1. TASL delivers first lot of WhAP 8x8 vehicles to Moroccan Army

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) delivered the first lot of WhAP 8x8 vehicles to the Moroccan Army on December 24. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defence, Mr Abdelatif Loudyi, had jointly inaugurated TASL’s state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco, on September 23.

The WhAP is a modern, modular combat platform equipped with advanced mobility, protection, and mission adaptability. Features such as a survivable monocoque hull with scalable ballistic and mine protection, independent suspension, central tyre inflation system, and a high-power engine ensure superior off-road performance. Configurations include infantry fighting vehicle, armoured personnel carrier, reconnaissance, command post, mortar carrier, and ambulance variants. Options for manned or unmanned remote weapon stations and anti-tank guided missile capability further enhance its versatility.

2. DRDO completes user evaluation trials of Akash NG missile

User evaluation trials of the Akash NG missile were successfully completed on December 24, meeting all PSQR requirements. During the trials, the missiles successfully intercepted aerial targets at different ranges and altitudes, including near-boundary low-altitude and long-range high-altitude scenarios.

According to a post on X by DRDO, the Akash-NG, equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor, is a potent system for ensuring air defence against multiple types of aerial threats.

3. Belrise Industries and Plasan to make ATEMM vehicle in India

Auto component manufacturer Belrise Industries and Israel-based Plasan Sasa, a provider of advanced armour and survivability solutions, have entered into a strategic agreement to jointly pursue opportunities in the Indian military market with the All-Terrain Electric Mission Module (ATEMM) systems.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the collaboration also aims to establish and strengthen Plasan’s footprint in India. The ATEMM series vehicle is a self-propelled electric platform designed to enhance operational payload, energy efficiency, survivability, and mobility for modern armed forces. The ATEMM robotic platform improves tactical mobility and mission versatility, with applications spanning logistics, energy support, munitions, sensors, and effectors.

4. Goa Shipyard Limited hands over SAMUDRAPRATAP to Indian Coast Guard

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on December 23 handed over the first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), SAMUDRAPRATAP (Yard 1267), to the Indian Coast Guard, marking a significant milestone aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

ICG SAMUDRA PRATAP is the first in a series of two hybrid PCVs developed in-house by GSL for combating oil spills at sea. It is also the largest vessel in the Indian Coast Guard fleet to date, measuring 114.5 metres in length and 16.5 metres in breadth, with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes. The vessel introduces several first-of-its-kind capabilities, including hull-flushed side sweeping arms, retractable stern thrusters, FiFi-2/FFV-2 fire-fighting systems, and Dynamic Positioning (DP-1), significantly enhancing India’s marine pollution response and operational precision.

5. Raytheon to supply four Patriot air defence systems to Spain

Raytheon Technologies has won a USD 1.7 billion contract to deliver four Patriot air and missile defence systems to Spain, the US defence contractor said on December 23.

Patriot, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming aircraft and missiles. Raytheon has partnered with Spanish defence firms, including Sener, to supply components such as the electro-mechanical control system for the GEM-T missile under its global Patriot supply chain.

6. Spain acquires 18 C-295 aircraft from Airbus

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has acquired 18 Airbus C-295 transport aircraft on December 23 to replace the CN-235 and C-212 fleets used for training pilots and paratroopers of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The objective of the programme is to harmonise fleets and achieve maximum logistical and operational commonality with the C-295 fleet currently operated by Spain.

The C-295 aircraft, in transport configuration, can carry up to 70 troops or 50 paratroopers, operate from unprepared runways, conduct cargo and paratrooper drops, and perform medical evacuation missions.

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.