1. IAF contingent lands in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026

The Indian Air Force contingent has arrived in Australia for Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the premier biennial multinational air combat exercise that brings together the air forces of 19 nations. The exercise provides a unique platform to enhance interoperability and strengthen operational cooperation. The IAF is participating with its Rafale fighter aircraft and will train alongside friendly air forces, sharpening operational synergy and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

2. Def Secy Rajesh Kumar Singh meets Sri Lankan Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), in New Delhi on July 16. Both sides reviewed the progress made under the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Plan and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

3. INS Malvan ASW-SWC set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy

INS Malvan, the second indigenous Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), is set to be commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 22. Designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Make in India initiative, the vessel is equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors. The Mahe-class ships are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying missions. The 78-metre-long vessel displaces approximately 900 tonnes and has a top speed of 25 knots.

4. U.S. DoW signs framework agreement with Anduril for Barracuda-500

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) has signed a framework agreement with Anduril Industries to rapidly scale the production of the Barracuda-500 and Barracuda-500M, two systems intended to address the gap in affordable, mass-producible stand-off strike capabilities. The agreement outlines a two-phase approach aimed at procuring and delivering thousands of Barracuda-500 missiles annually over the next seven years, with initial deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

5. U.S. approves $1.96 billion APKWS sale to Saudi Arabia

The U.S. Department of State has approved a Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia worth an estimated $1.96 billion for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS-II) guidance kits and related equipment. The package includes 10,000 air-to-air and 10,000 air-to-ground APKWS-II guidance sections, bringing the total to 20,000 guidance kits. APKWS has an effective range of 1.5-5 km when launched from helicopters and up to 12 km from fighter aircraft. The weapons are intended for use on F-15SA fighter aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters, although these platforms have yet to complete qualification testing with the system. The procurement comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and growing concerns over drone threats to Saudi Arabia.

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.