1. General Dhiraj Seth takes charge as COAS

General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army from General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM. An accomplished officer with four decades of distinguished service, General Dhiraj Seth brings extensive operational, command and staff experience across diverse theatres and appointments. He takes over at a pivotal juncture in the Indian Army's transformation journey.

2. Indian Navy conducts SMEE with Singapore Navy and RSAF

The Indian Navy, the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Republic of Singapore Air Force conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations during the visit of the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I to Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore on June 30. The SMEE featured in-depth exchanges on maritime surveillance capabilities, operational procedures, training and best practices, reflecting the strong and enduring defence partnership between the two countries.

3. ICG decommissions ACV H-186

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) decommissioned Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) H-186 at Haldia on June 29. The ceremony was held in the distinguished presence of Inspector General (IG) Iqbal Singh Chauhan, PTM (President's Tatrakshak Medal), TM (Tatrakshak Medal), Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East). Commissioned into service on March 21, 2002, H-186 served as a reliable and capable platform for a wide range of missions, including coastal surveillance and anti-smuggling operations.

4. Overland AI awarded contract for autonomous ground vehicles

Overland AI has been awarded a $20 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to produce autonomous ground vehicles in support of the Marine Air Defence Integrated System (MADIS). The contract has been awarded under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) programme by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) .

5. Saab signs contract for 16 Gripen-E fighter jets

Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for 16 Gripen-E fighter aircraft on June 30. The order is valued at approximately SEK 24.6 billion. The Gripen-E is also being offered by Saab to the Indian Air Force as part of its bid for the procurement of 114 fighter aircraft.

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.