1. Solar Group successfully carries out maiden proof trial of Pinaka Extended Range Rockets

The Solar Group successfully carried out the maiden proof trial of two production lots of Pinaka Extended Range Rockets on 18 March, marking the first such trial conducted in the country.

The trial was conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. A total of 24 Pinaka Enhanced rockets were flight-tested for accuracy, consistency, and lethality. The rockets performed exceptionally well in field conditions, according to the Solar Group.

2. Lamar CISD Police Department orders UAVs from IdeaForge

IdeaForge Technology Limited has received a purchase order for its integrated autonomous unmanned systems. The UAVs impressed during demonstrations and were immediately shortlisted by the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Police Department.

The company will deploy NDAA-compliant SWITCH and Q6 V3 UAVs to provide surveillance coverage across 20–25 schools, enabling monitoring of campus infrastructure through advanced technology and data analytics.

This deployment will enhance real-time situational awareness and enable authorities to respond more promptly and effectively to security threats, suspicious activities, and unauthorised intrusions.

The Lamar CISD Police Department also plans to deploy these platforms in coordination with the City Police Department for search and rescue and surveillance missions, as required.

3. India likely to join global consortium for sixth-generation fighter aircraft

“Two consortia are working on sixth-generation aircraft. One is a consortium of the UK, Italy, and Japan, and the other comprises France and Germany. Both are developing such aircraft. To ensure we do not lag behind, we will attempt to partner with one of the consortia and begin considering sixth-generation fighters now,” the CDS told the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence.

The UK, Italy, and Japan are part of the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), while France, Germany, and Spain are working under the FCAS (Future Combat Air System). Both initiatives aim to develop a ‘system of systems’ operating across air, land, sea, cyber, and space domains, with the sixth-generation fighter as the core platform.

4. C-390 Millennium for South Korea completes first flight

The first Embraer C-390 Millennium for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) completed its maiden flight on 19 March. It will now undergo testing and integration of systems tailored to the requirements of its first Asian operator.

The aircraft was rolled out on 3 February. South Korea had placed the order for the C-390 Millennium on 4 December 2023.

The aircraft is also a contender for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, with Embraer partnering with Mahindra for potential production in India.

5. BAE Systems awarded contract for U-2 Advanced Defensive System

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract by Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, to support and sustain the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) for the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 Dragon Lady reconnaissance aircraft.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will provide field service support for the aircraft’s electronic warfare system, carry out repairs to maintain system availability, and deliver software updates to counter emerging threats.

The AN/ALQ-221 system provides integrated radar warning and electronic countermeasures, enhancing pilot situational awareness and self-protection. With long-range sensors and onboard processing, it enables the U-2 to operate in contested airspace while delivering critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to decision-makers.

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.