Armenia Turns to India’s Divyastra Mk‑1: AI‑Driven Loitering Munition Signals New Defence Era

Armenia has reportedly selected Lucknow-based Hoverit’s Divyastra Mk‑1 loitering munition after evaluating UAVs from multiple countries, reported an Armenian media outlet, though no official contract has yet been announced. The choice underscores Armenia’s growing reliance on Indian defence exports, particularly for cost‑effective, AI‑enabled swarm‑capable drones.

Hoverit is a Lucknow‑based defence technology startup founded in August 2022, specializing in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions. It has quickly emerged as a key player in India’s defence industrial corridor, developing indigenous UAVs like the Divyastra series and securing international attention.

Hoverit represents India’s push into indigenous drone warfare technology, offering cost‑effective, AI‑enabled loitering munitions for both domestic and export markets. Armenia’s reported interest in Divyastra Mk‑1 highlights its growing credibility as a defence exporter.

Key Facts About Armenia’s Selection

• Reported by Armenian outlet Hraparak (Sept 19–23, 2026): Armenia compared UAVs from the US, France, Iran, Ukraine, Israel, India, China, and Russia.
• Divyastra Mk‑1 chosen: Factors included low cost, AI capabilities, and swarm employment potential.
• No official confirmation yet: Armenia’s Defence Ministry has not publicly announced a contract or delivery timeline.
• Strategic context: Armenia is diversifying defence suppliers after the 2020 Nagorno‑Karabakh war, moving away from traditional Russian dependence.

Divyastra Mk‑1 Specifications

Feature	Details
Range	Up to 500 km
Endurance	5 hours airborne
Payload	~15 kg
Deployment	Rapid launch from vehicle‑mounted systems
Speed	300–400 km/h attack speed
Capabilities	AI‑enabled, swarm operations, ISR + precision strike

Armenia–India Defence Ties

Armenia already operates Indian systems: Pinaka MRL, ATAGS artillery, MARG artillery, Akash SAM, Zen counter‑drone system, Swathi radar, and ALS50 loitering munition.
Hundreds of Indian‑made armoured trucks have been delivered.

Defence cooperation includes joint production discussions and increased military exchanges.

Risks & Considerations

• Unconfirmed deal: Until official contracts are signed, reports remain speculative.
• Geopolitical sensitivity: Armenia’s pivot to Indian systems may strain ties with Russia, its traditional supplier.
• Operational integration: Armenia must adapt training and logistics to absorb Indian UAVs into its force structure.
• Export credibility: For India, successful deployment in Armenia will be a litmus test of its defence export ambitions.

Strategic Implications

For India, this marks a step toward becoming a global defence exporter, moving beyond “Make in India” for domestic needs.
For Armenia, Divyastra Mk‑1 offers a cost‑effective, AI‑enabled strike option to counter Azerbaijan’s drone dominance.
For the region, it signals a shift in defence alignments, with Armenia increasingly sourcing from India instead of Russia.

India Advances Armoured Strength: MoD Signs ₹586 Crore Contract for Tank APUs

Image © - T-72M1 ‘3243’ – Tankfest 2017

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a landmark contract worth ₹586 crore with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for the procurement of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for the Indian Army’s frontline T-72 and T-90 tanks. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What Are APUs and Why They Matter

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) serves as an alternate source of electrical power for critical systems within the tank, including:

• Fire control systems
• Firing circuits
• Gun stabilisation systems
• Other essential ancillaries

By enabling tanks to operate key systems without running the main engine, APUs enhance fuel efficiency, reduce wear and tear, and improve battlefield sustainability. Their induction will significantly strengthen the operational readiness, reliability, and sustainability of India’s mechanised formations. 

Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited (AICPL)

Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited (AICPL) is a Pune‑based defence and energy solutions company, founded in 2001, known for indigenous innovation, strong R&D, and global exports. It is led by Kiran Baburao Jadhav and has earned recognition for its contributions to defence technology and industrial automation.

