In Defence Current Affairs for 22 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Defence Current Affairs 22 May 2026
Inauguration of Indian War Memorial in Seoul
India and the Republic of Korea marked a historic moment with the inauguration of the Indian War Memorial at Imjingak Park in Seoul on 21 May 2026. The memorial was jointly inaugurated by Rajnath Singh and Kwon Oh-eul as part of the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.
The memorial honours the extraordinary contribution of the 60 Para Field Ambulance unit of the Indian Army and the Custodian Force of India during the Korean War. It stands as a symbol of courage, humanitarian service, and the enduring friendship between India and the Republic of Korea.
During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s commitment to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance on the Korean Peninsula. He stated that the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers continue to strengthen the foundation of the India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the two countries to enhance cooperation in honouring Korean War veterans and encouraging greater interaction among them. In addition, a special memoir was released to pay tribute to the selfless service and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the conflict.
The 60 Para Field Ambulance unit, led by Lt Col (Dr) AG Rangaraj, Maha Vir Chakra, earned worldwide respect for its exceptional medical support during the war. The unit treated thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians under extremely dangerous battlefield conditions. Because of their compassion and bravery, they came to be known as the “Maroon Angels” by the people of South Korea.
India also played a crucial role after the war through the Custodian Force of India, which worked under the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC). The commission, headed by Lt Gen KS Thimayya, was responsible for overseeing the humane repatriation and custody of prisoners of war following the Korean Armistice Agreement of 1953.
The inauguration of the memorial not only honours the bravery of Indian soldiers but also reflects the deep historical ties and mutual respect shared between India and South Korea.
India Launches ₹37,500 Crore Coal Gasification Drive
The Government of India has approved a massive ₹37,500 crore coal gasification initiative aimed at converting 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite annually into valuable products such as syngas, fertilisers, synthetic fuels, and chemicals.
The ambitious programme is expected to attract investments worth ₹2.5–3 lakh crore and generate nearly 50,000 employment opportunities across the country. The initiative will also help India reduce its dependence on imports of LNG, urea, ammonia, methanol, and other important industrial products.
The new decision by the Union Cabinet represents the largest coal gasification push in India’s history. It expands upon the National Coal Gasification Mission launched in 2021 and replaces the earlier ₹8,500 crore scheme approved in January 2024.
The project is a major step toward India’s goal of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. India possesses enormous reserves of around 401 billion tonnes of coal and 47 billion tonnes of lignite, making coal gasification a strategic priority for energy security and industrial development.
Coal gasification is a process in which coal reacts with steam and limited oxygen at very high temperatures to produce synthesis gas, commonly known as syngas. This syngas can be further used to manufacture fertilisers like urea and ammonia, industrial chemicals such as methanol and olefins, clean fuels including synthetic natural gas and dimethyl ether, and even hydrogen for industrial use.
The scheme provides financial assistance of up to 20 percent of plant and machinery costs. Incentives are capped at ₹5,000 crore per project, ₹9,000 crore per product category, and ₹12,000 crore per corporate group.
The initiative is economically significant because India’s import bill for LNG, urea, ammonia, methanol, and related products reached approximately ₹2.77 lakh crore in FY2025. By promoting domestic production, the government aims to strengthen energy independence, industrial growth, and long-term economic sustainability.
RRP Defence Wins ₹29.8 Crore BEL Contract
RRP Defence has secured a ₹29.8 crore contract from Bharat Electronics Limited for the supply of high-precision germanium lenses used in advanced defence systems.
The agreement highlights India’s growing capabilities in indigenous electro-optics and thermal imaging technologies, which are essential for modern defence operations such as surveillance, weapon targeting, and reconnaissance.
RRP Defence, which specialises in electro-optical systems and thermal imaging solutions, will design and manufacture customised germanium lenses according to BEL’s operational and technical requirements. These lenses are considered mission-critical because they efficiently transmit infrared radiation, enabling accurate imaging during night operations and low-visibility conditions.
Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, RRP Defence has been expanding its presence in sectors such as semiconductors, drones, aerospace systems, and thermal imaging technologies. The company is also actively working on unmanned aerial vehicle platforms and semiconductor-linked defence technologies.
The contract reflects India’s continuous efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the vision of self-reliance in the defence sector.
NATO Military Committee Concludes 195th Chiefs of Defence Meeting
The 195th Chiefs of Defence Meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization concluded at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 19 May 2026. The meeting brought together military leaders from all 32 NATO member nations to discuss global security challenges, defence preparedness, and the alliance’s future military priorities.
