Defense

DRDO published the Integration Technology for Uncooled IIR Seeker for R044 and Advanced Light Weight Torpedo for technology transfer on October 6, 2026. The organisation had earlier added the Manufacturing Technology for STANAG-6 (30 mm AP) Armour Panels on October 1.

Aerodrone has separately stated that its drones underwent competitive evaluation under demanding operational conditions, including trials at altitudes reaching 17,500 feet. The altitude figure comes from the company rather than a separate Ministry of Defence announcement, but it aligns with the Army’s wider push to evaluate indigenous drones for operations in the Himalayas and other high-altitude environments.

The technologies published for transfer on October 7, 2026 include the Rotary Electro Mechanical Actuator 40 Nm, or REMA40M, and the Rotary Electro Mechanical Actuator 25 Nm with an inbuilt analogue controller, or REMA25. DRDO has classified both as Category A military technologies and made three licences available for each system.

Hical said the facility will support complex systems requiring high levels of precision, traceability and process discipline. These include electromagnetic and electromechanical assemblies, hydraulic systems and control systems for aviation applications.

The order, reported on October 6, 2026, covers deployment of the VANA platform for applications including aerial photogrammetry, surveillance and data collection. PXE is a DRDO establishment involved in testing and evaluation of armament and related systems.

The ZOLT Hybrid combines an internal-combustion engine with battery power to extend mission duration. ideaForge states that the platform can remain airborne for more than six hours and support line-of-sight communications at ranges of up to 100 kilometres.

The Kaveri project was sanctioned in 1989 to develop an indigenous powerplant for the Light Combat Aircraft. Its original objective was not fully achieved because the engine could not deliver the thrust required by the operational Tejas configuration.

Under the original programme, HAL was expected to deliver around 30 engines annually over eight years from its Koraput facility. Raising capacity to 50 engines a year therefore represents a significant expansion over the contracted production rate.

Astra Microwave specialises in radio-frequency, microwave and electronic systems for defence, space and strategic applications. Its involvement with the BrahMos programme predates the new seeker effort, although its earlier role was centred on other electronic subsystems rather than supplying the complete seeker.