1. Embraer to showcase E195-E2 and E175 aircraft at Wings India 2026

Embraer will display two of its commercial aircraft, the E195-E2 & the E175, at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, starting January 28. Both aircraft offer airlines right-sized capacity and the flexibility to open new routes connecting secondary and tertiary cities.

The E195-E2, which will be on static display, is the world’s quietest and most fuel-efficient aircraft in its category. This E2 small narrowbody jet builds on the operational excellence of first-generation E-Jets. Its advanced aerodynamics, cutting-edge wing design, and new technologies deliver a 29% reduction in carbon emissions and fuel burn per seat compared to the previous generation. With typical single-class seating for 132–146 passengers, it offers ideal capacity in the sub-150-seat segment.

Already a significant part of the Star Air fleet in India, the Embraer E175 is a proven regional jet with seating for up to 88 passengers. The aircraft is widely recognised for its reliability, economics, and performance.

2. Defence Production Secretary visits Kenyan shipyard

Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, accompanied by the CMD of Goa Shipyard Ltd and other delegation members, visited Kenya Shipyard Ltd (KSL) in Mombasa on 21 January. Discussions with KSL focused on the early implementation of the MoU signed between Kenya Shipyard Ltd and Goa Shipyard Ltd, according to a post on X by Defence Production India.

3. UAE Navy delegation visits Indian Naval Academy

A delegation from the United Arab Emirates Navy visited the Indian Naval Academy, Asia’s largest naval academy, to explore its advanced training infrastructure and comprehensive ecosystem designed to nurture future naval leadership. The visit underscores a shared intent to enhance cooperation in training and a commitment to promoting regional stability and security, according to a post on X by the Indian Naval Academy.

4. First Made-in-India C-295 to roll out before September

India’s first domestically manufactured C-295 military transport aircraft will roll out from the Vadodara facility before September this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed during bilateral talks with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.

The announcement marks a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing ambitions and highlights the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Madrid.

The Airbus–Tata C-295 final assembly line in Vadodara was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez in October 2024.

5. Kalashnikov Concern begins production of PPK-20 submachine gun

Kalashnikov Concern JSC has begun fulfilling its 2026 contractual obligations for the production of 9mm Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine guns. The weapon has been improved based on experience gained from combat use, including in the Special Military Operation (SMO) zone.

The company successfully fulfilled its 2025 contract, shipping the full order to the customer in December. The PPK-20 is mass-produced for various Russian security agencies and for export. Last year, production volumes increased significantly, alongside improvements in performance, ergonomics, and manufacturability.

These upgrades expand the range of ammunition compatible with the weapon. Its primary round is the 7N21 high-impulse armour-piercing cartridge, though it can also fire most other domestic and foreign 9×19 mm rounds. The PPK-20 will be manufactured at Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) in Korwa, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

6. Mexico becomes first Latin American country to operate C-130J aircraft

The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) has announced the acquisition of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J.

This acquisition was the first of two international C-130J contract awards to be finalised in 2025, with the second new international customer yet to be disclosed. By selecting the C-130J-30, the most advanced Hercules variant, Mexico joins 24 other nations operating a global fleet of more than 560 C-130J 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.