French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to construct a new, larger aircraft carrier to replace the aging Charles de Gaulle, reinforcing France’s maritime capabilities. Speaking to troops stationed in Abu Dhabi, Macron emphasized that this initiative, which aims to support the industrial sector, particularly small and medium enterprises, will see the new vessel operational by 2038. Despite some lawmakers suggesting postponement due to financial constraints, France remains committed to maintaining its status as a leading …

The Indian Army has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) to collaboratively develop indigenous artificial intelligence and software solutions for defense applications, aligning with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. This partnership will facilitate live problem-solving projects for students and faculty, enhancing their practical exposure to military needs while also supporting capacity building through tailored training programs for Army personnel. The initiative aims to bridge operational military experience with academic …

Adani Group is accelerating its aviation dominance by entering engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) alongside passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversions, targeting civilian and defense sectors amid India’s booming air traffic. On December 21, 2025, reports confirmed plans for engine MRO expansion and new facilities in Ahmedabad, Guwahati, and Bhubaneswar, building on key 2025 acquisitions: 100% stake in Indamer Technics (August via Horizon Aero with Prime Aero’s Prajay Patel) and 72.8% in Flight Simulation Technique Centre (November, …

China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has operationalized the J-20S, a tandem-seat variant of the advanced J-20 stealth fighter, marking a significant doctrinal shift. Unlike traditional single-seat designs, the J-20S incorporates a mission systems operator for enhanced electronic warfare and unmanned aerial vehicle coordination. This evolution underscores China’s commitment to high-tempo, networked air combat operations, as reflected in its growing fleet of J-20s and concurrent advancements in drone technology. The integration of the J-20S …

The Indian Army’s Western Command achieved a major breakthrough on December 19, 2025, with the successful trial of the indigenous Kharga Chakra fixed-wing drone at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. Tested by the Kharga Corps’ artillery division under Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar’s observation, the 100-km range UAV demonstrated resilience against electronic warfare through AI-driven mission control, inertial navigation, frequency-hopping communications, and anti-jamming features. Developed via collaboration between Chennai-based startups and Army engineers, this …

Russian forces are upgrading Shahed-type strike drones, known domestically as Geran-2, to counter Ukrainian electronic warfare more effectively amid intensified attacks since late 2024. Recent modifications, reported as of December 20, 2025, include Chinese-made 16-element antennas that resist up to 16 jamming sources, replacing earlier 4-element versions, and high-power Mesh modems enabling swarm communication over 200 km via daisy-chain networks. These enhancements, combined with warheads increased to 100 kg—including tandem high-explosive fragmentation types—boost lethality, as …

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has partnered with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing collaboration in research, education, training, and technology support for national defence and internal security. This initiative, supported by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aligns with India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance in defence technologies. The collaboration will involve joint research projects, specialized training programs, and studies on emerging operational challenges, thereby strengthening …

The Indian Army is set to induct one lakh 9 mm pistols, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This procurement aims to modernize infantry weaponry, replacing outdated models with advanced, modular firearms designed for diverse operational environments, including extreme weather conditions. The initiative includes provisions for future upgrades and local production, fostering a robust domestic defense ecosystem. As the Army consolidates its firepower through this …

Lockheed Martin has proposed a phased manufacturing transition for its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in India, contingent on its selection for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft programme. The initial batch would be assembled in the U.S. to meet immediate requirements, with future production shifting to a dedicated facility in India, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. This proposal also includes the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center …

Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, commenced ground testing of its half-scale eVTOL demonstrator SYLLA SYL-X1 on December 22, 2025, at its Bengaluru facility, marking a pivotal advancement in India’s push for self-reliant advanced air mobility. Featuring a 7.5-meter wingspan, the SYL-X1—India’s largest and most advanced private eVTOL prototype—validates structural integrity, propulsion systems, and safety architecture, designed with certification intent from the outset to bridge toward a full-scale 15-meter aircraft targeting urban air taxi services …

GIGABYTE has commenced local production of motherboards in India, reflecting its commitment to the country’s rapidly growing electronics market and the broader ambition to establish India as a global manufacturing hub. This initiative allows GIGABYTE to tailor products to local needs while reducing reliance on imports and enhancing supply chain resilience. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to include monitors and laptops, which will further support India’s digital transformation across various sectors. By …

The Pakistan Navy has officially commissioned its second MILGEM-class ship, PNS Khaibar, at the Istanbul Naval Shipyard, a culmination of a transfer of technology agreement with Turkiye. The ship is part of a contract signed in 2018 for four vessels, with two constructed in Turkiye and two in Pakistan. These technologically advanced ships are equipped with modern Command and Control Systems, advanced sensors, and weaponry, enhancing the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities. This development underscores the …

