Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) under Operation ATALANTA has proposed a joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy. The exercise is planned to take place around the end of May 2025 in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The main aim is to strengthen maritime cooperation and coordination between European forces and the Indian Navy. The proposal comes due to rising piracy and instability in the Red Sea region, especially near the Horn of Africa. Unlike regular Passage Exercises (PASSEX), this drill will include tactical manoeuvres, counter-piracy actions, and communication training. Operation ATALANTA, launched in 2008, is the European Union’s mission to fight piracy near Somalia.

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Iran recently unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile named Ghassem Basir. It is a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) developed to strike targets over 1,200 kilometers away. The missile is about 11 meters long and weighs around 7 tons. It uses carbon fiber composite material for its body, making it lighter and harder to detect by radar. It runs on solid fuel, making it quicker to launch and easier to store than liquid-fuel missiles. It can reach speeds up to Mach 12. A thermal imaging sensor helps it track targets using heat in the final phase of flight. It has a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) that detaches mid-flight to avoid radar and improve accuracy. It can be launched from mobile Transporter-Erector-Launchers (TELs), even from vehicles that look like civilian trucks.

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The Harop drone is a loitering munition developed by the MBT Missiles Division of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It was recently used by the Indian Armed Forces in ‘Operation Sindoor’ to strike air defence systems in Pakistan. Harop drones can hover over target areas for up to nine hours while searching for threats. They destroy targets by crashing into them with an in-built explosive payload. These drones perform both surveillance and attack roles, unlike regular Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They use electro-optical (EO) or infrared (IR) sensors to locate and attack enemy assets. Harop drones can operate autonomously but allow human operators to approve final strikes. They include abort features to cancel missions mid-air and prevent unintended damage.

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During a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, military officers showed an image of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) node of the Indian Air Force (IAF). IACCS is an automated command and control system that combines data from all air defence assets. It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector company in aerospace and defence electronics. IACCS provides real-time updates and a unified dataset that helps military commanders at various levels. It offers a full and clear picture of the airspace, improving situational awareness during air operations.

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Recently, the Indian Army contingent departed for the 17th edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT. The exercise is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 31st May to 13th June 2025. NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual event conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The last edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024. This time, 45 Indian soldiers, mainly from the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS battalion, are participating. The Mongolian side includes 150 personnel from the Special Forces unit. The exercise aims to boost interoperability in semi-urban or mountain operations under United Nations mandate.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire the ‘Ice Breaker’ missile from Israel. The Ice Breaker is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with precision guidance and autonomous capabilities. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a leading Israeli defense company. The missile can be deployed from various platforms, including jet fighters, light attack aircraft, helicopters, small ships, and ground vehicles.

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Russia launched a massive air attack on Ukraine on June 11, 2025, using over 300 drones and missiles. Around 250 of these were Shahed drones, which are Iranian-made Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs). Shahed drones are also loitering munitions made by Shahed Aviation Industries for one-way explosive attacks. Russia calls the Shahed-136 drone “Geran-2”.

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Recently, INS Nilgiri joined the Eastern Naval Command and became a key part of the Eastern Sword-Sunrise Fleet. INS Nilgiri is the first indigenously built stealth frigate under Project 17A of the Indian Navy. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The Nilgiri class is based on the design of the Shivalik class stealth frigates developed under Project 17. It is equipped with a modern Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system.

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Recently, two pilots were killed after a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Churu in Rajasthan. The SEPECAT Jaguar is also known as ‘Shamsher’, meaning Sword of Justice. The SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. It was a collaboration between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault). It is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft.

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India recently sent a letter of request to the United States to co-produce Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) within the country. Javelin is a man-portable, American-made anti-tank guided missile. It is jointly developed by U.S. defence companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles like main battle tanks and lighter military targets. It can also hit bunkers, fortifications, and even helicopters.