Current Affairs - Defence

Squadron Leader Saanya became the first woman officer in the history of the Indian Air Force to achieve the prestigious Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) rating on May 18, 2026. The qualification represents the highest instructional grading in military aviation and certifies pilots to train new aviators, operational pilots, and junior instructors. To earn this elite status, candidates must complete a demanding 22-week course at the Flying Instructors School in Tambaram near Chennai, involving extensive flying practice and ground training. Saanya’s achievement marks another important milestone in the growing role of women in India’s armed forces and aviation sector.

L&T partnered with France-based Exail on May 18, 2026, to provide an advanced Unmanned Mine Counter-Measure (MCM) Suite for the Indian Navy. Under the collaboration, L&T serves as the prime contractor while Exail contributes advanced technological systems. The project is linked to India’s proposed procurement of 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels aimed at enhancing maritime security capabilities. The autonomous system is designed to detect, classify, identify, and neutralise underwater mine threats while allowing operations from a safe stand-off distance. This partnership reflects India’s growing focus on modern naval defence systems and indigenous participation in advanced military technology programmes.

Russia successfully conducted a test flight of the RS-28 Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on May 18, 2026. The missile was developed by the Makeyev Rocket Centre and is intended to replace the older RS-20 Voevoda missile systems from the Soviet era. The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled missile with advanced capabilities, including hypersonic warhead deployment and suborbital flight trajectories that significantly extend its operational range. Designed for strategic deterrence, the missile can target hardened locations over extremely long distances and is considered one of the most advanced components of Russia’s strategic missile forces.

The Indian Navy inaugurated its premier Naval Sailing Node at the Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal, in Bhopal on 17 May 2026. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff. The state-of-the-art facility was established to support advanced training activities for the Indian Navy Sailing Team, rowing, canoeing, and kayaking teams, along with NCC cadets. The initiative aligns with India’s National Sports Policy by promoting world-class sports training and encouraging youth participation in defence services. Bhojtal, where the facility is located, is historically significant and recognised internationally as part of the Ramsar-listed Bhoj Wetland.

The third edition of the Kalam & Kavach strategic defence conference was inaugurated at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth. The conference focused on the vision of Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation (JAI), while promoting indigenisation and international collaboration in defence technologies. Discussions covered AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, quantum-enabled C4ISR capabilities, and emerging space threats. The event also highlighted the role of iDEX, MSMEs, and defence industrial corridors in strengthening India’s defence ecosystem. The initiative supports India’s long-term strategic objective of achieving Viksit Bharat@2047 through advanced indigenous defence capabilities.