Founders & Leadership

• Kiran Baburao Jadhav – Managing Director & Chairman
• Madhuri Kiran Jadhav – Director
• Swanand Suresh Phand – Director
• Balasubramaniam Ramamurti – Whole‑time Director

Investors & Financials

• Private Limited Company – Primarily self‑funded with industry partnerships
• Authorised Capital: ₹32.5 crore
• Paid‑up Capital: ₹2.11 crore
• Revenue (FY 2025): ₹408.96 crore, 3% YoY growth
• Exports: ~30% of revenue from US, UK, Europe, Australia, Gulf

Accomplishments

• Defence Contributions: Developed APUs for T‑72 and T‑90 tanks
• Innovation Track Record: 3 patents filed, 18 import substitutes developed
• R&D Investment: 30% of salary bill invested in R&D over the last decade
• Awards: Best Lean‑Practicing MSME (NPC), CRISIL MSE 1 rating
• Workforce: 230+ professionals in automation, IoT, energy solutions
• Global Partnerships: Preferred supplier for defence and telecom solutions

Snapshot Table

Aspect	Details
Founded	2001
Headquarters	Pune, Maharashtra, India
Founders/Leaders	Kiran Baburao Jadhav, Madhuri Kiran Jadhav, Swanand Suresh Phand
Capital	₹32.5 Cr authorised, ₹2.11 Cr paid‑up
Revenue (FY 2025)	₹408.96 Cr
Exports	30% to US, UK, EU, Australia, Gulf
Patents	3 patents, 18 import substitutes
Awards	Best Lean‑Practicing MSME (NPC), CRISIL MSE 1 rating
Employees	230+ professionals

Indigenisation and Industry-Led Innovation

This procurement marks a milestone in indigenisation, as the APUs have been indigenously developed under the Make-II framework. The initiative highlights:

• Industry-led R&D translating innovation into production
• Strengthening of critical sub-systems for armoured platforms
• Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers

The contract demonstrates the effectiveness of India’s innovation-to-induction pipeline, ensuring that indigenous technologies are not just developed but also deployed at scale.

Strategic Alignment with National Vision

Aligned with the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the deal underscores India’s march towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence. It reflects the nation’s commitment to building a resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive defence industry, while reinforcing the operational backbone of the Indian Army.

Conclusion

The ₹586 crore APU contract is more than a procurement—it is a strategic investment in India’s defence future. By combining indigenous innovation with operational necessity, the MoD has taken a significant step towards ensuring that India’s armoured forces remain battle-ready, sustainable, and technologically advanced.

This initiative not only strengthens the Indian Army’s mechanised formations but also sets a precedent for future industry-led defence collaborations, driving India closer to its vision of self-reliance and global competitiveness.

$45M Javelin Pact Strengthens India-US Defense Bond

Image - lockheedmartin.com

India has officially signed a $45.7 million agreement with the United States to procure 100 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and 25 launch units, marking a major boost to the Indian Army’s anti-armor capabilities. The deal was finalized on August 28, 2026, under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The FGM‑148 Javelin is a U.S.-made, man‑portable “fire‑and‑forget” anti‑tank guided missile designed to destroy armored vehicles, bunkers, and fortified positions with precision. It is widely regarded as one of the most effective infantry anti‑armor weapons in service today.

Key Details of the Javelin Deal

• Agreement Type: Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route
• Value: $45.7 million (~₹292 crore)
• Package Includes: 100 FGM-148 Javelin missiles, 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU), 1 “fly-to-buy” evaluation missile, training materials, simulators, technical manuals, spare parts, and lifecycle support
• Suppliers: Javelin Joint Venture — RTX Corporation and Lockheed Martin
• Delivery Route: Emergency Procurement (EP) to fast-track induction

Capabilities of the Javelin System

• Type: Man-portable, medium-range, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile
• Range: ~2.5 km effective engagement
• Modes: Top-attack and direct-attack
• Targets: Armored vehicles, bunkers, fortified positions
• Guidance: Imaging infrared seeker for precision targeting

Strategic Significance for India

• Operational Impact: Enhances infantry’s ability to neutralize modern armored threats
• Partnership: Strengthens U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership
• Industrial Cooperation: Opens the door for co-production in India with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Regional Context: Provides advanced anti-armor capability amid tensions with China and Pakistan

Risks & Considerations

• Cost vs. Indigenous Development: Reliance on imports may slow indigenous ATGM programs
• Production Capacity: Co-production talks with BDL could mitigate dependency
• Deployment Pressure: Rapid induction under EP may strain training and logistics

