Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani Appointed New CDS Indian Army Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, succeeding Anil Chauhan whose tenure ends on 30 May. Subramani, a retired lieutenant general, will also assume the role of secretary to the Department of Defence. This marks his appointment as the third individual to hold the CDS position, following the establishment of the role in December 2019. Subramani, currently serving as a military advisor to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), retired from the Indian Army on 31 July 2025 after a 39-year career. His new appointment follows his tenure as Vice Chief of Army Staff, a role he held after serving in various high-profile commands. Concurrently, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of Naval Staff, effective 31 May. Subramani's military career began in 1985 when he joined the Gorkha Rifles. He completed his training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and later attended the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Britain. Upon returning to India, he served in the Mountain Brigade and later held key positions in Delhi's National Defence College. He holds advanced degrees in Arts from King's College, London, and Defence Studies from Madras University. Throughout his career, Subramani has commanded units in diverse regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, where he served as deputy commander of the National Rifles Sector. He also led the 168 Infantry Brigade in Samba, Jammu and Kashmir, and held roles in the Central Command and as Deputy Director General of Military Intelligence.#national_defence_academy #lt_gen_ns_raja_subramani #chief_defence_staff #joint_services_command_and_staff_college #national_security_council_secretariat
Wing Commander Mandeep Singh Dhillon: IAF Helicopter Pilot Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice Saving Flood-Hit Civilians Wing Commander Mandeep Singh Dhillon (Service No. 25307 F(P)) was a revered helicopter pilot of the Indian Air Force whose life was defined by unwavering courage, professionalism, and a profound commitment to humanitarian service. On 4 July 2017, during a perilous rescue mission in the flood-ravaged region of Arunachal Pradesh, he made the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to save civilian lives over his own. His actions not only preserved countless lives but also underscored the core ethos of the Indian Air Force—service before self. Born in Patiala, Punjab, Dhillon hailed from a distinguished military family. His father, Squadron Leader Puran Singh Dhillon (Retd.), served as a flight engineer on Mi-4 helicopters before transitioning to national athletics coaching. Growing up in a household steeped in service, Dhillon was instilled with discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of duty. His early education at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, showcased his academic and athletic prowess, including a gold medal in cross-country running. He later joined the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, as an Air Force cadet in Foxtrot Squadron. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force on 19 December 1998, he opted for the helicopter stream, dedicating his career to aerial operations. Over nearly two decades of service, Dhillon developed an exceptional operational profile. He accumulated nearly 4,000 flying hours, including over 1,200 as a captain on the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. His qualifications extended to roles as a Qualified Flying Instructor, Aircrew Examiner, and Instrument Rating Instructor.#indian_air_force #arunachal_pradesh #wing_commander_mandeep_singh_dhillon #rashtriya_indian_military_college #national_defence_academy
