1.    IAF’s leased Metrea KC-135 Stratotanker lands at Agra

The Indian Air Force’s leased Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker mid-air refueller has arrived in India, offering much-needed relief in a critical area of modern warfighting, according to ThePrint.

Metrea provides commercial air-to-air refuelling (AAR) and was awarded a contract on 31 March to enhance IAF AAR training capabilities. It will supply Flight Refueler Aircraft (FRA) based out of Air Force Station Agra. The company operates a fleet of former French and Singapore Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers.

2.    DRDO and French DGA sign technical agreement

A landmark Technical Arrangement (TA) has been signed between DRDO and France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) to deepen collaboration in defence R&D, DRDO announced on X.

The agreement was signed on 20 November at DRDO Bhawan by Secretary DDR&D and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat and Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta, National Armaments Director, DGA. Key areas of cooperation include aeronautical platforms, unmanned systems, advanced materials, cyber security, AI, space, navigation, propulsion, sensors, quantum and underwater technologies, and other mutually identified domains.

3.    NSG–GIGN sign Letter of Intent to boost counter-terror partnership

India and France strengthened their counter-terror partnership as DG NSG Shri Brighu Srinivasan and GIGN Commander Colonel Benoit Villeminoz signed a Letter of Intent in Paris on 19 November, the NSG said on X. GIGN is the elite tactical unit of the French National Gendarmerie.

4.    Indian and Tanzanian Navies conclude maiden staff talks

The first edition of Indian Navy–Tanzania People’s Defence Force Navy Staff Talks concluded on 18 November at Dar es Salaam. The talks were co-chaired by RAdm Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI), and Cmde F.J. Mwasikolile, Naval Operations & Training Officer, TPDF Navy.

Discussions focused on mapping the future of bilateral maritime engagement, advancing cooperation, and promoting a coordinated approach to maritime security, the Indian Navy said on X.

5.    SOLGW awarded US SOCOM CAR contract

Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) has secured a U.S. Special Operations Command contract for the Combat Assault Rifle (CAR) programme. After a rigorous competitive evaluation, a select-fire variant of the SOLGW MK1 rifle with an 11.5-inch barrel was chosen, Soldier Systems reported.

The MK1, which uses the standard direct-impingement mechanism of M16/M4 carbines, withstood extreme heat, cold, dust, mud, and salt during SOCOM’s tests while maintaining reliability and accuracy.

6.    Bayraktar Kizilelma drone locks onto F-16 and achieves direct hit (simulated)

In a test involving two Turkish Air Force F-16s, the KIZILELMA drone locked onto a target F-16 using the indigenous MURAD AESA radar and achieved a simulated direct hit with the GÖKDOĞAN air-to-air missile.

One F-16 flew in close formation with the drone while the other acted as the target. KIZILELMA detected the target at 30 miles, executed simulated electronic firing using the TÜBİTAK SAGE-developed missile, and successfully neutralised the highly manoeuvrable aircraft in the virtual engagement - marking a significant advance in Turkish air-to-air combat capability.

7.    ICEYE and SSC sign Letter of Intent to strengthen Nordic and NATO space-based capabilities

ICEYE, the global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, and Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), a leading global provider of advanced space services, today announced they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI). This LOI outlines a plan to leverage their complementary strengths, aiming to enhance sovereign space capabilities for Nordic and NATO security.

The LOI, signed at the NATO Arctic Space Forum last week in Helsinki, reflects the growing strategic cooperation between Sweden and Finland and aims to explore expanded collaboration in key space and defense-related areas.

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.