Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Ukraine has acquired the Gravehawk hybrid surface-to-air missile system to counter Russia’s missile attacks. It is developed by the United Kingdom. It targets short-range threats, especially fast-moving airborne objects. Missiles can reach Mach 2.5 and engage targets up to 12 miles away. It is effective against drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.

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The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan, is scheduled to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two forces. It involves joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate. The aim is to strengthen military ties through improved interoperability, joint operations, and the exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise helps promote military-to-military relations between India and Japan.

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INS Guldar, a decommissioned Indian Navy landing ship, will become India’s first underwater museum. The ship was handed over to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for this transformation. It served in the Eastern Naval Command and later at Andaman and Nicobar Command until decommissioning on January 12, 2024. The ship participated in key operations like Op Aman, Op Azad, Op Pawan, and Op Tasha. The project will promote marine conservation, boost coastal livelihoods, and enhance India’s underwater tourism.

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The Indian Coast Guard conducted the ‘Sagar Kavach’ exercise on February 21-22, 2025, along the 158 km West Bengal coast. The exercise aims to strengthen coastal security and improve coordination among multiple agencies. It tested security measures against threats like kidnapping, smuggling, and IED attacks. The two-day operation focused on refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

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The Indian Navy crew has arrived in St. Petersburg for the commissioning of INS Tamal, a stealth frigate built in Russia. INS Tamal is a state-of-the-art stealth guided missile frigate. It is an upgraded Krivak-III class frigate, part of a $2.5 billion India-Russia deal for four frigates. Two frigates were built in Russia, while the other two are being made at Goa Shipyard Limited. INS Tushil was commissioned in December 2024. INS Tamal will be the last warship imported, as India now designs and builds its own warships.

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According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, though its imports fell by 9.3% compared to 2015-19. Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer, with imports rising nearly 100 times. India’s arms imports from Russia fell to 36% in 2020-24 from 55% in 2015-19. India was the top arms buyer from both Russia and France. The U.S. led global arms exports with 43%, while Russia’s exports dropped by 64%. China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, showing domestic production growth.

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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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The Indian Navy recently took part in the Sea Dragon 2025 exercise, a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) drill in the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Sea Dragon 2025 was hosted by the United States Navy’s 7th Fleet, with the exercise taking place at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The drill involves maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft (MPRA) with advanced sensors and sonobuoys. Initially bilateral between the US and Australia in 2019, it expanded to include allies like India from 2021. Participating Nations are United States, Australia, India, Japan, and South Korea.

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The first tri-service all-women global circumnavigation expedition “Samudra Pradakshina” was flagged off from Mumbai on 7 April 2025 on board the IASV (Indian Army Sailing Vessel) Triveni. It was flagged off by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The team will sail to Seychelles and return to Mumbai, covering 4,000 nautical miles in 55 days. The expedition is a part of the armed forces’ initiative to promote women’s empowerment, also called Nari Shakti. Last year, the Indian Navy launched its second all-women Navika Sagar Parikrama on board INSV (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel) Tarini.