Quick Comparison: Javelin vs. India’s Indigenous Nag ATGM

System	Origin	Range	Guidance	Deployment
Javelin	U.S. (RTX + Lockheed Martin)	~2.5 km	Imaging infrared seeker	Infantry, man-portable
Nag ATGM	India (DRDO + BDL)	~4 km	Imaging infrared seeker	Vehicle-mounted (NAMICA)

FGM‑148 Javelin Missile Overview

Key Facts

• Origin: United States, developed by the Javelin Joint Venture (Lockheed Martin + RTX/Raytheon)
• Entered Service: 1996 with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps
• Users: Over 25 allied nations including UK, France, Australia, Ukraine, and India
• Combat Record: Proven effective in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine

Technical Specifications

• Type: Man‑portable, shoulder‑fired anti‑tank guided missile
• Range: ~2.5 km with standard CLU; up to 4 km with Lightweight CLU
• Guidance: Passive infrared seeker — fire‑and‑forget
• Warhead: Tandem‑charge HEAT designed to defeat explosive reactive armor (ERA)
• Flight Modes: Top‑attack and direct‑attack
• Weight: ~22 kg ready‑to‑fire
• Crew: Operated by 1–2 soldiers

Operational Advantages

• Fire‑and‑Forget: Operator can take cover immediately after launch
• Day/Night Capability: Thermal imaging allows use in all weather conditions
• High Survivability: Low launch signature reduces detection risk
• Versatility: Effective against tanks, bunkers, fortifications, and helicopters

Strategic Importance

• For India: Enhances infantry’s ability to counter armored threats, complements indigenous Nag ATGM
• For Allies: Demonstrates battlefield effectiveness and interoperability with NATO/U.S. systems
• Global Impact: Symbol of modern infantry anti‑armor warfare, highlighted during Ukraine conflict

Javelin vs. Other ATGMs

System	Origin	Range	Guidance	Deployment
Javelin	U.S.	2.5–4 km	Infrared, fire‑and‑forget	Man‑portable
Nag ATGM	India	~4 km	Infrared seeker	Vehicle‑mounted
Spike ATGM	Israel	2.5–8 km	Electro‑optical	Man‑portable/vehicle

Cochin Shipyard Launches 7th Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for Indian Navy

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) today marked another significant milestone in its shipbuilding journey with the launch of the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare vessel ‘Machilipatnam’, in a series of eight being constructed for the Indian Navy.

The ship was launched by Smt Goolrukh Anand and the ceremony was graced by Vice Admiral Atul Anand, PVSM, AVSM, VSM as the Chief Guest. Shri Jose VJ, Chairman and Managing Director, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Dr. Harikrishnan S, Dir (Ops) and Shri Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Dir (Tech), CSL, Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, VSM, CSO (Trg), HQSNC, Dr. C Pandi Selva Durai, IOFS, CVO, CSL, Senior officials of Southern Naval Command and IHQ MoD(N), Cmde Anup Menon, WPS (Kochi) and representatives of the Classification Society were present.

Cochin Shipyard Launches 7th Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft for Indian Navy

The launch of the seventh vessel underscores the steady progress of the prestigious project and reflects the close collaboration between Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy in strengthening the nation's maritime capabilities. The ship is being built with a strong focus on quality, safety, and timely execution, reaffirming CSL's commitment to supporting the Government of India's vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhancing indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities.

The ASW SWC ships are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations including subsurface surveillance. The Yard BY 529 has been named after old port city ‘Machilipatnam’ along India’s east coast located in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh.

The vessel is 78.0 m long, 11.36 m wide with a draught of about 2.7 m. The displacement is about 900 tons, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles. The ships are designed to fit indigenously developed and built state-of-the-art Hull Mounted Sonar and Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar for underwater surveillance in line with Government policy of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Israel Eyes India for Iron Dome Missile Production

Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is reportedly in talks with Indian defence firms to locally produce Tamir interceptor missiles — the core of the Iron Dome air defence system — marking a major expansion of India–Israel defence cooperation. If finalized, India would become only the second country after the U.S. to manufacture these missiles outside Israel.

The Tamir interceptor missile is the core weapon of Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, designed to destroy short‑range rockets, artillery shells, mortars, and drones with remarkable precision. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it has been operational since 2011 and boasts a success rate of over 90%.

