1. India and Japan co-chair the 8th Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Japanese Vice Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Defense, Kano Koji, co-chaired the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue in Tokyo on July 13. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and to promoting a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

2. Defence Secretary visits the Kure Naval Base in Japan

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Vice Admiral Matsumoto Tamotsu, Commandant of the Kure District, at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kure Naval Base in Hiroshima. He also visited the JMSDF's seventh Mogami-class stealth frigate, JS Niyodo. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of India and Japan to further strengthen maritime security cooperation and deepen defence ties.

3. India invites private players for stratospheric airship project

India has initiated an ambitious plan to develop indigenous stratospheric airships capable of conducting persistent surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions, with several private sector companies in the race for the high-technology project, according to a report by The Economic Times. The project is being led by the Directorate of Operations (Remote) of the Indian Air Force (IAF). It involves government funding for selected partners to develop a prototype airship capable of operating at altitudes above 20 km while carrying out optical surveillance, electronic intelligence gathering, and long-range communications.

4. US to resume naval blockade against Iran

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) will resume blockading maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from July 14, according to a post on X by CENTCOM. The U.S. military said it will continue to facilitate the movement of vessels that are not violating the blockade. The resumption follows the initial enforcement period from April 13 to June 18, during which CENTCOM redirected more than 140 compliant vessels, disabled nine non-compliant ships, and allowed over 50 commercial vessels carrying humanitarian aid to pass through the blockade.

5. BAE Systems awarded contract for EPAWSS on ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagles

BAE Systems has received a contract from Boeing to deliver the AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) for the Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) F-15K Slam Eagle fighter jets. The all-digital EPAWSS provides 360-degree threat detection and countermeasures, enabling pilots to conduct missions in hostile and signal-dense electromagnetic environments. Its advanced capabilities complement the F-15's speed, range and payload, enhancing combat airpower and air superiority.

6. Iran claims MQ-1 Predator drone shot down over the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting), announced in a post on X that an American MQ-1 Predator drone was shot down over the Strait of Hormuz. The claim comes amid renewed tensions between the two countries. According to US President Donald Trump, speaking during the NATO Summit held on July 7–8 in Ankara, Türkiye, the previously announced ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been cancelled.

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.