Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. SLINEX, launched in 2005, aims to enhance maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise includes two phases: a Harbour Phase for professional exchanges and a Sea Phase for joint operations. Sea Phase activities involve Special Forces exercises and navigation drills. This annual event strengthens ties between the two nations and promotes a secure maritime environment in the region.

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INS Nirdeshak was commissioned on December 18 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It is the second ship under the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel (Large) Project. Designed for hydrographic surveys, navigation assistance, and maritime operations support. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Nirdeshak, which served for 32 years until its decommissioning on December 19, 2014. The name ‘Nirdeshak’ means ‘Pathfinder’, reflecting its role in charting seas with precision.

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Vietnam Coast Guard Ship CSB 8005 visited Kochi for the “Sahyog — Hop Tac” maritime exercises. The Sahyog HOP TAC exercise is held between India and Vietnam. The exercises aim to enhance maritime cooperation and improve operational interoperability between the two nations. They focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional maritime challenges like security threats and environmental issues. The initiative fosters mutual trust and collaboration between India and Vietnam.

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The SLINEX 24 bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka was held from December 17-20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. India was represented by INS Sumitra from the Eastern Fleet and a Special Forces team. Sri Lanka participated with the SLNS Sayura Offshore Patrol Vessel and its Special Forces team. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two navies.

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On 15 January 2025, the Indian Navy will commission three major combatants: INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer. INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project-15B Vishakhapatnam Class stealth destroyer. It is designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagaon Dock Limited. It has 72% indigenous content and is India’s first AI-enabled warship. The ship has a displacement of 7,400 tons, is 163 meters long, and can reach speeds up to 60 km/h. It has a range of 15,000 km and is equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 missiles, and advanced anti-submarine weapons.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) highlighted that Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) have better flying safety records than global standards. Dhruv ALH is an indigenously developed twin-engine utility aircraft by HAL. It has multi-role, multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil operations.

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HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed for extreme cold conditions ranging from +20°C to -60°C. It has successfully passed user trials and is specifically tailored for use in the Himalayan region. The system ensures optimal protection and functionality for soldiers facing harsh weather. Its effectiveness emphasizes India’s commitment to improving military preparedness in challenging environments, especially in border areas with extreme cold conditions.

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DRDO showcased the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) during the 76th Republic Day parade. ATAGS is a 155mm, 52-calibre howitzer developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has a range of 48 km, making it one of the longest-range towed artillery systems globally. It can operate in extreme temperatures and has high mobility due to its 6×6 towing platform. The gun achieves precision strikes with future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM).

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DRDO and IIT Hyderabad unveiled India’s largest metal 3D printing machine for rocket components. It was developed at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. The machine uses Powder-based Directed Energy Deposition technology for additive manufacturing. It has a build volume of 1m x 1m x 3m, making it one of India’s largest metal 3D printers. The system features dual heads for thermal balancing and speed. A key milestone was achieved with the successful fabrication of a one-meter-high component, advancing large-scale additive manufacturing in India.

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SARAT version 2 improves efficiency in search and rescue operations. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an upgraded version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). The tool uses model ensembling, factoring in currents and winds for accurate location predictions. It offers over 60 object types and allows users to input details like last known location. Version 2 enhances accuracy, visualizations, and the user interface, speeding up operations with better success rates. The tool helps Indian search and rescue agencies respond faster and more effectively.