India Seeks Co-Development of 6th Gen Fighter Under FCAS, Defence Exports Hit Record ₹23,620 Crore in 2026

₹1,943 Crore Deal: Indian Navy Leases 2 MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones from US for 30 Months

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹1,943 crore contract to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from US firm General Atomics for 30 months, boosting Indian Navy's maritime surveillance capabilities across both eastern and western fronts. This expands the Navy's drone fleet to four units and bridges the gap until delivery of 31 MQ-9Bs ordered in 2024.

US Envoy Visits Tata-Lockheed C-130J Plant as India Seeks 80 MTA Under Make in India

US envoy's visit to Tata-Lockheed Martin JV highlights India's push for 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) under Make in India. The C-130J Super Hercules, already operated by IAF, is a top contender. The visit underscores deepening US-India defence ties and India's integration into global aerospace supply chain.

India-UK Sign IGA for Maritime Electric Propulsion for Navy LPDs, Procure LMM Missiles

India and UK are set to sign an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for developing maritime electric propulsion systems for four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) for the Indian Navy. Additionally, a second IGA for procurement of British Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) for the Indian Army is imminent. This collaboration includes establishing India's first maritime Land-Based Testing Facility for Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) by GE Vernova and BHEL.

India Finalises Javelin ATGM Deal via US FMS After 16-Year Process; Co-Production with BDL in Focus

India has finally signed the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the US-made Javelin anti-tank guided missiles after a 16-year procurement struggle. The deal, routed through Foreign Military Sales, shifts focus to co-assembly and co-production with Bharat Dynamics Limited, while the indigenous MPATGM programme also matures. For exams, remember the chronology: 2010 Javelin attempt → 2014 pivot to Spike → 2017 cancellation → 2019 emergency Spike-LR → 2025 Javelin revival.

RAKSHA Framework: India Unveils 10-Year Defence Diplomacy Blueprint, Exports Hit ₹38,424 Cr

India has unveiled 'RAKSHA', a comprehensive 10-year framework to integrate defence diplomacy with foreign policy and national security. The blueprint emphasizes deepening strategic partnerships, defence industrial cooperation under Atmanirbhar Bharat, and boosting defence exports which hit a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26.

India’s Nuclear Doctrine Faces Review Amid China-Pakistan Alignment, Tech Disruptions

India's nuclear doctrine, unchanged since 2003, is being re-evaluated due to China-Pakistan strategic convergence, disruptive technologies (AI, hypersonic, cyber), and a multipolar geopolitical landscape. The article stresses reviewing operational capabilities without altering core principles like No First Use (NFU) and massive retaliation.

MoD Mandates Language Proficiency Evaluation for Defence Attachés; Exports Hit ₹38,424 Cr

The Ministry of Defence has mandated language proficiency evaluation for Defence Attachés posted abroad, signalling a strategic shift to leverage military diplomacy for boosting defence exports, which have surged 5,500% in 12 years to ₹38,424 crore. This reform aligns with India's target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029 and expansion of defence wings from 50 to over 70.

US Javelin Anti-Tank Missiles Co-Produced in India via Tata-Raytheon-Lockheed Pact

The US Javelin anti-tank missile system will be co-produced in India through a pact between Tata Advanced Systems and the Javelin Joint Venture (Raytheon & Lockheed Martin). This boosts India’s defence self-reliance under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', strengthens US-India strategic ties, and ensures reliable supply for the Indo-Pacific region. For exam aspirants, this is a high-impact case study in defence indigenisation, technology transfer, and regional security.