1. RM Rajnath Singh embarks on visit to Vietnam and South Korea

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh embarked on an official visit to Vietnam and the Republic of Korea from May 18–21 to further deepen India’s strategic defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. During the visit, the Raksha Mantri will hold bilateral talks with the Defence Ministers of both nations to enhance military cooperation and strengthen maritime collaboration.

2. IOS Sagar makes a port call in Colombo

During IOS Sagar’s port call at Colombo on May 16, the Commanding Officer called on the senior leadership of the Sri Lanka Navy to deepen maritime security cooperation and regional partnership. A Deck Reception onboard brought together Sri Lanka Navy counterparts and members of the Indian diaspora, reflecting the shared spirit of friendship and cooperation. PASSEX with Sri Lanka Navy Ship Nandimithra focused on enhancing interoperability, seamanship, and operational coordination between the two navies. The ship departed Colombo on May 18.

3.RM Rajnath Singh meets the Defence Minister of Vietnam

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a productive bilateral meeting with Vietnam’s Defence Minister, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi during his ongoing visit to Vietnam. Both sides reviewed the growing India-Vietnam defence partnership and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation in maritime security, defence industry, training, and regional stability.

4. U.S. Department of State approves M777A2 and Apache sustainment support for India

The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India, including sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, with an estimated total cost of $230 million. In addition, the Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale for Apache Helicopters, follow-on support services, and related equipment for India, with an estimated total cost of $198.2 million.

5. Thales UK and BAE Systems to collaborate on mast for Herne XLAUV

Thales UK and BAE Systems are collaborating on the integration of an advanced sensor system mast, with the intent to demonstrate it on the Herne XLAUV platform in 2027. The Herne is a modular and highly configurable Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) developed by BAE Systems.

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.