Defense

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has reportedly moved an indigenous Head-Mounted Display Generator into endurance testing, marking an important step towards qualification of a domestically developed cockpit avionics subsystem. The programme could strengthen India’s ability to develop advanced helmet-mounted display technology for present and future combat aircraft while reducing dependence on imported avionics.

Field artillery formations depend on a continuous supply of shells, propellant charges, fuzes, fuel and other stores. In modern combat, these logistics movements are increasingly vulnerable to reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions and counter-battery fire. A UGV could help carry ammunition and equipment through the final and most dangerous part of the supply route without placing soldiers inside a vehicle.

Recent reports indicate that the proposal is expected to come before the CCS following completion of several layers of technical, commercial and financial scrutiny. However, as of August 21, 2026, the government has not publicly announced final CCS approval for the acquisition. The programme should therefore be described as moving toward final approval rather than as an already sanctioned contract.

Indian aerospace company Raphe mPhibr is taking its ambitions into the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance UAV segment with a new 1.5-tonne-class unmanned aircraft reportedly powered by a domestically developed 250 kW, or roughly 335 hp, piston engine. The platform has emerged as Raphe’s contender for India’s massive programme to acquire 87 MALE UAVs, a procurement valued at more than ₹30,000 crore.

The new capability is particularly important because the launch and recovery mechanism is one of the most critical elements of a submarine rescue system. During an emergency, it must safely lower the rescue vehicle into the sea and recover it after the DSRV completes its mission.

HAL sought a specialised robotic solution for the design, development, supply, installation and proving of a robotic drilling system for LCA aircraft wings. A tender for the requirement was floated in early 2026, confirming that the project forms part of HAL’s effort to modernise the Tejas manufacturing process.

Modern ejection seats are among the most safety-critical systems aboard a combat aircraft. They must detect or respond to an emergency, propel the pilot clear of the aircraft, stabilise the seat, deploy recovery systems and separate the aircrew safely across a wide range of altitudes and speeds.