Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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DRDO showcased the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) during the 76th Republic Day parade. ATAGS is a 155mm, 52-calibre howitzer developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has a range of 48 km, making it one of the longest-range towed artillery systems globally. It can operate in extreme temperatures and has high mobility due to its 6×6 towing platform. The gun achieves precision strikes with future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM).

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TROPEX-25 or Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise 2025 is India’s largest biennial maritime exercise, led by the Indian Navy with participation from the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The exercise focuses on joint warfare, power projection, and countering challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Senior military leaders witnessed operations aboard INS Vikrant, highlighting India’s carrier-based air power. The exercise demonstrated integrated fleet operations, uniting the Eastern and Western Fleets. Vice Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force participated, symbolizing growing joint warfare coordination. TROPEX-25 strengthens India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, signaling deterrence against China’s expanding naval presence. The exercise reinforces India’s role in regional security and Quad cooperation.

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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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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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Sweden has chosen the Taurus KEPD-350 cruise missile to enhance its Gripen fighter jets’ long-range strike capabilities. The Taurus KEPD-350 is an air-launched, precision-guided missile designed for deep penetration and high-accuracy attacks. The Taurus KEPD-350 missile is developed by a joint venture between Germany and Sweden, specifically by “Taurus Systems GmbH”, which is a partnership between MBDA Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Saab Bofors Dynamics (Sweden). The missile can bypass dense air defense systems and destroy heavily fortified ground targets. It has been in operational service since 2005 and is used by the air forces of Germany, Spain, and South Korea.

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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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DRDO has unveiled the BM-04, a short-range ballistic missile with hypersonic speed. It enhances India’s military capability against anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) threats. The missile has a range of 400 to 1500 km and carries a 500 kg warhead. It has high accuracy with a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 30 metres. Designed for quick deployment using a mobile launcher. It places India among the few nations with hypersonic missile technology. BM-04 shares design similarities with Agni I-class missiles, showing progress in hypersonic weaponry.

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India celebrates CISF Raising Day on March 10 each year to honor the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The 56th Raising Day was observed on March 10, 2025, in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended as the chief guest, along with Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and CISF Director General Rajvinder Singh Bhatti. CISF was founded in 1969 under the CISF Act of 1968 and initially had 3,129 personnel. Now, it has expanded to 1,77,713 personnel, securing ports, airports, industries, historical monuments, and key infrastructure. The day is marked by parades, cultural programs, and tributes to CISF personnel.

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INS Imphal arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, to participate in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025. The visit highlights India’s commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR vision. INS Imphal is a Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. It is the third indigenous stealth destroyer, commissioned in December 2023. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.