1. Vice Admiral of the Hellenic Navy meets the Vice Chief of the Army Staff

Vice Admiral Dimitrios Eleftherios Kataras HN, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff, called on Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh, Vice Chief of the Army Staff. The two leaders held constructive discussions on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, expanding maritime engagement and strengthening professional military exchanges between the two nations.

2. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh visits GTRE

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on February 16, visited DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, and reviewed the status of ongoing projects relating to indigenous military gas turbine engine development. He was briefed on the establishment’s projects on the anvil, interactions with the Indian Industry, academia and R&D institutes, and the support provided to the defence forces. He also visited the exhibition showcasing various indigenous engines & their parts and witnessed the full afterburner engine test of the Kaveri engine.

3. Chief of the Army Staff interacts with the Australian Army

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, during his ongoing tour to Australia from 16 to 19 February, visited the Forces Command and HQ 2nd Division and held discussions with the Acting Commander, Forces Command, and the Commander, 2nd Division, of the Australian Army. The engagements focused on strengthening bilateral training cooperation, enhancing interoperability and exploring new avenues of collaboration, including niche and emerging technologies. Comprehensive briefings and professional exchanges reflected the shared operational ethos of both armies and a forward-looking approach to capacity building. The visit reaffirmed the growing India-Australia defence partnership and a mutual commitment to deeper military-to-military engagement.

4. INDOPACOM Commander meets CDS General Anil Chauhan

Admiral Samuel John Paparo Jr, Commander Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), called on General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The discussions reaffirmed the strong and growing India-US Defence Partnership, underpinned by shared strategic interests and a commitment to Regional Security and stability. Both leaders deliberated on enhancing Military Cooperation, interoperability, and joint operational capabilities between the two nations. Admiral Paparo is on an official visit to India from 14-19 February.

5. Larsen and Toubro launches first cadet training ship for the Indian Navy

The first of the three Cadet Training Ships (CTS) was launched at M/s L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai on 16 February 26, in the presence of Mrs Anupama Chauhan and General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Indigenously designed and built by  L&T Shipbuilding, these CTS will be utilised for training of men and women Officer Cadets at sea after their basic training ashore, as well as Cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries. Named 'Krishna", the crest of the ship depicts a lotus in full bloom (signifying knowledge) emerging from the banks of the River Krishna. The launch is yet another significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s pursuit towards indigenous shipbuilding and aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

6. US Ambassador to India visits Western Army Command Headquarters

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Commander, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, visited HQ Western Command and held substantive discussions with Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, Army Commander, Western Command, on strategic security dynamics along India’s Western Front. The delegation was comprehensively briefed on the Western Front perspective, including operational preparedness, distinguished legacy, execution of Operation SINDOOR and the pivotal role being played by the Indian Army in nation-building and strengthening regional stability.

7. Saudi Arabia orders four C-27J Spartan MPA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence has ordered four C-27J Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), which will have the capabilities needed to cope with modern submarine and sea surface threats, to guarantee effective Search and Rescue (SAR) services and to perform transport and airdrop missions. Deliveries to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, which becomes the 21st operator of the type globally, are expected to start in 2029. 

The C-27J Spartan is the transport aircraft manufactured by Leonardo. It is also known as the Baby Hercules, as it is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 2100, which powers the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. The C-27J was offered to India by Leonardo against the Airbus C-295MW aircraft, but due to corruption, it was not able to participate, and India went ahead with the C-295MW aircraft.

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.