Author Shreyosee S

HAL’s CATS Warrior Loyal Wingman Achieves Key Milestone

HAL’s CATS Warrior – Tata ELxsi: January 2022, Bengaluru: India’s push towards next-generation air combat capabilities received a major boost as the CATS Warrior, a critical unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) under Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), successfully cleared a key development milestone. The achievement was announced by TATA Elxsi, a key industry partner in the programme.

India to Showcase Defence Manufacturing Strength at 3rd India–Kenya Defence Exhibition in Nairobi

India–Kenya Defence Exhibition in Nairobi: Nairobi / New Delhi, January 19, 2026— India is set to deepen its defence industrial engagement with Africa as a high-level Indian delegation, led by Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, visits Kenya from January 19 to 21, 2026, to participate in the third India–Kenya Defence Exhibition and Seminar. The event will be held in Nairobi on January 19 under the Brand India initiative of the Department of Defence Production.

UAE’s EDGE Group, Qatar’s Barzan Holdings Agree to Establish Strategic Joint Venture

EDGE Group – Barzan Holding Joint Venture DIMDEX 2026: Abu Dhabi/Doha — EDGE Group of the UAE and Qatar’s Barzan Holdings have agreed to establish a strategic joint venture aimed at the collaborative development of advanced defence technologies, marking a significant step in strengthening long-term industrial and defence cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Parliamentarians Visit DRDO Lab NSTL, Review Indian Navy’s Underwater Capabilities

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence Visits NSTL: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, chaired by Radha Mohan Singh, undertook an on-the-spot study visit to the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam on January 20, 2026, to review critical research and development efforts supporting the Indian Navy’s underwater warfare and maritime security capabilities.

6K Additive Named Preferred Powder Supplier for AGF Defcom as Suppressor Market Surges

6K Additive: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania — 6K Additive, a global leader in advanced metal powder production, has been selected as the preferred supplier of additive manufacturing powders to AGF Defcom, marking a significant strategic partnership aimed at supporting the rapidly expanding suppressor market. The announcement was made on January 19 during the SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Defence Minister Inaugurates Medium Calibre Ammunition Facility in Nagpur, Flags Off Guided Pinaka Rockets for Armenia

Rajnath Singh – Solar Group Medium Caliber Ammunition Factory: Nagpur, 19 January 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated a Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited in Nagpur, Maharashtra, underscoring the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in ammunition manufacturing and positioning India as a global production hub in the defence sector.

Rafael’s EuroTrophy Secures €330 Million Multi-Nation Contract to Equip Leopard 2 A8 Tanks with Trophy APS

Rafael EuroTrophy-KNDS Deutschland Trophy APS for Leopard MBT: Tel Aviv — Israeli defence company Rafael has announced the signing of a major multi-nation contract under which EuroTrophy GmbH, its European joint venture, will supply Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS) for the Leopard 2 A8 main battle tank programmes of Lithuania, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Indian Navy Signs Contract for Three Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges

Indian Navy Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barrage Suryadipta Projects Private Limited: New Delhi, January 19, 2026: The Indian Navy has signed a contract with M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, Thane, for the construction and delivery of three 200-tonne Bottom Opening Non-Propelled Barges. The agreement was concluded on January 16, 2026, according to an announcement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, on Monday.

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Arrives in Singapore, Strengthening ASEAN–India Maritime Ties

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Singapore Visit: Singapore, January 17, 2026 — The Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) has arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, marking an important milestone in India’s maritime engagement with Southeast Asia and underscoring the growing depth of naval cooperation between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

BEL, Indian Navy Jointly Develop Indigenous Software Enabling Unmanned Warfare at Sea

BEL-Indian Navy Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS):  Bengaluru (Karnataka) — In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence and maritime technology capabilities, the Indian Navy and state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have jointly developed an advanced software solution that enables fully autonomous, unmanned operations of naval platforms at sea.

