Current Affairs - Defence

INS Sunayna successfully completed its maritime port call at Chattogram, Bangladesh, under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative. The deployment was carried out under the Ministry of Defence and included joint naval activities with the Bangladesh Navy, such as a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) and coordinated maritime manoeuvres with BNS Protoy. The ship also carried personnel from 16 partner nations during the mission, highlighting regional maritime cooperation. After concluding its Bangladesh visit, the vessel proceeded toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of its operational route. The initiative strengthens India’s maritime partnerships and regional security collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.

DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, successfully carried out a major long-duration test of an Actively Cooled Full Scale Scramjet Combustor for hypersonic missile technology on May 09, 2026. The test was conducted at the Scramjet Connect Pipe Test Facility in Hyderabad and achieved a continuous engine runtime of more than 1,200 seconds, surpassing the earlier benchmark set in January 2026. The project involved advanced indigenous technologies such as liquid hydrocarbon endothermic fuel and high-temperature thermal barrier coatings. This achievement strengthens India’s Hypersonic Cruise Missile Development Program and highlights the country’s growing capability in advanced aerospace and missile technologies.

The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) of the Indian Coast Guard was conducted in Goa on May 11, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard. These hovercrafts are being built with 50% indigenous material under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ACVs are specially designed for high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, and search-and-rescue missions in shallow waters, marshy terrains, and deep sea regions. The project highlights India’s growing focus on strengthening coastal security and indigenous defence production.

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani was appointed as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan after his retirement in May 2026. Along with serving as the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister, the CDS also functions as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs. Lt Gen Subramani has a distinguished military career, having been commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in 1985 and later serving in key strategic roles along the Line of Actual Control and the western front. His appointment reflects the government’s emphasis on experienced leadership and integrated military coordination within India’s defence structure.

ICGS Achal is a new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard at Goa Shipyard Limited on May 09, 2026. The vessel was designed and built entirely in India, supporting the government’s focus on indigenous defence manufacturing and self-reliance. More than 50 percent of its components are domestically produced, highlighting advancements in the Indian shipbuilding sector. The vessel is intended to strengthen maritime security and coastal surveillance operations across India’s maritime frontiers. The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Coast Guard, reflecting the strategic importance of the induction.