1. Indian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force conduct 12th Air Staff Talks

The 12th Air Staff Talks between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force were recently held in Canberra on May 13. Discussions focused on enhancing operational synergy, interoperability, joint exercises, the Air-to-Air Refuelling Agreement, training, and future aerospace collaboration. Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Steven Pesce, AM, met Air Vice-Marshal Sanjeev Taliyan of the Indian Air Force in Canberra and Brisbane, further advancing Australia–India defence cooperation through professional air power dialogue.

2.IAMPL inaugurates manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu

IAMPL (International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd) inaugurated its expanded manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. IAMPL is a joint venture between HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) and Rolls-Royce. The joint venture has emerged as a high-performing, top-tier supplier within Rolls-Royce’s global supply chain and remains central to supporting the company’s plans to expand its sourcing footprint in India.

3.Indian Army and SIDM organise Indian Drone Components Manufacturers Symposium

On the occasion of the Combat Development Directorate (CDDTE), the Indian Army and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) organised the Indian Drone Components Manufacturers Symposium on May 12–13. Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (DCOAS), Capability Development & Sustenance (CD&S), released a comprehensive compendium containing details of all 36 companies that participated in the industry exhibition. The compendium will serve as a ready reckoner for the Indian Army’s future drone component requirements. The participating companies represented five categories of drone components, showcasing India’s growing indigenous capabilities within the drone ecosystem.

4.United Kingdom to procure 72 RCH howitzers

The United Kingdom will procure 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) under a £1 billion contract. The contract, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, includes initial training and in-service support. ARTEC GmbH is a joint venture involving KNDS and Rheinmetall. The RCH systems will be mounted on BOXER 8x8 vehicles.
 
5.US DoW signs agreement with Anduril for Barracuda-500M missiles

The U.S. Department of War announced a framework agreement with Anduril Industries to rapidly scale production of a new, affordable, and mass-producible cruise missile solution for long-range precision fires and stand-off strike missions: the surface-launched Barracuda-500M (SLB-500M). The SLB-500M is designed as a highly capable and cost-effective munition for high-volume, coordinated, long-range strikes. Equipped with a 100-pound payload and offering a range of over 500 nautical miles, the SLB-500M is intended to engage a wide range of land and maritime targets.

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.