the first of which is to get it embedded into the Indian aerospace ecosystem for which we can offer the C-390 contract in lieu for them partnering in the RTA project.

M&M becomes OUR agency to partner them with the ultimate aim to take it over . NAL is to represent GoI's interests & for oversight .

We'd best adopt a crawl-walk-run approach imo imbibing production best practices via E-190 assembly before graduating to a new design. Co-developing a stretched KC-390 variant for the Indian civilian market may be a distinct possibility.

We're losing both time & money with this approach . Every decade we'd see billions of USD sunk into purchases of new civilian airliners, renewals of maintenance etc.

The premium is on time. Speed of decision making is a must. We've already delayed the MTA by 2 decades & are still no closer to initiating the project. The fate of the civilian hptr airliner industry is before you .

 

[Ironhide]

Airbus has already made it clear that they have enough FAL capacity and will not open one in India:

"In my view, India, in particular, can contribute to debottlenecking the supply chain in today's environment, which again is not limited by the (existence or non-existence of) FAL. Actually, today, at Airbus, we are oversized in terms of the FAL system. And, we can't be taking more orders knowing that we are fully booked," said Faury

https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/scaling-up-plane-production-is-main-challenge-india-can-help-airbus-ceo-124100701064_1.html

India is not China, here private companies placed an order for 1000 Airbus+Boeing orders, so they could not demand anything. There is zero leverage here, even COMAC is decades behind Airbus and Boeing and that is after all the stealing Chinese have done which they are expert at. The best bet is get into supply chain and make Billions of dollars that way, provide PLI for Aerospace parts manufacturing and then move up the value chain as you get stronger.

 

[Gautam]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1880986634193449239

 

[Ashwin]

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (“GRSE”) & Apollo MicroSystems Limited (“AMS”) Signed MoU for Joint Development and Supply of Advanced Weapons and Electronic Systems

Hyderabad, 29th January, 2025: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (“GRSE”) &Apollo Micro Systems Limited (“AMS”) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) for a period of five years to establish a business partnership for the joint research and development (R&D), co-production, export of Underwater Weapons & Vehicles, UnderwaterMines, Underwater Communication Systems and Air Defence Systems and supply of advancedweapons and electronic systems for both defence and non-defence industries.

This collaboration is aimed at the development and production of cutting-edge technologies, including:

• Underwater Weapons and Vehicles
• Underwater Mines and Communication Systems
• Air Defence Systems and Vehicles

A key aspect of this partnership is leveraging and enhancing the manufacturing infrastructureof both companies to produce critical components and sub-assemblies for these systems.Additionally, the collaboration will provide services for the modernization and upgrade ofexisting systems, ensuring they remain state-of-the-art and meet evolving requirements.The partnership will address the growing demands of the Defence, Aerospace, andCommercial markets, both domestically and internationally. The MoU underscores thecommitment of GRSE and AMS to strengthen indigenous capabilities and contribute to nationalsecurity through innovation in advanced technologies.

 

[Milspec]

HAL had no business marketing the ALH when it executed that sale to Ecuador as it wasn't a mature platform nor were in house facilities in HAL developed to cater to exigencies like emergency service on call.That one sale arguably tarnished HAL's reputation more than anything.

@Milspec should be able to tell us more on this . Wonder if HAL has developed all these departments in house after that debacle or is it more of the same.

This is also one of the reasons I was arguing in favour of splitting up HAL into 4 constituents. HAL being the behemoth it is , has no focus as it has no core competencies. It's too sprawling a conglomerate for its own good.




Depends on what's the GoI's outlook in the matter. If the objective is to replace Peter with Paul there're not much benefits to be had.

EMBRAER , if it succeeds in opening up a FAL for E-190 & move partial production here , would be entering a gold mine as they'd be cost competitive against the likes of Airbus & Boeing , which militates against our plans of ultimately acquiring EMBRAER assuming our dhotis & babooos have strategic vision & can think that far ahead.

The alternative is to get cracking on the RTA project ASAP. It's already been delayed by aere 2 decades. We need to take it up in Mission Mode. I'd further argue this is the right project for GoI to consider Public Private partnership.

Have a tripartite partnership between Mahindra , EMBRAER & NAL where NAL represents not only GoI but a consortium of government labs . Utilise EMBRAER's expertise in design & development to come up with a clean sheet design.

