Current Affairs - Defence

India and Indonesia strengthened their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by signing 14 agreements covering defence, maritime security, trade, digital payments, education, space, critical minerals, and other strategic sectors. As part of the defence cooperation, Indonesia decided to procure India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems and Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs). These agreements were announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta in July 2026. The partnership also reinforces cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, promotes regional stability, and expands India's growing defence exports and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia.

Adani Defence and Aerospace is establishing South Asia’s largest private sector integrated missile manufacturing facility in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, with an investment of ₹2,500 crore. The plant will manufacture precision-guided munitions, ammunition, and mission-ready missiles while integrating advanced materials and production systems at a single location. Equipped with automated manufacturing technology and globally benchmarked safety standards, the facility is expected to strengthen India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The project will also boost employment, enhance the regional industrial ecosystem, and support the country's goal of achieving greater self-reliance in the defence sector.

INS Sudarshini represented India at the United States International Naval Review 250 and the Sail4th 250 celebrations held in New York. The ship arrived at New York Port as part of its Lokayan 2026 transoceanic expedition, which aims to strengthen international maritime cooperation and goodwill. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2012 and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sudarshini serves as a sail training vessel based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. It also plays a key role in preserving traditional seafaring skills while promoting friendly relations with navies around the world.

Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra assumed the appointment of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Jaipur-based South Western Command after serving as the Chief of Staff at Headquarters Eastern Command. Commissioned into the 47 Armoured Regiment in June 1989, he has held several key command assignments, including service in the Siachen Glacier, command of an Armoured Division, and the Desert Corps. He has extensive expertise in operational planning, military intelligence, and technology absorption. For his distinguished service to the nation, he has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Sena Medal (SM).

Air Marshal PV Shivanand assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command on 1st July 2026. He succeeded Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, who took over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC). Before this appointment, Air Marshal PV Shivanand served as the Senior Air Staff Officer at the Headquarters Central Air Command. He also represented India internationally as the Defence and Air Attaché at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC, with concurrent accreditation to Canada, reflecting his extensive operational and diplomatic experience.