Make in India-Defence

Xploder UGV — Major Rajprasad R.S.: A Soldier-Built Robot for IED Disposal and Combat Operations

Major Rajprasad, an officer of the Corps of Engineers and 7 Engineer Regiment, began developing the system after examining the risks faced by troops while dealing with IEDs and clearing terrorist hideouts. Government records from the earlier stages of the project identify him as Captain Rajprasad R.S. and recognise Xploder under the iDEX4Fauji initiative as an unmanned IED-disposal remotely operated vehicle. The project subsequently matured as he continued his service and development work.

Indian Navy Commissions INS Nipun, Strengthening Deep-Sea Diving and Submarine Rescue Capability

The specialised vessel was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 31 August 2026, with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan presiding over the ceremony. Its induction gives the Navy another large, purpose-built platform capable of supporting some of the most demanding underwater operations undertaken by a modern naval force.

Astra Microwave’s Order Book Crosses ₹4,300 Crore as Uttam Radar Drives Indigenous Defence Electronics Growth

The sharp increase has been driven primarily by a landmark ₹2,205-crore order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for critical subsystems associated with the indigenous Uttam radar programme. At the same time, Astra Microwave is positioning itself for additional opportunities involving the Virupaksha radar, Angad electronic-warfare systems, anti-drone systems, software-defined radios and other DRDO electronic-warfare programmes.

AXISCADES Expands Indigenous Aerospace Manufacturing Footprint with ₹234-Crore Cloud Wave Acquisition

AXISCADES’ Board approved the transaction on 28 August 2026, while the company issued a detailed press release on 30 August. The acquisition values Cloud Wave at an enterprise value of approximately ₹260 crore, subject to finalisation of accounts and adjustments under the definitive agreements. The initial 90% stake will be acquired for cash, with completion targeted by 30 September 2026. AXISCADES may subsequently acquire the remaining 10%, subject to the terms of the agreements.

Indian Navy Orders Magnetic-Bearing Compressor AC Plant from Shree Refrigerations

Shree Refrigerations disclosed the order to the stock exchanges on 29 August 2026. According to the regulatory disclosure, the contract was awarded by the Controller of Procurement, Material Organisation, Mumbai, Indian Navy. The order is valued at ₹3.93 crore excluding GST and is to be completed within 365 days, with delivery scheduled by 28 August 2027. The underlying order is dated 28 August 2026.

Tata Advanced Systems Chosen as Prime Indian Partner for Future Javelin Missile Co-Production

Under a Memorandum of Understanding announced on 30 August 2026, Tata Advanced Systems has been selected as the Javelin Joint Venture’s prime Indian partner for prospective in-country co-production of the Javelin All Up Round. The arrangement envisages establishing final assembly and integration capabilities in India while also examining the manufacture of selected missile components within the country.

SapperScout 2.0: Indian Army Develops Indigenous Multi-Utility UGV for Mine Warfare, Reconnaissance and Battlefield Support

Developed in-house within the Indian Army by Major Rajprasad R.S. of the Corps of Engineers, the robotic platform represents a significant step in the Army’s growing effort to integrate unmanned ground systems into frontline formations. SapperScout 2.0 has been conceived as a modular vehicle rather than a single-purpose robot, allowing different mission payloads to be installed on a common all-terrain chassis.