1. DMRL transfers advanced materials technology to SAIL

The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO, has transferred three advanced materials technologies to the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). The manufacturing technology for DMR-249A and DMR-249BK grade steel billets has been transferred to SAIL's Alloy Steel Plant, Durgapur. These billets are used in the construction of naval ships and submarines. The manufacturing technology for DMR-249B steel plates (8–30 mm thickness) has been transferred to SAIL's Alloy Steel Plant, Durgapur, and Rourkela Steel Plant. These steel plates are used in specialised naval construction.

2. SDAL demonstrates the Bhargavastra counter-drone system

Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL) demonstrated Bhargavastra, an indigenous, vehicle-mounted, multi-layered counter-swarm drone system designed to provide affordable and highly effective protection against the rapidly growing threat of weaponised drones, loitering munitions, and autonomous drone swarms, according to a post on X by ANI. A team from the Indian Army visited SDAL, Nagpur, on July 24 as part of a status review under a Make-II project. The Bhargavastra weapon system, in its full configuration comprising a Command & Control Vehicle (CCV) equipped with radar, EO/IR and RF detectors integrated with a C4I system, along with a launcher vehicle carrying all launch tubes, was demonstrated.

3. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flies a sortie on MiG-29KUB

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), flew a MiG-29KUB sortie from INS Vikramaditya. The sortie took place on the sidelines of the commissioning of INS Malwan, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on July 22. During his visit to the aircraft carrier, the CAS interacted with the ship's leadership, key functionaries, and sailors.

4. Leonardo and PT ESystem sign contract with Indonesian MoD for M-346F Block 20 aircraft

Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia signed a contract on July 21 at the Farnborough Air Show to provide Indonesia's Ministry of Defence with 12 Leonardo M-346F Block 20 multi-role light fighter aircraft to meet the Indonesian Air Force's operational requirements. The contract, which follows the Letter of Intent (LoI) announced in February this year, includes the localisation of support, maintenance, overhaul, and training capabilities, along with human capital development. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030.

5. Greece to become the latest customer of the C-390 aircraft

Greece is set to become the latest customer of Embraer's C-390 multi-role military transport aircraft after a proposal to acquire three aircraft was approved by a parliamentary committee in Athens. The Special Standing Committee on Armaments Programs and Contracts approved the deal on June 10. The contract is worth $694 million. The C-390 will replace the Hellenic Air Force's six Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft. The Embraer C-390 is also a contender for the Indian Air Force's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme in partnership with Mahindra.

Chakra Desk

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