1. DRDO & Indian Navy conduct in-flight release trials of ADC-150 from P8I Aircraft

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy jointly conducted four successful in-flight release trials of the indigenous Air Droppable Container ‘ADC-150’ from the P8I aircraft off the coast of Goa between February 21 and March 1 under different extreme release conditions. Indigenously designed and developed to deliver a 150 kg payload, the Air Droppable Container enhances naval operational logistics capabilities by enabling quick response to naval vessels under distress and those requiring critical stores, equipment, medical assistance, etc., while deployed far from the coast.

The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, is the nodal laboratory for the activity. The Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment, Agra, developed the parachute system, while the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification, Bengaluru, provided flight clearance and certification. The Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Hyderabad, provided instrumentation support for the trials.

2. Idea Forge to conduct specialised drone training for NATO personnel

Idea Forge has become the first Indian UAV company to conduct specialised drone flight-test training for NATO military personnel at the prestigious National Test Pilot School in the United States.

Ankit Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, said, “Training NATO military forces on an Indian-developed platform demonstrates that deep-tech innovation from India can contribute meaningfully to global defence preparedness.”

Luca Campello, President of the National Test Pilot School, added: “NTPS partnered with Idea Forge UAV to provide hands-on UAV flight-test training. The platform allows students to practice real flight-test planning, execution, telemetry monitoring, and data analysis in a safe and cost-effective environment.”

3. Airbus and Garuda Technologies to offer Flexrotor UAV

Airbus Helicopters and Garuda Technologies Inc. have signed a contract for the delivery of up to 18 Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Garuda will offer Flexrotor services to its customers through both dry and wet lease options for a broad spectrum of civil and parapublic missions, including infrastructure inspection (roads, railways, oil and gas pipelines, and power lines), law enforcement, search operations, wildfire monitoring, and disaster relief.

4. Dassault Aviation unveils Falcon 10X jet

In a dramatic unveiling before more than 400 customers, partners, and aviation leaders gathered in a new production hall in Bordeaux-Mérignac, Dassault Aviation rolled out the Falcon 10X, its most ambitious business jet yet. The Falcon 10X introduces the largest, most comfortable, and most versatile cabin ever designed in a purpose-built business jet, redefining what passengers can expect from time spent in the air.

5. UAE intercepts 8 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs

UAE air defences on March 11 detected nine ballistic missiles, of which eight were destroyed while one fell into the sea. A total of 35 UAVs were also detected, with 26 intercepted and nine falling within the country’s territory.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian attacks, 262 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 241 were destroyed, 19 fell into the sea, and two struck within the State’s territory. A total of 1,475 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,385 were intercepted, while 90 fell within the country’s territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

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.