Germany and India have agreed to expand cooperation in the defence sector during talks in Ahmedabad. A declaration of intent was signed during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit, with plans including submarine construction in India and wider cooperation covering defence, technology, jobs, and critical resources.
U.S. Central Command and regional partners have opened a new air and missile defence coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell will support information sharing, joint planning, and regional coordination.
Lockheed Martin said it delivered a record 191 F-35 fighter jets in 2025, surpassing the program’s previous annual high. The aircraft also reached the milestone of a million cumulative flight hours in 2025 and the company said the program completed delivery of the TR-3 software configuration during the year.
Dassault Aviation reported the delivery of 26 Rafale fighter aircraft in 2025, including 15 for export customers and 11 for France, according to unaudited year-end figures. The company also confirmed 26 export Rafale orders linked to the Indian Navy and maintained a backlog of 220 aircraft.
The U.S. Department of War and Lockheed Martin have signed a seven-year framework agreement to raise annual production of PAC-3 MSE interceptors from about 600 to roughly 2,000. The plan depends on Congressional approval and aims to expand industrial capacity.
European leaders have issued a joint statement rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed claims that the United States needs to take control of Greenland. They stressed that Greenland’s future can only be decided by Denmark and Greenland, and warned against threats to sovereignty and NATO unity.
Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany plan to set up a joint venture in early 2026 to develop naval laser weapon systems. The move follows joint trials of a laser demonstrator tested at sea and is aimed at providing drone defence capabilities for the German Navy.
Rafael has delivered the first operational Iron Beam high-power laser air defence system to the Israel Defense Forces. The system will be integrated into Israel’s layered air defence network alongside Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow interceptors.
Airbus Defence and Space and Indra have been selected to carry out an 18-month definition study for Spain’s future SIGINT aircraft. The work comes alongside Airbus-led combat training programmes which will incorporate the induction of 30 Turkish HÜRJET trainer aircraft and follows Spain’s recent order for additional C295 transport aircraft.
HAL has conducted the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the civil helicopter market. The event also included DGCA certification for indigenous manufacture of the Shakti civil engine, with full civil certification expected in the coming months.
France has ordered two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft from Saab in a contract worth about SEK 12.3 billion. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2032, and the agreement includes training, support, ground equipment, and an option for two more aircraft.
Lithuania has ordered RBS 70 Bolide air defence missiles from Saab in a deal valued at SEK 3 billion, with deliveries planned between 2028 and 2032. The purchase follows earlier contracts for Carl Gustaf ammunition and AT4 grenade launchers, expanding Lithuania’s recent defence procurement programme.
Germany and France have again postponed a decision on the Future Combat Air System, with no new timeline set. The governments cited wider foreign and security talks and unresolved industry disputes, leaving the future of Europe’s planned next-generation air combat system uncertain.
Germany approved €8.4 billion in arms export licences in 2025, marking a clear drop after two record years. Government data show a sharp fall in approvals for Ukraine, while Norway became the largest recipient and licences for Turkey rose to their highest level since 1999.
The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned ICG Ship Amulya, a new Adamya-class fast patrol vessel built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The ship will be based at Paradip and tasked with surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue duties.
