1. Def Secy Rajesh Kumar Singh lays wreath at Self-Defence Forces Memorial in Tokyo

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh laid a wreath at the Self-Defence Forces Memorial Stone in Tokyo on July 13, paying homage to the brave men and women who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of their nation. The solemn tribute reflects the enduring India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to peace and stability.

2. Indian Navy inducts INS Mahendragiri

The Indian Navy inducted the indigenously built advanced stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri into its Eastern Fleet. The induction ceremony, presided over by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, was held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on July 11. INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate to join the Navy in just 18 months. The first ship of the series, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January 2025, followed by INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri in August, INS Taragiri in April, and INS Dunagiri last month. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, the ship is capable of undertaking the full spectrum of maritime operations, including fleet air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, maritime interdiction, surveillance, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

3. CAS attends book launch at USI

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh attended the launch of Wings of Support: Nine Decades of Action by the Transport Fleet of the IAF at the United Service Institution of India (USI), New Delhi. Authored by Air Marshal Rajeev Sachdeva (Retd), the book chronicles the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of the Indian Air Force’s Transport Fleet over the past nine decades. The CAS also interacted with veterans and distinguished members of the strategic community.

4. Indian Navy set to launch three indigenous warship projects

The Indian Navy is set to launch three indigenous warship projects, according to an NDTV report published on July 10. The proposed programmes include the Project 15C destroyers, Project 17B frigates, and Project 18A next-generation Large Surface Combatants. All three projects are currently in the planning and consultation stage and will subsequently move into the defence acquisition process.

5. Rafael in talks with Indian companies to produce Iron Dome interceptors

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems is reportedly planning to establish a production line in India for interceptors used in its Iron Dome air defence system. According to an NDTV report, the company is in discussions with Indian defence firms to co-produce Tamir missiles. Iron Dome is a short- to medium-range air defence system that has achieved more than 10,000 successful interceptions, with a reported success rate exceeding 90% since entering service in 2011. Its engagement range extends from 4 km to 70 km.

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.