Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Armenia’s interest in India’s Pralay missile presents a significant opportunity for India. The Pralay missile is a 350-500 km short-range, quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile with a 500-1,000 kg payload, developed by DRDO for defense needs. It features solid-fuel propulsion, inertial guidance, and a DSMAC seeker for terminal guidance. Capable of evasive maneuvers, it has various warhead options and a reduced radar signature.

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This phase aims to validate intercept systems for ballistic missiles in the 5000 km range. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed, two-stage, solid-propelled system designed to counter various ballistic missile threats within endo- to low exo-atmospheric regions. In 2022, DRDO tested the AD-1 long-range interceptor missile for both exo- and endo-atmospheric interception.

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The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) tested the Russian-made Typhoon-K vehicle at its Transport Battalion in Chandigarh. This 4×4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, developed by Remdiesel (a subsidiary of KamAZ), is designed for troop and cargo transport in high-risk mine areas. It can be configured as a command post, ambulance, or logistics vehicle. The Typhoon-K can carry eight troops, withstand substantial explosions, and is equipped with advanced surveillance and weapon systems.

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Exercise Pitch Black 2024, a biennial multinational exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, concluded in Darwin, Australia. This year’s edition was the largest in its 43-year history, with 20 countries, over 140 aircraft, and 4,400 military personnel participating. The exercise, focused on night-time flying, saw the Indian Air Force participate, continuing its involvement from the 2018 and 2022 editions.

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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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India is ready to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, for strategic deterrence. INS Arighat is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018. It was built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. It is crucial for India’s nuclear triad, allowing nuclear missile launches from land, air, and sea. The submarine is 111.6 meters long, with a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, and can reach speeds up to 24 knots submerged. It can carry four K-4 SLBMs or twelve K-15 SLBMs, with additional torpedoes and mines for defense.

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INS Mumbai, a Delhi-class guided missile destroyer, made its maiden visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka for three days. The ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 22, 2001, and built at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. It has been recognized as the ‘Best Ship’ three times and the ‘Most Spirited Ship’ twice. INS Mumbai has played key roles in operations like Op Parakram, Op Sukoon (evacuation from Lebanon), and Op Rahat (evacuation from Yemen). It underwent a mid-life upgrade and joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on December 8, 2023.

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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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INS Tabar conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Spanish Navy’s Ship Atalaya in the Mediterranean Sea.
The exercise signifies India’s naval outreach and marks a milestone in maritime cooperation between India and Spain. The MPX included advanced exercises like Station Keeping, Replenishment at Sea Approaches, Flying Exercise, Steam Past, and PHOTOEX. Both navies showed high professionalism and commitment, reinforcing strong bilateral naval ties and enhancing cooperation in the maritime domain.

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Indian and Omani military forces are conducting bilateral exercises in September 2024 to strengthen defence ties. The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII, held at Air Force Base Masirah, Oman, from 11-22 September 2024. The Indian contingent includes MiG-29s, Jaguar fighter planes, and C-17 Globemaster III transport planes. This exercise, first held in 2009, enhances interoperability and operational readiness. The Indian Army is also participating in Exercise AL NAJAH-V from 13-26 September 2024 in Salalah, Oman, focusing on counterterrorism operations and desert warfare. These exercises are held biennially, alternating between India and Oman.