1. Pakistan Navy launches fourth HANGOR-class submarine

The fourth Hangor-class submarine of the Pakistan Navy, named GHAZI, was launched at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, on December 17. The Hangor-class is a series of eight diesel-electric attack submarines being built for the Pakistan Navy under a $5 billion defence deal with China, according to a report by The Naval News.

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight HANGOR-class submarines. Under the contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT).

2. Exercise HARIMAUSHAKTI 2025 concludes

The closing ceremony of the fifth edition of the Joint Military Exercise HARIMAUSHAKTI between the Indian Army and the Malaysian Army was held on December 18 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan.

The two-week exercise was conducted from December 5 to December 18 and focused on joint tactical drills and sub-conventional operations under a UN mandate. The exercise strengthened operational synergy, interoperability, and mutual trust between the two armies, enhancing joint capability in counter-terrorism and sub-conventional operations in semi-urban and urban terrain. It reflected the shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and defence cooperation.

3. RM Rajnath Singh meets Netherlands Foreign Minister

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Mr David van Weel, in New Delhi on December 18, reaffirming the strong and growing defence partnership between the two countries.

The two ministers discussed a range of bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation, with defence cooperation remaining a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership.

4. Lotus Advanced Technologies awarded MPR contract for Do-228 by HAL

Lotus Advanced Technologies has been awarded a contract by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division (TAD), for the supply of advanced AESA Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR) systems, valued at over ₹640 crore.

The contract is being executed under a strategic partnership with IAI ELTA, Israel. The radars will be integrated on the Indian Navy’s Dornier 228 aircraft, strengthening maritime surveillance and defence capabilities.

5. Spain orders 100 helicopters from Airbus

Spain is placing orders for 100 Airbus helicopters through the Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defence. The four contracts, framed under the National Helicopter Plan announced in May, aim to accelerate the modernisation of Spain’s defence and security assets.

This marks the largest helicopter procurement by the DGAM and includes four different helicopter models for the three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces:

13 H135 helicopters: 12 for the Spanish Air and Space Force and 1 for the Navy, to be used for advanced pilot training, light utility, and observation missions.

50 H145M helicopters: All for the Spanish Army (FAMET), for pilot training, light attack (equipped with HForce, complementing the Tiger), light utility, and disaster relief missions.

6 H175M helicopters: For the Spanish Air and Space Force, to be used for governmental missions, including the transport of authorities, replacing obsolete fleets from Wing 48.

31 NH90 helicopters: 13 for the Army, 12 for the Air and Space Force, and 6 for the Navy, intended for tactical transport, manoeuvre, special operations, and amphibious warfare missions.

6. Boeing and Anduril team up for future US Army air defence system

Boeing has partnered with Anduril Rocket Motor Systems for the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor competition. Anduril will provide the solid rocket motor for Boeing’s medium-range interceptor offering.

Boeing was awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement on December 5 to develop the new mid-range interceptor as part of the Army’s efforts to strengthen defences against emerging aerial threats. The U.S. Army plans to select companies to move to the prototype stage of the competition in 2026.

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.