Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India successfully conducted a test launch of the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This is the first rail-based launch integrated with the national railway network. The launch demonstrates India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and cross-country mobility with reduced visibility. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers. The test involved the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

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Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine would trigger a “completely new stage of escalation.” He emphasized that such a move could significantly heighten tensions between Washington (USA) and Moscow (Russia). The statement reflects Russia’s concerns over extended-range weapons reaching Ukrainian forces. Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the United States for land-attack missions. It is launched from ships or submarines using a Vertical Launch System for highly accurate strikes.

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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), on 6th October 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. INS Androth has over 80% indigenous content, symbolising ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The vessel is 77 metres long, displaces about 1500 tonnes, and is designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal and shallow waters. It is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems to detect, track, and neutralise underwater threats.

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On October 6, 2025, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal welcomed India’s first Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) Shivalik at Visakhapatnam Port, on its maiden call. Shivalik was inducted under the Indian flag by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) Ltd. on September 10, 2025, enhancing India’s maritime and energy logistics capability. The vessel handled its inaugural LPG consignment at Visakhapatnam Port’s LPG terminal efficiently, facilitated by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA). The induction aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Maritime India Vision 2030, promoting self-reliance, indigenous ownership, and global competitiveness.

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Recently, North Korea unveiled its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) named Hwasong-20 at a military parade. Hwasong-20 is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed with a solid-fuel engine made of carbon fiber composite materials. Solid-fueled missiles can be quickly launched and are harder to intercept than liquid-fueled ones. The missile has an estimated range of over 15,000 km, capable of reaching distant continents. It features an advanced guidance system combining Inertial Navigation System (INS) with GPS or optical sensors for high accuracy.

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Taiwan will build a more defensive air system called “T-Dome” to counter China’s military actions. President Lai Ching-te unveiled T-Dome to modernise Taiwan’s defence sector and increase military and political pressure. Taiwan is expanding its military and defence spending but faces pressure from China’s large and advanced military. T-Dome supports Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare approach, creating a multi-layer defence shield. Taiwan aims to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. T-Dome strengthens Taiwan’s ability to target larger military forces despite Beijing’s rising defence budget and new weapons development.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently successfully tested the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at an altitude of 32,000 feet. The system is indigenously developed by DRDO. It was designed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru. MCPS allows paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at set altitudes, and land accurately at designated zones. It ensures independent operation without foreign interference or denial of service.

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In October 2025, Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile 9M730 Burevestnik, meaning “storm petrel.” The test took place at the Pankovo test site in the Arctic region. The missile is designed with unlimited range to evade and penetrate advanced air and missile defense systems. The aim is to enhance Russia’s strategic deterrence against current and future defense technologies. It was developed by Russia’s Defence Industry and designated by NATO as “SSC-X-9 Skyfall.” It is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile, both nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Savitri recently arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, during its Long-Range Operational Deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region. INS Savitri is an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy. It was built by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai, and commissioned on 7 June 1990. The ship operates under the Eastern Naval Command based at Visakhapatnam. It performs roles like aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and patrol duties. It has a top speed of 15 knots (30 km/h) and is equipped with a 40×60 Bofors Gun and a helicopter deck for Chetak operations.

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The United States (US) Air Force recently conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), planned months in advance. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an American-made silo-launched guided missile designed for surface attacks. “L” stands for silo-launched, “G” for surface attack, and “M” for guided missile in the US Department of Defense code. The US currently maintains around 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal.