Bengaluru, Feb 11

Defence Minister holds bilateral meetings on Day 2

On the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with Minister of Defence of Armenia Mr Suren Papikyan, Minister of Defence, Malawi Ms Monica Changanamuno and Minister of the Armed Forces of Madagascar Lt Gen Sahivelo Lala Monja Delphin in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025.

The meeting of Raksha Mantri and the Armenian Defence Minister provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss matters related to bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders acknowledged the growing significance of defence ties between both nations which are progressing well with multi-pronged approach on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation. They discussed increasing bilateral training cooperation and possibilities of joint ventures between defence industries of both countries. Towards enhancing interoperability Armenia’s inclusion as an observer in the Joint India-Central Asia Army exercise was decided between both leaders.

During the meeting with the Minister of Defence, Malawi, both leaders had wide-ranging discussions on ways to further strengthen bilateral defence relations and enhance cooperation in areas of training, military courses and capacity building of the Armed Forces. Both sides also agreed to expedite signing of Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation to foster mutual understanding and enhance strategic interests.

During the meeting with Minister of the Armed Forces of Madagascar, both sides held comprehensive discussions on the matters of bilateral defence cooperation and maritime domain. They also discussed the possibilities for expanding bilateral defence cooperation, particularly early conclusion of an agreement for promoting Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region and cooperation in capacity building of Defence Forces.

Kalyani and L3Harris Signs MoU on Advanced Technology

Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Forge Limited (NYSE: BFL) and L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for wider collaboration in supporting advanced defense and security equipment in India.

Under the two-year agreement, both companies will work in close collaboration to provide solutions for mutually agreed opportunities in Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) technologies. The MOU provides L3Harris with a strong, local partner to support tactical communications network development in India, extending an existing global install footprint of more than 1 million fielded radios across U.S. Department of Defense and allied inventories.

“This MOU sets the stage for future partnerships and opportunities in India, where the combined strengths of L3Harris and KSSL can contribute to bolster national security for the country,” said Dave Johnson, Vice President, International, L3Harris.  “We are excited to move forward and increase our delivery speed in advanced tactical radios and equipment to the Indian Armed Forces.”

The U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation encourages both parties’ support of advanced defense technologies, capabilities and equipment. The MOU is designed to foster collaboration in defence technologies, with a framework for innovation that benefits both L3Harris and KSSL.

“This collaboration unlocks new strategic capabilities and will lead to harnessing new opportunities for quick delivery of sophisticated defense products to the Indian Armed Forces,” said Neelesh Tungar, President & CEO, KSSL. “Aligned with the evolving doctrines and emerging warfare paradigms, this collaboration between KSSL and L3Harris is aimed at serving future strategic requirements, including joint and integrated ISR capabilities.”

While focusing on the Indian market, the collaboration also seeks to establish robust and resilient supply chains outside India for global obligations.

L3Harris has operated in India for more than 21 years, with facilities in New Delhi and Bengaluru. In addition to providing the Indian Armed Forces with sophisticated tactical radios and manned airborne electro-optic/infrared systems, the company provides Futuristic Telecommunications Infrastructure for all Indian airports in partnership with the Airport Authority of India.

BEL-IAI Aerosystems begins operations

Heralding a new chapter in Indo-Israeli Defence and security cooperation, BEL IAI Aerosystems, a landmark joint venture between Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced the commencement of its operations at Aero India 2025.  

Both companies have established a JV, which is a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration, paving the way for a robust strategic partnership envisaged to provide a single point of contact for extending long-term product support services for India's Defence Forces. 

Esteemed dignitaries and senior officials from both the nations attended the JV launch held at the BEL stall in Aero India today. Among them were Mr Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL; Mr Boaz Levy, President & CEO of IAI; Mr Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bangalore Complex), BEL, & Chairman of the JV; and Mr Oded Jacobowitz, VP & General Manager Air & Missile Defence Systems at IAI. 

