1. Indian Air Force finalises RFP for 114 Rafale fighter jets

The Indian Air Force has finalised the RFP (Request for Proposal) for the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets, according to a report by The Print. The report states that 22 aircraft, along with trainer variants, will be procured off the shelf, while the remaining 92 will be manufactured in India. The development gains significance ahead of Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh’s and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France next month.

2. L&T partners with Exail for Mine Counter-Measure Suite for the Indian Navy

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has partnered with France-based Exail to deliver an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy’s Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) programme. Together, the two companies will provide a state-of-the-art suite incorporating autonomous and remotely operated systems designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralise naval mines in a safe stand-off manner. L&T will serve as the prime contractor and offer the Unmanned MCM Suite to all shipyards participating in the Indian Navy’s upcoming programme for 12 MCMVs. Approved by the Defence Acquisition Council in July 2025, the project aims for deliveries between 2030 and 2037 to address a critical gap in India’s mine warfare capabilities.

3. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh to lay foundation stone for defence projects in Andhra Pradesh

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will lay the foundation stone and conduct ground-breaking ceremonies for major aerospace and defence projects at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh, tomorrow, May 15. The initiatives include the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Integration and Flight-Testing Centre, Naval Systems Facility, Defence Energetics and Ammunition Plants, as well as Drone City initiatives. These projects are expected to strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities and further the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

4. Peruvian Air Force orders an additional C-27J Spartan

The Peruvian Air Force placed an order for an additional C-27J Spartan multirole tactical airlifter on May 14. The contract increases Peru’s total C-27J fleet to five aircraft, with delivery expected in 2027. The order also marks a milestone for the programme, bringing the total number of C-27Js procured by 21 operators worldwide to 100. The aircraft is currently in service in 18 countries. The C-27J is often referred to as the “Baby Hercules” because it uses the same engines as the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

5. Israel MOD signs contract with Elbit Systems for F-35 external fuel tanks

The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a contract with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, for the development of an extended-range capability for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II “Adir” fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Signed on May 14, the deal is valued at more than $34 million and covers the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16.

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.