1. Turkey delivers second MILGEM corvette PNS KHAIBAR to Pakistan

Türkiye delivered the second MILGEM corvette, PNS KHAIBAR, to Pakistan on December 21 at a ceremony held at the Istanbul Shipyard in Türkiye. The ceremony was presided over by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. PNS KHAIBAR is the second of four BABUR-class ships ordered from Turkish defence firm ASFAT in 2018.

The MILGEM corvette for the Pakistan Navy is equipped with long-range and multi-role weapon systems, including surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and close-in air defence capabilities. It features three-dimensional search radar, fire control radar, and a hull-mounted sonar system, enabling detection and engagement across multiple warfare domains.

2. Pakistan and Libya sign $4.6 billion defence deal

Pakistan and Libya have signed a $4.6 billion defence deal during the visit of Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, from December 18. During the visit, he met Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), and Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, in Benghazi.

The deal reportedly includes 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, 44 Haider main battle tanks, advanced infantry mortar systems, a multi-purpose naval vessel, and training for Libyan armed forces personnel.

3. Indian Army to purchase 1 lakh pistols

The Indian Army is set to procure one lakh 9mm pistols to replace the existing Browning 9mm High Power pistols manufactured by the erstwhile Ordinance Factory Board (OFB), now AWEIL, and designated as the 9mm 1A pistol. Accessories such as suppressors and optics will also be procured.

The acquisition will be undertaken under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of one lakh indigenous 9mm pistols for the Indian Army.

4. France to build new aircraft carrier

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on December 21 plans to build a new, larger, and more modern aircraft carrier to replace the ageing Charles de Gaulle and enhance France’s maritime power. Macron announced while addressing troops at a French military base in Abu Dhabi, near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows.

The new aircraft carrier is expected to enter service in 2038, around the time the Charles de Gaulle, commissioned in 2001, is scheduled for retirement.

5. CZ to supply pistols to the German Army

Colt CZ Group SE announced that Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has been selected by the German Army (Bundeswehr) to supply pistols following an open international tender, prevailing over several global competitors.

The pistols, designated P13 for the Bundeswehr, are based on the CZ P-10 C Optics-Ready model and feature a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. The striker-fired service pistol is designed for professional military use and is known for its reliability, durability, high magazine capacity, and ergonomic design.

6. Japan orders more JSM missiles from KONGSBERG

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) has signed a fifth follow-on contract with Japan on December 20 to supply the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for Japan’s fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft. The contract is valued at over NOK 800 million.

The JSM is a fifth-generation stealth air-to-surface missile capable of being carried internally by the F-35A, preserving the aircraft’s low-observable characteristics.

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.