1. HAL to participate in FIA 2026 Airshow in the UK

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will participate in the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) from 20–24 July 2026 in the UK. The Indian delegation will be led by Ravi K., Chairman and Managing Director. HAL will serve as the nodal agency for the India Pavilion, representing India's growing aerospace and defence ecosystem alongside other Indian defence organisations and industry partners.

2. Indian Navy's SNC and CTF-154 to conduct Operation Southern Readiness 26-2

Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 will be hosted by the Southern Naval Command (SNC), Kochi, and the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 from 20–23 July. The exercise will bring together partner nations of the Combined Maritime Forces for maritime security training, practical exposure, and the exchange of best practices.

3. ICG witnesses trials of indigenously manufactured MJP waterjet propulsion systems

In a significant boost to India's maritime self-reliance and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Indian Coast Guard successfully witnessed the Factory Acceptance Trials (FATs) of indigenously manufactured Marine Jet Power (MJP) waterjet propulsion systems at MJP India, Goa. The trials were attended by senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), and the Classification Society, marking another milestone in India's defence manufacturing journey.

4. CDS meets Raksha Rajya Mantri in New Delhi

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, met  Minister of State for Defence of India, Sanjay Seth in New Delhi on 16 July. The discussions focused on the prevailing security environment, enhancing jointness and integration among the armed forces, capability development, operational preparedness, and ongoing defence reforms aimed at strengthening India's military capabilities.

5. Anduril YFQ-44A Fury fires its first missile

The Anduril YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) successfully executed an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated target on 16 July during a test at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The aircraft fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile). Earlier variants of the missile have a range of about 50 km, while the latest AIM-120C-8 variant has a reported range of up to 160 km.

6. Raytheon successfully demonstrates NGSRI to replace Stinger

Raytheon successfully demonstrated its Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI), designed to replace the Stinger surface-to-air missile in U.S. Army service. During the demonstration, multiple guided missiles were launched using the company's soldier-portable Command Launch Assembly (CLA). Each engagement demonstrated the NGSRI system's ability to detect, track, and intercept simulated aerial threats, achieving direct hits and successful target destruction.

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.