Leonardo to Acquire U.S.-Based Weather Radar Specialist Enterprise Electronics Corporation

Leonardo Acquires Enterprise Electronics Corporation:  Washington, D.C., January 16, 2026 — Leonardo has signed an agreement to acquire Enterprise Electronics Corporation (EEC), a U.S. company recognized globally for its advanced weather radar systems and satellite receiving stations, marking a significant expansion of Leonardo’s meteorological and environmental sensing capabilities.

French Rafale Purchase Clears First Hurdle as Indian Defence Panel Approves IAF Proposal

Indian Air Force Rafale Fighter Deal: New Delhi, January 16, 2026 — India has taken a significant step towards expanding the combat strength of its air power, with a high-level defence panel clearing a proposal to procure 114 additional Rafale fighter jets from France. The move marks the first formal approval in what could become one of the largest defence acquisition deals in the country’s history, valued at over Rs 3 lakh crore (USD 33 Billion).

Air India and Singapore Airlines Sign Framework Agreement to Deepen Commercial Cooperation

Air India- Singapore Airlines Cooperation Agreement: Air India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a commercial cooperation framework agreement, marking a significant step toward deepening their long-standing partnership and working toward definitive joint business agreements in the future. The agreement is aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Singapore and delivering greater choice and benefits for customers of both airlines.

NBC Bearings and Ahamani EV Technology India Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Advanced Drone Market

NBC Bearings-Ahamani Advanced Inc Partnership for Drone Manufacturing in India: National Engineering Industries Ltd. (NBC Bearings), the flagship engineering company of the multi-billion-dollar CKA Birla Group, has entered into a strategic partnership with Ahamani EV Technology India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Taiwan-based Ahamani Advanced Inc., to accelerate the commercialisation and adoption of advanced drone technologies in India. The partnership was announced on January 16 in New Delhi.

Bharat Forge Limited Secures Rs 300 Crore Contracts for Indigenous Unmanned Systems Under Emergency Procurement Framework

Bharat Forge Limited Drone Order: Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), through its Aerospace Division, has achieved a major milestone in India’s defence modernisation efforts by securing contracts worth approximately Rs 300 crore under the Government of India’s ongoing Emergency Procurement–VI (EP-VI) framework. The contracts have been awarded to meet urgent operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and reflect growing confidence in indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Garuda Aerospace and BEL Join Forces to Boost Indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems for Indian Defence

Garuda Aerospace-BEL Drone Manufacturing: Chennai/New Delhi — In a move aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Garuda Aerospace and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue upcoming opportunities for supplying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the Indian Defence Forces, Central Police Organisations (CPOs), and specialised security units. The MoU was formalised in New Delhi on January 13, 2026, with Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and Director of Garuda Aerospace, and Prahalad, General Manager – Marketing at BEL, signing on behalf of their respective organisations.

Analysis: Pralay’s Strategic Role in India’s Missile Arsenal Amid China’s Rapid Missile Advances

DRDO Conducts Salvo Launch of Two Pralay Missiles: Pralay is best understood as a conventional, precision-strike missile designed to strengthen India’s deterrence below the nuclear threshold. Unlike ballistic missiles that are primarily associated with strategic nuclear roles, Pralay is tailored for high-accuracy, battlefield and theatre-level missions. This aligns with India’s need for credible response options against adversaries without escalating to nuclear use.

India MoD Clears Major Defence Upgrades Including T-90 Tanks, Mi-17 Helicopters

India MoD Clears Major Defence Deals for Army, IAF: New Delhi: The government has approved a wide-ranging set of defence proposals worth approximately ₹79,000–₹80,000 crore (about $8.8–$8.9 billion USD), signalling a strong push to enhance the operational readiness and longevity of key military platforms while prioritising indigenisation. The decisions were taken by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during a recent meeting amid continuing border tensions and evolving strategic requirements.

Prysmian and Fincantieri to Acquire Xtera, Strengthening Position in Global Submarine Telecommunications

Prysmian and Fincantieri to Acquire Xtera: Prysmian and Fincantieri have announced an agreement to acquire Xtera Topco Limited, a UK- and US-based leader in turnkey submarine telecommunications systems, in a move that significantly strengthens their presence in the rapidly growing underwater communications sector. The acquisition will be carried out through a newly established joint venture led by Prysmian, which will hold an 80% stake, alongside Fincantieri with a 20% participation.

