Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Coast Guard launched its first indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, in Goa.
This vessel was built by Goa Shipyard Limited, marking a milestone in India’s move towards self-reliance in defense production. The launch reflects India’s commitment to becoming Atmanirbhar in defense and eventually a net exporter of defense equipment. Samudra Pratap is designed to combat oil spills and pollution along India’s coastlines. The ship is 114.5 meters long, 16.5 meters wide, and has a displacement of 4,170 tons.

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The 2024 edition of Indo-French bilateral naval ‘Exercise Varuna’ held in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2-4, 2024, involving advanced tactical exercises. The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft landed at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France for its first-ever European deployment. This was for the 22nd edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy. The last time an Indian Navy aircraft flew in France was 63 years ago when the Alize aircraft from INS Vikrant operated at Hyeres Airbase. The India-France naval exercise began in 1993, was named ‘Varuna’ in 2001, and reflects a strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

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The Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the procurement of 240 aero-engines for Su-30MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Su-30MKI is a multirole combat fighter aircraft developed jointly by Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. It is based on the Su-30 fighter aircraft and features thrust vectoring control and canards. The Su-30MKI is a fourth-generation fighter jet powered by two AL-31FP aero engines, which are high-temperature turbojet by-pass engines. The aircraft is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, tested successfully in November 2017. It includes a Tarang Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) developed by DRDO. The Su-30MKI has a maximum unrefueled flight range of 3,000 km, which can extend to 8,000 km with two in-flight refuelings. The aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

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The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated “India Defence Aviation Exposition (IDAX-24)” in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and also observed the Tarang Shakti exercise at Jodhpur Air Force Station. The expo, held from September 12-14, 2024, featured industry participation and showcased various products and technologies. The event allowed the Indian Aviation Industry, including DPSUs, DRDO, private industries, and startups, to demonstrate their capabilities to global air force decision-makers and end users. The air show, attended by Defence Minister, Army Chiefs of India, and foreign Air Force Chiefs, included performances by Suryakiran, Sarang, Tejas, and Sukhoi-30. Tarang Shakti, a major multinational air exercise, involved air forces from seven countries and observers from 16 additional countries.

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The United Kingdom has allowed Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian targets. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with low observability. It was jointly developed by the UK and France, known as SCALP-EG in France. The missile is designed to hit high-value stationary targets like airbases, radar stations, communications hubs, and ports. It is used by the air forces of countries including Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

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7th edition of ‘Exercise Eastern Bridge VII’ was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) to enhance military cooperation and interoperability. It was held at Masirah (Oman). It involved complex air operations and tactical drills, improving strategic capabilities. The exercise fostered camaraderie through joint briefings and cultural exchanges, highlighting the commitment of both nations to regional peace and security. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties and prepare for emerging security challenges in the region.

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The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition features the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which will navigate 21,600 nautical miles around the globe. This mission, led by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, emphasizes India’s maritime heritage and commitment to empowerment and innovation. The expedition will challenge the crew with treacherous waters, including passages around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

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The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.

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INS Talwar arrived in South Africa for the eighth edition of exercise IBSAMAR. IBSAMAR is a joint maritime exercise involving India, Brazil, and South Africa. The exercise focuses on Blue Water Naval Warfare, covering Surface and Anti-Air Warfare. Activities include professional exchanges, firefighting drills, search-and-seizure operations, diving, aviation safety, and ocean governance seminars. The exercise strengthens naval interoperability, builds mutual trust, and fosters cooperation among like-minded nations for peaceful maritime environments.