India has showcased its first high-power laser weapon with successful tests against UAVs, swarm drones, and surveillance sensors. The demonstration took place at a specialized test range, signaling India’s entry into an elite group of nations with such advanced defense technology. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon features a 30KW laser. The system is capable of burning through enemy drones and disabling surveillance equipment. This milestone highlights India’s growing focus on cutting-edge defense capabilities. Original news
Category: India
India Approves $7 Billion Deal for French Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
India has approved a major defense deal to purchase 26 Rafale marine fighter aircraft from France, valued at over 630 billion rupees ($7 billion). The news, reported by ANI and cited by Reuters, comes amid India’s continued efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The Indian defense ministry has not yet officially commented on the agreement. The deal highlights deepening defense ties between India and France. It also signals India’s focus on enhancing its naval aviation strength. Original news
Dassault Considers Rafale F5 Assembly Line in India Amid Navy Deal Talks
Dassault Aviation is exploring the possibility of establishing a final assembly line in India for its next-generation F5 Rafale aircraft. The discussions come as India negotiates a deal for 26 Rafale-M fighters for the Indian Navy. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier expressed confidence in India’s long-term interest in the Rafale, citing potential future orders from the Indian Army. India previously purchased 36 Rafale jets for €7.9 billion ($8.7 billion) in 2016, strengthening its air combat capabilities. The move signals France’s deepening defense partnership with India and aligns with New Delhi’s push for domestic defense manufacturing. Original news
India Rejects Trump’s Proposal to Buy U.S. F-35 Fighter Jets
Indian officials have dismissed Donald Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to sell F-35 stealth fighters to India. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh clarified that India has not made a formal request for the jets and has not considered them as part of its modernization plans. While India acknowledges the need to keep pace with advanced military technology, the high cost of the F-35s remains a major deterrent. Trump’s offer is viewed as an attempt to expand U.S. influence in India’s defense industry. However, India is expected to focus on indigenous fighter programs and partnerships with France and Russia for its […]
NATO Tensions Under Trump Create Defense Opportunities for India
Rising tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO over defense spending could open new opportunities for India in the global defense market. During high-level White House talks, Trump questioned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Europe’s ability to defend itself against Russia without U.S. support. The dispute is expected to push European nations to boost defense budgets, with Starmer already announcing increased UK military spending. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius have emphasized India’s potential role in European defense supply chains. India aims to expand its defense exports and further integrate into global […]
India Launches $57.7 Million Fund to Boost Space Industry Growth
The Indian government has introduced a ₹5 billion ($57.7 million) Technology Adoption Fund to accelerate the commercialization of its space sector. Managed by IN-SPACe, the fund will cover 60% of mission costs for startups and 40% for larger companies, along with providing technical support. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka outlined four focus areas: small satellite launches, satellite manufacturing, ground stations, and data services. The initiative aligns with India’s goal of capturing 8% of the global space market and building a $44 billion space economy by 2033. The move highlights India’s push to become a major player in the commercial space industry. […]
U.S. and India Launch INDUS Innovation Partnership for Space Cooperation
The United States and India have announced INDUS Innovation, a new partnership focused on space and emerging technologies as part of their deepening collaboration. The initiative, revealed in a joint statement following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, aims to strengthen cooperation in space, energy, and technology. It builds on the INDUS-X program, which supports defense industry collaboration between the two nations. The partnership includes commitments to civil and commercial space projects, such as an Indian astronaut’s planned mission to the International Space Station. It also reinforces cooperation on the delayed NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar […]
India gets an observer seat in the Eurodrone program
India has gained observer status in the Eurodrone program, a collaborative effort involving Italy, France, Germany, and Spain under OCCAR’s management. The program focuses on developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Key contributors include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, with components like the mission computer and radar reviewed during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The Eurodrone, led by Airbus, will feature a 2.3-ton payload, 40-hour autonomy, and the ability to operate in non-segregated airspace. This marks a significant step for India in advancing its collaboration with […]
Global Space Advancements Mark 2024 as a Transformative Year
The year 2024 witnessed major progress in space exploration and industry, with multiple nations bolstering their space capabilities. Europe expanded its launch options with the addition of Ariane 6 and Vega-C, while India and Japan achieved multiple successful launches. Oman celebrated its entry into space with the launch of its first suborbital rocket, and China advanced its lunar program with new partnerships and returned lunar samples. The Artemis Accords grew to 51 signatories, emphasizing global collaboration, while the EU’s adoption of the Zero Debris Charter highlighted efforts to address space sustainability. These developments underscore a rapidly growing and increasingly cooperative […]
India Shifts Defense Purchases From Russia To Western Suppliers
India has significantly reduced its defense purchases from Russia, signaling a shift towards Western suppliers. Plans for joint development of helicopters and fighter jets with Russia have been shelved, and a proposed lease for a Russian nuclear submarine is unlikely. Russian arms accounted for only 36% of India’s imports in 2022, down from 76% in 2009, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Since 2018, India has signed nearly $20 billion in contracts for U.S.-made equipment, including a recent $3 billion deal for General Atomics drones. This shift reflects India’s evolving defense strategy and diversification of suppliers. Original news
New Data Shows a Rapidly Expanding Space Workforce
#analysis The global space industry is expanding rapidly, adding over 26,000 jobs between 2022 and 2023, particularly in countries like the US, Japan, India, and across Europe. This growth is nearly four times larger than the previous year, reflecting a thriving global space economy that has doubled in size over the last decade. In the US, the commercial space workforce increased by 4.8%, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth. Europe saw even faster growth, with countries like the UK growing its space workforce by 19%, and France, Germany, and Italy following closely behind. India and Japan are shifting from […]
European militaries rush to catch up on space traffic mapping
#analysis The rapid growth of space activity has led European militaries to increase their focus on space traffic mapping to address emerging threats. The number of active satellites has more than tripled in the last four years, and most of this activity is occurring in low Earth orbit, creating new challenges for military surveillance systems designed for geostationary orbits. Companies like Safran, Vyoma, and True Anomaly are working with defense departments to improve space awareness and tracking capabilities. Military leaders stress the importance of collaboration between civilian, commercial, and military sectors to enhance space-domain awareness and avoid potential crises. As […]