Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Iran launched its first military exercise after the end of its 12-day war with Israel. The exercise, named Sustainable Power 1404, was held in the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Iran’s navy vessels launched missiles at sea targets during the drill. The frigate IRIS Sabalan and the vessel IRIS Ganaveh fired Nasir and Qadir cruise missiles, successfully striking targets. Such drills are routine, but this one projects strength after heavy Israeli attacks on air defence and nuclear sites. Iran’s navy has around 18,000 personnel and avoided major damage during the June war.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kadmatt completed a three-day port call at Surabaya, Indonesia recently. INS Kadmatt is an indigenous stealth anti-submarine warfare corvette built under Project 28. It is the second of four such corvettes built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. The ship was commissioned into the Indian Navy in January 2016. It is part of the Eastern Naval Command and named after Kadmat Island in Lakshadweep. Its main role is anti-submarine warfare to protect convoys and ports from submarine attacks.

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On 26 August 2025, Indian Navy commissioned Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri at Naval Base Visakhapatnam. They are part of Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB). INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, and INS Himgiri by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Udaygiri became the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch through modular construction. Their commissioning strengthens Navy’s combat readiness and showcases India’s self-reliance in warship design and construction.

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The Indian Army conducted Exercise Yudh Kaushal 3.0 in the high-altitude Kameng region, Arunachal Pradesh. The exercise demonstrated preparedness for next-generation warfare in extreme Himalayan conditions. The exercise marked the operational debut of ASHNI platoons, integrating advanced technology with traditional combat skills. Active participation of the Indian defence industry highlighted indigenous innovation under the vision of self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Yudh Kaushal 3.0 validated combat effectiveness, multi-domain operations, and adoption of emerging technologies.

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Israel launched its new spy satellite “Ofek-19” into orbit on September 2, 2025. The launch took place from Palmachim Airbase in Israel. Ofek-19 is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite with advanced surveillance abilities. It successfully entered orbit, transmitted first data, and cleared all initial tests. The satellite can capture high-resolution images day and night in all weather. It can detect objects smaller than 50 cm, improving intelligence accuracy. The launch boosts Israel’s regional intelligence and defense capabilities.

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China showcased its military power at the ‘Victory Day’ parade in Beijing on September 3. It officially unveiled the JL-1 air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), a nuclear-capable weapon. JL-1 is deployed from the H-6N strategic bomber and can strike targets 3,000–4,000 km away. Unlike gravity bombs, it can be launched mid-air, avoiding hostile airspace entry. H-6N bombers have aerial refueling capability, extending range to 5,000 km for long-distance strikes. JL-1 strengthens China’s nuclear triad, joining the U.S. and Russia in full land-sea-air nuclear strike ability. It boosts China’s “second strike capability,” ensuring retaliation even after a first strike. Analysts warn it makes nuclear attacks harder to detect or intercept, heightening global security concerns.

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Russia recently announced it fired a Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic cruise missile at a target in the Barents Sea. Sukhoi Su-34 supersonic fighter-bombers also carried out strikes as part of drills with Belarus. The joint exercise, called Zapad (West), began on September 12 to improve military command and coordination in case of an attack on Russia or Belarus. The 3M22 Zircon, NATO code SS-N-33, is a scramjet-powered hypersonic cruise missile developed by Russia. It was first built to strike naval targets but later upgraded for land-attack missions.

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Recently, the Indian Navy received INS Androth, the second indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare–Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC). It is named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. INS Androth is the second of eight ASW-SWC ships built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. These ships are designed as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Classification Rules. The vessel is 77 meters long and among the largest Indian Naval warships. It enhances submarine detection, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities.

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Recently, South Korea, the United States, and Japan launched their five-day trilateral multi-domain exercise ‘Freedom Edge’ from September 15–19 in international waters near Jeju Island. This is the third round of the drills, after earlier editions in June and November 2024. It is the first such exercise under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The exercise focuses on ballistic missile defence, air defence, medical evacuation, and maritime interdiction training. The goal is to boost interoperability and strengthen trilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

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In September 2025, the Indian Army (IA)’s 1st Armoured Division conducted Exercise Jal Shakti in Patiala, Punjab. The drill validated water obstacle crossing capabilities under operational conditions. It aims to enhance mobility and operational preparedness of mechanised and armoured forces in riverine terrain. The exercise integrated armour, mechanised infantry, engineers, artillery, and air defence with real-time reconnaissance. It strengthened operational preparedness, offensive momentum, and role of the Corps of Engineers.