Key Details of the Proposed Deal

• Parties Involved: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Israel) and multiple Indian private-sector defence firms
• Missile Type: Tamir interceptor — used in the Iron Dome system. 
• Purpose: Expand global production capacity beyond Israel and the U.S.; position India as a manufacturing and export hub
• Cost Advantage: Tamir missiles cost $40,000–$100,000 each, far cheaper than Patriot interceptors ($2–3 million)
• Operational Record: Iron Dome has intercepted 1,500+ aerial threats since 2011 with a success rate above 90%

Strategic Significance

• For Israel (Rafael): Diversifies supply chain; meets rising demand; leverages India’s competitive production costs
• For India: Strengthens role as global defence hub; aligns with “Make in India”; builds on collaborations like Barak 8; enhances supply-chain resilience

Comparative Snapshot of Tamir Production

Country	Production Role	Key Details
Israel	Primary manufacturer	Supplies IDF, exports globally
United States	Partner via Raytheon (R2S JV)	$1.25B Arkansas facility (2025)
India	New hub (proposed)	Would serve domestic + export markets

Risks & Challenges

• Negotiation Stage: Talks are ongoing; no final agreement yet
• Technology Transfer: Extent of joint production and tech sharing remains unclear
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Regional rivals may view India’s role as escalatory
• Supply Chain Dependence: India must prove reliability during crises

Why This Matters for India

• Positions India alongside the U.S. as a trusted partner in Iron Dome production
• Expands India’s defence export potential, complementing deals like BrahMos exports. 
• Strengthens bilateral defence ties with Israel across missiles, drones, radars, and electronic warfare

India Successfully Tests Pinaka Long‑Range Guided Rocket at 60 km Minimum Range

On 8 July 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, validating its performance at a user-defined minimum range of 60 km. This marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous rocket artillery capability.

A guided rocket is a traditional artillery rocket fitted with a guidance assembly (GPS, inertial navigation, or laser seekers).

Essentially, guided rockets in rocket artillery are precision‑strike weapons that combine the high‑volume firepower of traditional rockets with modern guidance systems, allowing them to hit targets with accuracy measured in meters rather than kilometers. They bridge the gap between unguided artillery rockets and tactical missiles, offering armies flexible, cost‑effective precision firepower.

Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) Successfully Tested

Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) was successfully tested for a user defined minimum range of 60 km at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur on 08 July 2026. During the trial, LRGR impacted on the target with textbook precision exactly following the predicted… pic.twitter.com/c8daYom3rw

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) July 8, 2026

• Date & Location: 8 July 2026, Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
• System Tested: Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR).
• Range Validated: Minimum operational range of 60 km.
• Performance: Executed all planned in‑flight manoeuvres and struck the designated target with precision.

Development & Design

• Lead Agency: Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
• Collaborators: High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
• Launcher: Fired from the in‑service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility across Pinaka variants

Strategic Significance

• Operational Flexibility: Validating minimum range ensures rockets can be deployed in close‑support missions as well as long‑range strikes
• Indigenous Capability: Strengthens India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative
• Force Multiplier: Enhances the Indian Army’s precision strike capability with guided rockets that minimize collateral damage
• Versatility: Same launcher can deploy multiple Pinaka variants, simplifying logistics and battlefield adaptability

Official Statements

• Defence Ministry: Confirmed successful validation of LRGR’s minimum range and precision strike capability
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: Congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners, calling it “a major milestone in indigenous design and development capability for long‑range guided rockets.”

Broader Impact

• Army Modernisation: Pinaka LRGR adds depth to India’s artillery arsenal, complementing systems like Pinaka Mk‑II
• Strategic Deterrence: Demonstrates India’s ability to deliver precision strikes at varying ranges
• Industry Collaboration: Reflects synergy between DRDO labs and defence industry partners in advancing rocket technology

India Enters Elite League with Successful Ballistic Missile Defence and Naval Anti-Ship Missile Tests

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and the maiden flight-test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) on June 10–11, 2026, placing India among the elite nations capable of intercepting Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

The @DRDO_India has successfully demonstrated multiple crucial technologies bolstering nations defence capabilities against different types of enemy threats.

