Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 began at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9th to 22nd September 2024. Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the USA, ongoing since 2004. The exercise fosters cooperation between the two militaries, focusing on training, cultural exchanges, and developing joint operational skills. The previous edition took place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.

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DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials for the ‘Zorawar’ tanks. These tanks are designed to boost the Indian Army’s capabilities in high-altitude areas. Developed jointly by DRDO and L&T, they are named after General Zorawar Singh, known for his victories in Tibet. The Zorawar tanks are equipped with drones and battle management systems for better situational awareness. They are built for quick deployment and maneuverability in mountainous regions and are also amphibious, making them suitable for operations in riverine areas.

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Russia and China have launched joint naval exercises, “Ocean-24,” in the Sea of Japan, highlighting their growing military cooperation. The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea in the western Pacific, bordered by Russia, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. It connects to the East China Sea, Okhotsk Sea, Inland Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean through various straits. The deepest point of the Sea of Japan is the Dohoku Seamount, an underwater volcano. These exercises signal significant geopolitical movements in the region.

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The Indian Army inducted 100 robotic Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE) for combat areas, especially in high altitudes. MULEs enhance combat and surveillance missions with thermal cameras and radars for reconnaissance in tough terrains. These robots operate in extreme temperatures (-40 to +55°C), carry a 15kg payload, and can climb stairs and hills. They are durable, agile, and equipped with electro-optics and infrared tech for object recognition, even moving through rivers. MULEs improve surveillance and supply delivery, reducing reliance on animal transport by 50-60% by 2030.
China also uses robotics, hinting at a new military technology race.

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi have developed lightweight bulletproof jackets called ABHED. These jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design is based on high strain rate material characterization, modeling, and simulation with DRDO’s collaboration. The armour plates have successfully passed all necessary R&D trials. The jackets offer high threat level protection and are lighter than the Indian Army’s weight limits, weighing 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS levels. They feature a modular design with front and rear armours for 360-degree protection.

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The Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 is an Indian-origin vehicle undergoing final assembly in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of a strategic partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. This light armoured vehicle can transport troops and perform various roles, including medical evacuation and surveillance. The Moroccan facility marks a significant step in local defence manufacturing and aims to enhance Morocco’s self-reliance while also creating local employment opportunities.

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IIT-Madras Pravartak has launched a cyber commandos training program for police. This six-month residential program is an initiative of the Union Home Ministry. It aims to provide specialized cyber training for law enforcement agencies across India. Unlike existing cybercrime cells that focus on reactive measures, this program will develop a proactive force to tackle cyber threats. The training will enhance the capabilities of police in effectively combating and preventing cybercrimes.

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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi unveiled ‘Agniastra,’ a multi-target detonation device, at the Army Commanders Conference in Gangtok. It improves room interventions and bunker destruction, aiding counter-terrorism operations. The device, known as WEDC, enhances safety and reliability over the older Exploder Dynamo Capacitor, which had a limited range of 400 meters. The new microprocessor-based detonation system, developed by Major Rajprasad, operates in both wired and wireless modes with a range of 2.5 km. It allows selective and simultaneous firing of multiple targets, making it highly effective for safe demolition operations. This innovation significantly enhances counter-terrorism efforts and IED destruction, ensuring better safety for troops during critical missions.

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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.