The JV is uniquely positioned as the exclusive support entity for post-warranty maintenance of India’s Defence Systems. This initiative leverages manufacturing capabilities and technological innovations, fostering India's self-reliance in sync with the ‘Make in India’ vision even while delivering world-class solutions.

Beyond post-warranty maintenance, this collaboration will also lead to the transfer of advanced technological capabilities to India, enabling the development of local expertise in critical defence systems. By establishing a dedicated support infrastructure, the JV will empower India to operate, maintain, and enhance its Defence systems independently. The venture’s long-term impact extends to creating job opportunities, upskilling the local workforce, and contributing to the growth of India’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global defence player.

This partnership is built on a foundation of deep trust and reflects the enduring and profound relationship between India and Israel. By leveraging their extensive operational expertise and uniting it with the cutting-edge innovation inherent in both companies, the JV is poised to deliver transformative solutions. 

Beyond addressing India’s current Defence needs, this collaboration strengthens bilateral ties and positions the two nations as global leaders in tackling complex challenges with robust and forward-thinking technologies.

Mr Boaz Levy, President & CEO of Israel Aerospace Industries, said: "This collaboration is a historic milestone as it marks the first-ever joint company established by leading Defence firms of Israel and India. It reflects the robust and flourishing relationship between the two nations, and we are excited about the significant contributions this venture will bring to India’s Defence capabilities. We extend our gratitude to the Tri-Services for their unwavering partnership."

Mr Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, said: “The launch of BEL IAI Aerosystems [the JV] ushers in a paradigm shift in providing seamless product and life cycle support for MRSAM/LRSAM systems supplied to the tri-services. The JVC reflects the strategic partnership between India and Israel and the commitment of BEL and IAI to jointly provide state-of-the-art weapon systems and life cycle support for the Indian Defence forces."

Mr Rajnish Sharma, Director (Bangalore Complex), BEL, & Chairman of the JV, said: “The JV, as SPOC, shall strive for significant reduction in the Turn Around Time (TAT) and ensure high level of Serviceability of these strategic systems to meet the operational needs of the Tri Services.” 

Mr Oded Jacobowitz, VP & General Manager, Air & Missile Défense Systems at IAI, said: "This joint venture is a testament to the deep partnership between IAI and BEL. By combining IAI’s cutting-edge technology with BEL’s extended expertise, we are laying the foundation for long-term success and a stronger, self-reliant defence ecosystem in India."

The JV will operate as a beacon of excellence, equipped to deliver cutting-edge support and maintenance for India’s advanced Defence systems. As a pioneering collaboration between BEL and IAI, BEL IAI Aerosystems is dedicated to empowering India’s Defence infrastructure with unmatched technological solutions and efficient support services. This historic initiative reinforces the steadfast alliance between India and Israel, advancing regional security and establishing a benchmark in global defence cooperation.

BEL-NAL Signs MoU

At Aero India 2025, Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has signed an MoU with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, to co-operate and work together in the areas of Unified Air Space Management & Sensor Development for Loitering Munition (LM) and High-Altitude Platform Station.

About CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, is a leading government aerospace R&D laboratory in the country. CSIR-NAL is a high technology oriented institution focusing on developing small, medium and regional transports aircraft and other aerospace avionics and aerospace composites structures, High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones for civil and Defence applications. CSIR-NAL has several advanced test facilities and many of them are recognised as national facilities. CSIR-NAL also has world class composite manufacturing facilities under one roof for design, development and manufacturing of composite components for aerospace applications.

Scandron Launches CargoMax 20KHC at Aero India

Scandron, a Bengaluru-based Startup, today unveiled the CargoMax 20KHC, India's most powerful cargo drone with a 200kg payload capacity. The CargoMax 20KHC is designed to provide the Indian Armed Forces with a Stable, Robust, Reliable Aerial Logistics Platform for Last Mile Deliveries. The CargoMax 20KHC is a fully Autonomous Aerial Logistics Platform that offer pilotless operations, an operational range of 15km and a Operational Ceiling of 6000m AMSL. All CargoMax drones have variants that enable them to offer superior logistics capability whether it is for High Altitude Operations, Desert Operations or Naval Operations.