Three consecutive flight-tests were successfully conducted to demonstrate multi-layered defence against long range… pic.twitter.com/0DKQF0LB30

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 13, 2026

Key Highlights of the Tests

• Multi-Layered BMD Success
  - Conducted three consecutive flight-tests on June 10–11, 2026.
  - Interceptors successfully engaged long-range ballistic missile targets.
  - Systems designed with latest indigenous technologies to counter emerging missile threats.
  - Demonstration places India in the elite group of nations with capability to engage up to ICBMs.
  
• Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR)
  - Maiden flight-test successfully conducted during the same trials.
  - Enhances India’s naval strike capability against medium-range maritime threats.
  - Witnessed by senior officials of DRDO and Defence Forces.
  
• Leadership Statements
  - Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, calling the achievement a major boost to national defence.
  - Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh closely monitored the trials and applauded the combined efforts of DRDO and industry partners.
  

Strategic Significance

• Elite Status: India now joins a select group of nations with proven multi-layered BMD capability against ICBMs.
  
• Naval Power Projection: NASM-MR strengthens India’s maritime deterrence, complementing existing missile systems.
  
• Indigenisation: Developed with indigenous seekers, avionics, propulsion, and guidance technologies.
  

Technical Insights

• Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
  - Designed to intercept threats at multiple layers (exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric).
  - Uses advanced radar, electro-optical tracking, and guidance systems.
  - Capable of neutralising missiles across ranges, including long-range and intercontinental threats.
  
• NASM-MR
  - Builds on earlier NASM-SR developments.
  - Equipped with solid propulsion booster, advanced seeker, fibre-optic gyroscope-based navigation, and jet-vane control.
  - Developed by Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad) in collaboration with other DRDO labs and Indian industries.
  

Implications for India’s Defence

• Enhanced Deterrence: Strengthens India’s defensive shield against hostile missile attacks.
  
• Maritime Security: Expands naval strike options, crucial for safeguarding sea lanes and deterring adversaries.
  
• Industry Collaboration: Demonstrates synergy between DRDO labs and Indian industry/start-ups.

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates DRDO’s Advanced Weapon System Complex, Launches Mission Sudarshan Chakra for Multi‑Level Missile Defence

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated an Advanced Weapon System Complex at the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), part of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad. The inauguration marked a significant milestone in India’s defence R&D ecosystem, underscoring the nation’s commitment to technological excellence, strategic autonomy, and national security.

Strategic Significance of the Inauguration

• The new complex strengthens India’s indigenous missile development capabilities, enabling faster transitions from research to production.
• Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO’s Missile Systems & Strategic Systems Cluster for its pivotal contributions, noting that indigenous systems like Akash and BrahMos have proven India’s ability to compete globally.
• He emphasized that “strength is essential for peace, and self-reliance is the most reliable foundation for that strength.”

Operation Sindoor: Proof of Indigenous Excellence

• Indigenous missile systems performed exceptionally during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating India’s growing defence capabilities.
• Air defence played a decisive role, thwarting aerial threats and ensuring national security.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra: India’s Multi-Level Missile Defence

• Announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his 2025 Independence Day address, Mission Sudarshan Chakra aims to establish a three-layered missile defence system.
• The system will protect military installations, civil infrastructure, and critical assets, ensuring minimal inconvenience to citizens while providing robust national security.
• Rajnath Singh asserted that the system will deliver a “decisive punch whenever needed,” symbolizing India’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.

Building Resilience and Deterrence

• Resilience: absorbing shocks and bouncing back.
• Deterrence: instilling fear in aggressors.
• Modern warfare is being redefined by precision-strike capabilities, hypersonic weapons, autonomous platforms, AI, electronic warfare, and advanced sensors.
• India must remain alert, capable, and self-reliant in this evolving global order.

DRDO’s Role in Future Warfare

• DRDO has achieved numerous milestones in indigenous missile technologies, with successful tests of advanced systems and continuous progress in strategic and tactical programmes.
• Rajnath Singh urged DRDO to integrate production as part of development, reduce timelines, simplify manufacturing, and increase indigenous content.
• He called for an integrated ecosystem involving DRDO, the Services, industry, start-ups, MSMEs, and academia to accelerate innovation-to-production cycles.

Towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence

• Over the past 12 years, the Government has taken measures to promote R&D under the vision of ‘Make-in-India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Enhanced collaboration across DRDO labs, Defence PSUs, private industry, and academia has transformed India’s defence ecosystem.
• Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that DRDO will continue to strengthen national capabilities, reduce technological dependence, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Exhibition of Cutting-Edge Technologies

• Raksha Mantri explored a technical exhibition showcasing advanced weapon systems, indigenous missile platforms, and futuristic defence technologies developed by DRDO.
• Senior officials including DG (Missile & Strategic Systems) Shri U Raja Babu and DRDL Director Dr Ankathi Raju were present.

This inauguration is not just a technological milestone but a symbol of India’s resolve to remain resilient, self-reliant, and strategically prepared in an era of rapidly evolving warfare.

India Expands Defence Exports with $629M BrahMos Missile Pact with Vietnam

India has officially signed a landmark deal to supply Vietnam with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, jointly developed with Russia. The agreement, valued at around ₹60,000 crore (~$629 million), includes training and logistical support, marking Vietnam’s largest defence acquisition in recent years and strengthening India’s role as a major defence exporter in Southeast Asia.

India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has officially confirmed at the Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore (May 30, 2026) that a BrahMos missile supply deal with Vietnam has been signed. However, neither India nor Vietnam has yet issued a formal government press release disclosing the contract’s detailed terms or value.

Reuters sources estimate $629 million, including training and logistical support, but no official government release has confirmed this figure.

Key Details of India–Vietnam BrahMos Missile Deal

• Signed: May 2026 at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
• Value: Approx. ₹60,000 crore (~$629 million)
• Scope: Missile systems, training, and logistical support
• Significance: Vietnam becomes the second foreign customer after the Philippines
• Indonesia: Similar deal in final negotiation stages

BrahMos Missile Technical Highlights

• Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0 (three times the speed of sound)
• Range: Export variant ~290–300 km; extended versions 450–800 km
• Launch Platforms: Land batteries, warships, submarines, aircraft
• Features: Sea-skimming trajectory, precision strike, high kinetic impact

Strategic Significance

• Vietnam: Strengthens coastal and maritime deterrence in the South China Sea
• India: Expands defence exports, reinforces “Act East” policy
• Regional Impact: BrahMos emerging as preferred coastal defence solution in ASEAN

Comparative Snapshot of BrahMos Exports

Country	Year Signed	Value	Systems Delivered	Strategic Role
Philippines	2022	$375M	3 coastal batteries	South China Sea deterrence
Vietnam	2026	$629M	Training + logistics	Coastal defence, maritime deterrence
Indonesia	Pending (2026)	TBD	Negotiations ongoing	Coastal defence modernization

Risks & Challenges

• Geopolitical Tensions: China may view Vietnam’s acquisition as escalatory
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh stressed resilience
• Operational Integration: Vietnam must adapt training and infrastructure

India’s UAV‑Launched Missile V3 Clears Dual‑Mode Trials, Boosting Global Air Power

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed final trials of the UAV‑Launched Precision Guided Missile‑V3 (ULPGM‑V3) at its Kurnool test range, marking a strategic milestone in indigenous defence capability under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

DRDO has partnered with two production agencies - Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad and Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Limited, Hyderabad - for the development and production of the missiles. The system has been integrated on UAVs developed by Newspace Research and Technologies, Bengaluru for current trials.

The ULPGM missile has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad as the nodal lab along with other DRDO laboratories namely Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.

Key Highlights of ULPGM‑V3 Trials

Development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile-V3 in Air-to-Ground & Air-to-Air modes was successfully completed at DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Hl3AuJhsMP

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) May 19, 2026

• Dual‑mode capability: Effective in air‑to‑ground (anti‑tank) and air‑to‑air (drones, helicopters, airborne targets).
• Advanced Ground Control System: Integrated GCS automates readiness and launch operations.
• Indigenous development: Designed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad with support from DRDL, TBRL, and HEMRL.
• Industrial collaboration: Partners include Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Adani Defence Systems, and UAV integration by NewSpace Research & Technologies.
• Supply chain maturity: Trials confirmed readiness for serial mass production with MSME participation.
• Leadership recognition: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat hailed the achievement as a “strategic milestone.”

Technical Features

• High‑definition dual‑channel seeker: Enables day‑night precision targeting.
• Two‑way data link: Allows post‑launch target updates.
• Modular warheads: Anti‑armour, Penetration‑cum‑blast, Pre‑fragmentation.

