1. Safran inaugurates its largest maintenance centre for CFM International

Safran has inaugurated its largest MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) centre for CFM International. The new LEAP engine MRO centre represents a €200 million investment and is expected to be operational by 2026. The 45,000 sq. m. facility will scale up to 300 LEAP shop visits a year and feature a next-generation test bench. The LEAP engine powers latest-generation narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX.

Safran also announced a new MRO shop for the M88 engine powering the Rafale fighter jet. Located in Hyderabad next to the LEAP centre, the 5,000 sq. m. facility involves an investment of over €40 million. India is a long-standing customer for Safran’s military engines, operating 36 Rafale and 47 Mirage 2000 fighters, and recently ordering 26 Rafale-M variants. On 24 November, Safran also signed a Joint Venture and Cooperation Agreement with Bharat Electronics Limited in New Delhi to manufacture the “Hammer” modular air-to-surface weapon.

2. India–Russia in talks to for 5 more regiments of S-400

India and Russia are in discussions to finalise a deal for 5 additional S-400 Triumf air defence regiments, taking the total to 10, according to The Print.
It remains unclear whether the procurement will be via the Make in India route or through a direct buy like the earlier 5 systems, two of which are yet to be delivered under the USD 5 billion 2018 agreement.

3. INS Vikrant arrives in Colombo for IFR

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, arrived in Colombo on 26 November for her maiden participation in the Sri Lankan Navy’s International Fleet Review 2025, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation. According to the Indian Navy’s post on X, the warm reception sets the tone for deeper collaboration and strengthened maritime partnership.

4. India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held on November 27

The 3rd India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue is being held on November 27 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic partnership. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh is co-chairing the dialogue with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

5. UK halts use of Ajax IFV as 31 soldiers fall ill

The UK has halted the use of the Ajax IFV after 31 soldiers fell ill during Exercise Iron Fist on Salisbury Plain, following 10–15 hours spent inside the vehicles. According to BFBS News, the illnesses were linked to noise and vibrations.

Just three weeks earlier, Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard told reporters that previous issues with noise and vibration had been resolved and that Ajax was safe.

6. Boeing awarded contract for 96 Apache helicopters for Poland

Boeing has received a Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Army, valued at nearly USD 4.7 billion, for 96 Apache helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces. This is the largest Apache order outside the United States. Deliveries will begin in 2028. Poland’s Ministry of National Defence is already training pilots and maintainers and currently leases eight Apaches from the U.S. Army.

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.