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–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.
Paras Defence Launches Paras Semiconductor for Defence Chip Packaging: Mumbai, January 21: Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd has announced a strategic foray into the semiconductor sector with the launch of a new subsidiary, Paras Semiconductor Pvt. Ltd, marking a significant expansion into advanced and critical technologies.
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.
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.
British Challenger 3 MBT Clears Crewed Live Firing Trials: Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) has successfully completed the first-ever crewed live firing trials of Challenger 3, marking a major milestone in the development of the British Army’s next-generation Main Battle Tank.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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- 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-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 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-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.
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.
Indian Air Force Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Vice Chief of Air Staff: New Delhi, January 1, 2026: Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor SYSM PVSM AVSM VM on Wednesday assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force. He took over the appointment on January 1, 2026.
IAF Training Command Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas: New Delhi, January 1, 2026: Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas on Thursday assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Training Command, Indian Air Force. He took over the prestigious appointment on January 1, 2026.
New Delhi, December 31, 2025 – The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday successfully carried out a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles in quick succession from the same launcher off the coast of Odisha, marking a key milestone in India’s missile development programme.
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari: New Delhi, Dec. 31: Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari retired as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on Tuesday, bringing to a close more than four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
New Delhi, 30 Dec 2025 – The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts totalling ₹4,666 crore (about $518 million) for key defence procurements, in a bid to modernise India’s ground and naval forces. The agreements were formalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
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: 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.
Rolls-Royce India News: New Delhi: Rolls-Royce has outlined an ambitious long-term strategy to position India as its third “home market,” alongside the UK, the US and Germany, underscoring the country’s growing importance in the global aerospace, defence and advanced engineering landscape.
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.
India DRDO Pinaka LRGR: New Delhi, Dec. 29, 2025: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120), marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous rocket artillery programme.
UK-Germany to Procure Rheinmetall’s RCH 155 Artillery System: London: The United Kingdom and Germany have signed a £52 million contract for the procurement of cutting-edge military artillery capable of firing on the move and striking targets up to 70 kilometres away, marking a significant step in deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ Iron Beam Laser System: Tel Aviv: Israeli defence major Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on Sunday delivered the first operational high-power laser air defence system, Iron Beam, to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), marking a major milestone in the country’s military capabilities.
Israel Army Inducts Elbit Systems SIGMA 155mm Roem Artillery: Jerusalem: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Artillery Corps has inducted its new-generation SIGMA 155 self-propelled howitzer, known as “Ro’em” (Thunderous), marking a significant transformation in Israel’s artillery warfare capabilities.
Japan Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP): Tokyo: Japan has confirmed its plan to deploy a next-generation fighter aircraft by fiscal year 2035, as work continues under the trilateral Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the United Kingdom and Italy.
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.
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.
Sasmos Larsen-Toubro High Power Radar Electric Wire Harness: Bengaluru: SASMOS, a leading provider of advanced design and manufacturing solutions for defence and aerospace platforms, has begun delivery of the first lot of wiring harnesses for high-power radar systems to L&T Precision Engineering & Systems under a strategic multi-year contract.
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…
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 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.
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.
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.
Spain Air Force Orders 18 Airbus C295 Transport Aircraft: Getafe, Spain, 23 December 2025 — The Spanish Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 18 Airbus C295 transport aircraft to replace the Spanish Air and Space Force’s ageing CN235 and C212 fleets used for pilot and paratrooper training.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rheinmetall’s Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for German Army: Berlin, 19 December 2025 — The German Bundeswehr is set to significantly expand its fleet of Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under a €4.2 billion procurement programme agreed with Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland.
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 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.
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.
Italy’s Michelangelo Security Dome: Rome, December 9, 2025 — Less than ten days after the formal launch of Leonardo’s Michelangelo Security Dome, Italy has announced the programme’s first major technical milestone with a successful air-defence test demonstrating unprecedented radar and missile-interception capability.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
Russian President Bladimir Putin’s India Visit: New Delhi, 5 December 2025 — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s has arrived in India on Thursday evening (December 4) for a high-profile state visit to India, to participate in the summit meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, both sides are expected to discuss a range…
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’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: 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-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LCA Tejas Crash: Indian Air Force lost its domestically designed and built Tejas Fighter Jet at the Dubai Air Show, killing its pilot. This is the second crash of a Tejas aircraft built by state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A Tejas Mk1 aircraft had crashed near Jaisalmer in the western state of Rajasthan during a training sortie in March 2024.
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: 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.
Elbit Systems to upgrade Israel Army’s Merkava MBT: Haifa, Israel, November 19, 2025 – Israeli defence company Elbit Systems Ltd Wednesday announced that it has been awarded a $210 million Israeli MoD order for the upgrade of Merkava Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) of Israeli Army. The contracts will be performed over a period of six years.
Navantia S-80 Submarine: Cartagena (Spain), 17th November, 2025 – The S-82 “Narciso Monturiol” submarine, the second of the S-80 class, is now afloat in Navantia’s shipyard in Cartagena as it prepares for the final stages of its construction and commissioning, including harbour and sea trials.
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.
Russia’s Pantsir-SMD-E Air Defence System: Dubai | November 14, 2025 Russia’s state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec State Corporation is set to unveil an extensive lineup of next-generation air defense technologies at the Dubai Airshow 2025, one of the world’s premier aerospace exhibitions.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Indian Navy Day 2025: In a first for the Indian Navy, the 2025 Navy Day celebrations will feature a grand operational demonstration on December 4 at Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram. The event will showcase the Navy’s combat capabilities, technological advancements, and operational readiness in a multi-domain context.
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 AG, the German defense technology company, and ICEYE, a leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology, have officially launched a joint venture called Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions GmbH. The new company, based in Neuss, Germany, was established after the two companies signed an agreement in Berlin earlier this week.
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, 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.
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.
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’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 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.
India’s emphasis on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) reflects its stance on upholding international law as a foundation for lawful and fair conduct in maritime spaces that are vital to global trade, security, and sustainability.
Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as the 40th Chief of Materiel on November 1, 2025. Commissioned as an Electrical Officer in 1987, he is an alumnus of the 70th Course, National Defence Academy, and holds master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from IIT Chennai and higher defense management credentials.
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, Indian Navy Chief of Personnel: Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh, AVSM, NM, took charge as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy on November 1, 2025. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), he was commissioned in 1990 and brings over three decades of distinguished naval service.
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 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.
