India’s Gliders India Ltd (GIL), in collaboration with DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), successfully inducted a lightweight Hybrid Brake Parachute for the LCA Tejas fleet on December 22-24, 2025, enhancing landing safety during high-speed recoveries up to 285 km/h normally and 340 km/h in emergencies. Weighing just 10 kg with a Uni-Cross canopy (5.75 m span, 17 sq m area) and multi-stage deployment via pilot and auxiliary chutes, the system shortens landing …

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Astra Microwave Products Limited (AMPL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW), radar systems, and satellite technologies, reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This partnership aims to enhance India’s design and production capabilities in critical electronic technologies, significantly reducing reliance on imports. The collaboration is expected to foster innovation and create a robust ecosystem for advanced defense electronics, aligning with the government’s Atmanirbhar …

The Indian Navy is set to enhance its surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of 31 MQ-9 drones, alongside a collaborative initiative with the Coast Guard for 15 indigenous C-295 maritime reconnaissance aircraft. This move follows the commissioning of the INAS 335 MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, reinforcing anti-submarine and surface warfare readiness amidst rising regional tensions. Additionally, plans to procure six more P-8I Poseidon aircraft aim to address operational gaps in intelligence and reconnaissance. These developments …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are optimistic about achieving production clearance for the indigenous Rudram-II air-to-surface missile by 2026, following successful validation trials, including a significant flight test in May 2024. The missile, capable of reaching hypersonic speeds of Mach 5.5 and boasting an extended operational range of approximately 300 kilometers, offers enhanced strike capabilities through its advanced dual-seeker system. Designed for integration with multiple platforms, including …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has accelerated indigenisation of critical Honeywell TPE331 turboprop engine components, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) in late November 2025 to Indian manufacturers for castings, forgings, and spares powering Do-228 utility aircraft and HTT-40 trainers. This move, corroborated by reports from December 23-24, 2025, counters Honeywell supply delays—first TPE331-12B engines now due January 2026—ensuring spares for IAF’s 70+ HTT-40 order and over 100 planned, while HAL has flown prototypes TH-4001 (October …

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd delivered the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) ‘Anjadip’ to the Indian Navy on December 22, 2025, at Chennai Port Trust, marking the fifth warship handed over by the Kolkata-based firm this year. The third in a series of eight 77-meter-long vessels built under a Public-Private Partnership with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli per Indian Register of Shipping rules, ‘Anjadip’ features over 80% indigenous content, including a GRSE-developed …

IG Drones has rebranded as IG Defence, expanding its focus from unmanned aerial systems to a comprehensive range of indigenous defence technologies, aligning with India’s operational needs across multiple domains. This transition is underscored by the induction of retired senior military officers into its leadership team, enhancing product development with operational expertise. The company’s initiatives include advancements in combat and transport aircraft, autonomous naval platforms, and cyber defence systems, emphasizing a commitment to reducing dependency …

Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57, has successfully completed its maiden flight powered by the new Izdeliye 177 engine, marking a significant milestone in the aircraft’s development. This advanced engine, which promises increased thrust and improved flight performance, has transitioned from ground testing to actual flight, addressing previous concerns about its operational readiness. The Su-57, claimed by Russia to be the only combat-proven fifth-generation fighter, is positioned to attract international customers, particularly the Indian Air …

US President Donald Trump recently announced the development of a new class of warships, the Trump-class battleships, during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. These vessels, weighing between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, will feature advanced weaponry including hypersonic missiles, electromagnetic railguns, and laser systems, with the aim of enhancing US naval capabilities amid growing concerns regarding China’s naval expansion. The Trump-class ships, envisioned as part of the ‘Golden Fleet’ initiative, are intended to restore American maritime …

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has launched a significant recruitment drive to bolster its workforce for the development of the Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This initiative, announced on December 19, 2025, aims to fill various administrative and technical roles to support the critical phases of prototype assembly and full-scale development. With the Tejas Mk2 intended to replace aging aircraft and the AMCA marking India’s entry into fifth-generation aviation, this hiring reflects …

On December 22, 2025, Japan launched the final Mogami-class frigate, JS Yoshii, enhancing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s naval capabilities amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The 133-meter vessel features advanced stealth technology, a CODAG propulsion system, and a 16-cell Mk-41 VLS, reinforcing Japan’s multi-faceted defense strategy. This development not only bolsters Japan’s naval posture but also strengthens collective deterrence within the Quad framework, which is significant for India’s security interests in the region. …

On December 19, 2025, the German Armed Forces ordered 84 RCH 155 wheeled howitzers from KNDS Deutschland for approximately €1.2 billion. This acquisition, part of a framework agreement for up to 500 systems, enhances NATO’s mobile artillery capabilities and signifies a strategic enhancement for Germany’s newly formed ‘Medium Forces.’ The RCH 155, featuring an unmanned, automated artillery gun module, is designed for high mobility and operational flexibility, including firing while on the move. This development …

