Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Russian Black Sea Fleet recently launched Kalibr cruise missiles, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Kalibr missiles, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, can be launched from various platforms and serve anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land attack roles. They vary in size, ranging from 1,300 kg to 2,300 kg, with ranges spanning 200 km to 2500 km. Featuring advanced guidance systems and high explosive warheads, Kalibr missiles can accelerate to supersonic speeds to evade defenses in the terminal phase.

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South Korea, the US, and Japan launched their inaugural trilateral multi-domain exercise, Freedom Edge, on South Korea’s Jeju Island. The three-day exercise aims to enhance security cooperation amid North Korea’s strengthened ties with Russia. Activities include ballistic missile defense, air defense, antisubmarine warfare, search and rescue, maritime interdiction, and defensive cyber training. This follows a recent summit where North Korea and Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty, including military support clauses.

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The 16th India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant started at Umroi, Meghalaya, running from July 3 to 16, 2024. It involves 45 Indian personnel and Mongolian Army’s 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion. The annual event, alternating between the countries, focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. Key attendees include Mongolian Ambassador Dambajavyn Ganbold and Major General Prasanna Joshi. The exercise enhances interoperability and defense cooperation.

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The Chief of the Air Staff inaugurated the Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad. The WSS aims to modernize the Indian Air Force (IAF) by providing effect-based, contemporary training to officers of the newly formed branch. Flight Cadets in the WS Branch will undertake their second semester of training at this institute, aligning with the IAF’s future-oriented goals.

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India successfully test-fired the Rudram-1, its first indigenous anti-radiation missile developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Key features include a launch platform on Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, INS-GPS navigation, and a Passive Homing Head. It has a range of 100-250 km and speeds up to Mach 2. Rudram-1 enhances the IAF’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability, acts as a force multiplier, and marks a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology.

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India is acquiring the Camcopter S-100 rotary unmanned aerial system from Austrian company Schiebel. This system will enhance the Indian Navy’s ISR capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, marking a significant technological collaboration. Schiebel, founded in 1951 in Vienna, specializes in high-tech unmanned systems with global facilities and a strong reputation for military, commercial, and humanitarian products.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent arrived at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, for Exercise Pitch Black 2024, from July 12 to August 2. This biennial, multinational exercise, the largest in its 43-year history, involves 20 countries, 140+ aircraft, and 4400 personnel. Focusing on night operations and Large Force Employment warfare, it includes IAF’s Su-30 MKI, C-17 Globemaster, and IL-78 aircraft, enhancing international cooperation and best practices.

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NATO recently signed a nearly $700 million contract to produce more Stinger missiles. The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable surface-to-air missile system (MANPADS) designed by the American Defense Industry and entered U.S. Army service in 1981. Used by U.S. forces and 29 other countries, it’s manufactured by Raytheon and EADS. The lightweight missile, with a passive infrared seeker and “fire-and-forget” capability, provides air defense for troops. It can hit targets up to 11,500 feet and has a range of 5 miles. The launcher, which weighs about 15 kilograms, is reusable and can be carried or vehicle-mounted for short-range defense.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sanctioned seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF is a Ministry of Defence program executed by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects costing up to INR 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.

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At the annual ‘Fleet Awards Function-2024’ in Visakhapatnam on July 14, INS Delhi was recognized as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its operational achievements over the past year. INS Kavaratti received the award for Best Ship in the Corvettes/OPVs/LSTs category. Additionally, INS Shivalik, INS Sumedha, and INS Sumitra were acknowledged as the most spirited ships of the Sunrise Fleet for their performance in various challenging missions.