The Agni-P (Prime) is a new-generation advanced variant of the Agni. It was launched from Abdul Kalam Island in June. (DRDO)
Conflict with China in Eastern Ladakh and the recent Taliban takeover in Afghanistan are causing unease in India, intensifying a need to speedily activate delayed plans for Delhi’s military capabilities in space.
Defence space projects are not being given priority and remain on the backburner. Indeed, some plans are lagging by 20 years, according to retired AM M Matheswaran, former Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and Chairman and President of the Peninsula Foundation.
‘Fund crunches are blamed for the delays. However, we need to consider China’s progress in space,’ he told Shephard.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which
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By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
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