1. INS Trikand reaches Kenya

Indian Naval Ship Trikand arrived at Mombasa Port, Kenya, for an Operational Turnaround (OTR) from 7–10 April. INS Trikand is a frontline guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy and is currently on an operational deployment to strengthen maritime ties with African nations, in line with India’s MAHASAGAR vision.

During the port call, the crew will engage in professional exchanges and interactions, reinforcing shared values of security, stability, and collaboration at sea. The ship will also undertake a Passage Exercise with a Kenyan Navy vessel upon completion of the visit.

2. Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam attains criticality

The indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam has attained criticality. This advanced reactor, capable of producing more fuel than it consumes, reflects the depth of India’s scientific capability and the strength of its engineering ecosystem. It marks a decisive step towards harnessing vast thorium reserves under the third stage of the nuclear programme.

3. MoD initiates development of a 1000 kg aerial bomb for the IAF

The Ministry of Defence has initiated the process for the indigenous design and development of a 1000-kg aerial bomb, similar to the Mk-84, for the Indian Air Force, aiming to boost ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in the sector, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The project is structured in two phases. The first phase involves the design and development of six prototypes (live and inert), along with associated tail units and equipment. The second phase will cover procurement, beginning with the issuance of a commercial Request for Proposal (RFP) to qualifying development agencies.

The system is intended to be compatible with both Russian and Western-origin aircraft currently operated by the IAF.

4. Donald Trump announces a two-week ceasefire

US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. The White House stated:

“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, wherein they requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, and subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz, I have agreed to suspend the bombing and attack on Iran for a period of two weeks. This will be a double-sided ceasefire.

The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all military objectives and are very far along with a definitive agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East. We have received a 10-point proposal from Iran and believe it is a workable basis for negotiation. Almost all major points of past contention have been resolved between the United States and Iran, but this two-week period will allow the agreement to be finalised. On behalf of the United States, it is an honour to bring this long-standing issue close to resolution.”

5. Belgium selects Cessna SkyCourier for special operations

Textron Aviation announced on April 7 that Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its newest special mission aircraft, placing an order for five multirole platforms to support its Special Operations Forces.

This marks the SkyCourier’s entry into the global defence market and strengthens Belgium’s airlift capability through a rugged and flexible platform designed for demanding missions.

The twin-engine, high-wing turboprop offers a balance of performance and lower operating costs for air freight, commuter, and special mission roles. The freighter variant can carry up to three LD3 containers with a payload capacity of 6,000 pounds. The 19-passenger variant features dedicated crew and passenger doors for ease of boarding, along with large cabin windows. Both variants are equipped with single-point pressure refuelling for faster turnaround times.

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.