Thales Wins Major Royal Navy Contract to Deliver AI-Powered Remote Command Centres

Thales UK Royal Navy Command and Control Centre Contract: New Delhi: Thales has secured a major contract from the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency to design, develop and deliver the next generation of portable autonomous command centres for the Royal Navy, marking a significant step forward in the transformation of the service’s Mine Counter Measures (MCM) capability.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Commences Commercial Operations, Signaling Major Milestone for India’s Aviation Sector

Navi Mumbai International Airport Commences Commercial Operations: Mumbai, December 25, 2025: Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) officially began commercial operations today with the arrival of its first flight, IndiGo 6E460 from Bengaluru, which received a ceremonial water cannon salute—an enduring aviation tradition marking a new chapter in India’s civil aviation.

India’s Belrise and Israel’s Plasan sign strategic deal to deploy ATEMM electric military platform

Belrise Industries-Plasan’s ATEMM Electric Military Vehicle: New Delhi: India’s Belrise Industries and Israel-based defence company Plasan Sasa have signed a three-year strategic agreement to jointly produce, customise and deploy the ATEMM (All-Terrain Electric Mission Module) platform for the Indian Armed Forces, strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries and supporting India’s push for indigenous manufacturing.

BEL signs MoU with Astra Microwave to strengthen indigenous defence electronics capabilities

BEL Astra Microwave MoU: Bengaluru: Defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astra Microwave Products Ltd. (AMPL) to collaborate on the design, development and manufacturing of advanced defence and aerospace electronic systems, with a focus on strengthening indigenous capabilities in critical technology domains. The partnership will…

LVM3-M6 Mission Demonstrates World-Class Reliability with Successful Deployment of Heaviest Payload

India’s ISRO’s LVM3 Mission: India achieved a significant milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of the LVM3-M6 mission, which placed the heaviest satellite ever carried by an Indian launch vehicle into its designated low Earth orbit. The achievement not only underscores India’s advancements in heavy-lift space capabilities but also positions the country as a growing force in the global commercial launch market.

Boeing, Anduril Partner on Bid for U.S. Army’s Future Air Defense Interceptor

Boeing-Anduril Join Hands for US Army’s IFPC Increment 2 Second Interceptor Program: Washington, December 23, 2025: Boeing has teamed up with Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to compete in the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor program, aimed at strengthening defenses against emerging aerial threats. Under the partnership, Anduril will supply the solid rocket motor for Boeing’s medium-range interceptor offering.

India’s DRDO Successfully Completes User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG Missile

DRDO’s Akash-NG Missile: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the User Evaluation Trials (UET) of the Akash-NG missile system, marking a major step forward in enhancing the country’s air defense capabilities. The trials, conducted over several days, involved the interception of a variety of aerial targets across different altitudes and ranges, including low-altitude near-boundary and long-range high-altitude scenarios.

CISC Underscores Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Minerals for Defence Production

In a landmark discussion on the strategic importance of critical minerals, the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS), in collaboration with IP Bazzaar, hosted a high-level roundtable titled “Minerals That Matter: Geopolitics, Sovereignty & Value Chains” on December 17, 2025, in New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, defence experts, industry leaders, and academic professionals to deliberate on the role of critical minerals in national security, defense preparedness, and technological sovereignty.

India’s Adani Group Plans Expansion into Aircraft MRO and Freighter Conversion Services

Adani Group Plans Expansion into Aircraft MRO and Freighter Conversion Services: India’s Adani Group has announced plans to expand its aviation footprint by entering two major service segments: aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft conversion. The move is aimed at capitalising on India’s rapidly growing aviation market while further diversifying the conglomerate’s infrastructure-led portfolio.