The NATO Military Committee serves as the highest military authority within NATO. It provides strategic military advice to NATO’s political leadership and coordinates collective defence policies among member countries.
The meeting was chaired by Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee. Senior military leaders, including Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich and Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Admiral Pierre Vandier, also participated in the discussions.
Several major issues were discussed during the meeting, including collective defence and deterrence strategies, military modernisation, defence spending commitments by member countries, and the evolving security environment in Europe.
The discussions focused on strengthening NATO’s readiness to respond to emerging security threats and improving military coordination among allied nations.
US Pauses $14 Billion Taiwan Arms Sale
The United States has temporarily paused a proposed USD 14 billion arms sale to Taiwan amid concerns over maintaining adequate weapons stockpiles during the ongoing tensions linked to Iran.
According to reports, the decision was taken to ensure that the US military retains sufficient munitions for “Operation Epic Fury.” Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao informed a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing that the pause was necessary because of the heavy usage of advanced missile systems during the recent conflict.
The United States has reportedly deployed thousands of missiles since the conflict with Iran began on 28 February 2026. These include long-range stealth cruise missiles, Tomahawk missiles, Patriot air defence interceptors, Precision Strike missiles, and ATACMS ground-based missile systems.
The White House is also expected to seek supplemental funding worth USD 80–100 billion from Congress to support military requirements related to the Iran conflict. A major portion of this funding is likely to be used to replenish advanced weapons systems consumed during the 12-week conflict, which currently remains under a fragile ceasefire.
The temporary suspension of the Taiwan arms deal reflects the growing strategic pressures faced by the United States as it balances commitments in multiple geopolitical regions simultaneously.
Review Questions
- Where was the Indian War Memorial inaugurated in May 2026?
A. Tokyo
B. Seoul
C. Beijing
D. Bangkok
ANSWER: B - Which Indian Army unit was honoured at the Indian War Memorial in South
Korea?
A. Rajput Regiment
B. Sikh Regiment
C. 60 Para Field Ambulance
D. Gorkha Rifles
ANSWER: C - What is the main objective of India’s ₹37,500 crore coal gasification scheme?
A. Increase coal exports
B. Produce syngas and industrial chemicals
C. Build nuclear plants
D. Import LNG
ANSWER: B - Which company awarded a ₹29.8 crore contract to RRP Defence for
germanium lenses?
A. HAL
B. DRDO
C. BEL
D. BDL
ANSWER: C - The 195th Chiefs of Defence Meeting was organized by which organization?
A. ASEAN
B. NATO
C. BRICS
D. SCO
ANSWER: B - Marine Engineering Training Establishment of the Indian Navy located at
A. Noida
B. Kochi
C. Pune
D. Wayanad
ANSWER: C - RIMPAC Stands For
A. Rim of the Pacific Exercise
B. Rim of the Perfect Exercise
C. Rim of the Pacific Economy
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - IAF celebrates 60 years of Glorious Service Of
A. INS Hansa
B. INS Parundu
C. Chetak
D. Dhruv
ANSWER: C - INS Ranjit Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Tank
ANSWER: A - Which Country Is Not The Member Of G-7?
A. Germany
B. France
C. Russia
D. USA
ANSWER: A - Berlin Is The Capital Of
A. France
B. Qatar
C. Germany
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C - “Not Just A Nightwatchman: My Innings in the BCCI” Book Written By
A. Shashi Tharoor
B. Sitaram Yechuri
C. Vinod Rai
D. Anurag Thakur
ANSWER: C - Where Is The Hq Of The Southern Western Command of The Indian Army?
A. Jaipur
B. Jabalpur
C. Pune
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A - Sea Dragon Exercise Hosted By
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - India Purchased C 130 J from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - Ex KHANJAR Conducted B/W India &
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. Kazakhstan
D. Kyrgyzstan
ANSWER: D - OPEC Hq Is In
A. Vienna
B. New York
C. Chennai
D. Abu Dhabi
ANSWER: A - Gangtok Is The Capital Of
A. Sikkim
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Telangana
D. Tripura
ANSWER: A - What Is The Full Form Of JCB?
A. Joseph Cyril Bamford
B. Joseph Cyrus Bamford
C. Joseph Cyril Bofors
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - Lt Gen. Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of IAF?
A. Vice Admiral
B. Air Commodore
C. Commodore
D. Air Marshal
ANSWER: D
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