1. India-US sign 10-year defence framework

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth have signed a 10-year defence framework between India and the United States. The agreement was concluded on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“I just met with Rajnath Singh to sign a 10-year U.S.-India Defence Framework. This advances our defence partnership — a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. We're enhancing our coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation. Our defence ties have never been stronger,” Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a post on X.

2. Last three Apache heptors of Indian Army spotted at Mesa Gateway Airport

The last three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army were spotted at Mesa Gateway Airport (KIWA), Arizona. An Antonov An-124 had arrived at the airport on October 30 from Leipzig, Germany, to pick up the three helicopters, according to a post on X by a KIWA spotter.

India had ordered six Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the US in 2020 at a cost of ₹5,325 crore. The first batch of three helicopters arrived in July 2025, and this will be the second and final batch.

3. L&T and General Atomics partner for 87 MALE RPAS programme

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and US-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India for the Indian armed forces.

Under this partnership, L&T will participate in the upcoming 87 MALE RPAS programme of the Ministry of Defence as the prime bidder, with GA-ASI as the technology partner. The acquisition, valued at approximately ₹30,000 crore, is a major indigenous defence initiative.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement in August 2025 — a critical step that allows the tendering process to begin. The Ministry of Defence is now preparing to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to potential manufacturers.

4. India to acquire more Meteor missiles

India is likely to acquire additional Meteor air-to-air missiles, manufactured by the European defence firm MBDA. Defence sources said the ₹1,500 crore proposal for procuring these beyond-visual-range missiles is at an advanced stage in the Defence Ministry and is expected to be cleared at a high-level meeting soon.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets equipped with Meteor missiles, and the Indian Navy’s 26 Rafales on order will also be armed with the same weapon.

5. US soldier takes control of autonomous Black Hawk

For the first time, a U.S. soldier — not a trained aviator — planned and executed real-world missions during military exercises using Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s Optionally Piloted (OPV) Black Hawk helicopter powered by MATRIX™ technology.

In partnership with the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Sikorsky deployed the OPV Black Hawk at Northern Strike 2025 in August. The demonstration showcased how an autonomous Black Hawk can expand mission reach and reduce risks to personnel in operational environments.

6. Finland to adopt NATO calibres for small arms

Finland has announced that it will adopt NATO-standard calibres for its small arms. Currently, the Finnish Defence Forces operate the RK-62 M3 assault rifle chambered in the Warsaw Pact calibre 7.62×39mm and the PK machine gun chambered in 7.62×54mm.

The transition aligns with Finnish small arms manufacturer Sako’s launch of the ARG series of assault rifles in August 2025, chambered in 5.56mm and 7.62mm — both NATO-standard calibres.

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.