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.
