Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army has recently started procuring the indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid System. SAKSHAM stands for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. It is an advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial System designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones. The system is modular and operates as a high-end Command and Control (C2) platform. It functions on the secure Army Data Network (ADN). SAKSHAM ensures complete airspace security in the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS). It has been developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

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Taiwan will build a more defensive air system called “T-Dome” to counter China’s military actions. President Lai Ching-te unveiled T-Dome to modernise Taiwan’s defence sector and increase military and political pressure. Taiwan is expanding its military and defence spending but faces pressure from China’s large and advanced military. T-Dome supports Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare approach, creating a multi-layer defence shield. Taiwan aims to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. T-Dome strengthens Taiwan’s ability to target larger military forces despite Beijing’s rising defence budget and new weapons development.

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The Indian Navy recently inducted its 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 25 (Yard 135) at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. A barge is a large flat-bottomed vessel used to transport heavy cargo along inland waterways or ports. LSAM stands for Landing Ship Ammunition, designed to safely carry ammunition and missiles. LSAM 25 improves Navy logistics by supporting transport, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition at jetties and outer harbours. It was built by MSME shipyard M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., Thane under a Ministry of Defence contract. The induction reflects India’s defence indigenisation under Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

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Ukraine recently carried out a bold strike on a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk using UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles, breaching Moscow’s air defenses. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile. It was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. The missile is called SCALP in France. It is designed for stealth and precision strikes in all weather conditions. It targets high-value stationary assets like airbases, radar sites, and communication hubs. It is used by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. India has integrated SCALP missiles with Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on October 24, 2025. These are the seventh and eighth vessels in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs for the ICG. The FPVs are 52 metres long, displace 320 tonnes, and feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), the first of their kind in this class in India. They perform multi-mission roles including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search & rescue, especially around India’s islands and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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India will hold a tri-service military exercise named Poorvi Prachand Prahar in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. It is a joint exercise of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance warfighting skills, technological use, and operational coordination among the three forces. It will validate multi-domain integration across land, air, and maritime fronts. The drill will test interoperability, situational awareness, and command-and-control systems in high-altitude conditions.

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The Indian Army and Air Force conducted a large-scale joint exercise ‘Maru Jwala’ in the Jaisalmer desert, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border during the 12-day ‘Operation Trishul’. The drill simulated coordinated strikes on terrorist hideouts and enemy positions, showcasing India’s combat readiness and use of advanced technology in desert warfare. Drones identified enemy locations, broadcast evacuation messages, and guided simultaneous ground and air attacks. T-90 tanks, mechanised infantry, and attack helicopters led the assault with aerial and robotic support. AI-driven logistics were demonstrated through robotic mule dogs delivering first aid and drones supplying ammunition.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France for the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, held from November 16 to 27. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force. The exercise reflects the strong India–France strategic partnership in defence, technology, and security. The drill aims to boost interoperability, share best practices, and further strengthen defence cooperation between the two air forces.

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Ukraine recently used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles to strike targets inside Russia, marking an important development in the current conflict. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a United States (US) made surface-to-surface ballistic missile series developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin. The missile was first used in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and is also operated by Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan and the UAE. It is an all-weather, inertially guided ballistic missile with a 305 km range and single-stage solid propulsion.

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Goa Shipyard Limited handed over ICGS Amulya, the third of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), to the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is 51.43 m long, 330 tonnes, and uses Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) for better fuel efficiency. It has a top speed over 27 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. It will be crewed by 6 officers and 35 sailors. It is built for fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. The ship will strongly boost India’s coastal and offshore security.