1. India–US conduct Defence Policy Group Meeting

The 18th India–US Defence Policy Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 25 March. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby co-chaired the talks. Both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, identified priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military-to-military cooperation through joint exercises, training visits, and strategic exchanges.

2. DGCA and EASA sign working arrangement for H125 helicopter

The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) signed a working arrangement regarding the production of the Airbus AS350 B3 helicopter (H125) at Vemagal, Karnataka, on 25 March.

The arrangement delineates the roles and responsibilities of both regulators in overseeing production. Airbus Helicopters has established a final assembly line for the AS350 B3 (H125) helicopter in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) at Vemagal.

Over time, India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. This arrangement is expected to deepen cooperation with EASA in the years ahead, provide a robust foundation for manufacturing excellence and innovation, strengthen ancillary industries, and create a ripple effect across the entire aviation value chain.

3. COAS interacts with the Chief of Staff of JGSDF

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, interacted with General Arai Masayoshi, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), via a video call on 25 March. During the interaction, both leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, focusing on fostering bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military collaboration, and promoting regional security.

4. Embraer and Saab roll out first Gripen-E produced in Brazil

Saab and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officially presented the first Gripen-E fighter aircraft produced in Brazil during a ceremony at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, on 25 March. The facility produces Gripen E fighter jets using a Brazilian and international supply chain, including aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo. Another 14 aircraft under the current contract will follow the same production model.

The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government includes the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters—28 single-seat Gripen E and 8 two-seat Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020, with 10 aircraft handed over to date. Since February, the fighter has been operating in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from Anápolis Air Force Base, safeguarding airspace over the federal government district.

5. South Korea rolls out first production KF-21 Boramae

The first production unit of the KF-21, a state-of-the-art Korean fighter jet developed using indigenous technology, was rolled out on 25 March. The programme spans 10.5 years, having begun in December 2015 and scheduled for completion in June 2026.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has led the development and production of the KF-21, with support from the Agency for Defence Development (ADD), multiple defence companies and research institutions, and personnel from the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).

The KF-21 will replace the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom and Northrop Grumman F-5 Tiger in ROKAF service. It is a 4.5+ generation fighter powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400K engines, licence-produced by Hanwha Aerospace in South Korea, enabling a maximum speed of Mach 1.8.

6. UK and Türkiye sign training and support contract for Eurofighter Typhoon

The UK Government has signed a contract with Türkiye to provide training, support equipment, and services for its recently ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver spares and support equipment, engineer and pilot training, high-fidelity simulators, and electronic warfare capabilities. It will also provide technical support services for an initial three-year period from the aircraft’s entry into service.

The contract is expected to support the Turkish Armed Forces in achieving operational readiness and effectiveness while progressively enhancing sovereign support capability. This follows the agreement announced in October between the UK and Türkiye for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft, underscoring the platform’s role in the security architecture of Europe and the Middle East.

7. Lockheed Martin and DoW sign framework agreement for PrSM

Lockheed Martin and the Department of War (DoW) have announced a framework agreement to accelerate the production of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The agreement builds on a previous $4.94 billion contract awarded by the U.S. Army in 2025 and aims to quadruple PrSM production capacity.

On 4 March, U.S. Central Command confirmed that the long-range PrSM was used in combat for the first time during Operation Epic Fury, marking its operational debut and demonstrating expanded deep-strike capability. Designed to replace the legacy Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), the PrSM offers extended range, improved lethality, and greater platform versatility.

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.