Italy Receives First Rheinmetall Skynex Air Defence System to Counter Drone Threats

Rheinmetall Supplies First Skynex Air Defence System to Italy: The Italian Army has taken delivery of its first Skynex air defence system from Rheinmetall, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s ability to counter drones and other close-range aerial threats. The handover was completed on 18 December 2025 at the Comando Artiglieria Controaeri (Air Defence Artillery Command) base in Sabaudia.

Rheinmetall Wins Largest-Ever Order for Laser-Light Modules for Bundeswehr Assault Rifles

Rheinmetall Wins Order for Laser-Light Modules for Bundeswehr Assault Rifles: Rheinmetall has secured the largest order in the history of its Soldier Electronics business after the German Armed Forces placed a major contract for Laser-Light-Modules to equip the Bundeswehr’s new assault rifle. The order, valued at several hundred million euros, follows budget approval by the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee on 3 December 2025.

India Optel Limited Signs Collaboration Agreement with Safran to Manufacture High-Precision Defence Systems in India

IOL-Safran Electronics & Defense MoU: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, Indian Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has signed a collaboration agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for the transfer of production of two advanced, combat-proven defence systems. The agreement reinforces the Make-in-India vision of the Indian Government and marks a key milestone in enhancing self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

India’s DRDO and Rashtriya Raksha University Sign MoU to Strengthen Collaboration in Defence and Internal Security

DRDO- Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) MoU: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s defence and internal security ecosystem, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration in the areas of research, education, training and technology support. The partnership aims to enhance national security preparedness and promote self-reliance in critical defence and internal security technologies.

German Armed Forces Place €1.2 Billion Order for RCH155 Wheeled Howitzers

Rheinmetall Wins 1.2 Billion Euro German Military Order for RCH 155 Wheeled Artillery: The German Armed Forces have taken a major step toward modernising their artillery capabilities with an initial order for 84 RCH155 wheeled howitzers. The contract was awarded on 19 December 2025 to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS Germany and Rheinmetall, under a broader framework agreement that allows for the procurement of up to 500 systems.

Leonardo to Develop Next-Generation Radars for Italy’s Long-Range Ballistic Defence

Leonardo Wins Italy Order for Long Range Radar Solutions: Rome, 18 December 2025 — Italian defence group Leonardo has signed a contract to develop and deliver the first four next-generation radars for Italy’s long-range ballistic defence, marking a major step forward in the country’s emerging Michelangelo Dome advanced integrated defence system.

Rheinmetall and ICEYE Secure €1.7 Billion Space Reconnaissance Contract for Bundeswehr

Rheinmetall ICEYE German Military Space Reconnaissance Contract: Rheinmetall has secured a major multi-billion-euro contract in the space domain after the German Armed Forces awarded a landmark order for space-based reconnaissance capabilities. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has commissioned Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions to provide the Bundeswehr with exclusive access to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite reconnaissance data.

US Defence Company Long Wall Unveils Cyclops Mass-Producible Interceptor for Missile Defence

Long Wall’s Cyclops Missile Defence System:  December 15 — US defence technology company Long Wall has unveiled Cyclops, a new surface-launched, exoatmospheric interceptor designed to defeat ballistic missiles during their midcourse phase of flight. The company says the system is intended to deliver high performance at significantly lower cost, enabling the large interceptor inventories needed for effective homeland and regional missile defence.

Russia Offers India Lancet-3 Loitering Munition with Unprecedented Full-Cycle Tech Transfer

Russia Lancet-3 Kamikaze Drone Offer to India: New Delhi: In a significant development that could reshape India’s military drone capabilities, Russia has reportedly offered India the combat-proven Lancet-3 loitering munition along with an extensive full-cycle technology transfer package. The proposal signals Moscow’s intent to deepen defence cooperation at a time of shifting geopolitical alliances and growing global demand for precision unmanned systems.

India Opens 125 Landmark Border Infrastructure Projects in Ladakh, Enhancing Strategic Connectivity

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Dedicates 125 Landmark Border Infrastructure Projects in Ladakh: Ladakh, India – December 7, 2025: In an unprecedented move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 strategic infrastructure projects to the nation, marking the largest-ever simultaneous inauguration by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in its history. The event, held in Ladakh, showcased India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its border infrastructure and enhancing connectivity across some of the country’s most remote and strategically critical regions.

