Defense

The Indian Navy’s separate RFI for unmanned MCM suites gives a clearer picture of the kind of equipment being sought. It states that the Ministry of Defence intended to procure 12 unmanned MCM suites comprising autonomous surface vessels, heavyweight autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles for use onboard Indian naval MCMVs. It also places the procurement within Indian acquisition categories under Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, including Buy Indian-IDDM, Buy Indian and Buy & Make Indian.

The delivery is being described as part of a broader police modernisation push aimed at replacing older weapons with lighter, more compact and more responsive firearms suited for contemporary security duties. Reports say the order was originally awarded in March 2025, and the handover of 2,000 units has now been completed.

Under the partnership, L&T and Exail will jointly offer a state-of-the-art unmanned MCM suite designed to detect, classify, identify and neutralise naval mines while keeping crews at a safer stand-off distance from the minefield. L&T will serve as the prime contractor, while Exail will act as the technology partner for the programme.

Its quasi-ballistic profile makes it more dangerous than a simple ballistic projectile. A conventional ballistic missile follows a relatively predictable path, but a quasi-ballistic missile can fly on a depressed or manoeuvrable trajectory, making interception more difficult. This is especially relevant in modern battlefields where air defence systems, missile shields and radar networks are becoming more advanced. Pralay is designed not only to reach the target, but to complicate the enemy’s ability to detect, track and intercept it.

The Rudra barrel-launched loitering munition is an Indian defence system developed by Machfly Aerospace, an Indian aerospace start-up associated with IIT Jammu. According to Machfly’s own description, Rudra is designed as a barrel-launched loitering munition that can be deployed from Pinaka and other multi-barrel launch systems, giving artillery units a new precision-strike option beyond conventional rockets.

The operation, launched in response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, rapidly evolved into one of the most technologically significant military confrontations between India and Pakistan in recent decades. The strikes themselves reportedly lasted only minutes, but the broader operational and strategic consequences are continuing to reshape India’s military doctrine, procurement priorities, and battlefield philosophy.

The contract for six Air Cushion Vehicles was signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Goa, on October 24, 2024. These platforms are designed for multipurpose maritime roles and are expected to give the Indian Coast Guard greater speed, reach and flexibility in areas where conventional boats may face operational limitations. ACVs can operate over shallow waters, marshy areas and difficult coastal terrain, making them particularly useful for India’s vast coastline, island territories, river mouths, creeks and sensitive coastal zones.