Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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France is evaluating India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its requirements. The system, developed by DRDO, is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon of Lord Shiva. It can hit targets up to 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it effective for overwhelming enemy defenses. Armenia was the first export customer for Pinaka, with other countries also expressing interest in the system.

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The RS-26 Rubezh is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched by Russia, marking its first use in the Ukraine conflict. With a range of 5,000–6,000 kilometers, it can deliver nuclear warheads, posing a significant threat to Europe and the U.S. This strike follows Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, escalating tensions further. The missile is derived from the RS-24 Yars and represents a modernized capability in Russia’s arsenal, reinforcing its deterrent posture against NATO and Western involvement in the ongoing war.

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The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, recently tested by Russia, has a range of 3,000-5,500 km and can strike targets in Europe and the western US. Its unique feature is the ability to carry multiple warheads, akin to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). President Vladimir Putin indicated that this missile’s deployment was a response to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The missile is designed to be highly accurate and currently lacks effective countermeasures against it.

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China has increased the range of its supersonic cruise missile DF-100 (Dongfeng-100 or Changjian-100). It was introduced during China’s 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019. DF-100 is designed for precision strikes on diverse targets, including land-based infrastructure, bunkers, and large warships. It is a land-based system with a range of 3,000–4,000 km and can also be launched from bombers. The missile is over 9 meters long, with a payload capacity of 500+ kg. Powered by a ramjet engine, it reaches Mach 5 speeds in its terminal phase.

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The seventh Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge , LSAM 14 (Yard 82), was launched on December 12, 2024, at Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, by M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The contract for eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges was signed on February 19, 2021, with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard. These indigenously designed barges were developed with an Indian Ship Design firm and tested at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, for seaworthiness. Six barges have been delivered, supporting the Indian Navy’s transportation and operational needs. The project aligns with the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.

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The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an upgraded version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). SARAT, launched in 2016, aids in locating people or vessels in distress at sea quickly. It uses model ensembling to account for uncertainties in the object’s last known location and time. The tool factors in currents and winds and operates on high-resolution ocean models. Users can select from 60 types of objects and input details like the last seen location. Version 2 improves search area accuracy, visualizations, and user interface for easier identification of missing objects.

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INS Nirdeshak was commissioned on December 18 at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. It is the second ship under the Indian Navy’s Survey Vessel (Large) Project. Designed for hydrographic surveys, navigation assistance, and maritime operations support. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Nirdeshak, which served for 32 years until its decommissioning on December 19, 2014. The name ‘Nirdeshak’ means ‘Pathfinder’, reflecting its role in charting seas with precision.

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The Indian Army inaugurated the AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, led virtually by General Upendra Dwivedi. The centre reflects the Army’s focus on using Artificial Intelligence for operational excellence. It aims to foster innovation in military technology with AI-driven solutions. The initiative seeks to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and preparedness for future conflicts.

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On 15 January 2025, the Indian Navy will commission three major combatants: INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer. INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project-15B Vishakhapatnam Class stealth destroyer. It is designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagaon Dock Limited. It has 72% indigenous content and is India’s first AI-enabled warship. The ship has a displacement of 7,400 tons, is 163 meters long, and can reach speeds up to 60 km/h. It has a range of 15,000 km and is equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 missiles, and advanced anti-submarine weapons.

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The eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22, was inducted on 06 Jan 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The contract for 11 ACTCM Barges was signed with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., a Thane-based MSME, on 05 Mar 2021. Seven ACTCM Barges have already been delivered, and the shipyard is also building four Sullage Barges for the Navy. The barges are indigenously designed and tested for seaworthiness at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. Built under Indian Register of Shipping rules, these barges promote Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.