1. GE delivers sixth F404 engine for LCA Tejas to HAL

General Electric delivered the sixth F404IN-20 engine to HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) on April 1 in the United States, according to a report by The Print. Only six engines have been delivered in the fiscal year, against the revised target of eleven. The delay is attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

2. Indian defence exports soar to ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26

Indian defence exports soared to a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, registering a strong 62.66% growth over the previous fiscal. DPSUs led with an impressive 151% rise in exports, while the private sector posted a steady 14% increase.

3. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth takes charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army today. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command. On assuming office, he paid homage at the National War Memorial and reviewed a Guard of Honour at South Block, New Delhi.

4. Embraer KC-390 Millennium completes cold-weather trials

Embraer completed a cold-weather demonstration campaign of the KC-390 Millennium in Sweden on March 31. The trials, conducted at the Vidsel Test Range, showcased the aircraft’s performance in Arctic conditions and its suitability for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts.

During the campaign, the crew rapidly started engines and systems, executed short take-offs and landings, and demonstrated quick loading and deployment of heavy vehicles such as SISU GTT all-terrain vehicles, while retaining capacity for troops and equipment. The KC-390 is a key contender for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme.

5. Boeing and DoW sign seven-year framework for Patriot missile seekers production

Boeing and the Department of War (DoW) have signed a seven-year framework to triple production of Patriot PAC-3 seekers to meet rising global demand for air and missile defence. Boeing-built seekers enable U.S. and allied interceptors to identify, track, and defeat advanced threats, including hostile aircraft, hypersonic weapons, and ballistic and cruise missiles.

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.