Adani Group is preparing to invest about Rs 1.8 lakh crore next year in defence manufacturing, with a strong push toward unmanned and autonomous technologies and advanced guided weapons. The aim is to quietly anchor India’s future combat capabilities, according to sources.
In 2025, Adani Defence & Aerospace moved away from long planning cycles and shifted to faster execution, with several of its systems reportedly deployed during Operation Sindoor.
The company plans to channel next year’s investment into unmanned and autonomous platforms, precision-guided weapons, sensors and electronics, AI-driven multi-domain operations, and expanded maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities along with training infrastructure.
Autonomous systems across air, sea and land rely on sensors, software and secure networks to operate with limited human control, extending operational reach while reducing risks to personnel. Aerial platforms include long-endurance UAVs used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communications relay and precision support. Maritime systems range from unmanned surface and underwater vehicles for surveillance, anti-submarine roles and mine countermeasures. On land, unmanned ground vehicles are used for logistics, reconnaissance, explosive disposal and perimeter security.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has grown into India’s largest integrated private defence company, with capabilities covering unmanned aerial and underwater systems, counter-drone solutions, guided weapons and loitering munitions, small arms and ammunition, aircraft MRO, simulator-based training and airborne warning and control systems.
Sources said that in 2025, the company’s Drishti 10 UAVs were inducted by the Indian Navy and Army for long-endurance ISR missions. Its counter-drone systems successfully completed trials by all three services, while Agnikaa loitering munitions demonstrated strong endurance and resistance to electronic warfare. The ARKA MANPADS shoulder-fired missile system also reached tri-service deployment readiness within a compressed timeline.
The company’s entry into the AWACS segment has positioned it as the only private-sector player in this space, sources added. The integration of Air Works and Indamer created a large defence-civil MRO platform, while the acquisition of FSTC strengthened pilot and engineering training capabilities.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has also embedded sustainability through digital twins, predictive maintenance and modular design, alongside higher indigenous sourcing to improve supply-chain resilience.
Looking ahead to 2026, the company plans to scale autonomous systems across all domains, expand precision-strike capabilities, deepen its MRO and training presence, and advance AI-enabled multi-domain operations in line with India’s defence investment roadmap.
