On January 13, 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the successful completion of field evaluation trials of the Nag Mk 2, an indigenously developed third-generation anti-tank fire-and-forget guided missile, conducted at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan. These trials demonstrated the missile’s ability to destroy all targets at both maximum and minimum range limits over three test launches. The trials also included the evaluation of the Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) version-2, a modified BMP-2 Sarath platform, completing the system’s testing and confirming its readiness for induction into the Indian Army. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the successful trials and noted the contributions of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Army, and industry stakeholders in achieving this milestone. Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, emphasized the collaborative efforts that enabled the Nag Mk 2 and NAMICA version-2 to reach operational readiness. These systems, developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), are expected to enhance the Indian Army’s anti-tank warfare capabilities. The Nag missile program began in 1988 under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). Designed to address the need for a domestically-produced anti-tank guided missile, the Nag was initially tested in 1990. Development was delayed due to challenges with the missile’s imaging infrared (IIR) guidance system, which struggled to distinguish targets under high-temperature conditions. These issues were resolved through modifications and further testing, culminating in the missile’s clearance for production in 2019. The Nag family includes several variants, each tailored to specific operational requirements.

According to information published by Damen on December 17, 2025, the Naval Shipyard has delivered the second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) 2600 to the Pakistan Navy. The vessel, PNS Yamama, was officially handed over during a ceremony on December 17 at the Damen Shipyards facility in Constanta, Romania. This follows the delivery of the first OPV, PNS Hunain, earlier in the summer of 2024. The delivery of PNS Yamama underscores a long-standing partnership between Damen and the Pakistan Navy, which began with the construction of two Yarmook-class OPVs in 2020. These earlier vessels, based on Damen’s OPV 1900 platform, set the stage for the advanced capabilities of the OPV 2600 series. With a displacement of 2,600 tons and a length of 98 meters, the new vessel is designed for diverse maritime operations. Its capabilities include patrolling, maritime security, and search and rescue missions.

On January 14, 2025, Germany confirmed the delivery of nine Boxer RCT30 infantry fighting vehicles integrated with a mobile fire direction center to Ukraine. Designated AiTO30 FDC, these vehicles are equipped with systems specifically designed for counter-drone operations to protect artillery units from aerial threats. This delivery aligns with a prediction made by Army Recognition on May 29, 2024, which anticipated the transfer of a Boxer variant called "EITO" or "AITO," addressing both ground and aerial threats. The Boxer RCT30 provides the Ukrainian military with the capability to engage both ground targets and drones. The vehicle is equipped with the stabilized MK30-2/ABM 30mm automatic cannon, capable of engaging targets from both stationary and mobile positions. Its modular design and advanced sensors improve situational awareness and allow adaptability to different combat scenarios. The RCT30 is expected to operate alongside the RCH 155 Boxer-based self-propelled howitzer, delivering fire support, troop transport, and short-range air defense, as well as addressing drone threats.

As reported by Max Montero on January 15, 2025, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) has confirmed the acquisition of 12 additional FA-50 Block 20 Fighting Eagle light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) as part of the Re-Horizon 3 program. Valued at approximately $680 million, this government-to-government (G2G) project is intended to establish a second squadron for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). The Terms of Reference for the acquisition are nearing finalization, with the contract expected to be concluded in the first half of 2025. Simultaneously, the DND is upgrading its existing fleet of FA-50PH aircraft through a separate Re-Horizon 3 initiative worth approximately $95.4 million. This program consists of four project lots at various stages of procurement and will include enhancements facilitated through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system. These efforts align with the PAF’s Flight Plan 2028, which outlines the modernization of its aerial capabilities.

Slovakia is revisiting its military modernization strategy, with Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák confirming that the country is considering alternatives to the initially proposed Leopard 2A8 main battle tanks. The consideration of CV90120-T light tanks or fire support vehicles comes in response to the high costs associated with acquiring fully-equipped main battle tanks. This shift in focus reflects both budgetary constraints and operational objectives linked to NATO commitments. Slovakia has committed to enhancing its defense capabilities, including the creation of a mechanized brigade, which involves replacing its aging fleet of tanks. The country’s current inventory includes approximately 30 obsolete T-72M1 tanks and 15 Leopard 2A4 tanks received from Germany under a program to support Ukraine. Slovakia’s goal is to expand its tank fleet, which currently consists of only one battalion, and to create a second battalion to improve its operational readiness. The Ministry of Defence aims to increase the number of tanks from 30 to 52 vehicles, which would require a total of 104 combat tanks to meet NATO’s operational requirements. The initial plan involved the acquisition of over 100 Leopard 2A8 tanks as part of a joint initiative with the German Ministry of Defence. However, the estimated €2 billion cost for acquiring such a large number of tanks, with each unit priced at approximately €25 million, has raised concerns about the financial feasibility of the program. These financial challenges have prompted Slovakia to reconsider its options, and the CV90120-T, a light tank, has now emerged as a viable alternative.

