Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army successfully conducted four flight-tests of the Army version of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) on April 3 and 4, 2025 from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The tests involved intercepting high-speed aerial targets at long-range, short-range, high altitude, and low altitude, achieving direct hits and proving operational capability. The weapon system was tested in real conditions, and its performance was verified using radars and electro-optical tracking systems from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. The trials were conducted under DRDO’s guidance by the Indian Army’s Eastern and Southern Commands. MRSAM is jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries and includes multi-function radar, command post, mobile launcher, and other vehicles. These trials pave the way for weapon system deployment in two Army Regiments.

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India will commission its first dedicated nuclear submarine base, INS Varsha, in Andhra Pradesh in 2026 under Project Varsha. It is a secret naval infrastructure project by the Indian Navy, located near Rambilli, 50 km south of Visakhapatnam. The base will boost India’s maritime power in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and counter China’s growing presence. INS Varsha will have underground submarine pens, tunnels, and space to dock 12 nuclear submarines safely. Its proximity to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Atchutapuram gives it access to advanced nuclear support.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named Gaurav. Gaurav is a 1,000-kg class bomb developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad. It is a glide bomb without an engine, designed to travel long distances using wings and momentum after release from a high-flying aircraft. This allows safe and precise attacks while keeping aircraft out of enemy radar and air defence range. The project saw collaboration with private firms like Adani Defence Systems, Bharat Forge, and various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

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The Russian Ministry of Defence has, for the first time, acknowledged the threat from Ukraine’s new short-range ballistic missile called Sapsan. The Sapsan, also known as Hrim-2 or Grom-2, is a tactical ballistic missile system developed by Ukraine. It combines features of both a tactical missile system and a multiple rocket launcher for flexible battlefield use. The export version of the Hrim-2 missile is capable of hitting fixed targets, both individual and group-based. Its range varies from 50 to 280 kilometers, making it effective for short-range precision strikes.

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Recently, the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducted a ground test of a Scramjet Engine for over 1,000 seconds in Hyderabad. A Scramjet (Supersonic Combustion Ramjet) is an air-breathing engine designed to operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds, Mach 5 and above. Unlike traditional jet engines, Scramjets do not use rotating compressors; instead, they rely on the vehicle’s high speed to compress air. Scramjets enable supersonic combustion, making them ideal for Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs).

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise from May 4 to 10, 2025. The exercise is being held in partnership with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It aims to improve coordination in disaster response, search and rescue, medical aid, and joint drills. This initiative strengthens the India-Maldives defence partnership. It aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions. The exercise includes training and outreach to enhance regional preparedness.

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Iran recently unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile named Ghassem Basir. It is a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) developed to strike targets over 1,200 kilometers away. The missile is about 11 meters long and weighs around 7 tons. It uses carbon fiber composite material for its body, making it lighter and harder to detect by radar. It runs on solid fuel, making it quicker to launch and easier to store than liquid-fuel missiles. It can reach speeds up to Mach 12. A thermal imaging sensor helps it track targets using heat in the final phase of flight. It has a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) that detaches mid-flight to avoid radar and improve accuracy. It can be launched from mobile Transporter-Erector-Launchers (TELs), even from vehicles that look like civilian trucks.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy successfully carried out combat firing of the Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) with reduced explosives. MIGM is an advanced underwater naval mine developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, with support from other DRDO labs. It is designed to target stealth ships and submarines, enhancing the Indian Navy’s underwater combat strength. The mine has intelligent systems with ARM processor-based electronics that process sensor data in real time for precise defence action. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Apollo Microsystems Limited are the production partners. The system will strengthen India’s coastal defence and underwater deterrence.

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In Operation Sindoor, SCALP missiles were recently launched from Indian Rafale fighter jets to hit terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). SCALP stands for Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée, which means Long-Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System in French. It is also called ‘Storm Shadow’ in the United Kingdom. SCALP is an air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range, deep-strike missions. It carries conventional explosives and targets high-value, fixed or stationary enemy positions. It was jointly developed by France and the United Kingdom. It is used by the air forces of India, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

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Recently, Pakistan attempted a large-scale drone incursion using around 300 to 400 Songar drones across 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek. Songar drones are armed Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) developed by Turkish defence company Asisguard. These are Turkey’s first indigenously built armed drones designed for military use. Songar drones were first launched in April 2019 and inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) in February 2020 after successful testing. The recent deployment by Pakistan marks a serious escalation in cross-border drone activity, raising security concerns along India’s western frontier.