Defence, Aviation & Space
Specialized legal services for defense, aviation, and space sectors covering procurement, regulations, licensing, and operations.
Defence & aviation lawyers in India. Defense procurement, aircraft leasing, DGCA compliance, space law & aerospace advisory.
Available across New Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Panipat, Prayagraj and Lucknow. Book a consultation or call +91-9899686394.
Overview
Our Defence, Aviation & Space practice serves defence manufacturers and contractors, airlines, aircraft lessors and financiers, MRO and ground-handling providers, drone operators, and space-technology firms across Delhi NCR and North India with specialised advisory on regulation, transactions, and operations in these highly controlled sectors. On the defence side we advise on procurement and offset obligations under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), indigenisation and joint ventures, and export controls. Our aviation practice covers aircraft acquisition, leasing, and financing, including Cape Town Convention and IDERA issues, DGCA licensing and air operator permits under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937, airport development, and accident investigations. We also handle drone and UAS regulation under the Drone Rules, 2021, and space-sector matters including satellite communications, remote sensing, and IN-SPACe authorisations. We bring niche regulatory knowledge and an understanding of technical and national-security considerations to clients operating throughout the region.
What We Offer
Defence Procurement and Offset Obligations
Aircraft Acquisition, Leasing, and Financing
DGCA Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Airport Development and Operations
Ground Handling and MRO Agreements
Aviation Safety and Accident Investigations
Drone Regulations and UAV Operations
Space Law and Satellite Communications
Remote Sensing and ISRO Approvals
Export Control and Defense Trade
Government Contracts and DPP Compliance
Aviation Insurance and Claims
Areas of Specialization
Defence procurement contracts and offset advisory
Aircraft lease agreements (dry lease, wet lease)
DGCA approvals and air operator permits
Drone regulations and UAS compliance
Space technology licensing and satellite operations
Why Judicium for Defence, Aviation & Space?
Our strategic positioning and deep expertise make us the preferred choice for legal services in North India
Niche expertise in highly regulated defence and aviation sectors
Experience with Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) and DAP
DGCA and airport authority regulatory relationships
Understanding of technical and operational requirements
Strategic advisory aligned with national security considerations
Relevant Laws & Regulations
- Aircraft Act, 1934
- Aircraft Rules, 1937
- Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) / Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)
- Carriage by Air Act, 1972
- Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
- Space Activities Bill (under consideration)
- Remote Sensing Data Policy, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the offset obligation in Indian defence procurement?
Under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP), foreign vendors winning eligible defence contracts above a prescribed threshold must discharge an offset obligation, typically 30% of the contract value, by sourcing from India, transferring technology, or investing in Indian defence and aerospace. The policy is designed to build domestic capability under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, and compliance is closely monitored by the Ministry of Defence.
How are drones regulated in India?
Drones are regulated under the Drone Rules, 2021 administered by the DGCA, which classify unmanned aircraft by weight, require registration on the Digital Sky platform with a Unique Identification Number, and use airspace zoned green, yellow, and red for permitted operations. Remote pilot certification is required for most categories, and flying in restricted or no-permission zones without clearance is prohibited.
What is an IDERA in aircraft leasing?
An Irrevocable De-Registration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA) is a mechanism under the Cape Town Convention, to which India is a party, that allows an aircraft lessor or financier to de-register and repossess an aircraft from the DGCA on a lessee's default without prolonged litigation. Recent reforms, including the proposed dedicated legislation, have strengthened lessors' repossession rights in India. Judicium Arbitration advises lessors and airlines in Delhi NCR on leasing and enforcement.
Who approves private space and satellite activities in India?
Private space activities, including satellite launches, building, and operations, are authorised by IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre), the single-window regulator established under the Department of Space, in line with the Indian Space Policy, 2023. Satellite communications and remote-sensing activities also require clearances aligned with the Remote Sensing Data Policy and applicable spectrum and security approvals.
Topics We Advise On — Defence, Aviation & Space
Clients across Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, Jaipur and North India approach Judicium Arbitration on matters such as these. If your question is below, our defence, aviation & space counsel can help.
- defence lawyers India
- aviation lawyers Delhi
- DGCA compliance counsel
- aircraft leasing India
- space law India
- aerospace legal counsel
- DGCA aircraft registration counsel
- Cape Town Convention lawyer India
- defence procurement DPP counsel
- MRO regulatory advisory India
- drone UAS regulations India lawyer
- Space Activities Bill counsel
- Bharat Drone Rules advisor
- satellite communications licensing counsel
Not seeing your exact issue? Describe your dispute and we'll tell you how Defence, Aviation & Space law applies.
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Need Expert Legal Assistance?
Our experienced team is ready to help you with your defence, aviation & space matters. Contact us today for a consultation.