1. RM Rajnath Singh meets Defence Minister of South Korea

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Korea, Mr Ahn Gyu Back, in Seoul today. The two leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of India–RoK defence and strategic ties, and discussed avenues to further enhance cooperation in the defence industry, emerging technologies, and regional security. During the meeting, agreements on Defence Cyber Cooperation, cooperation between the National Defence College of India and the Korea National Defence University of RoK, and UN Peacekeeping Cooperation were exchanged, adding new momentum to the India–RoK Special Strategic Partnership.

2. DRDO completes development trials of ULPGM-V3 missile

DRDO has completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both Air-to-Ground and Air-to-Air modes at the DRDO test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on May 19. Developed entirely through the Indian defence ecosystem, the ULPGM-V3 is capable of engaging anti-tank targets as well as drones, helicopters, and other airborne threats.

3. Nibe Defence successfully carries out firing demonstration of Suryastra rockets

Nibe Limited successfully conducted the firing demonstration of the Suryastra rockets with ranges of 150 km and 300 km at ITR Chandipur, Odisha, on May 19, according to a post on X by ANI. The Suryastra is the Israeli Elbit Systems PULS rocket system manufactured in India by Nibe Defence. The rockets achieved a CEP of 1.5 metres and 2 metres, respectively, during the firing trials. This demonstration is part of the procurement order placed by the Indian Army.

4. CAS Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on visit to Sri Lanka

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh PVSM, AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit from May 19–21. The Chief of the Air Staff was warmly welcomed at the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters. Subsequently, a meeting was held between him and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force. He also met Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Arun Jayasekara and Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyakontha.

5. Italy selects Airbus A330 MRTT tanker to replace Boeing KC-767

Italy has reportedly selected new tanker aircraft for the Italian Air Force, which will replace the current fleet of four KC-767 tankers. According to the European Union’s Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) portal, the Ministry of Defence signed a deal with Airbus for the procurement of six A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport) aircraft. The Airbus A330 MRTT has previously been selected twice in the Indian Air Force tanker aircraft programme. India is currently negotiating with IAI for the KC-767 MMTT.

Chakra Desk

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