Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
On October 21, 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) started the 12th Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal. The bilateral phase will run from November 13 to 21, 2024, focusing on advanced air combat simulations and joint mission planning. This phase aims to improve interoperability and combat readiness while promoting knowledge exchange. RSAF is sending its largest contingent yet, including aircrew and support for F-16, F-15, G-550 AEW&C, and C-130 aircraft. The IAF will use Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.

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The 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This follows the last exercise held in December 2023 in Meghalaya and is the second joint exercise this year, after Exercise YUDH ABHYAS in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and special operations tactics between the two countries. Activities includes joint planning, reconnaissance missions, using unmanned aerial systems, and psychological warfare drills.

Notes:
Israel’s Iron Beam, also called Magen or Light Shield, will be operational within a year. It’s a laser-based missile defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, first unveiled in 2014. The system uses a 100kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) to destroy fast-moving projectiles with beams of light. Iron Beam’s effective range is up to 7 km (4.3 miles), making it the first of its kind to become operational.

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The fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted in Ambala, Haryana. VINBAX-2024 aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam. For the first time, the exercise includes Bi-Service participation, with personnel from both countries’ Army and Air Force. India’s contingent consists of 47 members, mainly from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from other services.

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The Indian Army inducted 550 units of the indigenously developed ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into the Northern Command, advancing the ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative. The pistol was developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod and DRDO, and manufactured by Lokesh Machines in Hyderabad. Designed for close-quarter battles, it features a compact, lightweight, and semi-bullpup configuration, allowing efficient one-handed operation. It has a high firing rate, reliable accuracy for short to medium ranges, and is durable in tough conditions. ‘Asmi’ is a 100% Make in India weapon, offering customization and rapid production for operational flexibility.

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The Indian Army conducted the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise on 18-19 November in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat. It is an annual multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise by the Konark Corps of Southern Command. The inaugural event in Ahmedabad included a Table Top Exercise on managing cyclones in Gujarat’s coastal region. The exercise focused on interagency coordination for efficient disaster response. A Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Porbandar’s Chowpatty Beach simulated logistics, rapid response, and disaster management in a cyclone scenario.

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The Indian Coast Guard hosted SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024, under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. The event aims to validate the National Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) framework through an inclusive, collaborative approach. It addresses India’s vast 4.6 million sq km Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), emphasizing cooperation with agencies, littorals, and friendly nations. The focus will be on Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) during large-scale sea contingencies. The theme, “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional Collaboration,” highlights ICG’s dedication to providing aid across ISRR.

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The seventh Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge , LSAM 14 (Yard 82), was launched on December 12, 2024, at Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, by M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The contract for eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges was signed on February 19, 2021, with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard. These indigenously designed barges were developed with an Indian Ship Design firm and tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, for seaworthiness. Six barges have been delivered, supporting the Indian Navy’s transportation and operational needs. The project aligns with the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

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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). SARAT, launched in 2016, aids in locating people or vessels in distress at sea quickly. It uses model ensembling to account for uncertainties in the object’s last known location and time. The tool factors in currents and winds and operates on high-resolution ocean models. Users can select from 60 types of objects and input details like the last seen location. Version 2 improves search area accuracy, visualizations, and user interface for easier identification of missing objects.

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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.