1.    Indian and French Armies conduct Subject Matter Expert Change

The Indian Army and the French Army conducted a seminar on the employment of Long-Range Vectors (LRVs) and Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs) in contemporary warfare. The seminar was conducted on 9th and 10th March. Delegations from both the Armies exchanged perspectives on operational employment, doctrinal developments and evolving global trends in precision fires and deep-strike capabilities, fostering professional military learning and deeper defence cooperation.

2.    Bharat Forge and Liebherr launch Landing Gear Components Facility

The Bharat Forge Ltd. today inaugurated a state-of-the-art Landing Gear Components Machining Facility in Mundhwa, Pune, on March 11. The facility is developed in collaboration with Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. This milestone positions Bharat Forge among the first companies in India, and one of the first at scale, to operate OEM-approved landing gear components machining capabilities. 

3.    Thyssenkrupp and VEM Technologies sign agreement  to build  heavyweight torpedoes

German submarine manufacturer TKMS (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) signed a cooperation agreement (Teaming Agreement) on March 10 with VEM Technologies Pvt. Ltd, to produce a heavyweight torpedo for the Indian Navy submarines
 
The joint venture will also open up new export opportunities. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, as a segment of TKMS, will enable VEM to transfer the necessary technology and corresponding software licenses to ensure FOR production in Indian manufacturing facilities. 

4.    ADAC and Airbus sign framework contract for H135, H140 and H145 helicopters 

ADAC Luftrettung, Europe’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operator and Airbus Helicopters have signed a strategic long-term framework contract for Airbus H135, H140 and H145 helicopters. This framework contract solidifies the initial agreement announced at last year’s Verticon, where ADAC Luftrettung was presented as a launch customer and development partner of the new H140 helicopter.
 
ADAC Luftrettung, one of the biggest HEMS operators in Europe, uses 60 Airbus helicopters from its 37 stations. In 2025, the EMS operator responded to around 50,000 often life-saving missions. The H140 is the latest addition to Airbus Helicopters' portfolio. It was unveiled in March last year. The H140 raises the bar in the light twin-engine category for performance, cost-effectiveness, and passenger and crew comfort. It is a 3-tonne class rotorcraft that complements Airbus Helicopters' current light twin offering for the emergency medical services, passenger transport, and private and business aviation markets. The entry into service of the helicopter is planned in 2028 for the emergency medical services segment. 

5.    US Army approves M111 hand grenade

The U.S. Army has approved the new M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for release. Developed at Picatinny Arsenal by Capabilities Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), this is the first new lethal hand grenade to be cleared for service since 1968, according to a post on X by the US Army. 

An offensive hand grenade is a weapon designed for close-quarters combat (CQB) that incapacitates enemies primarily through high-pressure blast waves (concussion) rather than flying shrapnel. Used for clearing bunkers or rooms, they have a small casualty radius—often less than the distance they are thrown—to protect the user.

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.