1. Embraer and Mahindra announce plans for C-390 MRO facility

Embraer and the Mahindra Group today announced plans to work towards establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capability in India for the C-390 Millennium upon selection in the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.

The two companies signed a strategic cooperation agreement (SCA) in October 2025 to produce the C-390 Millennium multi-mission military transport aircraft in India. This collaboration aims to support the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with plans to establish local manufacturing, strengthening the 'Make in India' initiative.

2. Israel MOD Leads Strategic Defense Industry Seminar with India

The International Defense Cooperation Directorate, SIBAT - Israel Ministry of Defense, led a seminar and B2B meetings this week between leading Indian and Israeli defense companies, held in cooperation with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Ministry of Defence of India. During the seminar, SIBAT and SIDM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise and strengthen ongoing joint activities, including future seminars and cooperative initiatives.

The seminar was led by the SIBAT Director, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yair Kulas brought together small, medium, and large Israeli and Indian defense companies for substantive engagements, to deepen familiarity with India's defense industrial ecosystem and its updated Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2026 – India's national defense procurement policy. The event featured representatives from 30 Indian and 26 Israeli defense companies.

3. INDOPACOM commander visits India

Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited India Feb. 14-19, 2026, to collaborate on U.S.-India shared security interests and strengthen the nations’ close military ties. The visit to New Delhi, Chandimandir and Bengaluru underscored India’s vital role in advancing regional security and strengthening military interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace domains.

While in New Delhi, Paparo met with senior Indian defence officials, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff of India, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff of India. These discussions centred on areas of mutual interest, including India’s contributions to safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Paparo concluded the trip in Bengaluru with visits to the Aeronautical Development Agency and National Flight Test Centre, highlighting expanding defence industrial collaboration and aerospace innovation.

The U.S. conducts regular military engagements across all services with India to enhance readiness and interoperability. Exercises like Malabar, Cyber Flag, Tiger Triumph, Yudh Abhyas, and Cope India improve operational effectiveness in high-end scenarios.

4. Elbit Systems awarded contract for UT30 MK2 turrets

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it has been awarded contracts with an aggregate value of approximately $277 million by an international customer for the supply of 30 mm turrets and munitions. The contracts will be performed over a period of three years.

The UT30 MK2 is a configurable manned and unmanned turret that enhances the firepower of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) without compromising troop safety. Its modular design and open architecture allow for both unmanned and manned turret configurations, with easy conversion between the two and integration of various missiles and sights. Featuring a very low profile, the UT30MK2 integrates a wide array of weapon systems, including a 30mm main gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and ATGMs. Morocco is likely the customer of the UT30 MK2 for the Tata WHAP 8x8 (Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier), which the Moroccan Army has procured.

5. Embraer and Northrop Grumman to collaborate on KC-390 for the US Air Force

Embraer and Northrop Grumman Corporation are working together to enhance the KC-390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft to provide advanced in-flight refuelling capabilities for the United States Air Force and allied nations.

Together, the two companies seek to address the need for agile combat deployment through joint investment and a focus on the rapid delivery of capabilities to the armed forces. This collaboration paves the way for the development of the KC-390 Multi-Mission Tanker for the United States and allied air forces and sets the requirements for future air logistics demands.

Key features will include an advanced autonomous aerial refuelling boom system, enhanced communications, situational awareness and self-protection options, as well as modified mission systems. These improvements will expand the range of aircraft supported by KC-390 refuelling operations and broaden their mission scope in operational environments.

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.