General Awareness

DEFENCE - December 2023

Dec 2023

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.

May 03, 2026

Indian Navy inducts fourth stealth frigate Mahendragiri under Project 17A

The Indian Navy inducted the fourth stealth frigate Mahendragiri under Project 17A, part of the Nilgiri-class. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mahendragiri is named after a mountain peak in Odisha. The ship features advanced stealth technology to reduce radar visibility, a suite of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine warfare systems, and modern surveillance radars. It supports helicopter operations to broaden maritime reach. The induction strengthens India’s naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, aligning with a policy of blue-water capability and enhanced deterrence against evolving security challenges.

Mahendragiri is the fourth stealth frigate in Project 17A (Nilgiri-class).
Built by MDL; named after Odisha’s Mahendragiri mountain.
Equipped with stealth features, missiles, ASW systems, radars.
Supports helicopter operations; enhances IOR naval posture.

AMCA momentum and sixth-generation fighter partnerships under discussion

India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme is gaining momentum with a move toward greater private-sector participation. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the AMCA is expected to be issued soon to shortlisted private companies, signaling a shift toward indigenous fighter production. The initiative aims to deliver stealthy, high-performance air combat capabilities and reduce imports through domestic manufacturing. Concurrently, India is exploring collaboration opportunities for sixth-generation fighters with international programmes, reflecting a long-term strategy to stay at the forefront of aerial technology. The AMCA is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and build a robust aerospace ecosystem.

AMCA development progressing; RFP expected soon for shortlisted private firms.
Goal: greater Indigenous fighter production and reduced imports.
Focus on stealth, performance, and networked warfare capabilities.
India exploring sixth-generation fighter partnerships internationally.
AMCA aligns with defence-industrial growth and strategic autonomy.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

June GK, May GK, April GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26