The investment will accelerate unmanned systems and advanced guided weapons, strengthening India’s future defence and warfare capabilities.
Adani Group plans to invest ₹1.8 trillion in 2026 in defence manufacturing, with a strategic focus on unmanned and autonomous systems and advanced guided weapons, as it seeks to strengthen India’s future warfare capabilities, sources said.
The proposed investment will be channelled through Adani Defence and Aerospace, which has moved from extended planning cycles to rapid deployment in 2025, with several of its defence platforms reportedly used during Operation Sindoor. The company is positioning itself as a key private sector anchor in India’s evolving military ecosystem.
According to sources, the investment will prioritise unmanned and autonomous platforms across air, sea and land, along with sensors and electronics, artificial intelligence enabled multi domain operations, and expansion of maintenance, repair and overhaul and training infrastructure. Autonomous systems are designed to operate with minimal human intervention, extending military reach while reducing risks to personnel.
In the aerial domain, unmanned aerial vehicles support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, communications relay and precision missions. At sea, unmanned surface and underwater vehicles are deployed for maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations and mine countermeasures. On land, unmanned ground vehicles are used for logistics, reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal and perimeter security.
In 2025, Drishti 10 unmanned aerial vehicles were inducted into the Indian Navy and Army for long endurance intelligence and surveillance missions. Its counter drone systems cleared service trials, while loitering munitions and shoulder fired missile systems achieved deployment readiness within compressed timelines.
The company has also expanded into airborne warning and control systems, becoming the only private sector player in this segment. Recent acquisitions have strengthened defence and civil aviation maintenance and training capabilities, while increased indigenous sourcing, digital tools and predictive maintenance are enhancing sustainability and supply chain resilience.
