1. DRDO signs contracts with AIESL and ADSTL for AEW&C Mk-II

DRDO has signed contracts with Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) and Adani Defence Services & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) for the development and production of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mk-II system. AIESL will modify the former Air India Airbus A321 aircraft, while ADSTL, as the Defence-cum-Production Partner (DcPP), will develop the mission systems. Under the programme, the Indian Air Force will receive six modified A321 aircraft.

2. Indian Navy commissions INS Malvan ASW-SWC at Karwar

INS Malvan, the second indigenously designed and built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), was commissioned at Karwar on July 22. The ceremony was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. INS Malvan is the second of eight ASW-SWCs being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and the sixth of 16 such vessels to be commissioned into the Indian Navy. It is equipped for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO), and mine warfare, further strengthening coastal defence, littoral security, and maritime domain awareness.

3. HAL and Safran Aircraft Engines sign contract for CFM LEAP engine programme

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines have signed a long-term agreement for the production and supply of superalloy turbine ring forgings for the CFM LEAP engine programme. The LEAP engine powers the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919 aircraft.

4. BAE Systems unveils Brontanax CCA at Farnborough Airshow 2026

BAE Systems has unveiled the Brontanax Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) at the Farnborough Airshow 2026. Similar in size to the Hawk trainer aircraft, Brontanax is designed to be operated remotely by a Typhoon pilot or mission commander, enabling crewed and uncrewed aircraft to operate as a team. Built with an open architecture and modular design, the platform can be rapidly adapted to evolving threats, ensuring long-term operational relevance.

5. Lockheed Martin and Venus Aerospace partner on RDRE engine technology

Lockheed Martin and Venus Aerospace have announced a joint technology development agreement to evaluate and mature Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) technology for future long-range precision fires applications. The partnership aims to accelerate the transition of advanced propulsion from flight demonstrations to operational capability. RDRE technology could enable future precision strike systems to achieve significantly greater range and speed while remaining affordable and scalable for production.

Chakra Desk

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