1. Indian Coast Guard inducts Fast Patrol Vessel Achal

The Indian Coast Guard inducted its fourth Fast Patrol Vessel, ‘Achal’, at Goa Shipyard on March 31. Indigenously designed and built with over 60% indigenous content, ‘Achal’ will strengthen coastal security at Vadinar, Gujarat, with advanced weaponry and systems. Built for speed and endurance, it will significantly enhance surveillance, law enforcement, and search and rescue capabilities.

2. Ministry of Defence signs contract with BEL for procurement of Mountain Radars

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of two Mountain Radars, along with associated equipment and infrastructure for the Indian Air Force, at a cost of approximately ₹1,950 crore.

The contract, under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category, was signed in the presence of senior MoD and BEL officials in New Delhi on March 31. The radar has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment and will be manufactured by BEL.

3. INS Trikand concludes port call at Maputo, Mozambique

INS Trikand, a guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, concluded its port call at Maputo, Mozambique, on March 29. The visit included joint training and professional engagements, enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Mozambique Navy.

HADR relief material from India was handed over in the presence of Dr Ussene Hilario Isse, Health Minister of Mozambique, Robert Shetkintong, High Commissioner of India to Mozambique, and other senior officials. A medical camp was also conducted at the Mozambique Navy Hospital.

4. Leonardo acquires Iveco Defence Vehicles

Leonardo has acquired Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV), expanding its defence portfolio. Earlier, Leonardo manufactured turrets such as the HITFACT Mk-II, deployed on the Centauro II armoured vehicle, capable of integrating 105 mm rifled and 120 mm smoothbore low-recoil guns.

Notably, on March 30, 2025, the Iveco Group reached an agreement with Tata Motors for the acquisition of its commercial vehicles division.

5. Rheinmetall and Boeing to collaborate on MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have entered into a strategic partnership to offer the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a solution for the Bundeswehr’s collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programme in Germany by 2029.

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, designed and developed in Australia, has completed over 150 flights for the Royal Australian Air Force and allied nations. A proven autonomous CCA, it will act as a force multiplier, teaming with manned platforms to deliver combat mass in contested airspace. Its modular design supports missions including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and weapons integration.

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.