1. DRDO tests the LRGR variant of the Pinaka rocket

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from ITR, Chandipur, on July 8. The rocket was tested for a user-defined minimum range of 60 km, although the Pinaka LRGR has a maximum range of 120 km. During the test, the rocket executed all planned in-flight manoeuvres and struck the target with precision, exactly following the predicted trajectory.

2. TASL, Nibe Limited emerge as L1 and L2 for Army loitering munitions

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Nibe Limited have emerged as the lowest bidders for loitering munitions for the Indian Army, according to an ANI report. The Army plans to procure 840 loitering munitions worth ₹1,600 crore. The drones are expected to have a range of 100 km. The report states that TASL has emerged as the L1 bidder, while Nibe Limited is the L2 bidder.

3. Indian Army issues RFP for 450 Carl Gustaf Mk-IV rocket launchers

The Indian Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of 450 Carl Gustaf Mk-IV launchers, according to a report by Bharat Shakti. The Carl Gustaf Mk-IV, also known as the M4, must weigh no more than seven kilograms and have a barrel life of at least 1,500 rounds or 15 years.

The weapon is required to provide an effective engagement range of 350–800 metres while offering improved accuracy and reliability over the existing Carl Gustaf Mk-III variant. Deliveries are to be completed within 12 months of contract signing. Saab will manufacture the launchers in India through its new subsidiary, Saab FFVO India, in Jhajjar, Haryana. This will be the first Carl Gustaf manufacturing facility outside Sweden.

4. Indian Navy and JMSDF conduct PASSEX exercise

JS Takanami (DD-110) of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted a PASSEX exercise with INS Surat on July 8. The Japanese destroyer had arrived in Mumbai on July 5 for an operational turnaround during its deployment in the western Indian Ocean Region. The exercise validated communication procedures and included manoeuvres aimed at enhancing interoperability and the exchange of best practices.

5. Indian Navy’s Drishti-10 UAV crashes near Porbandar

A Drishti-10 UAV, based on the Elbit Systems Hermes-900 platform, crashed near Porbandar airfield during a training sortie on July 8. The first crash involving a Drishti-10 occurred off the Porbandar coast on January 14, 2025. The incident comes as the Navy is pursuing the acquisition of 10 additional Drishti-10 UAVs. The Indian Army and Navy each procured two Drishti-10s under the fourth tranche of emergency procurement in 2023, at a cost of about ₹140 crore per aircraft. The drones are licence-manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems.

Chakra Desk

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