 At the ongoing AeroIndia 2025 Air Show, Scandron also showcased the SkyKrane 40 Aerial Crane and their ScanD suite of Surveillance Drone platforms.

Scandron’s CargoMax series of Logistics drones strengthens the drone eco system in India, reduces reliance on imports, and positions the country at the forefront of Drone Technology. Engineered for seamless operations in both urban and remote environments, CargoMax logistics drones enhance efficiency across key sectors, including defense, logistics, and disaster relief.

Key Features and Applications:

CargoMax Logistics Drones are designed for Autonomous Operations in various environments and Verticals. The systems share a Common Command and Control Architecture and have significant layers of redundancy built in to ensure stable, safe and reliable operations. Applications Include:

High Altitude Logistics Indian Army – CargoMax Drones are designed for High Altitude Logistics Operations for Last Mile Deliveries at altitudes greater than 5500m AMSL.

Naval & Island Operations – CargoMax Drones are capable of pinpoint landings on moving platforms, which makes them ideally suited for Naval Supply operations.

Supply Chain Logistics – CargoMax Drones are a great addition to the fleet for optimizing Mid-Mile Logistics and Warehouse to Warehouse Operations.

NDRF/SDRF – CargoMax drones are ideal tools for heavy lifting emergency & relief supplies in impacted areas.

The CargoMax Logistics Drones are future proof and are designed to evolve and be customized for specifics requirements for various customers across industries.

Excited about the launch Arjun Naik, CEO and Founder of Scandron Stated, “Scandron is a customer focused company, and we continuously innovate to design and develop disruptive drone solutions to help solve real world problems and bring enhanced efficiency to our customers operations. We focus on integrating our drones into mainstream operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs without compromising safety and reliability.”

About Scandron Pvt. Ltd.

Scandron Pvt. Ltd. is a Bengaluru-based drone manufacturing startup and India's first OEM to receive DGCA Type Certification for a logistics drone. The company specializes in heavy-lift logistics drones (5–200 kg), surveillance drones, agri-spraying drones, and custom UAVs. Operating across Drone Manufacturing and Drone as a Service (DaaS), Scandron serves the Indian Armed Forces, Oil & Gas, and Power Generation sectors with advanced inspection and monitoring solutions. Committed to Make in India, Scandron invests in R&D to develop self-reliant drone technologies. Scandron is a subsidiary of Magellanic Cloud Limited (NSE: MCLOUD).

 

February 11, 2025: Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defense, France, announced today the signing of a partnership to create a joint venture for the manufacturing, customisation, sale and maintenance of HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) Smart Precision Guided Air-to-Ground Weapon in India.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mr K V Suresh Kumar, Director (Marketing), BEL, and Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Executive Vice President, Safran Electronics & Defense, in the presence of Mr Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, BEL, Mr Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Electronics & Defense and other senior executives of both companies.

“The proposed joint venture between BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense will be a major step toward strengthening India's capabilities in defense manufacturing and achieving self-reliance in advanced weapon systems. It will localise HAMMER production, enable development of future variants and support the Government of India‘s Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative by reducing import dependence. The collaboration will facilitate technology transfer, create opportunities for Indian industries, especially SMEs and position India as a global hub for smart ammunitions production," said Mr Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, BEL.

"This joint venture partnership with BEL marks an important milestone for Safran Electronics & Defense. By creating this center of excellence combining the best of Safran with the best of BEL in smart precision guided munitions, we are supporting the Government’s Make in India programme, as well as strengthening both India’s sovereign defense capabilities and Safran’s industrial presence in India," said Mr Franck Saudo, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense.

As part of this partnership, BEL and Safran Electronics & Defense also plan to establish a Center of Excellence aimed at enhancing India’s Defence capabilities. This center will bolster joint industrial activities in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, and associated services such as operational maintenance, repairs, and overhauls of optronics and navigation equipment for the Indian armed forces. Safran Electronics & Defense will bring its expertise by implementing a knowledge transfer programme. The transfer of production will happen in a phased manner with BEL leading final assembly, testing and quality assurance. This strategic collaboration, which is in sync with the Government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, will facilitate the creation of a state-of-the-art production facility in India, making the country a key hub for advanced smart munitions. It will reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India's self-reliance and operational readiness in Defence.

HAMMER is a combat-proven, precision-guided weapon system known for its high accuracy and modular design, making it adaptable for multiple platforms, including the Rafale and LCA Tejas.

Himalayan Heli Services orders two Airbus H125 helicopters

Himalayan Heli Services Ltd., India's leading helicopter company in the pilgrimage and aerial work sectors, has ordered two Airbus H125 helicopters to expand its fleet.

This latest order will expand Himalayan Heli’s fleet to eight H125 helicopters, making it the largest H125 multi mission operator in the country. The helicopters will be deployed for commercial air transport and aerial work missions in northern India.

"Himalayan Heli Services is proud of using Airbus H125 helicopters for more than 15 years. The H125 has proven to be a safe, very versatile and most suitable helicopter for high altitude passenger flying as well as airborne geophysical survey across varied terrains. A prompt technical support by Airbus gives us much required confidence while serving in remote regions," said T. Wangchuk Shamshu, Managing Director, Himalayan Heli Services Limited.

“We are honoured that Himalayan Heli has once again chosen Airbus Helicopters’ H125 for their expanding services. This order underscores the trust that Himalayan Heli places in Airbus and highlights the expansion of our partnership,” said Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters in India and South Asia.

“The H125 is known for its versatility and performance in high-altitude terrains. We are certain that these helicopters will be valuable assets that will enable Himalayan Heli to expand their growing network of services in the country,” he added.

The H125 is the world’s best-selling single-engine helicopter that outclasses other helicopters in its category. This high-performing versatile helicopter is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated more than 40 million flight hours worldwide. It can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others. The H125 is the only helicopter to have landed at the top of Mount Everest, demonstrating its agility in operating in high altitude, extreme environments.

Apollo Micro System Signs MoU with Troop Comforts Limited and Munitions India Limited

We are pleased to inform you that the Company has signed and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Troop Comforts Limited for a strategic business partnership focused on the joint manufacturing, marketing, and development of advanced Air-Defence systems, including Anti-Drone and Anti-Aircraft solutions. This collaboration envisions the joint manufacturing, marketing, and development of various categories of Systems to meet the current and future demands of the Indian Defence forces, paramilitary forces, police organizations, central government organizations, state government organizations, the civil sector, and the export market. 

Exchange of MoU between Apollo Micro Systems Limited and Munitions India Limited We wish to inform you that the Company had entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Munitions India Limited for the joint development of various defence systems for domestic and international market, which has now been formally exchanged between the parties. As part of this collaboration, both parties will identify and pursue opportunities for the design, development, and deployment of advanced defence technologies. The exchange of the MoU reinforces our commitment to leveraging collective expertise and resources to drive innovation in the sector. 

Defence Secretary holds bilateral meetings on the sidelines

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held a bilateral meeting with Minister for the House of Lords, UK Lord Vernon Coaker on the sidelines of 15^th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 11, 2025. They briefly reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation, particularly industrial collaboration, and the ongoing engagements in the maritime domain. They expressed satisfaction over the beginnings being made in key cooperation areas such as Electric Propulsion and aero engines. 

Earlier, the Defence Secretary co-chaired a UK-India Business Council roundtable meeting with Lord Coaker and British High Commissioner to India Ms Lindy Cameron. This roundtable discussed the opportunities for Indian & UK defence companies to work together on ongoing and future joint projects. A large number of UK defence industries attended the roundtable while Indian industry was represented by the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers leadership. 

The Defence Secretary also held a bilateral meeting with Under Secretary of State for Defence, Italy Mr Matteo Perego Di Cremnago. They discussed ways & means to enhance the defence cooperation activities, including increased maritime and air exchanges, and joint project opportunities for Indian & Italian companies.