Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Ministry of Defence is seeking more funds to expand the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme. iDEX stands for Innovations for Defence Excellence and is a key initiative by the Ministry of Defence. iDEX was launched in April 2018 to promote self-reliance and innovation in defence and aerospace. It engages various sectors, including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes, and academia.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Indian Navy’s second Very Low Frequency (VLF) radar station in Damagudem forest, Telangana. It is the Navy’s second VLF communication transmission station in India. The first VLF radar station, INS Kattabomman, is located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.

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Russia is testing the combat readiness of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile unit northwest of Moscow. The Yars RS-24 is a Russian mobile nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), operational since 2010. It can be mounted on trucks or deployed in silos. The missile is 22.5 meters long, 2 meters in diameter, and weighs 49,000 kg. It has a range of 2,000 to 10,500 km and uses inertial and Glonass guidance systems. The missile can carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) , each with a 300-kiloton thermonuclear warhead, and can deploy decoys to evade missile defense systems.

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The Indian Coast Guard conducted the coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ on October 16-17 in Gujarat and Daman & Diu. This was the second edition of the exercise this year, coordinated by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime and coastal security and validate existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Various stakeholders participated, including the Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, BSF, NSG, Gujarat Maritime Board, IB, and port authorities. Key assets included ships and boats from the Coast Guard and Navy, with aerial surveillance from aircraft and drones. Operational scenarios were simulated to test coordination and effectiveness in maintaining maritime security.

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The ‘Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI’ is conducted by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps at Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. This exercise focuses on integrating niche and emerging technologies into the Indian Army’s offensive strategies. It involves approximately 1,800 personnel and showcases over 50 new technology equipment (NTEs) from more than 40 industry partners, including advanced drones and robotic systems. The aim is to enhance combat readiness and foster collaboration between the Indian Army and the defence industry, boosting indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

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On October 21, 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) started the 12th Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal. The bilateral phase will run from November 13 to 21, 2024, focusing on advanced air combat simulations and joint mission planning. This phase aims to improve interoperability and combat readiness while promoting knowledge exchange. RSAF is sending its largest contingent yet, including aircrew and support for F-16, F-15, G-550 AEW&C, and C-130 aircraft. The IAF will use Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.

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India launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), codenamed S4*, at the Ship Building Center in Visakhapatnam. S4* has 75% indigenous content and is armed with Kalam -4 ballistic missiles with a range of 3,500 km. It joins three existing submarines: INS Arihant, INS Arighaat, and INS Aridhaman. The government plans to build three more advanced diesel attack submarines in collaboration with the French Naval Group. Nuclear submarines use nuclear reactors for propulsion, allowing for unlimited range and endurance, limited only by supplies and maintenance.

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The seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Abhay,’ was launched on October 25, 2024, at L&T, Kattupalli. A contract for eight ASW SWC ships was signed in April 2019 between the Ministry of Defence and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The Arnala class ships will replace the older Abhay class and are designed for anti-submarine operations and other maritime tasks. With more than 80% indigenous content, the launch supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and boosts local defense production and employment.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ to enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities. These vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. with over 60% indigenous content, are designed for monitoring, control, and surveillance. The ICG aims to achieve self-reliance in defense, exemplified by this launch utilizing advanced shipbuilding techniques and indigenous materials.

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France is evaluating India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its requirements. The system, developed by DRDO, is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon of Lord Shiva. It can hit targets up to 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it effective for overwhelming enemy defenses. Armenia was the first export customer for Pinaka, with other countries also expressing interest in the system.