The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

The Indian Army has inducted 550 'Asmi' (short for Asmita) sub-machine gun (SMG), designed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by 'Lokesh Machine' in Hyderabad, this 100 per cent Made-in-India weapon marks a significant milestone towards enhancing India's self-reliance in defence, The 'Asmi' machine pistol, designed for close-quarter combat and specialised military operations, is compact, robust, and highly reliable.

Priced under ₹1 lakh, the 'Asmi' is nearly 30 per cent cheaper than imported models and has demonstrated superior accuracy, outperforming international competitors like Israel's 'Uzi' and Germany's Heckler & Koch firearms.

The 9x19mm calibre sub-machine gun has been developed in collaboration with the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune and the Indian Army. The ASMI has demonstrated superior accuracy and reliability, outperforming renowned international competitors such as Israel's 'Uzi' and Germany's Heckler & Koch firearms. The ASMI's design incorporates advanced materials and techniques, featuring a single unibody receiver machined from aerospace-grade aluminium, making it lightweight at under 2.4 kg. It is compatible with both local and NATO-standard ammunition, offering versatility and efficiency in varied operational settings.

Priced under ₹1 lakh, the ASMI is nearly 30 per cent cheaper than imported models, underscoring its cost-effectiveness. It is suited for roles in vehicle detachment, close-quarters combat, counter-insurgency, and VIP protection, enhancing operational flexibility across various units. Induction of the Asmi SMG highlights the Indian Army's dedication to achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. By sourcing advanced weaponry from within the country, the Army underscores its commitment to becoming Atmanirbhar, aiming to boost indigenous production and reduce dependency on foreign imports.

Hyderabad-based startup BluJ Aero successfully demonstrated India's largest privately built electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, featuring a proprietary Gen 1 hydrogen-electric propulsion system that enables zero-emission, long-range flights.

On October 25, 2024, Hyderabad-based startup 'BluJ Aero' successfully conducted a full-scale live light demonstration of its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The demonstration was conducted at the Nadergul airfield on the outskirts of Hyderabad city. Displaying the capability of its prototype, an electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) aircraft, the company claims it as India's largest privately built aircraft. BluJ Aero is building long-range autonomous EVTOL aircraft powered by hydrogen-electric propulsion for cargo and passenger use to make regional air mobility faster, cheaper, and greener.

BluJ Aero's EVTOL aircraft can travel approximately 300 km with a payload of 100 kg, making it suitable for applications such as e-commerce deliveries, high-altitude defence logistics, and future air ambulance services.

According to Maruthi Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya, co-founder and CEO of BluJ, the EVTOL aircraft can cruise at speed to cover the distance in an hour and a half, flying at an altitude of about 1,000 metres. He says, "Our biggest advantage is that we do not need an airstrip for landing or take off. With our aircraft, we are opening up regional mobility. In the case of cargo, we are looking at same-day delivery (SDD) of e-commerce and high-value goods for the whole country." The commercial version of the aircraft can travel about 300 km with a payload of about 100 kg from point A to B in a fully autonomous flight. Fully designed and built in India, it demonstrated the proprietary Gen 1 Hydrogen-Electric propulsion system, enabling zero-emission, long-range flights.

Using an electric and hydrogen-propulsion engine proves to be four times more efficient in range than a fully battery-operated engine. "We see ourselves as manufacturers and creators of this aircraft and we hope to get into operations in the future for various clients," Vatsavaya said. BluJ Aero has evoked interest from military and defence use cases for its logistics and supply requirements at higher altitudes. Vatsavaya said their aircraft can take off from altitudes such as 5,000 metres above sea level and climb up another 1,000 metres and added, "We are developing a defence variant for high-altitude multi-utility use cases, including relief and supply missions in remote and challenging environments. The aircraft's ability to operate in difficult conditions and deliver essential supplies to otherwise inaccessible regions highlight its versatility and critical role in defence operations. An air ambulance is another area we are looking at for the future. We want to bring 'BluJ Reach' (the cargo variant) to the market by 2026 and 'BluJ Hop' (the passenger variant), which is in the design stage now, by 2028. It will be able to carry six to seven passengers."

The technology enables rapid transit between key city pairs like Bengaluru-Mysuru and Mumbai-Pune in under 30 minutes, without the need for traditional airport infrastructure, showcasing its potential to revolutionise regional air mobility.

As per BluJ Aero, their technology enables rapid transit between key cities like Bengaluru-Mysuru, Chennai-Pondicherry, Mumbai-Pune, and Hyderabad-Warangal in under 30 minutes, without the need for traditional airport infrastructure. Co-founder and CTO of BluJ, Utham Kumar Dharamapuri said that with an AUW (aircraft's gross weight) of around 500 kg, the demonstrated aircraft is the largest privately developed in India, representing a breakthrough in the aerospace startup ecosystem.