1. India to buy six German submarines for Rs 99,000 crore

India will be buying six submarines from Germany for Rs 99,000 crore, according to a report by Times Now. These German submarines by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will be manufactured in India by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.

The report mentioned that the draft Cabinet note is ready and has been circulated. Now that the deal has been cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, it will need clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The draft Cabinet note will also need clearance from other parts of the government, including the Finance Ministry and the National Security Council, before it goes to the Cabinet. In some cases, other ministries may raise questions, and discussions regarding cost and other issues may take place.

2. Ministry of Defence signs contract for six ALH Mk-III MR for the Indian Coast Guard

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract on 3 March for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) category. These helicopters are being procured for the Indian Coast Guard.

These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features that are superior to those of the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.

The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability in fulfilling its duties, including the safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore installations, as well as the protection of fishermen and the marine environment.

3. Ministry of Defence signs contract with Rosoboronexport for Shtil missiles

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation on 3 March.

The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard Indian Navy platforms by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.

4. Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Ilyushin are the top contenders for the IAF MTA Programme

Brazil’s Embraer, the United States’ Lockheed Martin, and Russia’s Ilyushin are the top contenders for the Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, according to a report by ANI.

The MTA programme is meant to replace the Antonov An-32 and Ilyushin IL-76MD ‘Gajraj’ aircraft currently in service with the Indian Air Force.

A total of 60 aircraft are expected to be procured under the deal. The proposal is to be taken up soon by the Defence Acquisition Council for clearance. Around 20 per cent of the aircraft will be supplied in fly-away condition, while the rest will be manufactured in India.

Embraer is partnering with Mahindra to offer the C-390 Millennium, Lockheed Martin with Tata Advanced Systems for the C-130J Super Hercules, while Ilyushin may collaborate with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to offer its IL-276 aircraft and possibly the IL-76MD-90A(E) to replace the IL-76MD ‘Gajraj’.

5. Indian Army to place order for 300 Dhanush Howitzers

The Indian Army is set to place an order for 300 Dhanush howitzers, according to a report by ANI. The Dhanush howitzer is manufactured by AWEIL (Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited).

The Indian Army had earlier ordered 114 Dhanush howitzers, with 18 already in service and deliveries expected to be completed by 2026.

The howitzer features a 155 mm × 45 calibre barrel with a 360° traverse, capable of high-angle firing (above 60°) and automated aiming. It has a firing range of approximately 38 km with the 45-calibre variant, extending to about 42 km with the 52-calibre variant. It can fire a burst of three rounds in 30 seconds.

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.