1. India and Australia co-chair the 2nd edition of the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Mr Richard Marles co-chaired the second edition of the India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on June 1. The two sides discussed advances in bilateral maritime security cooperation, with a focus on a safe and secure Indo-Pacific region. They underscored the strategic importance of defence industrial collaboration and engagement. Both sides agreed to explore further exchanges, including through the Joint Working Group on Defence Industry, Research and Materiel.

2. India issues LoR for 114 Rafale jets

India has issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, according to a report by ANI. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, is currently visiting France and will tour the Dassault Aviation facility and MBDA. The report stated that 94 aircraft will be manufactured in India, while 20 will be delivered in fly-away condition.

3.  Northrop Grumman completes tests of Jackal

Northrop Grumman has completed a key flight test of Jackal, its next-generation precision-strike missile, demonstrating the system’s flight-readiness. During the test, Jackal demonstrated rapid response through automated turbojet engine start-up, precise autopilot-controlled flight, and flexible high-speed manoeuvring. The tests confirmed the technical readiness of the missile’s airframe, propulsion, navigation and autopilot systems.

4. Airbus rolls out first Eurofighter HALCON I for Spain

Airbus has rolled out the first Eurofighter HALCON I aircraft for the Spanish Air Force. The aircraft is being built at the company’s Getafe facility in Madrid. Preparations are complete for the first engine run and maiden flight. The 20 HALCON I aircraft will be equipped with E-Scan (Electronically Scanned) radar, with deliveries set to begin this year. Spain ordered 20 Eurofighter HALCON I aircraft in 2022 and placed an additional order for 25 HALCON II aircraft on December 20, 2024.

5. Romania orders two C-27J Spartan aircraft

Romania’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has ordered two C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft through the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument. The C-27J is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE2100 engines, the same engine that powers the C-130J Super Hercules operated by the Indian Air Force. The Romanian aircraft will be used for emergency response, complex crisis management, civil protection and humanitarian support missions.  

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.