1. DRDO hands over FOC certificate for Netra AEW&C

DRDO handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was granted in 2017. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on June 25, 2026.

Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd), former DRDO Chairman Dr S. Christopher, serving and retired senior IAF officers, Director of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) P. Santhya, Chief Executive (Airworthiness) A.P.V.S. Prasad, Scientist 'G' & Head, NETRA FOC, A.S. Kumaran, other senior DRDO officials, and industry partners attended the event.

2. MDL lays keel for fourth NGOPV for ICG

The keel of the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) under Project 06 for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was laid on June 25 at the Nhava Yard by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). In December 2023, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with MDL for the procurement of six NGOPVs for the ICG at a total cost of ₹1,614.89 crore. DIG Vivek Sharma, Principal Director (Technical Services), Rajeev Ranjan, Executive Director (Production), MDL, and senior officials from MDL, the Indian Coast Guard, and classification representatives were present at the event.

The vessel is powered by two diesel engines capable of achieving a maximum continuous speed of 23 knots and a range of up to 5,000 nautical miles. It also features integral twin-engine helicopter facilities and staging for heavy helicopters, enabling swift and effective aerial surveillance and response capabilities. Equipped with advanced features such as multipurpose drones, AI capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, the NGOPVs will provide the ICG with enhanced operational flexibility and capability.

3. Netherlands Defence Advanced Command & Staff Course delegation visits India

The Netherlands Defence Advanced Command & Staff Course delegation, led by Rear Admiral Jeanette Morang, Advisor for Military Strategy and Special Representative to the Chief of Defence, is visiting India from June 22–26. The 48-member delegation will visit various service institutions and will be provided exposure to Indian defence manufacturing at DPSUs and private industry.

4. HAL hands over 1000th overhauled AL-31FP engine for Su-30MKI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully handed over the 1000th Repaired and Overhauled (ROH) AL-31FP engine to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 23, 2026. The engine was formally handed over by S.A. Kothe, Executive Director, HAL Koraput, to Air Vice Marshal B.V.N. Shiva, VSM, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Engineering A), Indian Air Force.

The AL-31FP is a high-performance afterburning turbofan engine designed by Russia's Lyulka-Saturn (now NPO Saturn) and produced indigenously in India under licence by HAL's Koraput Division.

5. UK MoD receives 100th Boxer vehicle under Boxer programme

The UK's Boxer programme has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of the 100th Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle to the Ministry of Defence. The vehicles are procured through OCCAR and delivered by the ARTEC consortium—comprising KNDS and Rheinmetall, in coordination with the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group) and the British Army.

The Boxer programme is a major British Army initiative managed by the European armaments organisation, OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), to procure 623 advanced 8×8 all-terrain armoured vehicles.

Chakra Desk

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