Le Bourget, Paris: In a significant move to bolster India’s defense and aerospace manufacturing capabilities, European defense leader Indra and Indian technology powerhouse AXISCADES have announced a strategic partnership at the Paris Air Show. The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Indra’s CEO, José Vicente de los Mozos, and AXISCADES’ Chairman, Dr. Sampath Ravinarayanan, marks a pivotal step in deepening industrial cooperation between Europe and India for the production of advanced defense systems.
The signing ceremony, held at the prestigious Le Bourget exhibition grounds, was witnessed by Indra Chairman Angel Escribano and AXISCADES CEO & Managing Director Alfonso Martínez. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both companies to manufacture a range of sophisticated Indra solutions within India, including antennas for Tactical Air Navigation Systems (TACAN), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) that provides vital in-flight data to aircraft, and advanced countermeasure systems designed to protect aircraft from missile threats, notably those posed by Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS).
The alliance is rooted in Indra’s commitment to expand its global manufacturing footprint and AXISCADES’ established expertise in end-to-end design, development, and production services. Indra plans to source a variety of defense-related products and services from AXISCADES, which will be delivered through the latter’s comprehensive supply chain and production infrastructure in India.
Key highlights of the agreement include:
Local Manufacturing: Production of Indra’s TACAN antennas, DME, and countermeasure systems in India, enhancing the country’s self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
Joint Product Development: Exploration of collaborative development for both Indian and global markets, with the potential to adapt existing Indra products or create entirely new solutions tailored to specific customer requirements.
Supply Chain Strengthening: AXISCADES’ role as a design, production, and supply chain hub for Indra, ensuring agility and proximity in serving clients across multiple geographies.
Indra’s presence in India is not new. The company has a track record of delivering advanced systems to the Indian Armed Forces and has played a pivotal role in modernizing the nation’s civil air traffic management infrastructure. This latest partnership is set to further enhance the capabilities of Indian industry, providing access to cutting-edge technologies and fostering knowledge transfer.
The collaboration also extends to the evaluation of joint initiatives in Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) Airborne Solutions and potential partnerships for India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) programs, specifically the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) and Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) projects.
Speaking at the signing, Indra CEO José Vicente de los Mozos emphasized the strategic importance of the alliance: “This agreement underscores Indra’s commitment to supporting India’s vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing while expanding our global network of industrial partnerships. Together with AXISCADES, we aim to deliver world-class solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers in India and beyond”.
Dr. Sampath Ravinarayanan, Chairman of AXISCADES, echoed this sentiment: “Our collaboration with Indra is a testament to AXISCADES’ capabilities as a trusted technology partner. We look forward to jointly developing innovative products and strengthening India’s position as a global hub for defense and aerospace manufacturing”.
Indra is a European-based global leader in defense, aerospace, and strategic systems, with operations in 49 countries and activities spanning over 140 nations. The company reported revenues of €4.843 billion in 2024 and has maintained a robust presence in India, supporting both defense and civil aviation sectors.
With over 25 years of experience, AXISCADES is a leading technology and product company specializing in aerospace, defense, and Electronic Systems and Industrial Automation (ESAI). The company offers solutions from conceptual design to manufacturing and certification, serving as a preferred partner for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers globally.
The announcement has already generated positive momentum in the market, with AXISCADES’ shares hitting the upper circuit on the National Stock Exchange following the news. Financially, AXISCADES has demonstrated strong growth, reporting a net profit of ₹32 crore for the final quarter of FY 2024-25, more than tripling its profit from the previous year, and annual revenues reaching ₹1,031 crore.
Looking ahead, the Indra-AXISCADES partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in defense manufacturing, technology transfer, and innovation, aligning with India’s Make in India initiative and the global trend towards strategic industrial alliances/
