Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India has developed a new low-cost weapon called Bhargavastra to destroy enemy drones, especially drone swarms. It is made by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) and supports the ‘Make in India’ mission. On May 13, 2025, three successful tests were conducted at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Bhargavastra uses unguided micro-rockets to hit multiple drones in a 20-meter area and guided micro-missiles for precise strikes. It also includes jammers and spoofers to confuse enemy drones. The system has radar, cameras, sensors, and a command centre to detect and track drones from 6–10 km away. It works in tough terrains and can be used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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The Indian Army has arrived in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to take part in the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST. It is scheduled to take place from 14th to 28th June 2025 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia . This is the 22nd edition of the exercise, which started as a bilateral event between the United States of America (USA) and Mongolian Armed Forces in 2003 and became a multinational peacekeeping drill in 2006. The Indian Army team includes 40 personnel, mainly from a Battalion of the KUMAON Regiment, along with one woman officer and two women soldiers.

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Recently, the United States deployed its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to carry out precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in a major military escalation. The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber operated by the United States Air Force. It first flew in 1989 and was officially inducted in 1993. Currently, 19 B-2 bombers are in active service. It is designed and maintained by Northrop Grumman Corporation.

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Recently, INS Nilgiri joined the Eastern Naval Command and became a key part of the Eastern Sword-Sunrise Fleet. INS Nilgiri is the first indigenously built stealth frigate under Project 17A of the Indian Navy. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The Nilgiri class is based on the design of the Shivalik class stealth frigates developed under Project 17. It is equipped with a modern Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system.

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Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed India’s first indigenous Photonic Radar. This is a big step for both defence and civilian radar technology. It places India among global leaders in next-generation radar innovation. Photonic Radar uses light-based (photonic) technology instead of traditional electronic signals. This technology gives higher bandwidth and much better resolution. It can detect and identify even the smallest objects with great accuracy.

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Recently, two pilots were killed after a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Churu in Rajasthan. The SEPECAT Jaguar is also known as ‘Shamsher’, meaning Sword of Justice. The SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. It was a collaboration between the British Aircraft Corporation and the French Breguet Company (now part of Dassault). It is a twin-engine, ground-attack aircraft.

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Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the flight test of the Astra missile. Astra is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by DRDO. It is equipped with a Radio Frequency (RF) seeker designed in India and integrated on the Su-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft. The missile has a range of over 100 kilometers and features advanced guidance and navigation systems.

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Recently, India joined 18 other nations in Talisman Sabre 2025, a major bilateral military drill hosted by Australia. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States (US). It has been held biennially since 2005, making 2025 its 11th edition. It is conducted across multiple locations in Australia and offshore, using both Defence and non-Defence areas. It aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific by boosting interoperability and partnerships. The exercise involves live-fire drills, amphibious landings, air combat, maritime ops, and ground manoeuvres.

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The Indian Army conducted an exercise titled ‘Prachand Shakti’ in Meerut on Monday to showcase advanced military technologies. It was organized by the Charging RAM Division at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area. The demo focused on enhancing agility, lethality, and survivability of infantry in deep offensive operations by strike corps. The event was part of the Army’s ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ initiative.

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India recently sent a letter of request to the United States to co-produce Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) within the country. Javelin is a man-portable, American-made anti-tank guided missile. It is jointly developed by U.S. defence companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to destroy heavily armoured vehicles like main battle tanks and lighter military targets. It can also hit bunkers, fortifications, and even helicopters.