Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Several key ‘Made in India’ defense projects await final approval post-elections, including more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. The K-9 Vajra, built by Larsen & Toubro with technology from South Korea’s Hanwha Défense, is a 155 mm, 52-caliber self-propelled artillery system. It can fire various shells, has all-welded steel armor, and strikes targets up to 50 km away with a burst rate of three rounds per 15 seconds.

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IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with DRDO, established a DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA CoE) for interdisciplinary research in next-gen defence technologies. This initiative aligns with DRDO’s strategy of setting up DIA CoEs in key academic institutions to foster technology development through experienced faculty, bright scholars, and DRDO scientists, creating a robust ecosystem for defence innovation.

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India and the US are discussing co-producing American Javelin missiles in India for its military needs. The Javelin is a man-portable antitank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Designed to defeat heavily armored vehicles and other targets like bunkers and helicopters, it features a 2,500-meter range, “fire-and-forget” infrared guidance, and a high-explosive antitank warhead. It can be shoulder-fired or vehicle-mounted.

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Recently, the 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for a miniaturized satellite. iDEX, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, promotes self-reliance and innovation in Defence and Aerospace by engaging MSMEs, start-ups, and R&D institutes. Managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), it supports innovators through financial aid and technical guidance. iDEX has launched 11 Defence India Start-up Challenges and the ADITI scheme.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in New Delhi. Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, this technology obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield to reduce radar detection. The chaff rocket uses special fibers with unique microwave obscuration properties, assembled to enhance radar evasion capabilities.

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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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Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, deployed in the South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has arrived at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, enhancing naval interoperability and trust among 29 participating countries. Led by the US Navy, the exercise includes diverse activities like symposiums, sports competitions, and integrated sea operations, crucial for global maritime security and cooperation.

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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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NewSpace Research and Technologies successfully tested a 100-kg Max Take Off Weight (MTOW) UAV at Unming La Pass. Located at 19,024 ft. in Eastern Ladakh along the Ladakh Range, Unming La Pass is the highest motorable road in the world, constructed by the Border Road Organization under Project Himank. The road enhances connectivity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and improves local connectivity in the Chisumle-Demchok sector to Leh, boosting tourism. Other significant passes in Ladakh include Khardung La, Chang La, and Tanglang La.

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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.