1. Israeli Army delegation visits College of Military Engineering, Pune

A two-member Israeli Army delegation visited the College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, from 18–19 January under the Subject Matter Expert Exchange Programme, aimed at deepening cooperation between the Indian and Israeli Armies. The visit saw exchanges on Field Engineering, Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) and Unexploded Ordnance Disposal (UXO), and Bridging capabilities, along with a Combat Engineer Capabilities Demonstration. Lt Gen AK Ramesh, SM, Commandant CME, interacted with the delegation and noted that the visit enabled meaningful professional engagement and the sharing of best practices in combat engineering, according to a post by the Indian Army on X.

2. INS Sudarshini embarks on transoceanic sailing expedition

INS Sudarshini was flagged off on the landmark transoceanic sailing expedition Lokayan 2026 by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command, from Kochi on 20 January. Covering 22,000 nautical miles across 13 countries and 18 ports, the voyage aims to showcase India’s seafaring heritage and maritime prowess. Sailing along ancient trade routes and modern sea lanes, the expedition carries forward the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and advances the Indian Navy’s maritime outreach and the vision of MAHASAGAR, according to a post by the Indian Navy on X.

3. IAF microlite aircraft makes emergency landing

A microlite aircraft of the Indian Air Force, undertaking a routine sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hours on 21 January, experienced a technical malfunction and was safely force-landed in an uninhabited area. There was no damage to civilian life or property, and both pilots are safe. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause, according to a post by the Indian Air Force on X.

4. Donald Trump reiterates claim of ending Indo-Pak conflict

US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he prevented a potential “nuclear” war between India and Pakistan last year in May, during heightened military tensions following Operation Sindoor. The White House stated that brokering a ceasefire between New Delhi and Islamabad was among Trump’s key achievements in the first year of his second term. Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “I ended eight unendable wars in 10 months… Pakistan and India. They were really going at it. Eight planes were shot down. They were going to go nuclear, in my opinion,” adding that the Prime Minister of Pakistan had credited him with saving millions of lives.

5. Singapore to acquire four P-8A aircraft and Mk-54 torpedoes

The US State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for P-8A Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft and Mk-54 Lightweight Torpedoes, along with related equipment, at an estimated cost of USD 2.316 billion. Singapore will acquire four P-8A aircraft. The Indian Navy currently operates twelve P-8I Poseidon aircraft.

6. Oshkosh to deliver 97 FMTV A2 vehicles to US Army

Oshkosh has been awarded a contract by the US Army to deliver 97 additional FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) cargo vehicles in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations. The FMTV A2 LVAD is a critical sustainment asset designed to support Mobile Brigade Combat Teams by enabling rapid airdrop of supplies and equipment into austere and contested environments. Its rugged design and advanced automotive performance enhance mobility, reduce reliance on fixed infrastructure, and extend operational reach.

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.