1. GE Aerospace hands over the fifth engine to HAL

"GE Aerospace has handed over the fifth F404-IN20 engine against the order from 2021. GE Aerospace and HAL continue to work closely to ensure a clear line of sight of production schedules for the F404 engines,” a GE Aerospace spokesperson stated in an official update on December 5.

The GE F404-IN20 engine powers the LCA Tejas. This delivery is part of the 2021 order for 99 engines, and follows HAL’s 11 November order for an additional 113 engines from GE Aerospace.

2. RM Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister co-chair IRIGC-M&MTC

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Mr Andrei Belousov co-chaired the 22nd India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation in New Delhi, reaffirming a partnership built on deep trust, common principles, and mutual respect. Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted new opportunities for collaboration in niche defence technologies, while the Russian side expressed readiness to support India’s path towards self-reliance in defence production.

3. Indian Army and Malaysian Army to conduct Exercise HARIMAUSHAKTI

The fifth edition of the Joint Military Exercise HARIMAUSHAKTI between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army will be conducted from 05 to 18 December 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, mutual understanding, and operational synergy between both Armies. Training will focus on sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and urban terrain, including joint tactical drills and coordinated responses in complex operational environments, according to a post on X by the Indian Army.

4. TLMAL delivers 250th C-130 empennage assembly

Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the 250th C-130J Super Hercules tail component manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a major milestone in the long-standing aerospace partnership between India and the United States.

TLMAL, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin established in 2010 in Hyderabad, produces the complete C-130J empennage, including the horizontal and vertical stabilisers. The assemblies are shipped to the United States for integration into C-130J aircraft built at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.

5. General Anil Chauhan, CDS, meets Saudi COGS

A Guard of Honour and Round Table Conference were held in the presence of General Fayyad Bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff, Royal Saudi Armed Forces, and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. The interaction underscored historical and cultural connections built on centuries-old people-to-people ties, reaffirming key milestones such as the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council and the Defence Cooperation Committee. Both sides reviewed expanding defence engagement, including joint military exercises, enhanced sharing of defence and white-shipping information, and progress towards a Military Logistics Support Agreement.

6. Northrop Grumman unveils autonomous aircraft under Project Talon

Northrop Grumman has unveiled Project Talon, an autonomous aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighters. Project Talon combines mission versatility with advanced modular manufacturing techniques, prioritising speed and simplicity.

It enhances collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, acting as a force multiplier to improve lethality, adaptability, and mission effectiveness. The platform expands the boundaries of collaborative aircraft technology, offering U.S. and international customers improved power projection in dynamic threat environments.

7. US CENTCOM sets up drone attack squadron in Middle East

On December 3, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a new task force for the U.S. military’s first one-way-attack drone squadron in the Middle East. Task Force Scorpion Strike (TFSS) was launched four months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed acceleration of the acquisition and fielding of affordable drone technology. TFSS aims to deliver low-cost, effective drone capabilities to warfighters at speed.

The task force has already formed a squadron of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones based in the region. LUCAS drones have extensive range, operate autonomously, and can be launched via catapult, rocket-assisted takeoff, or mobile ground and vehicle systems.

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.