1. GE delivers fourth engine to HAL

US firm GE Aerospace handed over the fourth GE-F404-IN20 engine to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The engine will be used in the LCA Mark 1A fighter jets, which are scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Air Force in the near future. 

HAL had received the third GE-404 engine for the LCA Mark-1A fighter jet programme on September 11. The public sector company is expected to receive 12 GE-404 engines by the end of this financial year. The order for the engines was placed in 2021.

2. Pakistan testfires Fatah-4 missile

Pakistan successfully conducted a training launch of the newly inducted and indigenously developed cruise missile 'Fatah-4' that can strike targets up to 750 kilometres, the army said.

The army carried out the launch of the missile with a range of 750 kilometres, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army's media arm, said in a statement.

"Equipped with advanced avionics and state-of-the-art navigational aids, this weapon system is capable of evading an enemy's missile defence system due to terrain-hugging features and engaging targets with high precision," the army said.

3. Indian firms submit bids to develop AMCA

Seven Indian firms submitted bids to partner with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) for the design and development of AMCA prototypes.

The submitted bids will be scrutinized by a high-level committee led by A. Sivathanu Pillai, former chief of BrahMos Aerospace. This committee will evaluate both technical and commercial proposals before making a recommendation to the Ministry of Defence for the final selection.

Two bidders will eventually be shortlisted and jointly share the budgeted ₹15,000 crore for the development of five AMCA prototypes.

4. France and the USA step up joint military satellite moves in space 

France and the United States are planning a second joint mission of coordinated satellite maneuvers in orbit, part of a growing push to sharpen allied spying capabilities as China expands its own military footprint in space, a senior U.S. general told Reuters.

The operation would be the Pentagon's third known mission conducted in space with an ally, following its first-ever joint maneuver with two spacecraft in orbit late last year, also involving France. The U.S. Space Command conducted a joint mission with the UK earlier this month.

Space is an increasingly contested military domain, as a soaring number of satellites crucial for communications, missile warning, and battlefield intelligence face threats from the world's top space powers. China, Russia, and the U.S. have demonstrated anti-satellite weapons and launched maneuverable spacecraft, raising worries that an attack during conflict could disrupt GPS navigation or sever channels of communication relied upon by forces on Earth. 

5. Greece to buy  FREMM frigates  from Italy 

Italy will sell Greece two FREMM-class frigates, which are currently in service with the Italian navy, marking a new chapter in Italy’s successful series of export sales to naval customers who need quick delivery, according to a report by DefenseNews.com 

The national armaments directors of Italy and Greece signed a preliminary agreement on September 29 for the sale to the Greek navy of the Bergamini, a general-purpose FREMM, and the Fasan, an anti-submarine variant. 

Both were built by Italian state shipyard Fincantieri and have been in service with the Italian navy since 2013. Fincantieri, which will handle the sale, said in a statement that the final deal would also include a support package that it would manage.

6. Apache helicopter marks 50 years since its first flight

The prototype, designated the Hughes YAH-64, made its maiden flight on September 30, 1975.

It has since evolved from the initial AH-64A to the current AH-64E Apache Guardian, becoming one of the most iconic and dominant attack helicopters in military aviation history. Despite being 50 years old, it is expected to remain in service with the U.S. Army and its partner nations well into the 2040s and beyond, thanks to continuous modernization.

Apaches are in service with India as it operates 22 helicopters with 6 more to come as three have already arrived in India. 

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.