India’s domestic defence industry ecosystem is now at an inflexion point, with earlier weapon system developments attaining maturity and several new advanced projects in the pipeline. The maturity of the nation’s growing domestic defence industry, is in evidence at the show with a wide range of airborne and ground systems on display. India is also building aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and advanced warships which are further aiding the growth of local industry. At the India Pavilion, more than 275 exhibits are being displayed through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country including Defence PSUs, design houses and private companies including MSMEs and start-ups.
One of the indigenous highlights at the ongoing show is a 1:1 mockup of India’s 5th gen Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The AMCA is being designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) which is based in Bengaluru. The AMCA is a step change over ADA’s existing designs due to its stealth features, advanced avionics, sensors and an internal weapons bay. India’s apex Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its formal go ahead for the programme in March 2024. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has indicated that it will acquire at least seven squadrons of the 5th gen type.
At present it is known that there is a requirement for 120 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2036. The twin-engined AMCA aircraft is a stealth platform with a twin-tail layout and will have a design top speed of Mach 1.8. Much of the advanced technologies required for the aircraft are being developed within the nation, and the AMCA will feature an indigenous AESA radar, Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST) sensor and a host of indigenously developed weapons ranging from the Astra BVRAAM, Rudram anti-radiation missile and BrahMos NG supersonic cruise missile.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is displaying an army variant of its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which is also taking part in the flying display. The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high manoeuvrability. The LUH maiden flight in September 2016 and HAL currently has orders for 12 LSP rotorcraft between 2023-2024. The LUH is capable of transporting up to six troops or two stretchers with a medical attendant or large volume internal cargo. It features a hingeless rotor system which ensures high agility and manoeuvrability even at high altitudes. The helicopter features a composite airframe with crash worthy features and its Main and Tail Rotor blades made out of composite materials for damage tolerance capability. The LUH as a MTOW of 3150 kg and a maximum speed of 235 kmph. It can attain a range of 350 km and has a service ceiling of 6.5 km.
HAL is showcasing an upgraded civil variant of the Advanced Light Utility Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv at the airshow called the Dhruv-NG. This variant is in the colours of state-owned helicopter operator Pawan Hans. The previous civil version was based on the Dhruv MkI and was certified for the civil market. The Dhruv-NG is designed to meet the requirements of civil customers and is based on the MkIII variant of Dhruv. The new Dhruv-NG is capable of operating in adverse climatic and terrain conditions, hot and cold weather, high-altitude and sandy atmosphere. It will be capable of night operations as well. The helicopter will also feature an advanced glass cockpit, advanced vibration control, navigation and communication systems. The helicopter is not only customized for VIP/VVIP travel but also to undertake off-shore to on-shore operations, Search & Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), etc. The Dhruv-NG will have an endurance of four hours and a seating capacity of nine (VIP) and 14 (utility) along with two crew.
The Dhruv-NG is powered by Safran Helicopter Engines Shakti engine and not th older TM-333-2B2 engines. HAL is also offering 24/7 after sales support for the Dhruv civil to ensure enhanced availability for civilian operators. Nearly 350 Dhruv helicopters across Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV have been produced till date..
India’s domestic defence industry ecosystem is now at an inflexion point, with earlier weapon system developments attaining maturity and several new advanced projects in the pipeline. The maturity of the nation’s growing domestic defence industry, is in evidence at the show with a wide range of airborne and ground systems on display. India is also building aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and advanced warships which are further aiding the growth of local industry. At the India Pavilion, more than 275 exhibits are being displayed through various mediums, represented by complete defence ecosystem of the country including Defence PSUs, design houses and private companies including MSMEs and start-ups.
![\"\"](\"https://gbp.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/304A2741-1024x683.jpg\")
One of the indigenous highlights at the ongoing show is a 1:1 mockup of India’s 5th gen Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The AMCA is being designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) which is based in Bengaluru. The AMCA is a step change over ADA’s existing designs due to its stealth features, advanced avionics, sensors and an internal weapons bay. India’s apex Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its formal go ahead for the programme in March 2024. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has indicated that it will acquire at least seven squadrons of the 5th gen type.
At present it is known that there is a requirement for 120 aircraft, with deliveries beginning in 2036. The twin-engined AMCA aircraft is a stealth platform with a twin-tail layout and will have a design top speed of Mach 1.8. Much of the advanced technologies required for the aircraft are being developed within the nation, and the AMCA will feature an indigenous AESA radar, Infra-Red Search & Track (IRST) sensor and a host of indigenously developed weapons ranging from the Astra BVRAAM, Rudram anti-radiation missile and BrahMos NG supersonic cruise missile.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is displaying an army variant of its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which is also taking part in the flying display. The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high manoeuvrability. The LUH maiden flight in September 2016 and HAL currently has orders for 12 LSP rotorcraft between 2023-2024. The LUH is capable of transporting up to six troops or two stretchers with a medical attendant or large volume internal cargo. It features a hingeless rotor system which ensures high agility and manoeuvrability even at high altitudes. The helicopter features a composite airframe with crash worthy features and its Main and Tail Rotor blades made out of composite materials for damage tolerance capability. The LUH as a MTOW of 3150 kg and a maximum speed of 235 kmph. It can attain a range of 350 km and has a service ceiling of 6.5 km.
![\"\"](\"https://gbp.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/304A2680-1024x683.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https://gbp.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/304A2731-1024x683.jpg\")
HAL is showcasing an upgraded civil variant of the Advanced Light Utility Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv at the airshow called the Dhruv-NG. This variant is in the colours of state-owned helicopter operator Pawan Hans. The previous civil version was based on the Dhruv MkI and was certified for the civil market. The Dhruv-NG is designed to meet the requirements of civil customers and is based on the MkIII variant of Dhruv. The new Dhruv-NG is capable of operating in adverse climatic and terrain conditions, hot and cold weather, high-altitude and sandy atmosphere. It will be capable of night operations as well. The helicopter will also feature an advanced glass cockpit, advanced vibration control, navigation and communication systems. The helicopter is not only customized for VIP/VVIP travel but also to undertake off-shore to on-shore operations, Search & Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), etc. The Dhruv-NG will have an endurance of four hours and a seating capacity of nine (VIP) and 14 (utility) along with two crew.
The Dhruv-NG is powered by Safran Helicopter Engines Shakti engine and not th older TM-333-2B2 engines. HAL is also offering 24/7 after sales support for the Dhruv civil to ensure enhanced availability for civilian operators. Nearly 350 Dhruv helicopters across Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV have been produced till date..
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