Divide work share accordingly & fund it in 60:20:20 ratio. If EMBRAER is disinclined to invest , divide the investment into the project between GoI & Mahindra in the ratio 70:30 but have EMBRAER on board not merely as a tech consultant but as an active design & development partner. The IP can be shared between the GoI & M&M with the latter being the production agency.

Unlike AMCA & other pie in the sky projects the GoI has initiated , this has more likelihood of succeeding & if the Pvt Sector is involved you can be sure we can complete the entire development plus certification process in a time bound manner within 10 years with EMBRAER on board.

HAL had no concept of the ecosystem called Service Engineers. what comes next is quite evident with the sequence of events.

And the story kind of remains the same. Engineers from Flight hanger, run to the air shows with the Tejas, that a telling sign. In aero India, demonstration US/Russian/French detachments are all Airforce folks, compare that to our teams where you clearly see the Cream shirt/brown pants in the support staff...

The situation last I heard on the service front has not moved in any positive direction.

Also not a unique HAL situation, BEL/BDL/BHEL/CSL/GRSE/MDL all are in the same boat.

The willingness of a defence manufacturer to sell it's wares becomes quite evident in tradeshows. You can evaluate our babu bunch from their exposure at the such expo's.

I wont go into details of the rest of your post. Bottom line: We are kaamchors not lazy, and without doing the hard work on propulsion, Frame Structures , controls, and avionics, we will achieve nothing.

I think my position of optimism for Indian Defence Production -PSU edition is slowly disappearing. I am no onboard on the import train.

All forces, need to buy and equip their fighting capability with the best equipment out there. At one point I was vehement on ensuring Capex commitments for HAL are met, now I don't give a fk. Private industries will do a better job, and we should make that pivot even sooner.

 

[Ashwin]

As of now, BEL received Rs 11,000 cr order for the first 3 quarters and expecting around Rs 14,000 cr in next 2 months (5-6 contracts are in final stages).

Next Financial Year (26FY) BEL is expecting Rs 25,000-30,000 cr QRSAM order and Rs 15,000 cr for MRSAM/MFSTAR (NGC).

 

[marich01]

 

[marich01]

BEML indi content % in their def products so far




View attachment indilevel.mp4

 

[RISING SUN]

MBDA at Aero India 2025 - Discover how we support the Indian Armed Forces in their mission to protect Indian sovereignty​

From February 10th to 14th 2025 in Bengaluru, MBDA will be present in Hall B Stand n° B3.1, to demonstrate our contribution to India’s sovereignty, by showcasing its advanced missiles systems and highlighting our strong commitment to Make in India.

For over 50 years, MBDA has been delivering battle-winning capabilities to the Indian Armed Forces, closely collaborating with a wide Indian industrial ecosystem, including our joint venture L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, India SMEs and Defence Public Sector Undertakings such as Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Thanks to its unique DNA based on co-operation and key expertise, MBDA has a crucial advantage in developing and producing state-of-the-art products by encompassing the best skills and technologies from across borders. This DNA and track record of partnership also makes MBDA uniquely suited as a partner for India that can enhance Indian self-reliance and sovereignty – as can be seen from the successful Make in India of over 50,000 MBDA-designed missiles in partnership with Indian industry to date.

Several emblematic complex weapon systems will be showcased during this tradeshow.
First of all, in the Air domain on the MBDA stand, visitors will be able to see the different weapon systems that arm India’s Dassault Rafale combat aircraft, especially the Meteor. Widely recognized as a game changer for air combat, this beyond visual range air-to-air missile is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor giving it far more engine power, for much longer than any other missile. In other words, its no-escape zone is many times greater than any other air-to-air missile – supporting Indian sovereignty through equipping the Indian Armed Forces with the very best missile systems to perform their mission.

Also in the Air domain attendees will be able to view the ASRAAM air combat missile that is delivering India’s Next Generation Close Combat Missile capability. The fastest close combat missile in the world, Indian Air Force’s Jaguar and Tejas combat aircraft are the first to gain this vital system for ensuring India’s dominance in air combat.

