Make in India

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has already demonstrated the basic long-range hypersonic missile technology and publicly displayed the LR-AShM during the Republic Day Parade in January 2026. Reporting preserved in DRDO’s own January 2026 newspaper-clippings compilation subsequently stated that higher-range versions reaching up to 3,500 km were at various stages of development, citing a senior DRDO scientist.

The contract was disclosed by Jaykay Enterprises Limited on 25 August 2026. Allen Reinforced Plastics is a step-down subsidiary of Jaykay Enterprises through its defence and aerospace arm. The order is domestic and is valued at approximately ₹60.01 crore including GST. The company has stated that execution will be carried out according to the terms and conditions contained in the order.

The facility was formally inaugurated on 26 August 2026 by Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in the presence of Puneet Kaura, Director of SHDS and Managing Director and CEO of Samtel Avionics, along with senior representatives of HAL and the Samtel Group.

British officials indicated on 26–27 August 2026 that an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the missiles is expected to be signed soon. India is now expected to emerge as one of the largest customers for the weapon, reflecting the Army’s growing requirement for highly mobile short-range missiles capable of countering drones, helicopters and other low-altitude threats.

The existing VSHORADS is already a major technological advance over older-generation infrared-guided missiles. Developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, the fourth-generation system incorporates an uncooled Imaging Infrared seeker, miniaturised reaction-control system, integrated avionics and a dual-thrust solid-propellant motor. These technologies give the missile better target discrimination, manoeuvrability and resistance to conventional infrared countermeasures.

The compact platform has been developed around the requirement for a small, rapidly deployable aircraft capable of carrying useful tactical sensors without the logistical footprint associated with larger reconnaissance UAVs. S7 Systems says the drone offers a 20-minute flight endurance, an operational range of 2 kilometres and payload capacity of up to 300 grams, while supporting configurable sensors, communications and mission equipment.

Vajra is particularly significant because its proposed mission closely resembles the direction in which the Indian Navy itself has been moving. Rather than merely developing another remotely piloted aircraft, AvionX is attempting to build what is increasingly called a Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA — an unmanned aircraft capable of operating as part of a combat formation with crewed fighters .

The achievement marks the transition of the AK-203 programme from progressively localised production to complete indigenisation of the manufacturing supply chain, with every component and material used in the latest rifle sourced from Indian industry.