1. Indian Army to receive the last three Apache helicopters

The Indian Army will be receiving the last three Apache attack helicopters within a couple of days, according to a report by The Times of India.

The Indian Army had signed a contract with the US for a total of six Apaches, valued at around ₹4,168 crore (approx. $600 million) in 2020. The first three Apache helicopters were delivered in July 2025. The Apache attack helicopter is already in service with the Indian Air Force, with a total of 22 helicopters, and now, with 6 more with the Indian Army, the number is 28 attack helicopters.

2. Indian Navy to commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron

The Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys) , on 17 Dec 2025 at INS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff. The occasion will mark a pivotal moment in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance its capabilities.

The advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics suite make the helicopter a versatile and capable asset for the Indian Navy, offering enhanced capabilities to address both conventional and asymmetric threats.

The aircraft has been fully integrated with fleet operations and has proven its worth on numerous occasions. The Indian Navy will receive a significant fillip in its integral aviation capabilities with the commissioning of the squadron.

3. Indian Army moves proposal to acquire Pinaka rockets with 120 km range

The Indian Army has moved a proposal to acquire Pinaka rockets with a range of 120 km worth around 2500 crore, according to a report by ANI news. The rockets will be developed by DRDO and will be produced by Defence Cum Production Partner (DCPP), which will be chosen through a bidding process.

These Pinaka rockets of 120 km range will be launched from the existing Pinaka launcher. The Pinaka launcher is mounted on an 8x8 BEML-Tatra T815 HMV (High Mobility Vehicle) manufactured by BEML. The Pinaka launcher is manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen &Toubro.

4. US Army awards Sikorsky $433 mn contract for 9 UH-60M and 15 HH-60M helicopters

Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $433 million contract on December 12 under the Black Hawk multi-year ten contract, providing for the delivery of nine UH-60M and 15 HH-60M helicopters, as well as associated program management, from July 2026 through December 2027. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2027.  Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

5. US Air Force awards Kongsberg $240.9 mn contract for Joint Strike Missile

On December 12, the U.S. Air Force awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace a $240.9 million firm-fixed-price contract for Joint Strike Missile Lot Two production, funded with fiscal 2024 and 2025 procurement missile appropriations. The sole-source award covers all-up-round missiles, containers, test hardware, and support equipment, with work performed in Norway through November 30, 2028. The contract supports continued integration and fielding of the internally carried JSM on the F-35A fleet.

Chakra Desk

Chakra News is a specialised digital media platform committed to in-depth coverage of India’s defence, national security, geopolitics, and critical technologies.