Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). MP-AUVs are designed for mine countermeasure missions with Side Scan Sonar and underwater cameras as primary payloads for real-time detection and classification of Mine-Like Objects (MLOs). Deep learning-based target recognition algorithms enable autonomous classification, reducing operator workload and mission time. The system includes robust underwater acoustic communication for inter-AUV data exchange and improved situational awareness.

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Recently, France released images of its new nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile, the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Renove (ASMPA-R), for the first time. ASMPA-R was developed by France as the latest version of the ASMP medium-range missile family. It is a crucial part of France’s nuclear deterrence and supports the air-based leg of its nuclear triad. It uses a ramjet engine with dual air intakes for sustained supersonic flight at about Mach 3.

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The eighth India-UK Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 began recently at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a joint military exercise between India and the United Kingdom. It is a 14-day exercise held from 17 to 30 November 2025. A total of 240 personnel are participating, with equal representation from the Indian Army and the British Army. Indian troops are from the Sikh Regiment. The exercise is conducted under a United Nations (UN) mandate focusing on counter-terrorism in semi-urban areas.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri took part in the bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX 2025 in the Northern Pacific. AUSINDEX is held between India and Australia and has been conducted biennially since 2015. Aim of the exercise is to boost interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership between both maritime nations. Warships and aircraft of both navies carried out joint operations including anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and advanced flying operations. INS Sahyadri participated from India and HMAS Ballarat participated from Australia.

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A new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility will be set up in Bengaluru to support the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, boosting India’s defence self-reliance. The C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin of the United States of America (USA). It is the principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) and is the latest variant of the C-130 Hercules. The aircraft can operate from rough and dirt airstrips and is used for airdroppping troops and equipment in hostile areas.

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Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 335, named “The Ospreys”, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa on 17 December 2025. It is the second Indian Naval Squadron to operate MH-60R multirole helicopters after the first was commissioned in Kochi in March 2024. MH-60R helicopter is an all-weather, day-night platform capable of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). The induction of MH-60R helicopters will greatly enhance the Indian Navy’s aviation strength and maritime operations on the Western Seaboard.

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‘Anjadip’, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 22 December 2025 at Chennai. The ship is indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. It is equipped with Lightweight Torpedoes, indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Rockets, and shallow water SONAR, enabling detection and engagement of underwater threats. It enhances the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built PCV of the ICG. The vessel was formally delivered during an induction ceremony. It is equipped with a 30 millimetre CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 millimetre stabilised remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems. The vessel has over 60% indigenous content, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Samudra Pratap will aid marine pollution control, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

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President Droupadi Murmu undertook her maiden submarine sortie on December 28. She boarded the Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar naval base. With this, she became the second President of India to go on a submarine sortie. The first Indian President to do so was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. INS Vaghsheer is a Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy. The event highlights civilian leadership’s close engagement with India’s naval forces. It reflects confidence in India’s indigenously built and advanced submarine capabilities

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The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise 2025 (RPREX-2025) in Mumbai. The exercise focused on tackling oil pollution at sea. A mock scenario involved a Motor Tanker sending a distress call after a collision with a fishing boat. The collision caused a hole in the tanker and heavy crude oil spillage into the sea. A specialised Indian Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessel and two other ships were deployed. Ships operated in full pollution response configuration. The exercise tested coordination and readiness of all stakeholders. It was conducted as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.