Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
An Indian Air Force contingent, including Rafale aircraft, participated in Exercise Red Flag 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This advanced aerial combat training involved air forces from Singapore, UK, Netherlands, Germany, and the US. Conducted four times annually by the US Air Force, Red Flag simulates realistic combat scenarios with Red Force defending and Blue Force attacking, enhancing international air force cooperation and readiness. This marked the debut of IAF’s Rafale in Red Flag exercises.

Notes:
INS Sunayna, a Saryu-class Offshore Patrol Vessel commissioned in Kochi and based under the Southern Naval Command, visited Port Victoria, Seychelles on June 15, 2024. This visit, alongside SCGS Zoroaster, aims to enhance cooperation between the Indian Navy and Seychelles Coast Guard under the SAGAR vision. Built at Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sunayna supports fleet operations, coastal patrols, ocean surveillance, and can reach speeds of 25 knots.

Notes:
Indian multi-role stealth frigate INS Shivalik, deployed in the South China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has arrived at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, enhancing naval interoperability and trust among 29 participating countries. Led by the US Navy, the exercise includes diverse activities like symposiums, sports competitions, and integrated sea operations, crucial for global maritime security and cooperation.

Notes:
The Indian Army commenced the Maitree exercise with the Royal Thai Army at Fort Vachiraprakan, Thailand, from 1 to 15 July 2024. Initiated in 2006, this bilateral exercise enhances defense cooperation. Seventy-six personnel from both armies, including the Ladakh Scouts, participate. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in urban and jungle environments, joint planning, tactical drills, and physical fitness.

Notes:
The prototype of India’s indigenous light tank, Zorawar, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was unveiled on July 6. Powered by a Cummins engine, it is designed for extreme weather and high altitudes along the northern border. Extensive trials will follow, aiming for Army user trials by August 2025. DRDO is also developing a new domestic engine for the tank.

Notes:
The United States and its allies will deliver five additional air defense systems, including Patriot missile batteries, to Ukraine. The Patriot (MIM-104) is an all-weather, surface-to-air missile defense system against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced aircraft. It’s the U.S. Army’s most advanced air defense system, operated by multiple countries. The mobile system includes radar, a control station, and launch stations, with a range of over 150 km and high-altitude interception capabilities.

Notes:
India plans to enhance defense capabilities by constructing military airfields in the Lakshadweep islands, including a new airbase on Minicoy island and expanding Agatti island’s airfield. These dual-purpose airfields will support all fighter and transport aircraft, long-range drones, and commercial airlines. Aimed at countering Chinese activities and extending surveillance in the Arabian Sea, this Indian Air Force-led project will boost defense and tourism.

Notes:
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the first indigenously-built Talwar class frigate, ‘Triput.’ Part of a 2016 India-Russia deal, Triput is among four Admiral Grigorovich class frigates, with two built in India via technology transfer. The Indian Navy already operates six of this class. INS Triput, 124m long and 15.5m wide, is powered by four gas turbines, reaching speeds of 28 knots with a 3200-ton displacement. It features stealth-enhancing hull design, advanced weapons and sensors, an Integrated Platform and Bridge Management System, and a robust air defense system with vertical launch long-range surface-to-air missiles.

Notes:
The Indian Navy’s INS Brahmaputra, docked at Mumbai Dockyard for refitting, overturned under mysterious circumstances following a fire, causing significant damage and leaving one sailor missing. INS Brahmaputra is the first indigenously built Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate, an upgrade on the Godavari class. Commissioned in April 2000 and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), it displaces 5,300 tonnes, is 125 meters long, and can exceed speeds of 27 knots. The ship’s armament includes various guns, missiles, and torpedo launchers, and it can operate Seaking and Chetak helicopters. It is manned by 40 officers and 330 sailors.

Notes:
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved amendments to a deal for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAVs from General Atomics. The DAC, the highest defense procurement body, ensures timely and efficient acquisition of military capabilities. Formed post-Kargil War in 2001, it is chaired by the defense minister and includes the Chief of Defence Staff and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.