1. INSV Kaundinya completes overseas voyage

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth flagged in Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at Mumbai Harbour on 2 March, marking the successful completion of its maiden overseas voyage to the Sultanate of Oman and its historic return across the Arabian Sea. Built using ancient Indian stitched shipbuilding techniques with coir and natural resins, and constructed under the supervision of the Indian Navy, the vessel reflects India’s rich maritime heritage and traditional craftsmanship.

2. India to buy five new squadrons of S-400 air defence system

India is set to purchase five additional squadrons of the S-400 missile system, according to a report by Asian News International. The S-400 systems were deployed during Operation Sindoor conducted by India in May 2025. The air defence system achieved the longest aerial kill by reportedly shooting down a Pakistani AWACS aircraft.

3. Three USAF F-15Es shot down in friendly fire incident

Three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait in an apparent friendly fire incident. During active combat, which included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and drones, the U.S. Air Force jets were mistakenly engaged by Kuwaiti air defences. All six aircrew ejected safely, were recovered, and are reported to be in stable condition. Kuwait has acknowledged the incident, and appreciation has been expressed for the efforts of Kuwaiti defence forces in supporting the ongoing operation.

4. Commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad killed in Israeli air strikes

A commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Lebanon sector, Abu Hamza Rami, was killed in Israeli air strikes in Beirut. According to a post on X by the Israel Defense Forces, he carried out hundreds of attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, including recruiting and training militants and procuring weapons. During Operation Northern Arrows, he reportedly managed the movement of PIJ operatives along the Syria–Lebanon border and their activities against IDF troops in southern Lebanon.

5. Iranian drone carrier struck by US forces

Responding to Iran’s claim that it had sunk a U.S. aircraft carrier, United States Central Command stated on X that the only carrier struck was the Shahid Bagheri, an Iranian drone carrier. U.S. forces targeted the vessel within hours of launching Operation Epic Fury. The IRIS Shahid Bagheri (C110-4), operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, had been converted from the commercial container ship Perarin between 2022 and 2024 and was officially commissioned on 6 February 2025.

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.