The Centre for Air Power Studies and Indian Military Review will organise Emerging Technologies for Aerospace Applications seminar & exhibition on 8 August 2025 at the Air Force Auditorium, New Delhi.

Recent Developments
Emerging technologies are reshaping military aerospace by enabling more efficient, precise, and innovative operations through situational awareness, precision targeting, unmanned systems, and network-centric warfare. Some examples are given below. 

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Drones. Drones have become indispensable for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes. Azerbaijan effectively used Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones for real-time intelligence and precision strikes, disrupting Armenian forces during the Azerbaijan-Nagorno Karabakh Conflict (2020). In the Russia-Ukraine War, drones have been critical for both sides, conducting both surveillance and kamikaze-style attacks.
• AI and Machine Learning. AI enhances target identification, mission planning, and operational efficiency in military aerospace systems. The U.S. military has integrated AI for mission simulations and autonomous drone swarms. AI-enabled systems in the Ukraine war assist in analyzing battlefield data and prioritizing targets in real time.
• Hypersonic Weapons. Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at Mach 5+ speeds, are redefining aerospace warfare by reducing reaction times and evading traditional missile defense systems. Russia's Kinzhal Hypersonic Missile has been used in Ukraine, reportedly targeting key infrastructure and evading air defense systems. The U.S. and China are also heavily investing in hypersonic missile programs to maintain strategic advantages.
• Advanced Sensor Technologies. Emerging sensor systems improve battlefield awareness and enhance targeting capabilities, even in challenging environments. The F-35 fighter jet incorporates advanced multi-spectral sensors like the AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System, providing pilots with 360-degree situational awareness and early warning of missile threats.
• Electronic Warfare (EW). EW technologies disrupt enemy communications, navigation, and radar systems, providing an edge in aerospace operations. In the Ukraine conflict, both sides have employed EW to jam GPS signals and disrupt drone operations, showcasing the importance of EW in modern air combat.
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs). DEWs, such as lasers and high-powered microwaves, offer precision and cost-effective solutions for countering drones, missiles, and other threats. The U.S. military is testing airborne laser systems for missile defense, while ground-based DEWs have been deployed to counter UAVs in the Middle East.
• Autonomous Aircraft and Swarm Technologies. Autonomous aircraft and drone swarms enable coordinated attacks and reconnaissance missions with minimal human intervention. China demonstrated a swarm of AI-controlled drones capable of synchronized maneuvers, highlighting their potential in future air combat scenarios.
• Cyber Warfare in Aerospace. Cyberattacks can disrupt or disable aerospace systems, including communication links, satellite navigation, and command-and-control networks. In recent conflicts, adversaries have targeted military satellites and communication systems, underlining the importance of cybersecurity in aerospace operations.

Emerging Technologies Impacting Aerospace
Emerging Technologies which are transforming military aerospace are as follows:

• Autonomous Flight Control Systems – Technologies enabling automated flight operations, including waypoint navigation and obstacle avoidance.
• Advanced Avionics Systems – Next-generation cockpit systems that integrate displays, sensors, and communication tools.
• Hypersonic Weapons – Munitions capable of traveling at speeds greater than Mach 5, offering advanced strike capabilities.
• Stealth Technology – Materials and designs that reduce radar cross-section and improve survivability.
• Electromagnetic Propulsion Systems – Innovative propulsion technologies for aircraft and uncrewed systems.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Flight Operations – AI-driven algorithms for mission planning, execution, and in-flight decision-making.
• Data Link Systems – Advanced communication systems to facilitate real-time data sharing among military assets.
• Integrated Sensor Packages – Multi-sensor systems for enhanced situational awareness and targeting capabilities.
• Next-Generation Missiles – Precision-guided munitions with enhanced guidance and targeting capabilities.
• Space-Based Systems – Satellites and related technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
• Augmented Reality (AR) for Maintenance and Training – AR tools that assist in aircraft maintenance and pilot training.
• Mobile Command Centers – Deployable systems integrating communication and control capabilities for rapid response.
• Advanced Navigation Systems – GPS and inertial navigation systems featuring anti-jamming capabilities.
• Remote Sensing Technologies – Systems for collecting and analyzing data from various environments.
• Smart Weapons – Munition systems equipped with AI and machine learning for enhanced accuracy.
• Tactical Mobile Robotics – Robots designed for reconnaissance and support missions in military operations.
• Nano-Sensors and Materials – Small scale sensors that can monitor structural integrity and environmental conditions.
• Low Observable (LO) Aircraft – Platforms designed to evade detection using innovative shapes and materials.
• Resilient Networking Systems – Secure communication networks that ensure connectivity in contested environments.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – Advanced drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat missions.
• Electronic Warfare Systems – Technologies for disrupting enemy communications and radar systems.
• Personalized Soldier Systems – Wearable technologies providing real-time data on soldier health and performance.
• Integrated Logistics and Supply Chain Systems
• Intelligent Maintenance Solutions
• 3D Printing for Aerospace Components
• Advanced Materials and Composites
• Advanced Training Simulators
• Cybersecurity Solutions for Aerospace Applications
• Hybrid Power Systems.