Strategic Significance

• Force multiplier: UAV‑based PGMs reduce pilot risk and extend operational reach.
• Regional defence hub: Aligns with Andhra Pradesh’s aerospace and missile integration initiatives.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Reinforces India’s push for self‑reliance in defence technologies.

Comparison Table: ULPGM‑V3 Capabilities

Feature	Details
Strike Modes	Air‑to‑Ground (anti‑tank), Air‑to‑Air (drones, helicopters, airborne targets)
Seeker System	Dual‑channel, day‑night capable
Warhead Options	Anti‑armour, Penetration‑cum‑blast, Pre‑fragmentation
Control System	Integrated GCS with automated launch readiness
Production Partners	Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Adani Defence
UAV Integration	NewSpace Research & Technologies
Supply Chain	Indigenous, MSME participation, ready for mass production

The missile has been produced entirely through the Indian defence ecosystem involving a large number of MSMEs and other industries. The trials confirmed fully mature domestic supply chain, equipped for immediate serial mass production.

Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh  has complimented DRDO, PSUs, Defence cum Production Partners and industry for the successful development trials of ULPGM-V3 in Air-to-Ground mode for anti-tank role and Air-to-Air modes for Drone, Helicopter and other airborne targets. He termed it a strategic milestone achieved towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

Agneyastra Energetics Launches ₹1,500‑Cr Defence Manufacturing Hub in Andhra Pradesh to Advance Global Energetics and Ammunition Innovation

Shri Rajnath Singh (Raksha Mantri) and Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu (CM, Andhra Pradesh) view defence systems with Shri Baba Kalyani (CMD, Bharat Forge)

• Kalyani Strategic Systems’ (Bharat Forge) subsidiary advances India’s next-generation indigenous energetics manufacturing capabilities. 
• New 1,000-acre integrated manufacturing campus with planned ₹1,500 crore strategic investment

Agneyastra Energetics Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL)—the defence business of Bharat Forge Limited—today announced the groundbreaking of its strategic defence manufacturing facility near Madakasira in Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh.

Spread across more than 1,000 acres, the integrated campus will be developed with a planned investment of ₹1,500 crore over the next 2–4 years. Designed with advanced manufacturing technologies, high-safety testing infrastructure, and specialised logistics capabilities, the facility will significantly enhance India’s indigenous capabilities in advanced energetics and ammunition systems critical to modern defence and aerospace applications.

The project is expected to generate ~800 direct jobs and ~2,500 indirect employment opportunities, contributing to regional economic growth while reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a preferred hub for aerospace and defence manufacturing.

Agneyastra Energetics has been established to address India’s continued reliance on imported energetics materials by delivering indigenously designed, manufactured, and globally compliant solutions. The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, driving import substitution, local value creation, and technological self-reliance in strategically critical materials.

Shri Rajnath Singh (Raksha Mantri), Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu (CM, Andhra Pradesh) and Shri Baba Kalyani (CMD, Bharat Forge) at the groundbreaking ceremony of Agneyastra Energetics

Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited, said: “India has a significant opportunity to emerge as a globally trusted source for advanced defence systems and critical materials. Agneyastra Energetics is a strategic step towards building a strong indigenous energetics ecosystem and globally competitive capabilities from India for both domestic and international markets.”

Backed by the Kalyani Group’s six decades of expertise in strategic defence manufacturing, metallurgy, and systems integration, Agneyastra Energetics will embed best-in-class safety, engineering discipline, and industrial governance from the outset. The company is positioned to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s defence industrial ecosystem, enhancing national security, and contributing to the country’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

About Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited:

Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd. (KSSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited, set up as a flagship company to drive defence business initiatives. The Group's legacy and experience in design, engineering, metallurgy, and manufacturing expertise spanning over five decades have played a key role in the Group emerging as one of the leading defence players in India with established capabilities of entities within its fold across key locations in India.

About Agneyastra Energetics Limited:

Agneyastra Energetics Limited is a specialized ammunitions, Propellants and high energy materials manufacturing company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited. The company develops advanced ammunition, propellants, rockets, and pyrotechnic systems for defence, aerospace, and space applications. Agneyastra is focused on building safe, high‑performance, indigenous energetic capabilities aligned with India’s long‑term national security and self‑reliance objectives.

More About Bharat Forge Limited- www.bharatforge.com.