Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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In the recent Operation Sindoor and the ongoing conflict with Pakistan, India’s key strengths have been the Russian S-400 missile system and the Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles. The S-400 is a modern long-range surface-to-air missile (MLR SAM) system developed by Russia. It can track and destroy multiple aerial targets at once within a range of up to 600 kilometres. The S-400 provides a powerful multi-layered air defence shield against threats like fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and stealth aircraft. It has been in service since 2007 and is considered one of the best SAM systems globally.

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During a media briefing on Operation Sindoor, military officers showed an image of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) node of the Indian Air Force (IAF). IACCS is an automated command and control system that combines data from all air defence assets. It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector company in aerospace and defence electronics. IACCS provides real-time updates and a unified dataset that helps military commanders at various levels. It offers a full and clear picture of the airspace, improving situational awareness during air operations.

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The Indian Navy has inducted a unique stitched ship named Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The ship is a recreation of a 5th-century vessel inspired by the Ajanta cave murals, reflecting ancient Indian maritime traditions. It is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who sailed from India to Southeast Asia. The vessel symbolizes India’s rich heritage in shipbuilding, trade, and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.

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The Ministry of Defence is finalising a deal to procure 500 Invar Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), worth around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 crore. The Invar missile is an ATGM designed to be launched from tank barrels, especially the T-90 tanks. It is known for its long-range precision strike and can destroy enemy tanks equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). It is originally built by Rosoboronexport of Russia. The missile is now produced under license in India by BDL. This move boosts India’s defence capability and supports the Make in India initiative.

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Recently, the Indian Army contingent departed for the 17th edition of India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT. The exercise is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 31st May to 13th June 2025. NOMADIC ELEPHANT is an annual event conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The last edition was held in Umroi, Meghalaya in July 2024. This time, 45 Indian soldiers, mainly from the ARUNACHAL SCOUTS battalion, are participating. The Mongolian side includes 150 personnel from the Special Forces unit. The exercise aims to boost interoperability in semi-urban or mountain operations under United Nations mandate.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire the ‘Ice Breaker’ missile from Israel. The Ice Breaker is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with precision guidance and autonomous capabilities. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a leading Israeli defense company. The missile can be deployed from various platforms, including jet fighters, light attack aircraft, helicopters, small ships, and ground vehicles.

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Recently, Israel deployed Barak Magen, also known as Lightning Shield, as a defense against Iranian drones. Barak Magen is an advanced naval air defense system developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to counter various threats such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, high-trajectory projectiles, and shore-to-sea missiles. Barak Magen strengthens Israel’s layered defense architecture.

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Recently, the United States used up 15 to 20 percent of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system stock to defend against Iran’s aerial strikes during a 12-day conflict involving attacks on nuclear sites by Israel and the US. The THAAD system is an advanced missile defence developed by the United States to destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. THAAD is a vital part of US Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and can intercept targets both inside and outside the atmosphere.

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Recently, the Indian Navy’s Indian Naval Ship Tabar (INS Tabar) acted quickly to rescue crew members after a fire broke out on an oil vessel in the Gulf of Oman. INS Tabar (F44) is the third Talwar-class frigate of the Indian Navy. It was built in Russia. It is one of the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy. It operates under the Western Fleet based in Mumbai within the Western Naval Command.

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Japanese Coast Guard Ship (JCGS) Itsukushima recently arrived in Chennai for the joint sea exercise Jaa Mata. Jaa Mata means “See You Later” in Japanese. It is a joint exercise between the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The aim is to enhance operational capabilities of both forces. It also focuses on refining combat skills and strengthening interoperability. The exercise promotes effective joint maritime operations and regional cooperation. Ask ChatGPT