General Awareness

DEFENCE - July 2023

Jul 2023

May 16, 2026

Sagar Defence Engineering sets up Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding Centre in Andhra Pradesh

Sagar Defence Engineering held a stone-breaking ceremony on 12 March 2026 for India’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The Government allocated 29.58 acres for the project at the Nellore coast along the Bay of Bengal. The centre will develop unmanned surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, intelligent navigation systems and integrated command-and-control, with AI-driven shipyard management, digital twins, robotic fabrication and 3D printing. Applications span defence and civilian use, including smart fishing networks, ocean research and offshore energy operations.

Inauguration/ceremony date: 12 March 2026.
Location: Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.
Area: 29.58 acres allotted for the project.
Technologies: USVs, AUVs, AI navigation, digital twins, robotic fabrication.
Scope: Defence and civilian maritime applications.

May 15, 2026

Foundation stone laid for AMCA project in Andhra Pradesh

Rajnath Singh and Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) infrastructure on 15 May 2026 at Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh. The project involves ₹15,803 crore of investment across about 650 acres and is linked to India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Aeronautical Development Agency, the AMCA facility is expected to create about 7,500 direct high-skilled jobs and support prototype development following Cabinet Committee on Security approval in March 2024. The site will bolster India’s defence manufacturing base and related ecosystem.

Foundation stone laid for AMCA infrastructure on 15 May 2026.
Investment of ₹15,803 crore across ~650 acres in Puttaparthi.
AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter program.
Developed by DRDO and ADA; prototype development planned post-2024 approval.
Project to generate about 7,500 direct high-skilled jobs.

Kaal Bhairava AI combat aircraft to be manufactured in Portugal

Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace disclosed on 14 May 2026 that its Kaal Bhairava AI combat aircraft will be manufactured in Portugal, in collaboration with SKETCHPIXEL LDA. The project marks the first overseas production node for an Indian-designed autonomous combat aircraft. Kaal Bhairava is a MALE platform with a 3,000 km range and endurance over 30 hours, featuring AI-driven target recognition, swarm coordination, and encrypted communications. SKETCHPIXEL LDA will provide simulation technologies, AI integration, and interoperability capabilities, while Flying Wedge will retain core IP for autonomous systems and the airframe. Portugal becomes the initial European production site for the platform under Operation 777.

Kaal Bhairava to be manufactured in Portugal with SKETCHPIXEL LDA.
First overseas production node for Indian-designed autonomous aircraft.
MALE platform: 3,000 km range; over 30 hours endurance.
AI target recognition, swarm coordination, encrypted comms.
Portugal is the initial European production site.

May 14, 2026

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.
Focus areas: AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonics, quantum C4ISR, low‑Earth orbit.
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.

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