Tata Advanced Systems Breaks Ground on New C-130J Defence MRO Facility in India

Tata Advanced Systems C-130J Defence MRO Facility in India: Bengaluru, December 8, 2025 — Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin have officially broken ground on a new Defence Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the C-130J Super Hercules fleet. The facility is expected to significantly enhance in-country sustainment for the Indian Air Force (IAF) while opening opportunities for regional and global C-130 operations.

Indian Army Unveils Cutting-Edge Soldier-Driven Innovations at Inno-Yoddha 2025

Indian Army Inno-Yoddha 2025: New Delhi, India – December 5, 2025: In a landmark event that underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to innovation and self-reliance, the Army held its annual Idea & Innovation Competition and Seminar, Inno-Yoddha 2025, at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The competition, a key part of the Army’s strategy to empower its personnel and boost operational effectiveness, was attended by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), and a host of senior officials.

DRDO Hands Over Seven Cutting-Edge Technologies to Armed Forces, Approves 12 New Defence Projects

DRDO Technology Handover to Indian Military: New Delhi, India – December 5, 2025: In a significant move towards bolstering India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over seven advanced technologies to the Indian Armed Forces, developed under its Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. This transfer of technologies comes at a time when India is pushing for greater self-reliance in defence technologies, in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India).

BEML, KSOE, and HSHI Forge Strategic Partnership to Build Next-Generation Maritime & Port Crane Ecosystem in India

BEML, KSOE, and HSHI Forge Strategic Partnership for Maritime and Port Cranes in India: Bengaluru, India – December 5, 2025: In a historic step aimed at reshaping India’s maritime landscape, BEML Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with two global engineering giants—HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. Ltd (KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI). This collaboration will set the stage for the design, development, and manufacture of cutting-edge maritime and port cranes, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in high-tech maritime infrastructure.

India Defence Startup Sagar Defence Inaugurates Pune Facility For Uncrewed Maritime Systems with Liquid Robotics

Sagar Defence Liquid Robotics Pune Facility for Uncrewed Underwater System: Pune, India – December 5, 2025: Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd., a pioneering Indian defence startup, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility in Pune dedicated to the manufacturing of Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs). This plant marks a significant milestone in the company’s collaboration with Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, to co-develop and co-produce advanced maritime systems.

India and Russia Strengthen Defence Ties at 22nd Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Cooperation Meeting

India-Russia Defence Cooperation: New Delhi, India – December 4, 2025: In a pivotal step towards reinforcing the robust defence partnership between India and Russia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart, Mr. Andrei Belousov, co-chaired the 22nd session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in New Delhi on December 4, 2025. The meeting, held at the iconic Manekshaw Centre, was a platform for both nations to explore new avenues for collaboration and to solidify their long-standing defence ties.

JSW Defence Breaks Ground on Cutting-Edge UAS Facility in Hyderabad, Partners with Shield AI to Revolutionize India’s Defence Sector

JSW Defence’s UAS Factory in Hyderabad, India: Hyderabad, India – December 2, 2025: In a significant step towards boosting India’s defence capabilities and self-reliance in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd., part of the US$ 23 billion JSW Group, today officially commenced construction of its next-generation UAS manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. This state-of-the-art facility, located at EMC Maheshwaram, will be a cornerstone in India’s ambition to lead the global defence technology market, particularly in the realm of military drones.

Safran Launches LEAP Engine MRO Services in India

Safran Launches LEAP Engine MRO Services in India: Hyderabad, India – December 1, 2025: In a significant milestone for India’s aviation and defence sectors, French aerospace giant Safran has inaugurated a state-of-the-art LEAP engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) centre in Hyderabad. This facility marks a major expansion of Safran’s industrial footprint in India and signals a deepened commitment to the country’s Make in India initiative, with a focus on enhancing engine servicing capacity and bolstering local defence manufacturing.

