Aug’23 was an eventful month for the defence sector. Key points: 1) An order worth INR 190bn for 5 fleet support ships was awarded to Hindustan Shipyard; 2) Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) worth INR 78bn was accorded for various platforms; 3) progress is being made on development and acquisition of fighter aircraft along with a visit by Air Chief Marshal to HAL; 4) successful firing of Astra BVR missile from Tejas; and 5) progress on P75I and P76 submarine programmes; and 6) guided Pinaka Rocket System is likely to enter final user trials in next 1-2 months.