Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd Signs a Letter of Intent (L01) with AM General, USA
In a groundbreaking development for India's defence industry, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a 100% subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd, signed a Letter of Intent (L01) with AM General, USA, at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The agreement paves the way for the supply of advanced artillery cannons manufactured in India to the United States, a historic first for an Indian defence company. This milestone underscores the deepening defence ties between India and the U.S. and highlights India's emergence as a credible player in the global defence manufacturing landscape.
The LOI marks a significant leap forward in bilateral defence collaboration, building on the momentum of recent India-U.S. strategic dialogues aimed at bolstering defence industrial cooperation. For the first time, an Indian firm will supply artillery cannons to the U.S., reversing the traditional flow of military hardware and showcasing the technological prowess of India's private sector.
This agreement follows a prior collaboration between KSSL and AM General, established in 2024, to co-develop a range of next-generation artillery systems.
Feb 21, 2025
Ministry of Defence Inks Contract with Bharat Electronics Limited for Software Defined Radios
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru for the procurement of 149 Software Defined Radios for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs. 1220.12 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.
these state-of-the-art radios will enable secure and reliable information sharing, collaboration, and situational awareness through high-speed data and secure voice communication.
The project is a strategic step toward bolstering the Coast Guard's operational capabilities and supporting the Government of India's Blue Economy objectives by reinforcing maritime security.
Feb 20, 2025
The 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting
The 13th meeting of Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) took place in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Secretary General of Ministry of Defence, Malaysia Lokman Hakim Bin Ali. Both sides expressed happiness at the growing bilateral defence cooperation with regular engagements between the two Armed Forces in recent years.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on effective & practical initiatives to further expand bilateral defence engagements and regional & global issues. Both chairs identified steps to further enhance cooperation in emerging areas such as cyber security and Al. They identified ways to deepen existing collaboration, particularly in the defence industry, maritime security, and multilateral engagements. They agreed to form a joint focus group to address non-traditional maritime security threats.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the new initiatives under the defence pillar of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the latter's visit to India in August 2024.
India and Malaysia also exchanged the finalised Terms of Reference (ToR) on the establishment of Strategic Affairs Working Group. This forum will act as a consultative mechanism intermediate between the MIDCOM and the two sub-committees to progress all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation.
Feb 19, 2025
International Fleet Review 2025 and Exercise Komodo 2025
The International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 is taking place in Bali, Indonesia. This event concludes on February 22, 2025. The Indian Navy is represented by the INS Shardul and the Long Range Maritime Surveillance P8I aircraft. The IFR is a prestigious multinational naval event that showcases naval forces from various countries and is reviewed by the President of Indonesia.
The IFR aims to strengthen maritime cooperation among nations.
It facilitates discussions on maritime security and encourages goodwill among naval forces.
The event includes high-level engagements such as the International Maritime Security Symposium.
Participating navies engage in tactical floor games to enhance operational readiness.
Following IFR 25, both INS Shardul and the P8I will participate in Exercise Komodo, a multilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability and regional security cooperation.
Indian Navy Launches Eighth MCA Barge, LSAM 11
The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone by launching its eighth Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, LSAM 11 (Yard 79). This key event took place in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, at the launch site of M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was presided over by Commodore N. Gopinath, AGM (PL) at Naval Dockyard Mumbai. This addition to the Indian Navy's fleet is set to strengthen its logistical support and operational capabilities.
The LSAM 11 is one of eight MCA Barges designed to play a critical role in supporting the Navy's operational needs. These barges are primarily used to transport, embark, and disembark ammunition and other critical supplies to Indian Navy platforms, especially at outer harbors and jetties.
Feb 18, 2025
Indian Army Displays 'Kamikaze' Drone at IIT Jammu Expo
The Indian Army displayed its advanced Kamikaze drone at the Science and Technology Expo held at IIT Jammu, highlighting its surveillance and attack capabilities.
The drone can carry payloads of 150 to 300 grams. Its flight duration is 30 minutes without a mini drone and 15-20 minutes with a mini drone, which is used for carrying out kamikaze attacks.
The drone is equipped with a small camera, and can operate in both day and night conditions, with a zoom feature for better surveillance.