Current Affairs - Defence

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.

India's first indigenous 300-km range rocket system, Suryastra, was flagged off by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Shirdi, Maharashtra, on May 24, 2026. Developed by NIBE Limited, the system represents a significant advancement in India's indigenous defence capabilities and supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. During the event, a private-sector defence manufacturing complex was also inaugurated, focusing on advanced artillery, missile technologies, space systems, and autonomous defence platforms. Additional initiatives included the unveiling of indigenous TNT and RDX plant technologies and the foundation stone laying for a missile complex. The development highlights the growing role of private industry in strengthening India's defence production ecosystem.

India successfully conducted the test-launch of the Agni-1 short-range ballistic missile from Chandipur in Odisha on May 22, 2026. The launch was carried out under the Strategic Forces Command and validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile system. Agni-1 is an important component of India's strategic deterrence framework and was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The missile uses a single-stage solid propellant engine and plays a key role in strengthening national security. The successful test demonstrated the reliability and operational readiness of India's indigenous missile capabilities and strategic defence infrastructure.

The Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade was conducted on May 23, 2026, at Air Force Station Chandinagar, home to the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC). The event marked the successful completion of rigorous training by new members of the Garud Special Forces, the elite special operations unit of the Indian Air Force. During the ceremony, trainees were awarded the Maroon Beret, Garud Proficiency Badge, and Special Forces Tabs, symbolising their induction into the force. The parade was reviewed by Air Vice Marshal Rahul Gupta, and outstanding performers were recognised for their achievements during training.

Nibe Limited, a Pune-based defence manufacturing company, successfully carried out the test-firings of the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher at the Interim Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, on May 18 and 19, 2026. Developed in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems using Precise & Universal Launching System (PULS) technology, the system is planned for indigenous production in India. The launcher features rocket variants with ranges of 150 km and 300 km and demonstrated high accuracy during testing. Designed as a rapid-response precision weapon system, Suryastra aims to bridge the operational gap between conventional artillery systems and heavy ballistic missiles.