1. TASL rolls out first Made in India C-295W aircraft

Tata Advanced Systems Limited rolled out the first Made in India C-295W aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, on May 12, according to a post on X by Dr Ajayshree Singh Sambyal. The first ‘Make in India’ C-295 was expected to roll out of the Vadodara FAL (Final Assembly Line) in September 2026. India has become the largest customer for the C-295, with the acquisition of 56 aircraft. Airbus Defence and Space officially handed over the first of the 56 C-295 aircraft in fly-away condition to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on September 2, 2023, to replace its ageing Avro-748 fleet. The sixteenth aircraft was delivered on August 2, 2025.

2. Exercise CINBAX-II underway

The second edition of joint military Exercise CINBAX-II 2026 between the Indian Army and the Royal Cambodian Army is underway at the Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Prov Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre in Kampong Speu Province, Kingdom of Cambodia. The exercise involves joint coordination in the planning and execution of coordinated tactical operations in a sub-conventional, semi-urban environment. It aims to enhance interoperability through the exchange and sharing of best practices. Training includes firing drills, tactical drone employment, urban operations, along with mortar and sniper drills.

3. Bharat Forge to supply raw materials to Embraer

Embraer and Bharat Forge Limited, on May 11, announced the signing of a contract for the supply of forged raw materials. The agreement represents the first supply contract of this type of material with an Indian supplier and marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two companies. It supports Embraer’s global supply chain with high-quality forged products and reinforces the company’s strategy of expanding and diversifying its supplier base while fostering industrial capabilities in key growth markets.

4. Girder laying ceremony of ACVs for the Indian Coast Guard held

The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th and 6th indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard was held on May 11 at Chowgule’s Rassaim Yard, Goa, in the presence of the Chief Staff Officer (Tech), ICG Regional HQ (West). The contract for six ACVs, signed with the Ministry of Defence on October 24, 2024, marks a major milestone under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening India’s path towards self-reliance in advanced maritime platforms. Built with over 50% indigenous content, these state-of-the-art hovercraft will boost maritime security and enhance rapid response and operational agility across India’s vast coastline.

5. UK deploys HMS Dragon in the Strait of Hormuz

HMS Dragon, the Type 45 destroyer, will be forward deployed to ensure the UK can contribute to a future multinational mission to secure the critical waterway and safeguard freedom of navigation following a sustainable ceasefire. The move comes as the UK and France host the first meeting of the Strait of Hormuz coalition of defence ministers on May 12. The Portsmouth-based warship departed the UK in March and has been assisting in safeguarding the island of Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean.

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.