HENSOLDT Strengthens Indian Partnerships with MoUs Signed with Samtel Avionics and Raphe mPhibr at Aero India

German defence firm HENSOLDT is doubling down on its commitment to India's aerospace and defence market, signing two high-profile Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at Aero India 2025.

The MoUs-one with Samtel Avionics and another with Raphe mPhibr-are part of a broader effort to expand local manufacturing, drive technology transfers, and strengthen India's defence industrial base. Industry observers noted that the move highlights HENSOLDT's shift from a supplier to an industrial partner, aligning with India's ambitions of defence self-reliance.

India: A Key Growth Market for HENSOLDT

HENSOLDT, which holds a substantial stake backed by the German government, has identified India as one of its top five growth markets globally. The company is capitalising on Germany's expanding defence cooperation with India, a relationship strengthened by recent high-level dialogues and defence exercises.

According to Oliver Dörre, CEO & Chairman of HENSOLDT, the company is strategically prioritising India for long-term growth. "One strategic axis of our new vision is to grow with focus, and India is central to that ambition," Dörre stated, reflecting on HENSOLDT's expansion roadmap.

Aviation Technology Boost with Samtel Avionics

Under the agreement inked on 13 February 2025, HENSOLDT and Samtel Avionics will establish a co-production facility in India for next-generation avionics systems. The partnership will focus on three advanced products tailored for military and civil aviation:

Cavi Sight, a visual landing aid and video switching system, will enhance precision landings for helicopters and UAVs, particularly in difficult terrains. Cavi Connect, a real-time data exchange system, will enable secure communication between aircraft and ground personnel using LTE (4G) networks. LCR 100, a lightweight flight recorder, will integrate voice, data, and video acquisition to enhance flight safety and operational efficiency. With Samtel leading the localisation effort, the agreement strengthens India's avionics manufacturing capabilities.

Radar and Sensor Development with Raphe mPhibr

HENSOLDT's MoU, signed with Raphe mPhibr, on 12 February 2025, focuses on the co-development of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radar systems. These next-generation radar solutions will enhance airborne navigation, surveillance, and operational awareness for both manned and unmanned platforms. The system will be jointly developed in India, integrating Raphe's R&D and rapid prototyping expertise with HENSOLDT's high-end sensor capabilities.

Additionally, HENSOLDT and Raphe mPhibr will localise production of advanced sensor payloads, further strengthening India's domestic supply chain for critical defence technologies. The initiative reflects a broader effort to reduce reliance on imported sensor systems and develop homegrown defence manufacturing expertise.

Germany's Expanding Defence Role in India

These agreements come as Germany increases its defence engagement with India, driven by geopolitical shifts and an evolving Indo-Pacific strategy. The two countries have expanded military cooperation in recent years through high-profile exercises and industrial partnerships.

The 2024 India-Germany Defence Dialogue outlined new opportunities, including scope for collaboration in electronic warfare, radar technology, and naval defence. Additionally, the German Air Force participated for the first time in Exercise Tarang Shakti, marking an important milestone in Indo-German military engagement. Germany has also strengthened naval ties with India, with increased cooperation on submarine technologies and maritime surveillance.

Strategic Shift: HENSOLDT's Move Beyond Exports

With the business sessions of Aero India 2025 concluded, the MoUs signed by HENSOLDT represent a larger transformation in its India strategy. Instead of merely supplying technology, HENSOLDT is embedding itself within India's defence-industrial ecosystem through localised manufacturing and co-development initiatives.

For India, these partnerships support a wider push for self-reliance in defence technology, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while accelerating domestic innovation. For HENSOLDT, the deals mark a long-term commitment to India's aerospace and defence sectors, reinforcing its position as a leading European defence partner in the Indo-Pacific.

As implementatios begin, these partnerships could set the stage for future Indo-German defence-industrial collaborations, serving as a blueprint for deeper technology integration and co-production in high-end military applications.

Ashish Singh is an award-winning senior journalist with over 18 years of experiance in defence & strategic affairs.