Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Ministry of Defence ordered 73,000 SIG716 rifles from U.S. company Sig Sauer, to be delivered by end-2025. SIG716 is an American-made automatic assault rifle. The Indian Army uses these rifles extensively, especially in mountainous and border regions. The rifle is 34.39 inches long with a 15.98-inch barrel and weighs 3.58 kg. It has a higher recoil and is designed to hit targets at 600 meters. The rifle uses a 7.62x51mm caliber for longer range and more power than INSAS and AK-47 rifles. Its gas piston system boosts reliability and lowers maintenance. The SIG716’s modular design allows easy customization with accessories.

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Ukraine successfully tested its first ballistic missile, named Hrim-2, developed by its defense industry. Hrim-2, also known as Grim, Grom, or OTRK Sapsan, is a Ukrainian short-range ballistic missile system. It combines the features of a tactical missile system and a multiple rocket launcher. The export version of Hrim-2 has a range limited to 280 km to comply with international regulations. For Ukraine’s military, the missile’s range is extended to 700 km. The Sapsan system features a 10-wheeled launcher that carries two missiles and can evade modern air defenses, similar to Russia’s Iskander missile.

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The Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved the procurement of 240 aero-engines for Su-30MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Su-30MKI is a multirole combat fighter aircraft developed jointly by Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. It is based on the Su-30 fighter aircraft and features thrust vectoring control and canards. The Su-30MKI is a fourth-generation fighter jet powered by two AL-31FP aero engines, which are high-temperature turbojet by-pass engines. The aircraft is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, tested successfully in November 2017. It includes a Tarang Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) developed by DRDO. The Su-30MKI has a maximum unrefueled flight range of 3,000 km, which can extend to 8,000 km with two in-flight refuelings. The aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

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The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.

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The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 began at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9th to 22nd September 2024. Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the USA, ongoing since 2004. The exercise fosters cooperation between the two militaries, focusing on training, cultural exchanges, and developing joint operational skills. The previous edition took place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.

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INS Malpe and INS Mulki, two anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft vessels, were launched by the Indian Navy at Cochin Shipyard. These are the fourth and fifth indigenously built vessels of this type. They belong to the Mahe Class and will replace the Navy’s Abhay Class ASW Corvettes. The vessels are designed for anti-submarine operations, mine-laying, sub-surface surveillance, and search and rescue in coastal waters. They are 78 meters long, can reach speeds of 25 knots, and have an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles. They feature state-of-the-art SONAR, torpedoes, and advanced weapon systems.

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DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials for the ‘Zorawar’ tanks. These tanks are designed to boost the Indian Army’s capabilities in high-altitude areas. Developed jointly by DRDO and L&T, they are named after General Zorawar Singh, known for his victories in Tibet. The Zorawar tanks are equipped with drones and battle management systems for better situational awareness. They are built for quick deployment and maneuverability in mountainous regions and are also amphibious, making them suitable for operations in riverine areas.

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The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition features the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which will navigate 21,600 nautical miles around the globe. This mission, led by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, emphasizes India’s maritime heritage and commitment to empowerment and innovation. The expedition will challenge the crew with treacherous waters, including passages around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

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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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Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control and Reporting system (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. These control centres will play a crucial role in protecting the country from aerial threats like missile and rocket attacks. The successful delivery highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its military self-reliance. It also emphasizes the modernization of India’s defense infrastructure, enhancing overall security capabilities.