India Signs $964 Million Deal with US for MH60 Romeo Helicopter Sustainment Support

India-US Deal for MH-60 Romeo Helicopters’ Maintenance: 28 November 2025 — In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for a comprehensive sustainment support package for the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R helicopters. The agreement, which is valued at approximately $964 million (₹7,995 crore), will cover a five-year period and will enhance the operational readiness of these advanced helicopters.

HENSOLDT AG’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Lars Immisch, to Step Down from Management Board for Health Reasons

Change in Hensoldt AG’s Management Board: Munich, Germany – November 2025 – Dr. Lars Immisch, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and a member of the Management Board at HENSOLDT AG, will step down from his role effective at the turn of the year 2025/2026, due to health reasons. The announcement was made by the Supervisory Board of the company, which confirmed that HR management would ensure continuity in the department until a succession solution, already agreed upon, takes effect in the new year.

Indian Coast Guard Hosts First Shipbuilding, Indigenisation & IT Conference to Boost Maritime Capabilities

Madikeri, Karnataka, 27 November 2025 — In a landmark event that signals a new phase of self-reliance and technological advancement, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) hosted its inaugural Shipbuilding, Indigenisation & IT Conference in Madikeri, Karnataka, on November 27, 2025. The conference brought together key stakeholders from India’s shipbuilding industry, defence innovation sectors, and the IT domain to discuss and align strategies for strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities.

India’s Shipyards: Pillars of Maritime Power and Emerging Blue Economy

Samudra Utkarsh: New Delhi, 25 November 2025 — India’s shipbuilding industry is rapidly becoming a global powerhouse, contributing not only to national defence but also playing a pivotal role in the country’s emerging Blue Economy. At the heart of this transformation, India’s vibrant shipyards are poised to become major players in global maritime trade, innovation, and security. During his keynote address at Samudra Utkarsh, a seminar hosted by the Department of Defence Production, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the immense potential of India’s shipyards, urging international partners to tap into this growing ecosystem to co-develop next-generation maritime capabilities.

BEL and Safran Will Produce HAMMER Missiles in India

New Delhi, 24 November 2025 — In a significant move to boost India’s defence capabilities and support the government’s Make-in-India initiative, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran Electronics & Defence (SED) of France have entered into a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) for the local production of HAMMER Missiles in India. The agreement was signed on November 24, 2025, in New Delhi, marking a major milestone in India’s pursuit of greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

INS Mahe Commissioned: India’s First Mahe-Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft Joins the Western Naval Command

Indian Navy’s INS Mahe Commissioned: Mumbai, 24 November 2025 — The Indian Navy has taken a significant step in enhancing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with the commissioning of INS Mahe, the first of the indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on 24 November 2025, marking a milestone in India’s maritime defence capabilities.

First Leopard-2 A8 Tanks Equipped with Israeli Trophy Active Protection System Rolled Out

Rafael’s Trophy APS for Leopard MBT: Munich, Germany – November 20, 2025: First two Leopard-2 A8 tank equipped with Israeli defence company Rafael’s Trophy Active Protection System (APS) rolled out on Thursday. official roll-out of the first Leopard 2 A8 Main Battle Tanks equipped with the TROPHY Active Protection System (APS) The tanks were formally delivered to the German Army and the Norwegian Armed Forces at KNDS Munich plant, underscoring Europe’s commitment to enhanced armored survivability.

HAL-Hensoldt Offer Obstacle Avoidance System for Indian Military Helicopters:

HAL-Hensoldt Offer Obstacle Avoidance System for Indian Military Helicopters: Dubai, UAE – November 2025 – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and HENSOLDT, a leading German provider of sensor solutions, have reached a significant milestone in defense collaboration with the signing of a major contract for the transfer of technology and integration of an advanced Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) for Indian military helicopters. The deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025, marks a transformative step in Indo-German defense ties and strengthens India’s aerospace capabilities.

Garuda 25: India and France Take Their Military Cooperation to New Heights

Mont-de-Marsan, France, November 15, 2025 – The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda with the French Air and Space Force (FASF), a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and refining tactical operations between the two air forces. The exercise, running from November 16 to 27, 2025, will see IAF’s Su-30MKI fighter aircraft engage in complex air combat scenarios alongside French multirole fighters.

