Over the past few years, the Indian Army has aggressively expanded its helicopter fleet, UAV arsenal, and electronic warfare capabilities to strengthen its dominance across high-altitude battle zones, counter-terror operations, and asymmetric warfare environments.
NEW DELHI: As Aero India 2025 takes off at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, India’s aerospace and defence industries are in the spotlight. The theme, “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, reflects the country’s drive toward indigenous military aviation. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is showcasing a formidable line-up of home-grown aircraft, including the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), LCA Tejas Mk1A, and the CATS Warrior combat drone, signalling a major push toward self-sufficiency.
While these advancements are impressive, the larger question remains: Is India’s military aviation sector, particularly the Army’s, evolving fast enough to meet the challenges of modern warfare? The answer is increasingly encouraging. Over the past few years, the Indian Army has aggressively expanded its helicopter fleet, UAV arsenal, and electronic warfare capabilities to strengthen its dominance across high-altitude battle zones, counter-terror operations, and asymmetric warfare environments.
INDIAN ARMY AVIATION: MODERNISATION IN FULL SWING
The Indian Army Aviation Corps (AAC) is undergoing a transformational upgrade. With the induction of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and LCH Prachand, the Army is enhancing its ability to operate in the world’s most demanding terrains, from the Siachen Glacier to the deserts of Rajasthan. The LUH, which is gradually replacing the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, with the first six being delivered in phases between December 2024 and June 2025, strengthening reconnaissance and logistical operations at high altitudes.
More significantly, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the procurement of 156 LCH Prachand attack helicopters, with 90 earmarked for the Army. Designed for high-altitude warfare, the LCH has already demonstrated its capabilities in forward-deployed areas in Ladakh. Armed with air-to-ground missiles, precision rockets, and a high-calibre gun, it is set to become a critical asset in countering enemy mobilisation and providing close air support in contested zones.
Beyond helicopters, the Army is making major strides in UAV warfare, where it has historically relied on imports. The Archer-NG UAV, a fully indigenous weaponised Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone, is reportedly on track for its first flight in February 2025, making it one of the most anticipated unveilings at Aero India 2025. However, if the timeline proves challenging, the UAV is expected to fly by March 2025. Additionally, the Army will receive eight MQ-9B Reaper drones from the United States, enabling it to conduct long-range surveillance and deep-strike missions in sensitive border regions. The induction of these drones, combined with India’s Rustom-II and tactical loitering munitions, signals a decisive shift toward self-reliance in UAV combat operations.
In parallel, the Army is significantly bolstering its counter-drone and electronic warfare capabilities. Upgrades to legacy air defence systems, along with the deployment of AI-assisted drone jammers and anti-swarm technologies, will enhance its ability to neutralise emerging threats from adversary drone warfare, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the western border.
While challenges remain, including the need for an indigenous heavy-lift helicopter and faster UAV production cycles, the Army’s aviation roadmap is increasingly aligning with future warfare demands. Aero India 2025 marks a significant step in showcasing the Army’s growing dominance in air mobility, high-altitude combat, and next-generation unmanned warfare.
INDIAN NAVY AVIATION: CARRIER POWER AND MARITIME UAVS
After an exhaustive evaluation, the Indian Navy has selected the Dassault Rafale-M as its next-generation carrier-based fighter for INS Vikrant. A deal worth euro 7 billion for 26 Rafale-M jets is expected to be signed in April 2025. While this is a necessary stopgap, India must fast-track the development of its indigenous carrier fighter, the Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).
The TEDBF project is progressing steadily, with its first flight expected anywhere between 2028 and 2030, and an updated requirement of 87 aircraft. However, with China already operating J-15 carrier fighters and testing naval stealth drones, India must accelerate TEDBF’s development to avoid long-term reliance on foreign platforms.
The Navy is also making strong advancements in maritime UAVs. The recent induction of the Drishti 10 MALE UAV in January 2024 signals a shift toward long-endurance drone patrols over the Indian Ocean Region. Developing a deck-based Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), adapted from the Ghatak UCAV program, and ongoing efforts in the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) project are key priorities, potentially revolutionising naval combat operations by integrating autonomous strike capabilities. Expanding maritime patrol assets, including 15 new Airbus C-295-based aircraft, will further enhance coastal surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
Despite these advances, India still lacks a comprehensive naval drone fleet comparable to China’s ship-launched UAVs and stealth maritime drones. The Indian Navy must scale up its unmanned systems programs to maintain a strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific.
INDIAN AIR FORCE: EXPANDING AERIAL DOMINANCE
The LCA Tejas Mk1A program is gaining momentum, with HAL set to deliver the first upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter in March 2025. This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous fighter development, as the Mk1A version comes equipped with an AESA radar, electronic warfare suite, and expanded weapons package. Meanwhile, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will unveil a full-scale model of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) at Aero India 2025, reinforcing India’s commitment to developing a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
Beyond fighters, the Air Force is prioritising new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to replace its ageing IL-76-based Phalcon AWACS. Meanwhile, advancements in hypersonic missile technology are progressing, with India successfully testing a scramjet combustor for hypersonic missiles in January 2025.
THE CHINA FACTOR: WHY INDIA MUST MOVE FASTER
While India’s military aviation is advancing, China’s modernisation pace is unmatched. By 2030, China’s J-20 stealth fighter fleet could outnumber the entire Indian Air Force. The PLA’s AI-powered drone swarms, carrier-based stealth aircraft, and hypersonic missile programs present significant challenges to India’s regional air dominance.
India is responding with a multi-pronged strategy, balancing indigenous aircraft development, fast-tracked UAV acquisitions, and key global defence partnerships. However, the next decade will be critical. If India does not accelerate procurement timelines, remove bureaucratic obstacles, and strengthen its R&D ecosystem, it risks falling behind in next-generation aerial warfare.
AERO INDIA 2025: A SHOWCASE AND A WAKE-UP CALL
Aero India 2025 highlights India’s growing aerospace capabilities, but it is also a reminder of the challenges ahead. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force are all moving in the right direction, but defence procurement cycles must be streamlined to ensure faster inductions of fighters, UAVs, and helicopters.
If India wants to achieve true airpower dominance, it must prioritise AMCA and TEDBF development, rapidly expand UAV and counter-drone capabilities, and eliminate procurement delays. Aero India is not just an airshow—it is a testament to India’s ambitions and a warning about the urgency of modernisation. Today’s decisions will determine whether India emerges as a true aerospace power or remains reliant on foreign imports. The time to act is now.
* Ashish Singh is a senior journalist with over 17 years of experience in defence & foreign affairs.