1. IAF marks 107th Birth Anniversary of Air Marshal Arjan Singh

The 107th birth anniversary of Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, Padma Vibhushan, Distinguished Flying Cross, was marked at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai on 16 April. Renowned for his exemplary leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, he led the Indian Air Force with courage, strategic foresight and resolve.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief Guest, was received by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC). A ceremonially resplendent band performance by the IAF, precision drills by the Air Warrior Drill Team, and participation of NCC cadets reflected patriotism, discipline and national pride.

2. Indian Coast Guard delegation participates in World Border Security Congress 2026

A three-member Indian Coast Guard delegation, led by Additional Director General Anand Prakash Badola, PTM, TM, ADGCG, participated in the World Border Security Congress 2026 in Vienna, Austria, from 14 to 16 April.

The delegation engaged in high-level deliberations on maritime security, coastal surveillance, transnational threats, and emerging technologies. It also showcased Bharat’s best practices in safeguarding its maritime frontiers, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to strengthened international cooperation and a secure, resilient global maritime order.

3. EDGE Group partners with Brazilian Army for CAR-816 and CSR-50 rifles

The EDGE Group has established a partnership with the Brazilian Army to create a framework for experimenting with next-generation weaponry by specialised troops.

The partnership involves the evaluation of the CARACAL Assault Rifle CAR 816, chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, and the CARACAL Sniper Rifle CSR 50, chambered in 12.7×99mm NATO, in rigorous and realistic operational environments. The tests will be conducted by specialised units, enabling assessment of performance in highly demanding and scenario-specific conditions.

4. USAF Experimental Operations Unit accelerates Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme

The US Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit, under Air Combat Command, recently concluded a critical exercise with Collaborative Combat Aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, California, putting the principles of the new Warfighting Acquisition System into practice.

The exercise employed the YFQ-44A aircraft and represents a shift towards earlier, operator-driven experimentation to inform tactics and procedures, accelerating the delivery of this transformative capability to the warfighter.

5. USS Abraham Lincoln conducts blockade operations in the Arabian Sea

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducted U.S. blockade operations in the Arabian Sea on 16 April. The ship’s embarked carrier air wing includes eight F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control aircraft, MH-60 helicopters, and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support.

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.