A New York Times investigation reveals a Cold War secret about a lost CIA nuclear surveillance device on Nanda Devi peak, India, from 1965. Concerns over radiation, environmental risks, and geopolitical implications persist. The device, tied to an abandoned mission amid a blizzard, remains unfound, haunting local communities with potential contamination fears.
India’s military helicopter capabilities are enhancing with the imminent arrival of three Apache AH-64 helicopters for the Army and the commissioning of the NH-60R Seahawk squadron for the Navy. These additions address urgent combat gaps while underlining the need for local manufacturing to replace aging fleets and meet future defense requirements.
On December 9, 2025, India and Brazil signed a significant defense agreement to enhance cooperation on Scorpene-class submarines and naval vessels. This tripartite MoU aims to improve maintenance, logistics, and training between the Indian and Brazilian navies, fostering technological innovation and strategic collaboration within their growing maritime partnership.
Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Lockheed Martin have begun construction on a cutting-edge MRO facility for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet in Bengaluru. Set to enhance the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness, it will offer comprehensive maintenance services and boost India’s aerospace capabilities. The facility signifies significant US-India defense collaboration and innovation opportunities.
On December 7, 2025, India launched 125 Border Roads Organisation projects worth INR 5,000 crore, greatly enhancing troop mobility and border security across strategic regions, especially in Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the projects’ role in national security and economic growth, highlighting improved infrastructure as critical for military readiness and humanitarian efforts.
India’s Ministry of Defence has awarded Zen Technologies Limited a INR 120-crore contract to create the first Combat Training Node (CTN) at Mhow’s Infantry School. This initiative enhances military training with over 60 simulators, emphasizing simulation-driven warfare training and promoting self-reliance in defence technology while reducing training costs and improving operational readiness.
Aequs Limited, a precision-engineering firm based in Karnataka, launched its INR 921.81-crore IPO on December 3, 2025. The funds will support manufacturing expansion and debt repayment. With strong pre-issue demand due to growing aerospace needs, Aequs aims to emerge as a key player in India’s aerospace manufacturing sector.
JSW Defence has initiated the construction of a next-generation Unmanned Aerial Systems facility in Telangana, backed by a $90 million investment and a technology transfer from Shield AI. This project aims to manufacture the V-BAT drone, enhancing India’s defence capabilities and establishing a significant UAV production hub by 2026.
CoreEL Technologies announced the acquisition of Lekha Wireless’s Aerospace & Defence Systems division, enhancing its position in India’s military communication market. This strategic move supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by integrating advanced wireless technologies and engineering talent, boosting CoreEL’s capabilities in secure, indigenous communication solutions for various defence applications.
India’s Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, announced the imminent commissioning of the indigenously built nuclear submarine INS Aridhaman during a press conference on December 2, 2025. He also highlighted ongoing projects, including 51 warships under construction and the signing of key procurement contracts, underscoring India’s push for self-reliance in defense capabilities.
Russia has ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact with India, enhancing military cooperation ahead of President Putin’s New Delhi visit. This agreement facilitates mutual access to military bases, streamlining logistics for operations. It strengthens India’s naval capabilities while offering Russia strategic access in the Indian Ocean, amidst geopolitical tensions.
On December 1, 2025, the Indian Army successfully launched the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Bay of Bengal during Exercise Rudrakrosh. This test showcased India’s advanced capabilities and operational readiness, emphasizing long-range precision and self-reliance in defense technology. The launch strengthens India’s combat posture amidst rising regional challenges.
India is shifting towards self-reliance in unmanned warfare by developing advanced drones and a 150-kg loitering munition powered by an indigenous Wankel rotary engine. This initiative aims to eliminate dependence on foreign propulsion systems, enhancing surveillance and engagement capabilities, while fostering collaboration between public and private sectors for national security projects.
Zen Technologies’ chairman Ashok Atluri outlined a strategic roadmap focused on indigenous innovation, targeting INR 6,000 crore in revenue over three years, primarily from anti-drone technologies. The company’s acquisition of TISA Aerospace aims to enhance its unmanned systems capabilities. With a robust IP portfolio, Zen plans to boost exports significantly, leveraging user-driven innovation to meet modern battlefield demands.
At the BWC 50th anniversary conference, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar warned of evolving biological threats outpacing governance, especially for the vulnerable Global South. He emphasized the need to modernize the BWC and called for global cooperation to enhance biosecurity, highlighting India’s strong public health capacity and commitment to support developing nations.
