India Soars: DRDO's Bold Showcase at Paris Air Show 2025 Underscores "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" in Global Defence

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India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made a significant impact at the 55th International Paris Air Show (PAS-25), asserting the nation's burgeoning capabilities in the aerospace and defence sectors. The organization's robust presence at Le Bourget highlights India's accelerating journey towards self-reliance, encapsulated by the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

DRDO's diverse exhibits at the show have drawn considerable attention, demonstrating India's rapid evolution from a major defence importer to an innovative player on the global stage. The displays feature a wide array of advanced technologies, from sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for complex surveillance operations to cutting-edge avionics that promise to reshape aerial combat. These offerings collectively underscore India's deep commitment to indigenous development.

Key Exhibits and Technological Highlights

Among the most prominent displays is the Astra Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile. This advanced weapon, already integrated with the Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, showcases India's expertise in missile technology, capable of engaging highly maneuverable supersonic aircraft in all weather conditions. Alongside, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk-2, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), represents a significant leap in India's indigenous fighter jet program, drawing keen interest from international observers.

Beyond aerial platforms, DRDO's showcase includes the Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) 'Swathi', a joint development with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), designed for effective detection of hostile artillery and rocket fire. The sophisticated Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C), which provides critical real-time air intelligence, further exemplifies India's strategic capabilities. Specialized systems like the HELINA (Helicopter-based NAG) anti-tank guided missile system and enhancements to Dornier aircraft (SHYEN) with updated avionics also underscore the breadth of India's defence innovation.

Future Forward: Hypersonic Ambitions and Indigenous Drive

The Indian narrative at PAS-25 extends beyond current offerings to a glimpse of future advancements. Discussions surrounding India's ambitious hypersonic missile program, including the Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) nearing completion of its developmental trials, indicate a clear trajectory towards next-generation weapon systems. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, DRDO chief, recently confirmed that trials for the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), a hypersonic glide vehicle, are expected to conclude within the next two to three years, setting the stage for its induction. The development of the next-generation BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) missile, a lighter and more versatile variant, also signals India's ongoing pursuit of advanced capabilities.

This assertive display aligns perfectly with India's broader defence strategy. The nation's defence production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, with an ambitious target to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in domestic production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029. Defence exports have seen an extraordinary 34-fold increase over the past decade, reaching ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, a clear testament to the success of the "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.

DRDO's participation at the Paris Air Show is more than a commercial venture; it is a strategic move to foster international collaboration, engage with leading global industry figures, and solidify India's position as a reliable partner in the global defence ecosystem. As the world witnesses the rapid strides of India's defence sector, the message from Le Bourget is clear: India is not just building its own defence capabilities; it is increasingly ready to contribute to global security, one indigenous innovation at a time.

India's Hard Bargain: The Demand for Indigenous Components in the Su-57 Deal

As discussions surrounding India's potential acquisition of the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet continue, a central and increasingly vocal point of contention has emerged: India's firm insistence on the integration of its own indigenous components. This demand, particularly concerning critical avionics like radar systems, is shaping the contours of any prospective deal and reportedly causing significant deliberation within Moscow's defence establishment.

For years, India has championed its "Make in India" initiative, a cornerstone of its defence procurement policy aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing, technology transfer, and greater self-reliance. This philosophy is now front and center in the Su-57 negotiations. While Russia has presented a compelling offer, including local production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) facilities, comprehensive technology transfer, and even unprecedented access to the Su-57's source code, India's counter-demand goes a step further.

At the heart of India's insistence lies the Su-57E's N036 "Byelka" Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Built on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology, the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly believes it falls short of the desired benchmarks for detection range, power efficiency, and electronic warfare resilience expected of a true next-generation platform. Indian defence experts argue that their own indigenously developed Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based AESA radars offer superior performance in these crucial areas, boasting enhanced thermal handling, range, and signal fidelity.

This isn't merely a technical preference; it's a strategic imperative. India seeks not just to acquire a fifth-generation fighter, but to deepen its technological expertise and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical systems. Integrating Indian-made radars, mission computers, and potentially even weapons like the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) into the Su-57 would provide the IAF with greater operational autonomy, facilitate seamless integration with its existing command and control networks, and lay the groundwork for future indigenous aerospace projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

For Russia, this demand presents a complex challenge. While eager to secure a high-profile customer for its flagship fighter, the prospect of replacing core Russian-made components with Indian ones, especially in a system as vital as the radar, introduces complexities in design, integration, and intellectual property. Moscow had likely envisioned a more "off-the-shelf" or minor-customization approach, especially given its generous offer of full source code access. However, India's steadfast position underscores its evolving defence landscape and its determination to be a co-developer, not merely a consumer, of advanced military technology.

The ongoing dialogue reflects a fascinating interplay of geopolitical considerations, technological aspirations, and economic pragmatism. India is weighing the proven legacy partnership with Russia against the cutting-edge capabilities and Western integration offered by competitors like the F-35. By pushing for significant indigenous component integration in the Su-57, India aims to maximize the benefits of any deal, ensuring it serves not just as a stop-gap measure for its fighter fleet, but as a catalyst for its burgeoning domestic aerospace industry. The outcome of these negotiations will undoubtedly set a precedent for future high-value defence acquisitions and further define India's path towards strategic autonomy.