1. Union Budget 2026 allocates Rs 7.85 lakh for Defence

The Union Budget 2026 has allocated Rs 7.85 lakh crore for Defence. This allocation stands at 2% of the estimated GDP for the next Financial Year and shows a significant increase of 15.19% over the Budgetary Estimates (BE) of FY 2025-26. This comes after India conducted Operation Sindoor in May. The total defence budget is 14.67% of the central government expenditure and is the highest among the ministries. In a post on X, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh asserted that the budget augments the security-development-self-reliance balance.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh noted that over Rs 2.19 lakh crore has been allocated under the capital head to the Defence Forces, and out of this, Rs 1.85 lakh crore is earmarked for capital acquisition, which is approx. 24% higher than the FY 2025-26 capital acquisition budget.  

2. Algerian Army delegation visits Army College

A 28-member officer delegation from the War High College, Tamentfoust, Algeria, visited Headquarters Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa Area (HQ MG & G Area) as part of their Foreign Study Tour. The delegation was briefed on the Indian Army’s Area Headquarters framework, including operational support, logistics, military–civil fusion and humanitarian assistance. The General Officer Commanding interacted with the officers, highlighted the role of such engagements in enhancing mutual understanding, interoperability and India-Algeria Defence Cooperation.

3.   Indian delegation led by CDS General Anil Chauhan on a visit to Armenia

An Indian defence delegation led by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, reached the Republic of Armenia on a four-day official visit on 1 February. The visit marks an important step in taking forward shared strategic interests and enhancing long-term defence and security collaboration between the two Nations. The delegation was warmly received in Yerevan by Nilakshi Saha Sinha, Ambassador of India to Armenia and Major General Temur Shahnazaryan, Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia.

4.    MQ-25 Stingray completes first operational taxi test

The first operational MQ-25A Stingray for the US Navy has completed its first taxi test. The Stingray autonomously taxied and executed a series of manoeuvres to validate its functionality. The MQ-25 Stingray is the U.S. Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers, the Stingray's primary mission is to extend the range of the carrier air wing by providing unmanned aerial refuelling.

5.    US State Department approves thirty Apache attack helicopters for Israel

The State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of thirty AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.8 billion. Along with this, the procurement of three thousand two hundred fifty Oshkosh JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) vehicles for $1.98 billion was also approved by the State Department. The Israeli Air Force operates around 48 Apache helicopters, which consist of a mix of 22 AH-64A versions and 26  AH-64D version and with 30 more, the number of Apache helicopters with the Israeli Air Force will be 78. 

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.