1. US-mediated peace talks stall over Iran War

The US-mediated peace talks for the Russia-Ukraine War have stalled due to the ongoing Iran War. The last round of talks was held in Geneva from  17 to 18 February. According to a report by the Financial Times, Washington informed allies of delays in arms deliveries to Ukraine, including air defence systems bought by European countries, due to Middle East needs. The Trump administration has redirected the resources to the third week of the war with Iran that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on 28 February 2026

2. Mobile Communication Terminal undergoing trials in Ladakh

Mobile Communication Terminal mounted on Bharat Forge 4x4 LSV (Light Specialist Vehicle), also known as MCT-LSV, is undergoing trials in Ladakh. It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. MCT-LSV is a Quick Deployable, Compact, Air transportable Mobile Communication Terminal which provides multi-layer communication when deployed in high terrain altitude.

This terminal, when deployed, provides reliable & secure communication to remote places. These terminals can be deployed in the areas of operation by means of air/road transportability on short notice.

3. Taiwan detects activity of Chinese aircraft and vessels

The Taiwan Ministry of Defence detected around 26 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan on 15 March. This comes after an absence of more than two weeks that prompted speculation in Taipei as to Beijing's motives.16 out of 26 sorties entered Taiwan’s northern, central and southwestern part ADIZ. The Ministry of National Defence monitored the situation and responded accordingly

4. DIU and US Navy select Anduril for large XL-AUV

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the U.S. Navy have selected Anduril for the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). CAMP is a U.S. Department of War effort to rapidly prototype and field extra-large autonomous underwater vehicles (XL-AUVs). Under this, Anduril will complete a long-duration, operationally representative demonstration of Dive-XL within 4 months of contract award.

Anduril was selected via DIU’S competitive Commercial Solutions Opening after having completed the longest XL-AUV demonstration conducted to date, validating extended-range performance and system endurance in operationally relevant conditions.

5. US Army announces AI program ARIA

The U.S. Army on 5 March the launch of Project ARIA, or Army Rapid Implementation of Artificial Intelligence, an Army initiative that harnesses AI to modernise Army operations and empower Soldiers.

Project ARIA is initially focused on three key areas:

Team Grey is creating agentic AI tools to automate the Army's complex planning, programming, budgeting, and execution, or PPBE, process. The new tools will enable Army leaders to make faster, better-informed decisions and free up Soldiers and civilians to focus on core missions rather than paperwork.

Team Black is developing a “model armoury” to serve all operational levels, from datacentres to the tactical edge. Soldiers query based on their needs, and the system delivers custom AI capabilities ready to operate in denied environments.

Team Yellowstone is using AI to revolutionise supply chain management, starting at Anniston Army Depot. The AI agent will predict equipment maintenance needs and ensure parts are available before problems occur, reducing vehicle downtime.

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.