1. DRDO tests the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Kusha Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha, on July 23. The test was carried out against an electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat, which was successfully intercepted by the missile system. Kusha is designed to neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter aircraft, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft across a broad range and altitude envelope. It is being developed in three variants: M1 (150 km), M2 (250 km), and M3 (350 km).

2. GTRE develops an indigenous 350 kg thrust expendable turbojet engine

DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has successfully developed India's first indigenous 350 kg thrust-class Expendable Turbojet Engine. GTRE had partnered with Hyderabad-based Azad Engineering for the engine's manufacturing and assembly. On July 22, 2026, the engine was successfully manufactured and delivered to GTRE by Azad Engineering. It has been specifically optimised to power long-range cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and one-way attack drones.

3. HAL and GE officials meet at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026

At the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO Larry Culp and Defence & Systems CEO Amy Gowder met with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman and Managing Director K. Ravi to reaffirm their long-standing partnership and discuss their shared vision for India's defence aerospace sector. GE Aerospace has supplied the F404 engines for the Indian Air Force's LCA Tejas and the LM2500 engines for the Indian Navy's frigates for decades. The F414 engine will power the LCA Mk-II and the first squadrons of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

4. US buys PAC-2 GEM-T interceptors after 30 years

The United States is procuring PAC-2 Guided Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) interceptors for the Patriot air defence system from RTX Corporation, according to a report by The War Zone. This marks the first purchase of new PAC-2 interceptors by the US military in more than 30 years. The GEM-T is the only PAC-2 variant still in production and has an engagement range of approximately 70–150 km. The procurement underscores growing concerns over the adequacy of US stockpiles of high-end air defence interceptors and other critical munitions amid the conflicts involving Iran and Russia-Ukraine, where Patriot missiles continue to see heavy operational use.

5. US completes thirteenth wave of strikes on Iran

US Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out its thirteenth wave of strikes against Iran on July 23. Since the collapse of the ceasefire on July 8, the US and Iran have continued exchanging attacks, while civilian shipping has also come under fire, with both sides accusing each other of the incidents. The latest strikes targeted Iranian military command centres, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities.

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.