Germany’s HENSOLDT, a global leader in sensor, radar, and electronic warfare systems, is expanding its role in India’s defence sector, transitioning from a technology supplier to a long-term strategic partner in defence manufacturing. The company, which has supported the Indian Armed Forces for decades, is now moving beyond sales to co-production, technology transfer, and local R&D collaborations, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make-in-India initiatives.
At Aero India 2025, HENSOLDT reinforced its commitment to India by signing two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—one with Samtel Avionics for local production of avionics systems and another with Raphe mPhibr for co-developing next-generation radar and sensor payloads. These agreements highlight Germany’s increasing engagement in India’s defence industrial ecosystem, positioning HENSOLDT as a key technology partner in India’s drive toward defence self-sufficiency.
Why India Matters for HENSOLDT’s Global Expansion
HENSOLDT, in which the German government holds a sizeable stake, has identified India as one of its top five growth markets, highlighting its long-term commitment to the country.
“One strategic axis of our new vision is to grow with focus, and India is central to that ambition,” said Oliver Dörre, CEO & Chairman of HENSOLDT, reflecting on the company’s expansion roadmap in Asia.
Germany has been strengthening defence ties with India, moving beyond traditional trade relations. The 2024 India-Germany Defence Dialogue set the stage for deeper industrial partnerships, while the German Air Force’s participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 marked the first-ever joint air drills between the two countries. Additionally, Germany has expressed interest in naval collaboration with India, particularly in sensor systems for submarines, including a potential role in Project 75I.
With global supply chains shifting and India investing heavily in domestic defence production, HENSOLDT is viewing India as a key hub for high-end sensor and electronic warfare systems.
Strategic Shift: From Selling Technology to Manufacturing in India
For decades, foreign defence firms engaged in India’s aerospace sector have primarily acted as technology suppliers, providing ready-made solutions. However, HENSOLDT is taking a different approach by collaborating in India’s defence ecosystem through local partnerships, technology transfer, and co-development initiatives.
Under its partnership with Samtel Avionics, HENSOLDT will localise production of three advanced avionics solutions in India:
Cavi Sight – A visual landing aid system designed to improve helicopter and UAV landings in complex terrains.
Cavi Connect – A secure airborne data exchange platform, enabling real-time communication between aircraft and ground forces using LTE (4G) networks.
LCR 100 – A lightweight flight recorder integrating voice, data, and video recording for enhanced operational safety.
By shifting manufacturing capabilities to India, HENSOLDT is strengthening India’s domestic avionics production base.
Meanwhile, HENSOLDT’s second agreement with Raphe mPhibr will focus on the co-development of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar technology—a next-generation solution for advanced airborne surveillance and navigation. The partnership also includes localising sensor payload production, reducing India’s reliance on imported electronic warfare and surveillance systems.
Building an Indigenous Defence Ecosystem
HENSOLDT’s approach reflects a wider industry shift—global defence firms are increasingly investing in Indian R&D, manufacturing, and supply chains rather than just exporting hardware.
The company has been collaborating with Indian partners, including HAL, BEL, and DRDO, as well as private-sector firms, to develop indigenous solutions. By focusing on technology transfer and local industrial collaborations, HENSOLDT is ensuring that India not only acquires advanced defence systems but is also capable of sustaining and further developing them independently.
“We are fully committed to India’s vision of self-reliance in defence,” said Andleeb Shadman, Managing Director of HENSOLDT India. “Our business strategy is built on technology transfer, joint development, and industrial collaboration to ensure that India doesn’t just acquire advanced systems but builds and sustains them independently.”
Aero India 2025 and the Road Ahead for Indo-German Defence Ties
With the business days of Aero India 2025 concluded, the focus now shifts to implementation. HENSOLDT’s agreements with Samtel Avionics and Raphe mPhibr are expected to set the stage for future Make-in-India projects, particularly in sensor integration, UAV technology, and electronic warfare.
Germany’s increasing role in India’s defence supply chain also opens opportunities for collaborations in land, naval, and aerial domains, electronic warfare, and aerospace electronics.
For India, these partnerships represent a major step toward reducing foreign dependency in critical military technology. For HENSOLDT, they reinforce its long-term commitment to India, transitioning from transactional deals to strategic industrial partnerships.
As the global defence landscape evolves, HENSOLDT’s Make-in-India strategy highlights how international partnerships can drive local innovation, technology transfer, and industrial self-reliance, shaping the future of India’s aerospace and defence sector.
Aritra Banerjee is an Aerospace, Defence & Strategic Affairs columnist