1. PLR Systems emerges as sole vendor for NSG rifle tender

PLR Systems Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Defence and Aerospace, has emerged as the sole vendor to clear NSG trials and has submitted its financial bid for the procurement of 1,000 7.62x39mm assault rifles, according to a post on X by Alpha Defense.

The company participated in the tender with the ‘Jeet’ assault rifle — the 7.62x39mm Galil Ace Gen-1, also known as the Galil Ace-32, made by Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI). The rifle weighs 3.5 kg and can be fitted with IWI accessories. It has a rate of fire between 680–880 rounds per minute. If the contract is awarded, PLR will manufacture the rifles at its facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, or Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

2. IdeaForge whitepaper reveals drones enable up to 65% cost savings

IdeaForge Technology Limited, in its latest whitepaper “How Drones are Powering the Next Wave of Industrial Growth,” reveals that drone technologies are enabling industries to achieve up to 65% cost savings and 80% time efficiency through large-scale adoption.

The study highlights how sectors such as mining, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure are achieving transformative gains in productivity, safety, and sustainability through drone deployment.

3. Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarines to enter service in 2026

The first batch of Hangor-class submarines under the China–Pakistan cooperation project is expected to enter operational service with the Pakistan Navy in 2026, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff, told Global Times in a recent interview.

Pakistan signed a contract with China in 2015 to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines — the first four to be built in China and the remaining four to be assembled in Pakistan to boost local technical capabilities. According to reports, all eight submarines are expected to be delivered between 2022 and 2028.

4. Pakistan unveils its first-ever USV

At PIMEC 2025, Stingray Technologies — a Pakistani defence firm — showcased the country’s first-ever Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV). The system is designed for coastal surveillance, reconnaissance, and naval support missions, according to a post on X by Global Defense Insight.

PIMEC (Pakistan International Maritime Expo & Conference) is being held from November 3 to 6 at the Karachi Expo Centre.

5. Ukraine receives more Storm Shadow missiles from the UK

The UK has transferred additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, bolstering Kyiv’s long-range strike capabilities against targets deep inside Russia. The move comes as US President Donald Trump once again ruled out sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

Storm Shadows are precision-guided, air-launched missiles with a range exceeding 250 kilometres (155 miles). They fly close to the terrain at high speeds, using inertial navigation combined with GPS and terrain-reference navigation, according to manufacturer MBDA.

6. Iran’s Simorgh aircraft begins flight testing

Iran’s light transport aircraft Simorgh has officially entered its test-flight phase, marking a major milestone after 15 years of research and development by Iranian engineers, according to IRNA.

If the aircraft successfully completes all operational, safety, and flight tests, it will represent a significant step in Iran’s domestic aircraft design and manufacturing capability.

The Simorgh is based on the Ukrainian Antonov-140 platform but features a newly designed indigenous rear fuselage and empennage. It is powered by two 2,500-horsepower engines (totaling 5,000 horsepower), can carry up to six tonnes of cargo, and has a maximum take-off weight of 21.5 tonnes with a range of 3,900 kilometres.

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.