India’s drone industry ambitions accelerate with Xtend technology transfer deal
Xtend’s Wolverine multi-mission drone. (Photo: Xtend)
The localised production of interceptor and tactical drones further strengthens India-Israel industrial alignment and could position India for future cooperation opportunities.
As the world scrambles for low‑cost, high‑volume counter‑uncrewed aerial systems (CUAS), India’s Rayonix clinched an US$11 million deal with Israeli-founded developer Xtend, locking in exclusive rights to build interceptor and tactical drones powered by Xtend’s XOS platform. The move represents a sharp pivot from buyer to manufacturer and from importing to owning the capability.
The deal links Rayonix to a global base of 10,000‑plus deployed systems across 30 countries. It also brings AI‑enabled, operator‑controlled autonomous platforms into India’s domestic and export inventory.
“Through this partnership we are demonstrating our ability to enable sovereign manufacturing ecosystems while preserving the integrity of our
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum]()
Boxer lands another order as contracts and opportunities build momentum
As Germany prepares its €25 billion order under the Arminius framework – the biggest Boxer procurement to date – the platform could become an increasingly powerful contender in European competitions.
-
![Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028]()
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.
-
![British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward]()
British Army Land Rover replacement plan inches forward
The UK Ministry of Defence has proposed a selection date of May 2027 for the Land Rover replacement requirement, with deliveries expected through to 2036. Next month’s DVD exhibition will be a key shop window for bidders.
-
![Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows]()
Snow patrol and access all areas: the Arctic all-terrain vehicles market grows
The procurement and planned procurement of articulated tracked all-terrain vehicles is being driven by a need to replace older platforms and an acknowledgement of a capability gap for Arctic regions.
-
![Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier]()
Push strengthens for a second JLTV supplier
A move, launched in May, could lead to a second supplier for the US Marines Corps’ Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirement. Meanwhile, Wisconsin elected representatives have been pushing for necessary funding to be included in the FY27 budget.
