The Indian Navy has commissioned INAS 335, its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, at INS Hansa in Goa. The unit is now operational and is intended to support shipborne aviation missions, including anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and search and rescue on the western seaboard.
Finland has rolled out its first F-35A fighter, designated JF-501, at Lockheed Martin’s facility in the United States. The aircraft will support pilot training in 2026 before entering Finnish Air Force service, alongside new AIM-120D-3 missile procurement.
Poland has declared full operational capability for its IBCS-enabled WISŁA air defence system, making it the first U.S. NATO ally to field the networked command system. The move follows live-fire tests and expands Poland’s integrated air and missile defence.
The Indian Navy has commissioned DSC A20, its first indigenously built Diving Support Craft, at Kochi. Built by Titagarh Rail Systems, the vessel will support underwater inspections, repairs and diving operations along India’s coast.
GE Aerospace has received orders to provide eight LM2500 marine gas turbine engines for two future U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers, extending the long-running use of the propulsion system across the class.
The German Navy has taken delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, with a total of 31 Sea Tigers planned to replaced the Sea Lynx fleet. The NH90 is equipped with sonar systems and can deploy torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
The Kremlin has rejected calls for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine, saying it wants to end the war rather than pause fighting. The response followed an appeal by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after peace talks in Berlin.
Germany’s parliament will consider spending around €50 billion on defence this week, covering major arms procurement for the Bundeswehr, including Arrow 3 and Patriot air defence systems and Puma infantry fighting vehicles.
The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems a new five-year contract worth up to $1.7 billion for continued production of APKWS laser-guidance kits, supporting large-scale procurement of low-cost precision munitions for U.S. forces and allied nations.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said any European protection force for Ukraine would depend on Russia’s response and unresolved legal and command issues, following talks in Berlin for a force to help secure a possible ceasefire.
KNDS Deutschland and Italy’s Leonardo have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly develop a new mobile artillery system, combining KNDS’s artillery gun module with Leonardo’s wheeled vehicle platform for future Italian Army requirements. The KNDS 155 mm/L52 main gun Artillery Gun Module has a rate of fire of nine rounds per minute and requires a crew of two to three personnel.
Lithuania has signed an industrial cooperation agreement with KNDS, Rheinmetall and EPSO-G to establish local assembly and maintenance facilities for Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks, with the first tanks assembled domestically from 2028. The Baltic country joined the Leopard 2 Common Procurement Agreement in 2024 and signed a follow-on contract later that year for 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Germany has exercised an option for 20 additional Airbus H145M light combat helicopters, raising its total order to 82 aircraft. The helicopters will support German Army and Luftwaffe special forces missions including training, reconnaissance, special operations and light attack roles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a U.S. delegation arrived in Berlin for talks on a possible ceasefire in Ukraine, meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz ahead of discussions involving European partners. Russian officials have expressed skepticism about the talks, which will continue on Monday.
Switzerland has launched a consultation on a revised security policy strategy, citing a deteriorating security environment in Europe, rising hybrid threats including drone incursions, and growing uncertainty over the future of European defence. The consultation will run until March 31, 2026. Switzerland typically produces a security policy report every four to ten years.
