1. DRDO successfully tests fibre-based QKD system

DRDO has successfully completed military field trials of a scalable and practically secure fibre-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system. Building on its laboratory proof of concept and experience from previous trials, DRDO, in collaboration with its industry partner Taqbit Labs, Bengaluru, has successfully developed and commercialised the advanced system to secure critical networks. The milestone lays the foundation for a large-scale, multi-hop quantum network that is indigenously designed and capable of safeguarding India's critical communication infrastructure against emerging quantum-era cyber threats.

2. INS Sudarshini crew marches in Boston

The crew and trainees of INS Sudarshini marched through the historic streets of Boston during the Crew and Cadet City Parade at SailBoston 2026, proudly showcasing India's rich seafaring heritage and maritime traditions. The ship had also participated in the US Independence Day celebrations in New York on July 4.

3. Defence Secretary visits Japan's Joint Operations Command

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Japan's Joint Operations Command on July 13, reaffirming the shared commitment of India and Japan to deepen defence cooperation. The visit underscored both countries' resolve to strengthen regional peace and stability while advancing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

4. US CENTCOM conducts additional strikes on Iran

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out an additional round of strikes against Iran on July 14, targeting dozens of military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran's coastline, according to a post on X by CENTCOM. U.S. fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels launched precision strikes on Iranian missile and drone sites, naval assets and coastal defence systems during a seven-hour operation aimed at further degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews.

5. Rheinmetall and UK MoD complete autonomous logistics training programme

Rheinmetall and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) have successfully completed an autonomous logistics training programme for British Army personnel, culminating in the first UK HX autonomous convoy operated by British soldiers using the UK Advanced Land Autonomy Centre of Excellence (ALACoE) PATH Kit. Conducted over two weeks at the Combat Service Support Trials and Development Unit (CSS TDU) in Aldershot, the programme prepared personnel from 8 Squadron, 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) to participate in Project Convergence Capstone 6 (PCC6) under Project MAIA, the British Army's initiative to explore and evaluate autonomous systems for future logistics operations.

6. Ukraine to receive Rafale fighters in 2028–29

French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that Ukraine will receive its first Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter aircraft by 2028 as part of an expanded military support package that also includes the transfer of production licences for a range of advanced weapons. Speaking at the "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Paris on July 13, the 16th such meeting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Macron said the now 37-member grouping remained steadfast in its support for Kyiv. He added, "An initial batch of 16 F4-standard Rafales, along with weapons, will be procured, the first of which are due to fly in Ukrainian airspace in 2028–2029."

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.