Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas, initiated in 2004, focuses on enhancing military cooperation between India and the US. The latest edition, Yudh Abhyas 2024, took place at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan from September 9 to 22. This exercise aims to improve interoperability and conduct counter-terrorism operations. Both nations have emphasized the importance of joint training and sharing best practices to strengthen their military capabilities in a sub conventional context under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII.

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Russia and China have launched joint naval exercises, “Ocean-24,” in the Sea of Japan, highlighting their growing military cooperation. The Sea of Japan is a marginal sea in the western Pacific, bordered by Russia, North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. It connects to the East China Sea, Okhotsk Sea, Inland Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean through various straits. The deepest point of the Sea of Japan is the Dohoku Seamount, an underwater volcano. These exercises signal significant geopolitical movements in the region.

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and IIT Delhi have developed lightweight bulletproof jackets called ABHED. These jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material. The design is based on high strain rate material characterization, modeling, and simulation with DRDO’s collaboration. The armour plates have successfully passed all necessary R&D trials. The jackets offer high threat level protection and are lighter than the Indian Army’s weight limits, weighing 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS levels. They feature a modular design with front and rear armours for 360-degree protection.

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The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND takes place from 30th September to 13th October 2024 in Auli, Uttarakhand. It is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. The Indian side will be represented by 120 personnel from the KUMAON Regiment and the Indian Air Force. Kazakhstan’s contingent includes personnel from Land Forces and Airborne Assault Troopers. The exercise aims to enhance joint military capabilities for counterterrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain. It focuses on interoperability, tactical drills, and sharing best practices to strengthen defence cooperation and bilateral relations.

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Iran recently launched over 180 ballistic missiles, including the hypersonic Fattah-2, targeting Israel’s air defenses. Fattah-2 is a new version of Iran’s first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, Fattah, which means conqueror in Farsi. It features a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) warhead that can maneuver and glide at hypersonic speed. The missile uses a liquid-fuel rocket propellant, allowing its engine to adjust thrust force.

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Recently, the Indian Navy received Nirdeshak, the second of four Survey Vessel ships, built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Nirdeshak features over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ These are the largest survey vessels in India, designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports and navigational channels. The ship will also gather oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.

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The Cabinet Committee on Security approved phase III of the Space Based Surveillance (SBS) mission for enhanced land and maritime awareness for civilian and military use. The National Security Council Secretariat and Defence Space Agency are handling the project. SBS 1 began in 2001 with the launch of four surveillance satellites; SBS 2 followed in 2013 with six satellites. SBS 3 will see India launch 52 satellites in the next decade, costing Rs 26,968 crore. ISRO will launch 21 satellites, and private companies will launch 31, with dedicated satellites for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence), a missile defense system developed by United States, is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The U.S. has deployed THAAD to Israel as part of its commitment to Israel’s defense amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment enhances Israel’s existing air defense capabilities, providing a deterrent against missile threats. The system employs “hit-to-kill” technology and can cover a broader area than older systems, reflecting strategic military adjustments in the region.

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India signed a deal with the US to buy 170 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles. The AGM-114 Hellfire is a laser-guided, short-range air-to-ground missile used by the US military and 30 allies. It was developed by USA in 1972 to counter Soviet tanks and is used against armored vehicles, radar systems, helicopters, and more. Hellfire missiles are used on UAVs like Predator and Reaper drones.

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NTPC and the Indian Army are setting up a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, to ensure stable, green power for off-grid Army sites. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone via video conferencing. This microgrid is designed to function independently, with hydrogen as the storage medium, replacing diesel generators. The system will provide sustainable power even in extreme winter conditions, supporting clean energy use in remote Army locations.