1. HAL clarifies recent Tejas incident

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has clarified reports regarding the Tejas, stating there has been no crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on the ground.

The company noted that LCA Tejas maintains one of the world’s best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As per standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, with HAL working closely with the Indian Air Force for a speedy resolution.

2. Indian Navy to commission INS Anjadip

The Indian Navy is set to enhance its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities with the commissioning of INS Anjadip, the third vessel of the eight-ship ASW Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) project.

The warship will be commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command at Chennai Port on 27 February, with the ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.

Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Anjadip is a state-of-the-art platform designed for littoral combat operations.

Engineered as a ‘Dolphin Hunter’, the vessel is equipped for detection, tracking, and neutralisation of enemy submarines in coastal waters. It features the indigenous Hull Mounted Sonar Abhay, along with lightweight torpedoes and ASW rockets.

In addition to ASW roles, the ship is capable of coastal surveillance, Low-Intensity Maritime Operations, and search & rescue missions. The 77-metre vessel is powered by a water-jet propulsion system, enabling speeds of up to 25 knots.

3. AXISCADES to supply avionics hardware for LCA Tejas

AXISCADES Technologies Limited has announced that its defence division, through Mistral Solutions Pvt Ltd, has secured an order worth approximately ₹25 crore under the LCA Mk1A programme of HAL.

The company will supply Single Board Computers, contributing to the LCA Mk1A programme. All systems will be manufactured at AXISCADES’ DAL (Devanahalli Aatmanirbhar Complex) facility at Bangalore Aerospace Park near Kempegowda International Airport.

4. US accelerates B-21 Raider production

The United States Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the next-generation stealth bomber fleet.

The agreement utilises $4.5 billion already authorised under the fiscal year 2025 reconciliation legislation. It increases annual production capacity by 25%, compressing delivery timelines while maintaining cost and performance discipline.

5. GE, Kratos awarded contract for next-gen CCA engine

GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have secured a $12.4 million U.S. Air Force contract to design a next-generation engine for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

The GEK1500 engine, producing 1,500 lb thrust, is intended for unmanned systems, CCAs, and missiles. Its design builds on the GEK800 cruise missile engine architecture, which is currently undergoing technical maturation.

6. Airbus unveils next-generation rotorcraft concepts

Airbus Helicopters has unveiled next-generation rotorcraft concepts aligned with NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capabilities (NGRC) programme.

Developed in collaboration with Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and MBDA, the proposal includes a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound platform.

The designs emphasise modularity, simplicity, and a Modular Open Systems Architecture approach, ensuring ease of manufacturing, maintenance, upgrades, and long-term affordability.

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.