Current Affairs - Defence

General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on 31 May 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. As the country's highest-ranking military officer, the CDS serves as the principal military adviser to the Government of India and plays a crucial role in enhancing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. With more than four decades of military experience, General Subramani has held several important positions, including Vice Chief of Army Staff, Military Advisor at the National Security Council Secretariat, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command. His appointment is expected to further strengthen defence reforms, military modernisation, and tri-services integration in India.

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.