Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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China showcased its military power at the ‘Victory Day’ parade in Beijing on September 3. It officially unveiled the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a nuclear-capable weapon. JL-1 is deployed from the H-6N strategic bomber and can strike targets 3,000–4,000 km away. Unlike gravity bombs, it can be launched mid-air, avoiding hostile airspace entry. H-6N bombers have aerial refueling capability, extending range to 5,000 km for long-distance strikes. JL-1 strengthens China’s nuclear triad, joining the U.S. and Russia in full land-sea-air nuclear strike ability. It boosts China’s “second strike capability,” ensuring retaliation even after a first strike. Analysts warn it makes nuclear attacks harder to detect or intercept, heightening global security concerns.

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An Indian Armed Forces contingent joined Russia for multilateral military exercise ZAPAD 2025. The exercise is held at Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia, from September 10 to 16. The Indian team has 65 personnel: 57 from the Army, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy. The Army team is led by a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment with support from other arms and services. ZAPAD 2025 aims to boost military cooperation and interoperability among nations. The drills cover tactics, techniques, and procedures in warfare and counter-terrorism. The exercise also integrates emerging technologies for better multinational force operations.

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Russia recently struck Ukraine’s Cabinet building with an Iskander-K missile. Iskander-K is a Russian-made mobile short-range cruise missile launcher vehicle on an 8×8 military truck chassis. It looks similar to Iskander-M, which is a ballistic missile launcher vehicle. Also called SSC-8, it entered service with Russian Armed Forces in February 2017. It is built for tactical-operational strikes.

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The Indian Army conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar from 8–10 September 2025 in Arunachal Pradesh to validate drone use in tactical operations. The exercise aimed to integrate drones across tactical and operational levels under realistic battlefield conditions. Drones were employed for persistent surveillance, battlefield reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strikes. The exercise focused on developing and validating new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for future battlefields. It demonstrated integration of drone inputs with conventional firepower, joint targeting, and rapid decision-making in dynamic combat scenarios.

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The Annual Joint Exercise Siam Bharat 2025 was conducted from 08–11 September 2025 at Pattaya, Thailand. The exercise involved the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) focusing on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Both air forces exchanged knowledge and niche technology to enhance inter-operability and operational synergy. The exercise reinforced bilateral friendship and strengthened strategic ties between India and Thailand.

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Indian Navy’s Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar is participating in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore. Exercise Pacific Reach is a biennial multinational exercise with participation from over 40 nations. The harbour phase will include discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium and cross-deck visits. The sea phase will see INS Nistar and Submarine Rescue Unit (E) perform intervention and rescue operations with other nations in the South China Sea.

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Recently, South Korea, the United States, and Japan launched their five-day trilateral multi-domain exercise ‘Freedom Edge’ from September 15–19 in international waters near Jeju Island. This is the third round of the drills, after earlier editions in June and November 2024. It is the first such exercise under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The exercise focuses on ballistic missile defence, air defence, medical evacuation, and maritime interdiction training. The goal is to boost interoperability and strengthen trilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

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Project Vijayak of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 15th Raising Day at Kargil, Ladakh on 21 September 2025, marking entry into its 16th year. It was launched in 2010 by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and named after Operation Vijay to reflect the connection between the battle theatre and the project area. It has built 1,400 km of roads and 80 major bridges across Ladakh. In April 2025, it achieved a record by reopening the Zojila Pass in just 31 days after winter closure. The project has improved operational preparedness of Armed Forces and connectivity for Ladakh’s people.

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Recently, on September 26, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) bid farewell to its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets. MiG-21 served since 1963, playing a major role in the 1965 India-Pakistan War, 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and 1999 Kargil conflict. India procured over 700 MiG-21s, including the upgraded Bison variant with modern avionics and missiles. India is boosting defence with S-400 missile systems and indigenous Akashteer air defence system. India also plans to upgrade 84 Su-30MKI jets under the Super-30 program.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system at its headquarters. The system is named Decision Support System (DSS) to improve decision-making for commanders at all levels. DSS integrates GIS platform, legacy operations, incident database, and sensor feeds to form a Complete Operating Picture (COP). It enables monitoring, predictive trend analysis, and AI/ML-based operations to predict smuggling hotspots and infiltration routes. DSS aids resource allocation, operational planning and execution along India’s 6,000 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.