On December 21, 2025, SSS Defence secured lowest bidder (L1) status following rigorous technical evaluations for supplying 500 indigenous 9x19mm G72 submachine guns (SMGs) to the National Security Guard (NSG), after foreign and other Indian competitors were disqualified on technical grounds. This ₹50 million tender, floated mid-2025, marks a strategic pivot from import dependency, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat by enhancing NSG’s close-quarters combat prowess in counter-terrorism ops. From an Indian security lens, the G72’s NATO-standard …

India’s defense and aerospace sectors are intensifying recruitment from IIT campuses, challenging Big Tech and high-frequency trading firms for top engineering talent amid a push for self-reliance. Campus placements kicked off on December 1, 2025, with private players like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) targeting 175 specialized hires in R&D and advanced engineering, while Skyroot Aerospace selected 65 engineers from 3,500 applicants for rocket development ahead of its first commercial launch by March 2026. Other firms, …

Adani Defence & Aerospace has partnered with MTAR Technologies to bid for a ₹15,000 crore contract to develop prototypes for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), marking a significant shift towards private sector involvement in advanced military aviation. This collaboration aims to integrate Adani’s strengths in systems integration and manufacturing with MTAR’s expertise in precision components, positioning them against major competitors like HAL and Tata Advanced Systems. The project’s successful execution is poised to enhance …

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the vital role of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in advancing defense innovation during his address at IIT Bombay’s Techfest. He highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, underscoring the need for multidomain operations encompassing cyber, space, and cognitive realms. General Chauhan noted the significance of academia in this domain, pointing to collaborations with IITs on various defense technologies, including remotely operated aircraft. IIT Bombay’s newly established Centre …

Pakistan finalized a major military equipment deal worth over $4 billion with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, on December 22, 2025, following a meeting in Benghazi between Army Chief General Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander Saddam Khalifa Haftar. The agreement encompasses 16 JF-17 multirole fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and additional equipment for land, sea, and air forces, to …

Pakistan’s Navy has completed the construction of its fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, as part of a $5 billion contract with China, consisting of eight advanced diesel-electric attack submarines aimed at modernizing its fleet. The submarines, featuring air-independent propulsion for extended underwater endurance, are set to enhance Pakistan’s anti-access/area-denial capabilities in the strategically critical North Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, countering India’s growing naval prowess. However, concerns remain over Pakistan’s limited experience in AIP submarine …

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received four competitive bids for establishing a strategic 20,000-ton Isothermal Forging Press Facility at its Koraput Sukhoi Engine Division, as reported on December 22, 2025. This advanced setup, targeted for operationalization by October 2025 following an RFI issued in October, will produce complex high-temperature alloy components like compressor discs and turbine parts for next-generation aero-engines, surpassing existing domestic capacities such as MIDHANI’s 6,000-ton press. Bidders including Bharat Forge, Ramakrishna Forgings, …

Russia has proposed supplying India with three enhanced Kilo-class submarines as a cost-effective interim solution while delays persist in the Project 75I program. The submarines will undergo significant modernization, including the integration of the Klub-S missile system, enhancing their operational capabilities against maritime threats. This development comes as India’s aging submarine fleet faces operational challenges, with projections indicating a potential reduction to single-digit numbers by the mid-2030s, threatening maritime security in the Indian Ocean. This …

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) on December 22, 2025, at South Block in New Delhi. The agreement, inked by DRDO’s Distinguished Scientist and Director General (Production Coordination & Services Interaction) Dr. Chandrika Kaushik and RRU Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, with DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat present, fosters collaboration in research, …

The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced on December 21, 2025, plans to retire its ageing Soviet-era Mi-35 attack helicopters by 2030-31, replacing them with the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand to bolster high-altitude operations in critical areas like Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) post-Kargil War, the Prachand uniquely operates at 5,000-6,500 meters with advanced avionics, stealth features, and Shakti engines, carrying air-to-air missiles, rockets, and a 20mm gun …

The Indian Army is set to expedite the procurement of approximately 850 indigenous kamikaze drones, known as loitering munitions, following the successful Operation Sindoor, which effectively targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities, will see the Army induct nearly 30,000 such systems, establishing ‘Ashni’ platoons within infantry battalions to ensure decentralized access to drone assets for precision strikes and surveillance. The fast-tracked acquisition, aligned with the …

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd delivered the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) ‘Anjadip’ to the Indian Navy on December 22, 2025, at Chennai Port Trust, marking the fifth warship handed over by the Kolkata-based firm this year. The third in a series of eight 77-meter-long vessels built under a Public-Private Partnership with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli per Indian Register of Shipping rules, ‘Anjadip’ features over 80% indigenous content, including a GRSE-developed …

Hyderabad-based Apollo Micro Systems Ltd marked a significant stride in India’s defence self-reliance on December 21, 2025, securing DRDO approvals for two key Transfers of Technology (ToT) for Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems, including a Multi-Channel 10 kW Laser DEW from CHESS Hyderabad and an Electro-Optical Tracking System from IRDE Dehradun. These laser-based technologies, which use high-powered energy for precision strikes against UAVs, missiles, and small vehicles, bolster indigenous capabilities amid evolving aerial threats and …