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
-
![US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility]()
US Army to procure next-gen remote sensing capabilities to boost battlefield mobility
The US Army Materiel Command is seeking solutions that can automatically detect and classify natural or man-made obstacles preventing the manoeuvrability of land vehicles.
-
![Next-generation Franco-German tank under threat as France opts for interim solution]()
Next-generation Franco-German tank under threat as France opts for interim solution
The French Army’s upgraded Leclerc main battle tank is expected to begin retiring before the end of the 2030s and the government is looking to adopt an interim solution ahead of a next-generation tank.
-
![Estonia drops CV90 plan as it shifts towards uncrewed systems and firepower]()
Estonia drops CV90 plan as it shifts towards uncrewed systems and firepower
The country is scaling back its reliance on heavy battlefield equipment in favour of upgrading existing platforms and investing in firepower, mobility, unmanned systems and situational awareness.
-
![US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on]()
US Marine Corps provides US$900 million for prototypes as vehicle refresh motors on
General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron Systems are competing to replace the US Marine Corps’ fleet of light armoured vehicles. The companies have been awarded contracts to provide prototypes of three different vehicle variants.
-
![Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May]()
Canada’s Inkas to complete development of improved M1 MRAP in May
PT Sentra Surya Ekajaya’s P2 Tiger, the SCATA Mk1 and the Inkas M1 armoured personnel carriers are each built on the proven Celeris base, but all are still awaiting firm orders.
-
![Greece opts for PULS long-range artillery as demand for capability surges]()
Greece opts for PULS long-range artillery as demand for capability surges
Greece’s selection of PULS makes it the sixth European country to choose the system and follows Sweden’s plan to buy HIMARS and Norway’s selection of Chunmoo artillery systems. The diverse choices for a similar capability highlight demand and a desire for European industrial capacity.
