NS Raja Subramani named next CDS and Defence Secretary
Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) has been appointed the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs. He will take charge after the present CDS, General Anil Chauhan, completes his tenure on 30 May 2026. Subramani is currently Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat, a role he has held since September 2025, and he has over four decades of service across command, staff, and instructional appointments. He served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from July 2024 to July 2025, and as General Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief, Central Command, from March 2023 to June 2024. Commissioned on 14 December 1985 into the Garhwal Rifles, he studied at the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Joint Services Command and Staff College, Bracknell, and the National Defence College. He holds an MA from King’s College London and an MPhil in Defence Studies from the University of Madras. The CDS post coordinates tri‑services planning and national‑level defence coordination.
Appointment: NS Raja Subramani (Retd) named next CDS and Defence Secretary.
Tenure start: will assume after CDS Anil Chauhan’s tenure ends on 30 May 2026.
Current role: Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat since September 2025.
Previous commands: Vice Chief of the Army Staff (July 2024–July 2025); GOC‑in‑Chief, Central Command (March 2023–June 2024).
Education: National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Joint Services Command and Staff College, National Defence College; MA (King’s College London); MPhil (Madras University).
Kalam & Kavach 3.0 defence dialogue inaugurated in New Delhi
Kalam & Kavach 3.0, India’s defence and strategic dialogue platform, was inaugurated on 14 May 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The edition carried the theme “Taking JAI Forward With I²” where JAI stands for Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, and I² for Indigenisation and International Collaboration. The platform brings together defence policymakers, industry, and academics to discuss future warfare and technology. The inaugural session featured speakers on joint theatre commands, integrated planning, and emerging tech. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth delivered the address; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke via video; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan participated. The event highlighted AI, autonomous systems, and other advanced areas.
Event: Kalam & Kavach 3.0 inaugurated in New Delhi on 14 May 2026.
Theme: Taking JAI Forward With I² (Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, Innovation; Indigenisation, International Collaboration).
Participants: MoS Defence Sanjay Seth; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (video); CDS Anil Chauhan.
Outcome: Emphasis on joint planning and collaboration between government, industry, and international partners.
NS Raja Subramani appointed next Chief of Defence Staff
The Government on 12 May 2026 appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs. He will take charge after the current CDS, General Anil Chauhan, completes his tenure on 30 May 2026. Raja Subramani has over 40 years of experience across command, staff, and instructional roles, including as Vice Chief of the Army Staff (July 2024–July 2025) and as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command (March 2023–June 2024). He was commissioned on 14 December 1985 into the Garhwal Rifles and holds degrees from King’s College London and Madras University.
Appointment announced on 12 May 2026; CDS will assume on 30 May 2026.
Over 40 years of service; former VCoAS and GOC-in-C Central Command.
Commissioned 14 December 1985 into Garhwal Rifles.
Holds MA from King’s College London and MPhil from Madras University.
Key leadership role in the Department of Military Affairs.
May 13, 2026
NS Raja Subramani to Succeed as CDS; Krishna Swaminathan Becomes Navy Chief
The government named Lieutenant General (retired) NS Raja Subramani as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), to take over on 30 May 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. Subramani retired as Army Vice Chief of Staff on 31 July 2025 and currently serves as Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, and previously served as Central Army Commander in Lucknow. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan will become the new Navy Chief, taking charge on 31 May 2026, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
NS Raja Subramani named next CDS; assumes post 30 May 2026
Retired Army Vice Chief of Staff (July 2025); Military Adviser to NSCS
NDA and IMA alumnus; former Central Army Commander
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan appointed Navy Chief; starts 31 May 2026
Swaminathan heads Western Naval Command
May 12, 2026
Rolls-Royce plans India expansion across defence, aviation, and energy
Rolls-Royce has outlined plans to deepen its presence in India across defence, civil aviation, and energy sectors. The strategy includes co-developing a next-generation military engine core in the 120 kN thrust class and offering full technology transfer with IP ownership to India. Localised engine manufacturing is planned for the Indian Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, supporting India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme. The company also aims to strengthen its Indian supply chain and expand collaborations with domestic partners. This expansion aligns with broader Indian defence and industrial growth goals and could expand technology transfer and domestic production.
Plans target defence, aviation, and energy sectors in India.
Co-development of a 120 kN thrust-class military engine core proposed.
Full technology transfer with IP ownership to India contemplated.
Localised manufacturing for military services and AMCA programme planned.
Strengthened Indian supply chain and domestic partnerships emphasized.
May 06, 2026
Japan and Philippines Expand Defence Ties
Japan and the Philippines have expanded defence cooperation through bilateral exercises, port calls and wider defence dialogue. Both nations are maritime states in the Indo‑Pacific and share concerns about security in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Japan has provided defence equipment and capacity‑building support under its security assistance framework. Joint exercises include naval and air force coordination, search-and‑rescue drills and interoperability training to improve communication and operational readiness. The Philippines has conducted exercises with the United States, Australia and other partners, reflecting a broader regional security architecture in which India also participates through informal channels.
Defence ties include exercises, port calls, dialogue
Focus on Indo‑Pacific maritime security
Japan provides equipment and capacity‑building
Exercises involve naval, air and SAR elements
Philippines collaborates with multiple partners
May 04, 2026
Indian Army departs for CINBAX-II with Cambodia
The Indian Army contingent has departed for Cambodia for the second edition of the India‑Cambodia Bilateral Military Exercise CINBAX‑II. The exercise will be conducted at Techo Sen Phnom Thom Mreas Provincial Royal Cambodian Air Force Training Centre (Camp Basil) from 04 to 17 May 2026. The primary objective is to enhance interoperability, coordination, and operational synergy between India and Cambodia at the Company level in sub‑conventional environments. The joint exercise also aligns with current peacekeeping dynamics and UN operations. The Indian contingent will include 120 personnel, while Cambodia contributes 160; the program emphasizes sharing best practices and operational experiences.
CINBAX‑II runs 4–17 May 2026 at Camp Basil, Cambodia.
Focus: Company‑level joint training in sub‑conventional environments.
Objective: interoperability and coordination with Cambodia.
Indian contingent: 120 personnel; Cambodian contingent: 160.
Must-know last 48 hours: India‑Cambodia bilateral exercise scheduled as announced.
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