Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia has proposed a partnership with India for joint production of the Su-57 fighter jet at HAL. The collaboration aims to localize fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) technology. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). It is designed for both air superiority and ground attack roles. The aircraft features advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities. The Su-57 was primarily developed for the Russian Air Force.

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The US President signed an Executive Order to develop an Iron Dome-style missile defense system to protect against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Iron Dome is Israel’s short-range air defense system that intercepts rockets in the air. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. It functions in all weather conditions, day and night.

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The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise began off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. Hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th fleet, it runs from March 4-19, 2025. The exercise involves five nations, including the Indian Navy, focusing on anti-submarine warfare. Participating countries include India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US. It aims to improve tactical and command interoperability among allies and partners of the U.S. Each country is deploying its Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Navy is using the P8I aircraft, a Boeing-made maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

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The 12th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII held in Kyrgyzstan from 10 to 23 March 2025. It began in 2011 and has become an annual event, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. The 2024 edition was held in India. The Indian Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade are participating. It focuses on Counter-Terrorism, Special Forces Operations, sniping, and mountain warfare. Cultural exchanges, including the Nowruz festival, will strengthen ties. It reinforces India-Kyrgyzstan cooperation in regional security and counterterrorism efforts.

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The 6th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of the bilateral exercise ‘BONGOSAGAR’ between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy commenced on March 10, 2025. The naval exercises are being conducted in the designated maritime areas of the Bay of Bengal, near the Bangladesh and Indian maritime borders. These exercises are being held under the supervision of Commander Flotilla West and aim to enhance maritime security, strengthen cooperation, and combat various criminal activities at sea.

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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested India’s Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur, Odisha. The Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, proving its accuracy and effectiveness. All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Astra can engage targets over 100 km away with advanced guidance and navigation systems. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), it enhances India’s air defense. The test brings India closer to inducting the LCA AF MK1A variant and strengthening indigenous defense systems.

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The Union Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Ashwini. Ashwini is an active electronically scanned phased array radar using solid-state technology. It tracks high-speed aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), it has integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. It offers 4D surveillance with electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation. The radar is mobile, with advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and works across various terrains for automatic target detection.

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Stealth frigate ‘Tavasya’ was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on March 22, 2025. It is the last of four Krivak-class stealth frigates and the second built at GSL under a technology transfer agreement with Russia. India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in 2016 for four Krivak-class frigates. Two ships were imported from Russia, while two were built at GSL. Tavasya is likely the last warship built under foreign license as India moves towards indigenous warship production.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) joined the INIOCHOS-25 exercise in Greece at the Andravida air base. This biennial multinational exercise, hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force, simulates modern air warfare. The IAF deploys Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78, and C-17 aircraft. Fifteen countries, including France, Israel, Italy, the UAE, and the US, participates. The exercise focuses on refining tactics in complex air operations and enhancing military cooperation. It offers an opportunity to improve skills, exchange knowledge, and share best practices in air combat.

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India will commission its first dedicated nuclear submarine base, INS Varsha, in Andhra Pradesh in 2026 under Project Varsha. It is a secret naval infrastructure project by the Indian Navy, located near Rambilli, 50 km south of Visakhapatnam. The base will boost India’s maritime power in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and counter China’s growing presence. INS Varsha will have underground submarine pens, tunnels, and space to dock 12 nuclear submarines safely. Its proximity to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Atchutapuram gives it access to advanced nuclear support.