The Indian Navy’s INS Sindhughosh, the lead submarine of its class, was officially decommissioned on December 19, 2025, after an impressive 40 years of service, as announced by the Western Naval Command. The ceremony took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, attended by notable figures including Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, and several distinguished guests, including former and current naval officers and veterans who once served …

Lieutenant General Rajiv Kumar Sahni, the Director General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, visited the Brahmastra Corps under the Eastern Command on December 19-20, 2025. During his visit, he commended the officers and troops for their professionalism and technical expertise, emphasizing the necessity of mission-ready maintenance support for operational effectiveness. He reviewed key technical initiatives, notably praising the Drone Excellence Centre for promoting indigenous solutions aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This visit underscored the …

The Indian Army is accelerating its acquisition of 850 suicide drones, or loitering munitions, following insights gained from Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which underscored their effectiveness in combat. This strategic shift includes the integration of Ashni Platoons, specialized units equipped with both surveillance and loitering capabilities, enhancing the Army’s operational flexibility against threats. The rapid procurement process aims to bolster India’s defense self-reliance through indigenous production, with implications for tri-service cooperation and broader deterrence …

In response to tightening military export controls from European nations, Israel is strategically pivoting towards India for defense manufacturing, aiming to enhance supply chain resilience. The collaboration aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, with Israeli firms exploring joint ventures with Indian companies like Adani Defence and Bharat Forge to produce critical military technologies, including UAVs and missile systems. This partnership is expected to bring advanced military tech and manufacturing jobs to India, while also …

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced the possibility of acquiring additional MH-60R Seahawks following the induction of 24 units, emphasizing a flexible procurement strategy to maintain operational readiness while evaluating domestic development timelines. This approach aims to address immediate naval needs in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, while simultaneously nurturing indigenous capabilities with projects like the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Navy’s dual-track strategy underscores the importance of …

India’s strategic strike capabilities are set to undergo a significant enhancement with the imminent induction of indigenous Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LRLACM) and Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRAShM) powered by the domestically developed Manik engine. Expected to enter operational service within three years, the LRLACM boasts a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers and advanced avionics for precise strikes. The Indian Navy is actively integrating the naval variant with Universal Vertical Launch Modules, with live …

Turkey has delivered the second MILGEM-class corvette, PNS Khaibar, to the Pakistan Navy, following the earlier induction of PNS Babur. This delivery signifies a strategic enhancement for Pakistan, featuring advanced capabilities such as anti-submarine warfare systems and modern combat management technologies. The partnership also reflects the growing defense cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan, aimed at diversifying military sources and fostering indigenous shipbuilding capabilities in Pakistan. As both nations strengthen ties amid regional tensions, this development …

Bangalore-based Digantara, a start-up focused on missile tracking, is transitioning from space debris monitoring to advanced surveillance systems amid a growing global demand for defense capabilities. Leveraging its expertise, the company aims to detect and characterize missile launches in near real-time through its AIRA platform, which integrates space- and ground-based data. Digantara’s SCOT satellite, launched in January 2025, will be central to its operations, with plans to expand its satellite constellation and ground sensor network. …

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reached a significant milestone in its quest for indigenous aero-engine capability by finalizing a partnership with French aerospace giant Safran to co-develop a next-generation engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk2. This new engine, designed to fit the dimensions of the existing F414, will combine the reliability of the M88 T-REX with cutting-edge sixth-generation technologies, ensuring a seamless transition for the Indian Air Force. The …

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a tender for the development of a high-fidelity Test Rig to validate indigenous airborne Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems, crucial for the “Uttam” radar integrated into the Tejas Mk1A and future platforms like Tejas Mk2 and AMCA. This Test Rig will enable comprehensive functional testing by simulating aircraft interfaces and operational environments, significantly accelerating certification processes that historically required extensive flight tests. Key components …

In a significant advancement for India’s defense capabilities, Russian defense firm Almaz-Antey is set to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 Triumf air defense system in collaboration with a local partner by 2028. This indigenous hub will enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to maintain its advanced air defense shield domestically, enhancing operational readiness and reducing dependency on foreign services amidst global supply chain challenges. The initiative aligns with India’s …

The Indian Army is set to procure 850 kamikaze drones worth ₹2,000 crore, pending final approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in December 2025. This initiative, part of the ‘Make in India’ campaign, aims to enhance the Army’s drone warfare capabilities and operational readiness amid rising border tensions with Pakistan and China. The drones will be sourced from domestic manufacturers, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat goals and stimulating the defense ecosystem. The acquisition follows the success of …

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third in the series of eight new-generation Adamya-class fast patrol vessels, at a ceremony in Goa on December 19, 2025, built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous components to bolster self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. This 51-metre vessel, powered by two 3,000 kW advanced diesel engines, achieves 27 knots top speed and 1,500 nautical miles endurance, equipped with a 30 mm CRN-91 …