The Japanese military is preparing to integrate kamikaze drones into its arsenal for the first time, signaling a significant evolution in its military strategy. The Ministry of Defense announced that approximately 310 small attack drones will be introduced during the 2026 fiscal year. According to the Japanese newspaper The Sankei Shimbun on January 12, 2025, operational tests are underway with models manufactured in Israel, Australia, and Spain, with a competitive bidding process set to determine the final selection. These kamikaze-type drones, equipped with explosives, are designed to destroy specific targets such as armored vehicles and small vessels. This strategic move aligns with the evolution of modern conflicts, where drones have played a central role, as evidenced by recent warfare in Ukraine. Their autonomous and destructive capabilities provide high operational efficiency at a relatively low cost, a crucial advantage in asymmetric or prolonged conflicts.

The delivery of the first system is scheduled to be completed during Q2 2026. Skynex systems are designed to counter threats from missiles, artillery and mortars, as well as drones and loitering munitions. Italy has ordered a Skynex air defence system, consisting of a sensor and tracking unit for air surveillance, a command-and-control (C2) station and four 35mm firing units, for €73 million (US$75 million). It also has a €204 million option for another three systems. The first system is expected to be delivered in Q2 2026 and the three options could be exercised in 2027. The contract includes ammunition, training and maintenance services as well as spare parts. Rheinmetall notes that Italy is the first NATO Member State to opt for Rheinmetall's Skynex technology including the Mk3 35mm gun, but fellow NATO member Romania also recently opted for Skynex, though with GDF-009 twin guns.

According to a PR published by EDGE on January 14, 2025, Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), part of the EDGE Group, has achieved a pivotal moment with the launch of the first vessel in the FALAJ 3 programme. The United Arab Emirates Navy (UAEN) serves as the maritime arm of the UAE Armed Forces, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s coastal and offshore assets. Despite its relatively modest size of around 3,000 personnel, the UAEN has undergone modernization to enhance its operational capabilities, transitioning from a coastal defense force to one capable of extended blue-water operations. The fleet includes corvettes, offshore patrol vessels, fast attack craft, minehunters, and amphibious warfare ships. Among the corvettes, the Bani Yas-class, Abu Dhabi-class, and Baynunah-class stand out with advanced weapon systems such as surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and versatile naval guns. The offshore patrol vessels, like the Falaj 2-class and Arialah-class, offer robust surveillance and defense capabilities.

On January 7, 2025, Terrarm, the Land Armament Directorate responsible for procurement for the Italian Defense, announced the completion of contracts for the purchase of 21 US-made M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and four new German Skynex C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery, Mortar) very short-range air defense systems. These contracts expand Italy’s long-range artillery arsenal with an additional 14 HIMARS launchers, bringing the total to 21, and establish a new framework for close-defense capabilities against rocket, artillery, and mortar threats. Terrarm began the M142 HIMARS procurement in February 2024 through a contract with the U.S. government agency known as Strategic Operational Rocket Missile (STORM), in accordance with Italian Army requirements. Italian Parliament documents published in October 2023 indicated that the 2023 defense budget and the 2024 forecasts allocated an initial €137 million—cited as €145 million in some references—for the HIMARS program. The total cost is estimated at €960 million, covering the launchers, unspecified munitions, crew training, and supply chain expenses. This initiative aligns with the Concetto Operativo dell’Esercito Italiano 2020–2035 and the Esercito 4.0 concept, focusing on contactless maneuvering, enhanced projection capacity, and increased indirect firepower.

The defense, electronics and communications company Aselsan of Türkiye will provide Fábrica y Maestranzas del Ejército (Famae) with the transfer of knowledge to assemble the advanced electronic fire control systems that the Chilean Army's Leopard 2A4 tanks will receive. The director of Aselsan Latin America, Aras Balli, referred to this matter in the panel The National Defense Industry and its contribution to the country at the international congress The Challenges of the Defense Industry in the New International Order that took place at the XIII International Naval and Maritime Exhibition and Conference for Latin America. Exponaval 2024.