1. General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, lays a wreath at the National War Memorial

On the day of relinquishing the appointment of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, paying homage to the indomitable courage, unwavering valour and supreme sacrifice of the Bravehearts who laid down their lives in service of the Nation. A Ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM (Param Vishisht Seva Medal), UYSM (Uttam Yudh Seva Medal), AVSM (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal), will be the next Chief of the Army Staff.

2. RM releases DFP-2026, delegating greater financial powers to DRDO

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh released the DRDO Delegation of Financial Powers (DFP-2026), a major reform aimed at enhancing efficiency, accountability and the timely execution of strategic R&D projects. The new framework is expected to accelerate the delivery of critical defence technologies and weapon systems to the Armed Forces while fostering stronger collaboration with industry and academia, reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

3. Indian Army to raise specialised Baaz Battalions to operate long-range drones

The Indian Army will raise specialised battalions to operate long-range drones for surveillance and attack, according to a report by The Tribune. Called the Baaz (hawk) Battalions, these units will be placed under the Army Aviation Corps. They will have a different role from the Ashini drone platoons, which are part of infantry battalions and are meant for tactical, immediate-vicinity surveillance. The Baaz Battalions will also be distinct from the Divyastra batteries of the Regiment of Artillery, which operate loitering munitions, also known as one-way drones.

4. Italian Air Force Chief of Staff meets IAF Chief of the Air Staff

Lieutenant General Antonio Conserva, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, met Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, during his official visit to India. The visit included discussions between the senior leadership of the Indian Air Force and the Italian Air Force on issues of mutual interest and avenues to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and enhance military-to-military engagement.

5. Rising Star Corps signs MoUs with industry leaders

The Indian Army's Rising Star Corps signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders IdeaForge, Tata Advanced Systems, Maruti Suzuki, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Ashok Leyland and JCB to enhance engineering support for critical military platforms. By strengthening maintenance and sustainment capabilities, the initiative aims to ensure higher equipment availability and reinforce combat readiness across the force.

6. ICG commissions new-generation FPV Akshay

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited on June 27. Named Akshay, meaning "Indestructible", the vessel embodies the enduring spirit, resilience and unwavering commitment of the ICG towards safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. It reinforces the service's resolve to ensure safe, secure and clean seas while protecting India's vast maritime domain.

The vessel is equipped to undertake a wide range of Coast Guard operations, including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and assistance to mariners in distress, thereby enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Coast Guard.

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.