1. DRDO conducts successful flight test of Pinaka LRGR

The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) was conducted successfully at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, on December 29. The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kms demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned. The LRGR impacted the target with textbook precision.

All the deployed range instruments tracked the flight throughout its trajectory. This rocket is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from Defence Research and Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat. The flight trial was coordinated by ITR and Proof & Experimental Establishment. The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher.

2. DAC clears Rs 79,000 crore defence buys to boost

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, on December 29  approved proposals worth about Rs 79,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.

During the meeting, Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) was approved for the procurement of Loiter Munition System for Artillery Regiments, Low Level Light Weight Radars, Long Range Guided Rocket Ammunition for Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket System (MRLS), and Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mk-II for the Indian Army.

For the Indian Navy, AoN was accorded for the procurement of Bollard Pull (BP) Tugs, High Frequency Software Defined Radios (HF SDR) Manpack and for leasing High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS). For the Indian Air Force, AoN was approved for the procurement of Automatic Take-off Landing Recording System, Astra Mk-II Missiles, Full Mission Simulator and SPICE-1000 Long Range Guidance Kits, etc.

3. HAL Dhruv-NG  makes first flight

The HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) Dhruv-NG (Next Generation), the civil variant of the HAL Dhruv ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), took its first flight on December 29. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the first flight of Dhruv-NG in Bengaluru. The helicopter was first showcased by HAL at the Aero India 2025.

According to HAL, the DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain. It is specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market.

It has been designed for enhanced safety, performance, and passenger comfort. The helicopter represents a milestone in indigenous rotary-wing capability. The DHRUV-NG is equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines, delivering higher power ratings and enabling internal maintenance in India.

4. Defence Secretary meets India’s Ambassador to Vietnam

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Viet Nam to India, Nguyen Thanh Hai and held wide-ranging discussions on cooperation initiatives under the India–Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Defence as a key pillar, according to a post by the Ministry of Defence.

5. Boeing to supply 25  F-15 fighter jets to Israel

The Pentagon awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract to supply Israel with 25 new F-15 fighter jets, with an option for 25 more, a deal unveiled shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida on December 29.

The agreement calls for Boeing to design, integrate, equip, test, build and deliver 25 new F-15IA aircraft — an upgraded version of the Israeli Air Force’s F‑15I Ra’am fighter — with an option for another 25 aircraft.

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.