On the MBDA stand’s Maritime domain, a focus will be on Sea Ceptor naval air defence system that is being offered to the Indian Navy for its VL SRSAM requirement by our Indian joint venture. Visitors to AeroIndia will be able to see the futuristic technologies featured within Sea Ceptor and how they would provide Indian sailors with a Make in India solution that provides the very best defence from air attack, providing robust protection of host platform and escorted shipping.

L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, MBDA’s joint venture with Larsen & Toubro, will also be exhibiting at Aero India 2025, showcasing the work it performs in Coimbatore, delivering Make in India projects in support of Atmanirbhar Bharat for the Indian Air Force. Besides VL SRSAM, other results of the strong local co-operation ability of MBDA in India include the ATGM5 anti-tank missile, proposed as an Indian designed, developed and manufactured next generation battlefield missile to meet the needs of Indian operators.

MBDA at Aero India 2025 - Discover how we support the Indian Armed Forces in their mission to protect Indian sovereignty

From February 10th to 14th 2025 in Bengaluru, MBDA will be present in Hall B Stand n° B3.1, to demonstrate our contribution to India’s sovereignty, by showcasing its advanced missiles systems and highlighting our strong commitment to Make in India.

www.mbda-systems.com

 

[Ashwin]

BEL in a release says that they have signed Rs 610 crore contract for the supply of Electro Optic Fire Control System EOFCS) for
Indian Navy. This desi system is capable of panoramic/sector search, tracking all types of targets during day/night and engages the tracked targets with the medium range and short range gun mounts.

https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/a42a7192-cdcf-45b8-a286-47506eccf4dd.pdf

 

[Gautam]

Tracked UGV from TATA:



The spec sheet has not a single number. These kinds of concepts are pushed out to gauge demand from customers.

 

[randomradio]

I think my position of optimism for Indian Defence Production -PSU edition is slowly disappearing. I am no onboard on the import train.

All forces, need to buy and equip their fighting capability with the best equipment out there. At one point I was vehement on ensuring Capex commitments for HAL are met, now I don't give a fk. Private industries will do a better job, and we should make that pivot even sooner.

Welcome to the club. It's never too late. Only the best for the forces.

Both MRFA and transport aircraft will be led by private companies, whereas Ghatak, AMCA, and TEDBF will happen under an PPP process where a private player will hold the majority stake opposite HAL.

For now HAL will continue making helicopters, but there's a good chance private players will enter this segment at a later date alongside foreign players.

Majority of IA is already headed private. But IN is stuck with DPSUs for now.

 

[Speedster1]

The IAF has signed a contract for JSR Dynamics Khagantak-243 glide bomb. The weapon was developed by a small startup led by retd AM SB Deo.

Aero India 2025: BEL secures IAF contract for stand-off glide munitions

India's Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured an order from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to supply an unspecified number of Khagantak-243 munitions, a 300 kg-class...

www.janes.com

Some specs on Tonbo's new WaveStrike DEW. Apparently, they've already been getting orders from customers abroad!

Aero India 2025: Tonbo unveils microwave-based DEW

Bangalore-based Tonbo Imaging has unveiled a high-power microwave (HPM) directed energy weapon (DEW) system that can help armed forces eliminate hostile unmanned aerial...

www.janes.com

 

[Speedster1]

MoU between Raytheon and BDL on the local production of Javelin ATGM. Gentlemen, the Javelin is coming.

Aero India 2025: BDL, Javelin Joint Venture sign production agreement

India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed an agreement with the Raytheon and Lockheed Martin-owned Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) to renew a pledge to collaborate on...

www.janes.com

 

[Speedster1]

Here's another one: BDL enters into an MoU with Rafael of Israel for the Ice Breaker cruise missile. Rafael has been notching up a lot of sales with us lately, including a deal for ROCKS ALBM in 2024.

Aero India 2025: BDL, Rafael sign Ice Breaker agreement

India's Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to support the production of the Israeli...

www.janes.com

 

[Ashwin]

The Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) is exploring future co-assembly and co-production opportunities of the Javelin anti-tank weapon system in India through a competitive source selection process with potential Indian partners. In addition, the JJV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), a Government of India Enterprise with vast experience in weapon production and system integration.

Javelin Joint Venture Explores Production Opportunities in India

Bengaluru, India (Feb. 11, 2025) — The Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) is exploring future co-assembly and co-production opportunities of the Javelin anti-tank weapon system in India through a...

news.lockheedmartin.com