India’s Maritime Ambitions: Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Strengthens Ties with South Korea’s Shipbuilding Giants

Geoje, South Korea, November 15, 2025 – In a move to bolster India’s commercial fleet capacity and maritime infrastructure, Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding facility in Geoje, South Korea, to discuss growing collaboration between India and South Korea’s maritime sectors. The visit is part of Puri’s ongoing engagement with South Korea to explore the potential for expanding shipbuilding, fleet development, and energy transportation capabilities under India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

India’s DRDO Unveils New Generation Man-Portable Underwater Vehicles for Mine Countermeasure Missions

India DRDO’s Man Portable AUV Anti-Mine Vehicle: In a significant boost to India’s underwater defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) designed specifically for naval mine countermeasure missions. The achievement marks a major step toward the deployment of intelligent, networked, and rapidly responsive systems for underwater threat detection.

IdeaForge Secures ₹100 Crore in Indian Army Orders for Newly Launched ZOLT and SWITCH V2 UAVs

Mumbai | November 14, 2025, In a major boost to India’s indigenous unmanned aerial systems ecosystem, ideaForge Technology Limited, one of the country’s leading UAV manufacturers, has won ₹100 crore worth of new orders from the Indian Army for its latest products — the ZOLT Tactical UAV and the SWITCH V2 Hybrid VTOL UAV. The orders reaffirm the Army’s trust in ideaForge’s operationally proven drone technologies and highlight the company’s growing leadership in the defence UAV market.

India Strengthens Defence Capabilities with USD 251 Million Missile Deal

New Delhi, November 13, 2025 – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a major defence contract worth INR 2,095.70 crore (USD 251 million) with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles. The missiles will significantly enhance the lethality of Indian Army’s T-90 tanks, the backbone of its Armoured Regiments. The laser-guided missiles offer high hit accuracy and operational superiority in mechanized warfare.

Indian Navy Expands Recruitment with New Centre INS Kadamba

Karwar, November 12, 2025 – The Indian Navy has opened a new recruitment centre at INS Kadamba in Karwar, a significant step to strengthen its recruitment drive and enhance the Navy’s presence along India’s Western Seaboard. The centre, the tenth such establishment in India, will facilitate the recruitment of youth from Karnataka, Southern Maharashtra, and Goa to serve in the Indian Navy.

Lockheed Martin Empowers Indian Industry at 11th Annual Suppliers Conference

Bengaluru, November 11, 2025 – In a significant boost to India’s defence industrial ecosystem, Lockheed Martin held its 11th Annual India Suppliers Conference on November 3, 2025 in Bengaluru, emphasizing the importance of Indian industry partnerships in achieving the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) vision. The conference attracted over 30 Indian companies, ranging from large firms to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), all eager to engage in Lockheed Martin’s global supply chains.

India’s Defence Production Hits $18.18 Billion, State Entities Account for Nearly Three-Fourth Production

New Delhi, November 10, 2025 – India has reached a significant milestone in its defence manufacturing sector, with total defence production for the year 2024-2025 reaching ₹1.51 lakh crore ($18.18 billion). Notably, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributed a substantial 71.6% to this total, highlighting the vital role of public sector entities in India’s push towards self-reliance in defence. Additionally, the country’s defence exports have soared to ₹6,695 crore ($805 million), reinforcing the growing global confidence in India’s indigenous defence systems.

India, Vietnam Sign MoU on Submarine Search & Rescue Support at 15th Defence Policy Dialogue in Hanoi

India-Vietnam Defence Cooperation: India and Vietnam reaffirmed their steadily growing defence partnership at the 15th edition of the India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) held in Hanoi on November 10, 2025. The dialogue, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of National Defence Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien, resulted in significant new agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation, particularly in maritime security and high-technology domains.

