Current Affairs - Defence

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command during a ceremonial parade held in Mumbai on 30 May 2026. Before taking up this position, he served as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff at Naval Headquarters in New Delhi. Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1988, he is a specialist in Gunnery and Missile Systems. Throughout his distinguished career, he has commanded several naval vessels, including INS Vibhuti, INS Nashak, INS Kuthar, and INS Sahyadri. He has also held important strategic appointments and has been awarded the PVSM, AVSM, and Nao Sena Medal for his exemplary service.

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.