1. Bellatrix Aerospace and BEL to cooperate on VLEO satellites

Bellatrix Aerospace today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The two companies will collaborate on the design, development, and manufacturing of satellite systems and payloads for operations in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). VLEO is one of the most demanding orbital regimes for satellite missions, enabling higher-resolution sensing, lower-latency communications, and entirely new mission architectures.

The partnership brings together BEL’s decades of expertise in mission-critical defence electronics and advanced payload systems, and Bellatrix Aerospace’s propulsion and satellite subsystem technologies, purpose-built for next-generation space missions. By combining these complementary strengths, the companies aim to advance indigenous satellite platforms designed for sustained operations in VLEO, supporting India’s growing defence, civilian, and commercial space ambitions.

2. GRSE and KSSL sign MoU on naval systems

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) on March 5 to jointly develop and promote indigenous solutions for advanced naval systems, unmanned platforms, and other strategic maritime capabilities for domestic and global markets.

The partnership envisions collaborative efforts to deliver indigenous solutions across a broad spectrum of maritime and defence systems, including ship propulsion and mechanical systems for both naval and commercial vessels, integrated platform management systems, steering and stabiliser assemblies, deck equipment, and unmanned platforms such as Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The collaboration will also seek to identify and pursue opportunities within India and in mutually agreed international markets.

3. USSPACECOM Commander meets the Chief of Defence Staff

General Stephen Whiting, Commander of USSPACECOM, met General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff. The interaction focused on bilateral issues and evolving security dynamics in the space domain, as well as avenues to enhance collaboration in emerging and critical technologies.

4. Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashes in Assam

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI aircraft crashed in Assam on March 5. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat and was last in contact at 7:42 pm while on a training mission. It crashed in the Karbi Anglong area, approximately 60 km from Jorhat.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The force expressed sincere condolences and said it stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.

5. Ukraine to make prepayments for Rafale and Gripen fighters

Ukraine is preparing to make prepayments for the first Gripen fighters from Sweden and Rafale fighters from France, according to a report by militarynyi.com. The announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky after a joint meeting with members of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Verkhovna Rada.

On March 4, the issue was discussed with Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Ukraine expects to receive the first of up to 150 Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighters in 2026, likely in the C/D version. On October 22, 2025, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent that opened the possibility of a firm contract for Swedish fighter jets. Kyiv is seeking to procure 100–150 of the latest JAS-39 Gripen E fighters and also plans to order around 100 French Rafale aircraft to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force.

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.