Current Affairs - Defence

Sanjukta Parashar became the first-ever woman IPS officer to head the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), an elite force specialising in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency operations. A 2006-batch IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, she has served in the Assam Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). She has also led counter-terrorism operations and previously headed the CID wing of Assam Police. Parashar gained recognition for her role in counter-insurgency operations against the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), contributing to her reputation as the “Iron Lady of Assam.”

Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer is the venue for IAF Dronathon 2026, conducted from September 14 to 16. The three-day event provides a realistic operating environment for assessing advanced unmanned technologies. More than 20 defence firms, startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators are participating and showcasing technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems, autonomous operations, swarm technology, Electronic Warfare and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Indian Air Force is using the event to evaluate how these platforms perform in contested and complex environments. The event also supports the development of India’s indigenous unmanned systems ecosystem under the Atmanirbharta initiative.

INS Mysore participated in the 4th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Samudra Laksamana with the Royal Malaysian Navy in Malaysia. The Indian Navy ship arrived at Lumut on September 9, 2026, for the exercise, which includes professional engagements both in harbour and at sea. Activities involve cross-deck visits, operational interactions, and sporting engagements designed to strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. The exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and forms part of the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026. INS Mysore is an indigenously built Delhi-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1999.

DRDO launched the SHIELD programme to develop specialised evaluation systems for high-power microwave (HPM) technology aimed at countering drones. The programme is being implemented under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which supports Indian industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, in developing indigenous defence technologies. SHIELD focuses on soft-kill capabilities that can disable unmanned aircraft by disrupting their electronic circuits, communications, sensors, and navigation systems. DRDO, established in 1958 and headquartered in New Delhi, functions under the Ministry of Defence and plays a key role in strengthening India’s defence research and technological self-reliance.

Stanzin Tsangyang became the first woman officer from Kargil district to be commissioned into the Indian Army. She also holds the distinction of being the first officer from Zanskar district of Ladakh to join the Army. Born in the Zanskar valley, she pursued her education away from home and studied Mechanical Engineering at Tezpur University in Assam. Her involvement with the National Cadet Corps during college helped guide her toward a military career. She was commissioned at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai on September 5, 2026, marking a historic achievement for her family and community.