Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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A Bangladesh-registered C-130J Hercules jet became the most tracked flight on Flightradar24.com amid rumors of the Bangladesh Prime Minister leaving the country. The C-130J Super Hercules, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a four-engine military transport aircraft used for tactical missions. It has a 19-ton payload capacity, can operate from rough runways, and is primarily used by the US and other nations for airdropping troops and equipment.

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The Indian Army conducted the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare. The exercise highlights operations in rugged terrains near the India-China border. It involves real-world combat simulations to train soldiers for unique challenges. This fortnight-long drill involves various Army units, including infantry, artillery, and armoured forces, and showcases military assets like tanks, K-9 Vajra artillery, and UAVs. The exercise, involving the Mountain Strike Corps, is crucial for maintaining readiness in this sensitive region amid the ongoing India-China standoff.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the bilateral Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The exercise took place in Kuantan, Malaysia, from 6-9 August 2024. Both air forces deployed seven Sukhoi-30 fighter planes, which are purchased from Russia. India’s Sukhoi-30 planes, mostly produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are the Su-30MKI variant, specifically modernized for India. Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 included Training Exercises and Subject Matter Expert Exchange concepts. Training Exercises focused on air combat involving Su-30 planes from both countries.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing the Pinaka-MK3, a new multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL). Pinaka, designed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), targets area threats like enemy troops and vehicles. It features a multi-tube launcher with two pods of six rockets each, capable of covering 700 × 500 meters in 48 seconds. The 214 mm rocket carries a 100 kg payload and offers various warheads. Supported by hydraulically actuated outriggers, the system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility. India has versions of Pinaka with ranges of 48 km, 60 km, and 90 km.

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Indian Coast Guard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre in Chennai and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry. The MRCC aims to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of maritime rescue operations, focusing on mariners and fishermen in distress. The Centre is equipped with advanced distress monitoring systems and real-time communication tools.

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INS Arighat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was commissioned into the Navy in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is an upgraded version of INS Arihant, boosting India’s naval capabilities and nuclear deterrence.
Armed with K-15 ballistic missiles, INS Arighat can strike targets up to 750 kilometers away. Launched in 2017, the submarine has undergone construction and testing at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. INS Arighat strengthens India’s nuclear triad, enhancing second-strike capability. It joins INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016, as part of a four-submarine project.

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The Ministry of Defence ordered 73,000 SIG716 rifles from U.S. company Sig Sauer, to be delivered by end-2025. SIG716 is an American-made automatic assault rifle. The Indian Army uses these rifles extensively, especially in mountainous and border regions. The rifle is 34.39 inches long with a 15.98-inch barrel and weighs 3.58 kg. It has a higher recoil and is designed to hit targets at 600 meters. The rifle uses a 7.62x51mm caliber for longer range and more power than INSAS and AK-47 rifles. Its gas piston system boosts reliability and lowers maintenance. The SIG716’s modular design allows easy customization with accessories.

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The Agni-4 missile, developed by DRDO, was successfully tested on 6 September 2024 from Odisha’s Integrated Test Range. This was the ninth test of the nuclear-capable intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). The test was conducted by India’s Strategic Forces Command, which oversees all nuclear weapons. Agni-4 can carry nuclear weapons and will be controlled by the Strategic Forces Command. Development of Agni-4 began in 2007 to strengthen India’s nuclear deterrence against China and Pakistan. The first test in 2010 failed, but the first successful user trial occurred in 2014.

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The United Kingdom has allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with low observability. It was jointly developed by the UK and France, known as SCALP-EG in France. The missile is designed to hit high-value stationary targets like airbases, radar stations, communications hubs, and ports. It is used by the air forces of countries including Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

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DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials for the ‘Zorawar’ tanks. These tanks are designed to boost the Indian Army’s capabilities in high-altitude areas. Developed jointly by DRDO and L&T, they are named after General Zorawar Singh, known for his victories in Tibet. The Zorawar tanks are equipped with drones and battle management systems for better situational awareness. They are built for quick deployment and maneuverability in mountainous regions and are also amphibious, making them suitable for operations in riverine areas.