Beyond 2025: What defense leaders need to watch in 2026
What’s in store for 2026? Breaking Defense reporters examine how the decisions, disruptions, and developments of 2025 could shape the year ahead.
navy
HAL’s Naval Utility Helicopter-Marine Set For 2027 Debut, Ushering In Era of Twin-Engine Maritime Utility
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is advancing rapidly with its Utility Helicopter-Marine (UH-M), a bespoke platform tailored for the Indian Navy’s demanding maritime operations. Unlike the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which has been excluded for naval use, the UH-M promises to deliver on safety-critical requirements over open seas.Recent statements from Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral
India’s Maritime Security: A Case For Modularity, Speed, Self-Reliance, And Export Leadership
India’s maritime environment is becoming more complex and contested, not just in high-intensity conflict scenarios but also in routine peacetime operations such as maritime security, mine countermeasures, convoy escort, and regional presence missions.To respond effectively, the Indian Navy needs ships that are flexible, affordable, rapidly buildable, and sovereign in capability.A new 4,000–5,000
Rafael’s Ice Breaker Missile: Arming India’s Sea Hawk Helicopters For 300km Maritime Dominance
The Indian Navy is assessing Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems’ Ice Breaker cruise missile to significantly enhance the long-range strike capabilities of its MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters.This development follows the Indian Air Force’s recent approval for the same missile, positioning the Navy to bridge a critical gap in its maritime firepower.Sources indicate that integrating the Ice
DRDO Accelerates Indigenous EW And Stealth Fighters To Secure Spectrum Supremacy By 2047
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is intensifying its efforts in next-generation electronic warfare technologies, aiming to position the nation as a global defence leader by 2047.Speaking on the sidelines of the Electronic Warfare Conference-India (EWCI) in Bangalore, DRDO Director General for Electronics and Communication Systems, BK Das, outlined key priorities
Indian Navy Signs Contract For Three ‘Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges’ With Suryadipta Projects
A contract for construction and delivery of 03 x 200T Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges has been concluded with Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane (MSME Shipyard) on 16 Jan 2026.These Barges are the proud flag bearers of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of Govt. of India and will be built under the Classification Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).With this
Qatari firm Performance Marine unveils Ghost 7 USV, aims for sea trials this year
USVs are proving popular items to show off at DIMDEX.
Indian Navy And BEL Pioneer A2NCS: Major Leap In Indigenous Autonomous Navigation Tech
The Indian Navy, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has achieved a significant milestone in indigenous defence technology by developing the Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS).This innovative software empowers unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to perform complex sea operations without onboard crew, marking a leap forward in India’s naval
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Says India Moving To Build One of World’s Strongest Armed Forces By 2047
Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to forging one of the world’s strongest armed forces by 2047. Speaking at the Shaurya Diwas programme in Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, he outlined a clear roadmap for modernisation amid a challenging global security landscape.Several reforms have already been implemented to modernise the armed forces, Mr Singh noted. He
India Sets Non-Negotiable Terms In Landmark ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Deal Talks With France
India is currently engaged in high-level negotiations with France over the procurement of 114 additional Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).These talks, expected to span the next two to three days, centre on establishing firm conditions for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer. Key demands include transfer of technology (ToT) and the full integration of Indian weapons