Instead of attempting immediately to return the engine to the Tejas programme, DRDO is using the dry derivative to create a flightworthy propulsion system for an unmanned combat aircraft. This provides a realistic pathway for proving the engine under operationally relevant conditions while continuing to mature India’s military aero-engine ecosystem.
Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said in September 2026 that the Tejas Mk1A could be inducted within approximately one or two months, subject to completion of the remaining technical demonstrations. He indicated that only two or three points still had to be proven before the aircraft could be formally inducted.
This level of localisation extends beyond the hull and basic ship structure. Indian shipyards and defence companies are supplying increasingly sophisticated combat-management systems, radars, electronic warfare equipment, communication systems, anti-submarine warfare systems, missile launchers and other mission-critical equipment.
For suitable applications, TakeMe2Space says this approach could reduce transmission requirements by as much as 85 percent. The potential advantage is particularly significant for missions that require rapid identification of specific objects, environmental changes or other features within large imagery datasets.
Conventional bullet-resistant glass generally relies on multiple laminated layers to absorb and dissipate projectile energy. While effective, such systems can become extremely thick and heavy when designed to withstand higher ballistic threats.
The latest supply consists of 45 UAVs intended for tactical logistics support. Eastern Command operates across some of India’s most demanding terrain, including high-altitude, forested and riverine regions where movement of essential supplies can be difficult.
The contract requires Paras Defence to deliver the complete optics and opto-mechanical package by September 27, 2027. The company has also disclosed a performance security amount of approximately ₹79.76 lakh.
Bharat Forge stated that it showcased an indigenous and distinctive long-range UAV capability in collaboration with Kadet Defence Systems. The company linked the demonstration to its broader objective of strengthening India’s defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem through indigenous technology and strategic partnerships.
Inflatable aircraft decoys are designed to resemble real combat aircraft closely enough to mislead hostile surveillance and targeting systems. Their purpose is to create false targets around air bases and dispersed operating locations, forcing an adversary to spend time and resources distinguishing genuine aircraft from replicas.
The dry-engine configuration is fundamentally different from the original Kaveri architecture intended for the Light Combat Aircraft. Removal of the afterburner reduces the engine’s maximum thrust but also makes it better suited to an unmanned aircraft where endurance, fuel efficiency, reliability and lower infrared signature can assume greater importance.v
