1. Adani Group, Embraer sign MoU for civilian FAL

The Adani Group and Brazilian aerospace major Embraer have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for civilian aircraft in India, according to a report by The Times of India.

For the Indian Air Force, Embraer is offering the KC-390 Millennium airlifter for the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. With India emerging as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market with over 1,800 aircraft currently on order by Air India, Akasa and IndiGo. The Indian government is keen on establishing civilian aircraft FALs within the country.

2. Indian Army to raise 15–20 Shaktibaan regiments for drone warfare

The Indian Army plans to raise 15–20 Shaktibaan regiments dedicated to drone warfare, according to a report by ANI. These units will be equipped with swarm drones, loitering munitions and long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capable of striking targets at distances ranging from 5 metres to 500 kilometres.

The Shaktibaan regiments represent a newly established class of specialised drone-warfare units under the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery.

3. Indian Army Chief on visit to Sri Lanka

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. During the visit, he held discussions with Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence, and Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary of Defence, Sri Lanka.

The interactions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military-to-military engagement, cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and reinforcing collaboration in areas of mutual interest which is reflected in the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards regional security, stability and an enduring defence partnership.

4. L&T awarded contract for overhaul of Pinaka MRLS

L&T has been awarded a supply order by the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army for the overhaul, upgrade and obsolescence management of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launcher Systems, on January 8.

This unique partnership between a domestic private OEM and the Indian Army for the sustenance of frontline artillery systems marks a significant step in lifecycle support for Made-in-India artillery platforms.

The programme aims to enhance long-term operational availability and modernisation of Pinaka regiments currently in service. It will focus on managing outdated components, upgrading critical sub-systems and providing sustained technical support to Army Base Workshops, while reinforcing the public–private partnership model in defence sustenance.

5. India and Germany could sign submarine deal during German Chancellor’s visit

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit India on January 12 and 13. His visit could see forward movement on India’s plans to acquire and build German Type 214 conventional submarines with air-independent propulsion, according to a report by The Tribune.

The plan involves German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems partnering with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to construct six submarines at an estimated cost of around $8 billion. In June 2025, the two companies signed an MoU to collaborate on building six stealth submarines under Project-75 of the Indian Navy, combining German technology with MDL’s manufacturing capabilities.

6. Indian Navy’s 1TS to undertake long-range training deployment in South East Asia

Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS): INS Tir, Shardul, Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, will undertake a long-range training deployment (LRTD) to South East Asia as part of the curriculum for the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC).

The squadron will make port calls at Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. The deployment aims to provide comprehensive operational and cross-cultural exposure to officer trainees, while reinforcing India’s maritime engagement with South East Asian nations in line with the Act East Policy and India’s vision for a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean Region.

Planned activities include professional interactions, training exchanges, cross-deck visits, engagements with subject matter experts and joint maritime partnership exercises with host navies.

7. Israel MOD and IDF complete distribution of ‘Arad’ rifles to rapid response teams

The Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed the distribution of thousands of advanced Arad rifles to rapid response teams across the country, marking a major milestone in Israel’s community defence strategy.

The $31 million (NIS 100 million) deal with IWI – Israel Weapon Industries was executed through the Ministry’s Defence Procurement Directorate (DPD) Land Acquisition Unit and includes comprehensive maintenance support for the next decade. Meprolight M5 optical sights, transferred from IDF stocks, will be mounted on the rifles.

The Arad assault rifle is chambered for 5.56×45 mm NATO ammunition and is jointly manufactured in India by IWI and the Adani Group.

8. Donald Trump proposes $1.5 trillion military budget

On January 7, President Donald Trump proposed increasing the U.S. military budget to $1.5 trillion for fiscal year 2027 in a post on Truth Social. The proposal represents a 50 per cent increase over the current $1 trillion defence budget for FY2026.

Trump stated that the increase is necessary to build a “dream military”, citing troubled and dangerous times and the need for the United States to remain safe and secure, regardless of adversaries.

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.