Make in India

The Indian Air Force is advancing its high-altitude surveillance capabilities through the development and proposed acquisition of indigenous stratospheric platforms designed for persistent intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and military communications. Supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and India’s domestic aerospace industry, these technologies could significantly strengthen the country’s ability to monitor strategically important regions while reducing dependence on conventional airborne surveillance systems.

Bengaluru-based defence technology company XINFINITI Aerospace is developing an indigenous drone-based aircraft inspection system in collaboration with the Indian Navy under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative. The system aims to automate aircraft surface inspections, improve defect detection and strengthen maintenance capabilities across naval aviation.

The Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune has been involved in the development of advanced armament technologies for the Indian Armed Forces for several decades. Its research encompasses artillery systems, ammunition, weapon mechanisms and emerging technologies intended to improve the range, accuracy and effectiveness of military weapons.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System is a 155mm/52-calibre artillery platform developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.

One of the major developments highlighted by Sigma Advanced Systems is an export contract valued at approximately ₹1,013 crore for the manufacture and supply of 155 mm base-bleed artillery shells to a North American customer. The contract represents an important expansion of the company’s participation in international artillery ammunition supply chains.