Current Affairs - Defence

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army's Southern Command on 1st July 2026, succeeding Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, who became the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. A senior Armoured Corps officer commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in 1988, Lt Gen Pushkar has nearly four decades of distinguished military service. He has commanded several important formations, served in instructional and staff appointments, and represented India internationally in Bhutan and Russia. He is also a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his exceptional service to the nation.

Air Marshal Jasvir Singh Mann assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Southern Air Command on 1st July 2026, succeeding Air Marshal Manish Khanna after his retirement. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in 1989, he has accumulated over 3,000 flying hours on aircraft including the Apache, MiG-21, Jaguar, MiG-29, Su-30, and Rafale. He has held several key operational and leadership appointments and is a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VSM) for his distinguished service.

General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as India's 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on July 1, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi. Upon taking office, he unveiled the "VIJAY" vision, a comprehensive roadmap focused on building a technology-driven, future-ready, and self-reliant Indian Army. The vision emphasises Vigilance and Readiness, Innovation and Transformation, Jointness and Integration, Aatmanirbharta, and Yoddha First. A 1986-batch Armoured Corps officer with nearly four decades of distinguished service, General Seth has commanded several key formations, including the South Western Command and Southern Command, contributing significantly to India's defence preparedness and military modernisation.

The Indian Air Force has equipped 40 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets with the air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, significantly enhancing India's long-range precision strike capability. This integration enables the aircraft to carry out stand-off attacks on strategic land and maritime targets while remaining outside the reach of enemy air defence systems. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, offers a strike range of about 450 km and travels at speeds of up to Mach 3. The development strengthens India's indigenous defence capabilities and improves the operational effectiveness of its frontline fighter fleet.

Operation Amistad is India's humanitarian relief mission launched to assist Venezuela following a devastating earthquake. Conducted under India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) framework, the mission includes relief supplies, medical equipment, portable hospitals, and rescue teams to support affected communities. The Indian Air Force deployed C-17 Globemaster aircraft to transport aid and personnel. The operation reflects India's commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance during international disasters and reinforces its role as a responsible global partner that supports friendly nations during times of crisis.