Current Affairs - Defence

Mongolia is hosting the 2026 edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST, a multinational military exercise focused on enhancing peacekeeping capabilities and interoperability among participating nations. Conducted at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, the exercise includes personnel from various countries and features tactical drills such as cordon and search operations, patrolling, counter-IED procedures, checkpoint establishment, and combat first aid. The Indian Army has deployed a contingent of 40 personnel led by a battalion of the JAT Regiment. Originally launched in 2003 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia, KHAAN QUEST evolved into a multilateral peacekeeping exercise in 2006 and has since become an important platform for international military cooperation.

Australia will host Exercise Pitch Black 2026, a major biennial multinational air combat exercise conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Scheduled from July 20 to August 7, 2026, the exercise will take place in Australia's Northern Territory and involve more than 100 aircraft along with personnel from 20 participating nations, including the host country. The event is designed to enhance air combat integration, interoperability, and operational coordination among allied and partner air forces across the Indo-Pacific region. Participation by the Indian Air Force reflects India's growing defence cooperation with international partners and provides valuable experience in realistic and complex warfare training environments.

The Headquarters Directorate General NCC approved the establishment of independent State Directorates for Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand on June 15, 2026. With this expansion, the total number of NCC State Directorates in India increased from 17 to 19. The move aims to provide better administrative coordination, enhanced supervision, and improved support for training infrastructure in the two states. The NCC currently has a strength of more than 20 lakh cadets and operates in over 750 districts across the country. Recognised as the world’s largest uniformed youth organisation, the NCC plays a significant role in youth development, leadership training, and nation-building activities.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three consecutive flight-tests of the Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) on June 10 and 11, 2026. These tests demonstrated India's capability to defend against long-range ballistic missile threats and marked the successful maiden flight-test of the NASM-MR, designed for the Indian Navy. The achievement placed India among a select group of nations capable of engaging Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Developed indigenously, these advanced missile systems strengthen India's defence preparedness and showcase significant progress in domestic military technology and strategic capabilities.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement on June 30, 2026. Before this appointment, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and had a distinguished military career spanning several decades. Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps and received several distinguished military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exemplary service.