Current Affairs - Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out three consecutive flight-tests of the Multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system and the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR) on June 10 and 11, 2026. These tests demonstrated India's capability to defend against long-range ballistic missile threats and marked the successful maiden flight-test of the NASM-MR, designed for the Indian Navy. The achievement placed India among a select group of nations capable of engaging Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Developed indigenously, these advanced missile systems strengthen India's defence preparedness and showcase significant progress in domestic military technology and strategic capabilities.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement on June 30, 2026. Before this appointment, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and had a distinguished military career spanning several decades. Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, he is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He has commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps and received several distinguished military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exemplary service.

Major Prabhat Mishra of the Indian Army earned two prestigious academic honours during the graduation ceremony of the US Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He received the Birrer-Brookes Award for producing the Outstanding Master of Military Arts and Science Thesis and the General Douglas MacArthur Military Leadership Writing Award for excellence in military leadership writing. These recognitions highlight his academic achievement and leadership capabilities. The CGSC is a renowned institution that prepares mid-career military officers for senior leadership and staff responsibilities through advanced military education and training.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the next Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. Commissioned into the fighter stream in 1986, he is a highly experienced fighter pilot, experimental test pilot, and qualified flying instructor with more than 3,300 flying hours on over 20 aircraft types. He currently serves as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) and has contributed significantly to indigenous defence projects, military reforms, and joint operational planning. His extensive operational, leadership, and modernisation experience is expected to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s future capabilities and strategic preparedness.

Maj Gen Rachel Thomas assumed the appointment of Additional Director General (ADG) of the Military Nursing Service (MNS) on June 01, 2026. She succeeded Maj Gen Lissamma PV, who retired from the post on May 31, 2026. Commissioned into the Military Nursing Service on June 01, 1988, she is an alumna of the College of Nursing at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune. During her distinguished career, she held various clinical and administrative appointments in military hospitals under the Northern and Eastern Commands. Her appointment reflects her extensive experience and leadership in military healthcare services.