Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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The Indian Air Force faces delays in receiving Tejas light combat aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, affecting its readiness and capabilities. Tejas, a 4.5-generation single-seat supersonic multirole fighter, was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL. Intended to replace older MiG-21 and Su-7 jets, it joined the IAF in 2016. It has three models and is known for being the smallest and lightest in its class, with versatile combat roles.

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Ministry of Defence signed an MoU with Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) to establish three advanced testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS). These include one facility in Lucknow for Mechanical & Material (M&M) and two in Kanpur for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Communications. DTIS was launched in May 2020 by Ministry of Defence with a Rs 400 crore budget. DTIS aims to boost indigenous defence production.

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India and Russia conducted a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) in St. Petersburg on the 328th Russian Navy Day. The exercise featured India’s INS Tabar and Russia’s Soobrazitelny, showcasing naval maneuvers like communication drills, search and rescue tactics, and replenishment at sea. This MPX reinforced strong bilateral naval ties, highlighting both nations’ commitment to regional peace, stability, and security, and demonstrated professionalism and interoperability between their navies.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the bilateral Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The exercise took place in Kuantan, Malaysia, from 6-9 August 2024. Both air forces deployed seven Sukhoi-30 fighter planes, which are purchased from Russia. India’s Sukhoi-30 planes, mostly produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are the Su-30MKI variant, specifically modernized for India. Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 included Training Exercises and Subject Matter Expert Exchange concepts. Training Exercises focused on air combat involving Su-30 planes from both countries.

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India is ready to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, for strategic deterrence. INS Arighat is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), following INS Arihant, commissioned in 2018. It was built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam. It is crucial for India’s nuclear triad, allowing nuclear missile launches from land, air, and sea. The submarine is 111.6 meters long, with a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, and can reach speeds up to 24 knots submerged. It can carry four K-4 SLBMs or twelve K-15 SLBMs, with additional torpedoes and mines for defense.

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DRDO successfully conducted the first flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), GAURAV, from an Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I. GAURAV is a 1,000 kg air-launched glide bomb designed to strike targets at long distances. It is equipped with conventional warheads to destroy enemy airstrips, bunkers, and buildings. The bomb integrates with fighter aircraft and uses an Inertial Navigation System with GPS data for precise targeting. Developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, it hit the target with pinpoint accuracy during the test, with complete data captured.

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Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tabar, commanded by Captain MR Harish, arrived in Esbjerg, Denmark, for a two-day visit. The visit aims to strengthen ties between India and Denmark, focusing on naval cooperation and cultural exchange. The crew will engage in professional interactions with the Danish Armed Forces. India and Denmark have strong diplomatic relations, elevated to a “Green Strategic Partnership” in 2020. INS Tabar, part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors and plays a key role in India’s naval operations.

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DRDO recently handed over the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of the ‘Nipun’ munition to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). DGQA is a century-old organization under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for quality assurance of all defense equipment for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It tests products rigorously under extreme conditions and collaborates with DRDO on development projects. DGQA also handles import substitution, documentation, codification, and standardization to reduce component variety.

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The US approved a $52.8 million deal to sell Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonobuoys to India. These Sonobuoys will be used with the Indian Navy’s Romeo helicopters. Sonobuoys are small devices that detect underwater sounds, mainly to track submarines. They are crucial for anti-submarine warfare, helping track submarines in oceans and coastal areas. They assist in precision attacks using air-launched torpedoes. Sonobuoys were first used in World War II to detect German U-boats. They are deployed from aircraft, ships, or submarines, sinking to a set depth to listen for signals.