Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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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The bilateral military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India and Singapore conducted at Devlali Field Firing Ranges, Maharashtra, from November 28 to 30. It focuses on strengthening interactions between the artillery units of both nations. The exercise includes joint firepower planning and execution using New Generation Equipment. The goal is to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding of drills and procedures between the two armies.

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The Indian Navy will commission INS Tushil, a stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III-class frigates under Russian-designed Project 1135.6. It is the seventh vessel in this series and the first of two upgraded frigates from a 2016 India-Russia contract. “Tushil” means “protector shield,” symbolizing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security. The ship is 125 meters long, displaces 3,900 tons, and features advanced stealth for radar evasion. It includes 26% indigenous technology with 33 systems by Indian manufacturers. Assigned to the Western Fleet, it strengthens India’s naval capabilities.

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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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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sarvekshak has been deployed in Mauritius to conduct joint hydrographic surveys with the Mauritian Navy. INS Sarvekshak arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius on December 26. The ship was welcomed by Anurag Srivastava, Indian High Commissioner, and Captain CG Binoop, Commandant of the Mauritius National Coastguard. A preliminary survey coordination meeting was held with the Hydrographic Survey Unit of Mauritius to plan operations. INS Sarvekshak conducts technical knowledge exchange, professional interactions, and hydrography training, enhancing maritime collaboration between India and Mauritius.

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Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has moved 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the India-China border under its forwardisation plan. It was raised in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War. ITBP is a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. ITBP guards the 3,488 km India-China border with 197 outposts at altitudes of 9,000 ft to 18,750 ft. It became a full-fledged force in 2004 under the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, 1992. The force’s motto is “Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha” (Valour, Determination, Devotion to Duty).

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Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy on Jan 9, 2025. This marks the completion of Project P-75, enhancing India’s submarine fleet. INS Vaghsheer underwent rigorous trials and features advanced stealth technology, precision-guided weapons, and indigenous systems. The submarine strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. MDL is poised for Project 75(I), building nuclear-powered submarines. The shipyard now has the capacity to build up to 10 capital warships and 11 submarines simultaneously, advancing India’s naval capabilities.

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The Union Government launched Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan to promote battlefield tourism in India. It is a joint initiative by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Tourism. The program focuses on showcasing 77 historic battlefields and border sites where significant military actions occurred. Notable sites include Galwan Valley (2020 India-China clashes), Doklam (2017 India-China standoff), Dras (Kargil War), Siachen Base Camp (highest battlefield), Longewala (1971 India-Pakistan war), and Bum La and Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh).

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The Indian Armed Forces conducted Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19. It involved elite airborne soldiers from the Army and Air Force. The exercise was held in training areas and firing ranges. The focus was on refining logistics and sustaining troops in tough conditions. Advanced technologies ensured precise delivery of forces to remote locations. The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and adaptability. It emphasized the commitment to maintaining military excellence and preparing for future challenges.

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh flagged off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ on January 24, 2025, in New Delhi. SANJAY integrates ground and aerial battlefield sensor inputs to produce a Common Surveillance Picture via secured networks. It enhances battlefield transparency, supports the Army’s Decision Support System, and enables commanders in conventional and sub-conventional operations. It has been indigenously developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Buy (Indian) category for ₹2,402 crore. The system will be inducted across operational Army units in three phases (March–October 2025). It aligns with ‘Aatmanirbharta’ and the MoD’s ‘Year of Reforms’.