1. Indian Air Force invites bids for Medium Altitude Heavy Lift Airship

Indian Air Force (IAF) is inviting indigenous industry partners to develop a Medium Altitude Heavy Lift Airship under the DAP-2020 Make-I category, according to a post on X by The Alpha Defense on 3 April. This hydrogen-based platform aims for persistent ISR, communication relay, and drone launch capabilities.  Key specifications include endurance for 10–30 days.  It should have a payload of 2,000–5,000 kg.  The maximum Altitude should be up to 30,000 ft AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level)  and a Speed of 100 kts (knots) TAS (True Air Speed).

2. Indian Navy commissions INS Aridhaman

The Indian Navy commissioned its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Aridhaman (S4). The hint of the commissioning was given by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh in a post on X, which said: “It’s not words but power, ‘Aridhaman’!” SSBN stands for ship submersible ballistic nuclear or nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

3. Indian Navy commissions INS Taragiri stealth frigate

INS Taragiri, the fourth ship of the Project 17A class, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on April 03. The frigate has a displacement of approximately 6,670 tonnes, has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, with the support of MSMEs, for multi-role operations. It features a lethal array of supersonic Surface-to-Surface missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles, and an advanced indigenous Anti-Submarine suite.

4. Bangladesh High Commissioner meets with COAS

M Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India,  met with General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. During the interaction, they deliberated on enhancing bilateral Defence Cooperation, including joint training initiatives. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security.

5. India and Mozambique held the 5th Joint Defence Working Group

India and Mozambique held the 5th Joint Defence Working Group (JDWG) meeting in Maputo from April 1 to 2. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, and the Mozambican delegation was led by Permanent Secretary, Defence Casimiro Augusto Muieo. Discussions focused on expanding structured military exchanges, enhancing joint training, strengthening maritime domain awareness, conducting joint exercises and promoting defence industry collaboration.

6. HAL cooperating with the Russian team for the MTA aircraft programme

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, while speaking to PTI (Press Trust of India), said, "Earlier, there was a development project for a Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) with the country under an IGA, but that did not happen. Now, we are cooperating with the Russian team to see whether we can pitch for the MTA RFI. They have a capable aircraft, and we will be able to make any required changes." The aircraft for the MTA programme could be the Ilyushin Il-276, which was to be developed in the earlier MTA programme for the replacement of Antonov An-32. For the Il-76 Gajraj, the Il-76MD-90A(E), which is the latest version of Il-76 with more powerful engines, can be offered.

7. Pakistan to acquire Turkish armoured vehicles through Kazakhstan

Pakistan signed an agreement for the procurement of Turkish armoured vehicles during Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s February 2026 state visit to Pakistan, according to a report by Defence Security Asia. Two armoured vehicles are going to be acquired, and both are from the same manufacturer. One is the Otokar COBRA-II 4 x 4, and the other one is the ARMA 8 x 8. The Besqaru plant in Kazakhstan is producing these vehicles, and not only wheeled but tracked vehicles such as Otokar Tulpar, which has both IFV and Light Tank versions. Otokar Tulpar can be acquired by Pakistan in the same way. 

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.