Current Affairs - Defence

Rajesh Kumar Singh assumed the additional charge of Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development on May 31, 2026. The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet following the retirement of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, whom he succeeded. A 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, Singh has been serving as the Defence Secretary since November 2024. Before that, he served as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). DRDO plays a crucial role in advancing India's self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthening national security capabilities.

The Nausena Shaurya Vatika naval museum was inaugurated in Lucknow on May 30, 2026, by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Developed as an open-air museum at a cost of ₹19 crore over two acres, it showcases important naval artefacts and weapon systems from the decommissioned warship INS Gomati. Key attractions include the AK 726 Naval Gun, ZIF 101 missile launcher, TU 142M long-range maritime patrol aircraft, anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers, and ship masts. The museum aims to promote awareness of India's naval heritage, military achievements, and maritime defence capabilities among the public.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed three contracts with IIT Bombay on May 29, 2026, to implement predictive maintenance solutions for the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft fleet. The initiative focuses on prognostic and prescriptive maintenance techniques aimed at reducing service costs and improving aircraft availability and operational lifespan. Developed using indigenous expertise at IIT Bombay, the project marks a shift toward data-driven engineering in defence systems. The agreement supports the modernisation of maintenance practices for one of India’s key multi-role fighter platforms. IIT Bombay, established in 1958 at Powai, Mumbai, has collaborated with the IAF to enhance technological innovation and strengthen self-reliant defence capabilities.

The Indian Army launched two indigenous AI platforms named Kautilya and Q-FORCE on May 25, 2026, to strengthen data-driven decision-making and improve operational efficiency. Kautilya is designed for structured data generation, advanced analytics, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) interfaces, enabling faster interpretation of battlefield and administrative data. Q-FORCE focuses on logistics optimisation, inventory control, and sustainment support across diverse terrains, ensuring efficient resource management in operations. These initiatives are part of the Army’s broader roadmap, where 2026 is designated as the Year of Networking and Data Centricity, with full AI integration targeted by 2027 to modernise military operations.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) successfully completed its first-ever all-women international Mount Everest expedition on May 21, 2026. The 14-member team, comprising 11 women climbers and 3 technical support members, reached the summit of Mount Everest via the South Col Route from Nepal. The expedition was flagged off from New Delhi on April 19, 2026, and also promoted environmental conservation through the Clean Himalaya—Save Glacier campaign. This achievement marked the fifth successful Everest summit by ITBP and highlighted the growing role of women in high-altitude mountaineering and national service. The expedition also aligned with the Union Home Ministry’s vision of dedicated ITBP Everest missions.