1. India–US conclude Military Cooperation Group meeting

India and the United States concluded the 22nd Military Cooperation Group meeting in Hawaii, co-chaired by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chairman of the Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) at Headquarters IDS, and Lt Gen Joshua M. Rudd, Deputy Commander of USINDOPACOM, according to a post on X by HQ IDS.

Talks advanced on the recently signed Framework for the India–US Major Defense Partnership, deepening collaboration in AI, cybersecurity, combat medicine, joint training, and operational logistics. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced interoperability and mutual security.

2. India–Israel strengthen defence ties

A high-level Indian delegation led by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the 17th meeting of the Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in Israel. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation was signed to broaden the scope of bilateral defence ties.

This development underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel, with both nations seeking deeper cooperation in defence and security, according to a post on X by the Ministry of Defence.

3. Indian Navy to commission INS Ikshak 

The Indian Navy will commission INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel (Large) [SVL] class ship, at Naval Base, Kochi, on 06 Nov 2025. It's the first SVL to be based at the Southern Naval Command. The commissioning will be presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff.

The vessel significantly enhances the hydrographic survey capabilities of ports and channels, equipped with advanced gear like a multi-beam echo sounder, AUV, ROV, and a helicopter deck for multi-domain missions. 

4. Large cache of arms recovered in Manipur

Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in Manipur and arrested two inter-state drug peddlers with 2 kg of brown sugar in the past 24 hours.

The recovered weapons included a foreign-made M16 rifle, an SBBL PAG, two .22 rifles, six 9 mm pistols (each with a magazine), and a repeater gun.

5. US considering sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

The Trump administration is considering a Saudi request to purchase up to 48 F-35 fighter jets — a potential multi-billion-dollar deal that has cleared a key Pentagon hurdle ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, according to a Reuters report.

A sale would mark a significant policy shift, potentially altering the military balance in the Middle East and testing Washington’s definition of maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge.”

6. Italy signs contract for KF-41 Lynx IFV

Leonardo and Rheinmetall, through their joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles, have been awarded a contract to supply 21 “A2CS Combat” vehicles to the Italian Army. Delivery of the first vehicle is expected by the end of 2025.

Of the 21 vehicles, five will be Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF-41 with the Lance turret, while 16 will be newly configured variants using the same chassis and Leonardo’s Hitfist 30mm turret. The project is part of the A2CS – Army Armoured Combat System programme (formerly AICS – Armoured Infantry Combat System), which envisages the acquisition of 1,050 armoured vehicles alongside the Main Battle Tank programme to modernise Italy’s heavy vehicle fleet.

7. Putin warns of possible nuclear tests after Trump’s remarks

President Vladimir Putin said Russia has no plans to violate existing agreements on nuclear testing but indicated readiness to resume tests if the United States proceeds with atomic weapons trials threatened by Donald Trump.

“Russia has always strictly adhered to its obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and we have no plans to deviate from these commitments,” Putin said on November 5 during a televised Security Council meeting. Moscow, he added, would “take appropriate retaliatory measures” if the US or another power conducted such a test.

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.