Saudi Arabia’s Military Localization Efforts Reach 25%, Paving the Way for Strategic Defense Autonomy

Riyadh, November 10, 2025 – Saudi Arabia’s military industries are on an accelerated path toward self-sufficiency, with the Kingdom’s localization of military spending increasing to 24.89% by the end of 2024. This achievement was officially announced by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) at the Annual Military Industries Sector Meeting, held today in Riyadh. The event, which brought together government entities, private sector stakeholders, and international defense companies, marked a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to build a robust, self-sustaining military-industrial complex.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Review Performance of 16 DPSUs in Annual Review

Defence Minister to Review Performance of 16 Defence Public Sector Companies (DPSU): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will undertake the annual performance review of India’s 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) in New Delhi on Monday (10 November 2025). This review is part of the government’s continued efforts to boost the self-reliance of India’s defense sector and improve technological innovation.

Rheinmetall Posts Strong Q3 Results with Record Sales, Order Backlog Soars to €64 Billion, Defying Domestic Challenges

Rheinmetall Q3 Financial Results, Order Backlog at €64 Billion: Rheinmetall AG, the Düsseldorf-based defense and technology group, has reported solid growth in its Q3 financial results for the first nine months of 2025, with a notable increase in both sales and operating income. Despite challenges stemming from delayed order placements in Germany, the company’s defence business continues to drive overall performance, confirming its pivotal role in a rapidly expanding global defence market.

Leonardo and Rheinmetall Awarded Contract for Armoured Vehicles for the Italian Army

Leonardo and Rheinmetall, through their joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), have secured a contract to supply 21 advanced armoured vehicles to the Italian Army. The first vehicle is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. This contract marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between the two companies, which is focused on developing cutting-edge defense systems for modern operational scenarios.

17th India-Israel Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation Held in Tel Aviv

India-Israel Defence Cooperation: The 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on defense cooperation convened on November 4, 2025, in Tel Aviv, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defence. The meeting saw the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to deepen defense ties between the two countries.

Indian Navy to Lead Tri-Services Exercise Trishul 2025 to Enhance Joint Operational Readiness

Tri-Services Exercise Trishul 2025: The Indian Navy will spearhead a large-scale Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) named “Trishul,” starting in early November 2025, involving close coordination with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. The exercise aims to validate and synchronize operational procedures across the three services, focusing on integrated, multi-domain warfare capabilities.

Indian Navy Strengthens Space-Based Maritime Communication with Indigenous GSAT-7R Satellite

Indian Navy’s GSAT-7R Satellite: In a major boost to its space-based communication and maritime surveillance capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to launch the cutting-edge GSAT-7R satellite on November 2, 2025. Developed indigenously by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this satellite is the most advanced and heaviest communication satellite created specifically for the Indian Navy, weighing approximately 4,400 kg.

Rheinmetall Leads European Initiative to Produce CO₂-Neutral Synthetic Fuel for Military Use

Rheinmetall Will Produce CO₂-Neutral Synthetic Fuel for Military Use: Rheinmetall is spearheading a transformative project aimed at strengthening Europe’s energy and fuel security by developing a network of CO₂-neutral synthetic fuel production facilities for military applications. Named the ‘Giga PtX’ project, this ambitious initiative involves building several hundred modular plants across Europe capable of producing 5,000 to 7,000 tonnes of diesel, marine diesel, or kerosene annually per site.

Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2025 to Strengthen Indian Ocean Regional Security

Maritime Information Sharing Workshop 2025: The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is set to host the third Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW 2025) from November 3 to 5, 2025, in Gurugram, India. The workshop’s theme, “Enhancing Real-Time Coordination and Information Sharing Across the Indian Ocean Region,” reflects a concerted effort to bolster maritime security cooperation in the strategically vital Indian Ocean.

Raj Kumar Arora Assumes Charge as Financial Advisor Defence Services

Raj Kumar Arora Financial Advisor Defence Services: Raj Kumar Arora, a seasoned 1990 batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), assumed the role of Financial Advisor (Defence Services) on November 1, 2025. Arora’s extensive expertise encompasses defense acquisition, financial policy formulation, accounting, auditing, budgeting, and personnel management.

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