Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.The Adani Group is set to make a major push into defence manufacturing, with plans to invest ₹1.8 lakh crore over the coming year. The investment will focus on unmanned and autonomous systems, advanced guided weapons, and future-ready military technologies aligned with modern warfare needs. According to reports, several Adani defence products have already been used in real military missions, including Operation Sindoor in 2025, giving the company a strong operational footprint.

The planned investment will be routed through Adani Defence and Aerospace, which has emerged as one of India’s largest integrated private-sector defence players. The company aims to build systems that rely heavily on artificial intelligence, automation, sensors, and secure networks, reducing human risk while improving precision and reach on the battlefield.

Focus on AI-enabled future warfare systems

As part of its expansion strategy, Adani Defence will invest in AI-enabled multi-domain operations covering air, land, and sea. The focus areas include advanced sensors, military electronics, and large-scale MRO facilities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul. Training infrastructure for defence personnel will also be expanded to support these advanced systems.

Officials say the company’s roadmap is aligned with India’s long-term defence preparedness and self-reliance goals. The idea is to create products that not only meet current military needs but are also adaptable to evolving combat environments, where speed, data, and automation play a critical role.

Weapons already inducted across three services

Adani Defence systems have already made their way into the Indian armed forces. During Operation Sindoor in 2025, several of the company’s products were used in active missions, underlining their operational readiness.

Key systems already inducted or cleared include:

• Drishti 10 UAVs deployed by the Indian Navy and Army for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions
• Counter-drone systems that have successfully cleared trials by the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Agnika loitering munitions, which demonstrated effectiveness in electronic warfare scenarios
• ARKA MANPADS, a shoulder-fired missile system prepared for use across all three services
• A vehicle-mounted counter-drone system jointly developed with DRDO and unveiled earlier this year

Understanding unmanned and autonomous systems

Unmanned and autonomous systems are designed to operate with minimal human involvement across different terrains. They rely on sensors, software, and secure communication networks to perform complex tasks efficiently and safely.

Their applications include:

• Air-based drones used for surveillance, intelligence gathering, message delivery, and precision support, capable of long-endurance missions
• Sea-based unmanned vessels used for maritime surveillance, underwater combat roles, and mine clearance
• Land-based autonomous vehicles used for logistics, reconnaissance, bomb disposal, and border security

These systems help extend operational reach while keeping soldiers out of direct danger.

Expansion plans across air, sea and land

By 2026, the Adani Group plans to significantly scale up its drone presence across air, sea, and land platforms. The focus will be on improving precision strike capability, expanding service and training centres, and enhancing AI-driven multi-domain systems. Company officials say these efforts will closely match India’s defence modernisation plans and operational doctrines.

The investment is also expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imports, while supporting faster deployment and lifecycle management of defence assets.

Targeting 25 percent share in private defence

Reports suggest the expansion could generate large-scale employment and strengthen India’s private defence ecosystem. The Adani Group has set an ambitious target of capturing 25 percent of the private-sector defence market. With heavy investment, proven products, and growing collaboration with government agencies, the company aims to play a central role in shaping India’s defence manufacturing future.