Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Australia will host Exercise Talisman Sabre from 13 July to 4 August 2025, the largest edition to date. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and the United States military. Partner nations include Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom. Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam will attend as observers. The 2025 edition will focus on multi-domain warfighting, with key activities in land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains.

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The Indian Navy recently test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) air defence system from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea. MR-SAM is a high-speed, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile system. It is designed to destroy enemy aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. MR-SAM provides high responsiveness and precision in protecting naval assets against aerial attacks. It has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The missile system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in India. This successful test enhances the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities at sea.

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The Army and Air Force versions of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for flying again after a review by a Defect Investigation Committee. All 330 ALH helicopters were grounded after an ALH Mark-III of the Indian Coast Guard crashed during a training sortie in Porbandar, Gujarat in January 2025, killing three crew members. The helicopter was also absent from the Aero India 2025 event due to safety concerns. ALH Dhruv is a multi-role helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for transport, utility, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation.

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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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The first Arnala Class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) was handed over to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025 at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, under a public-private partnership with 80% indigenous content. This project is part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative to boost local defence manufacturing.

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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.

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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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Ukraine’s military intelligence agency recently reported that Russia plans to carry out a “training and combat” launch of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile to intimidate Ukraine and Western countries. The RS-24 Yars, known by NATO as SS-29, is a Russian-made Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It officially entered into service in February 2010 and is a key part of Russia’s strategic missile force. It was developed to replace older ICBMs like the SS-19 Stiletto and SS-18 Satan. The RS-24 Yars is capable of penetrating even the most advanced Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems.

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The Indian Navy has inducted a unique stitched ship named Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Kaundinya at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The ship is a recreation of a 5th-century vessel inspired by the Ajanta cave murals, reflecting ancient Indian maritime traditions. It is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who sailed from India to Southeast Asia. The vessel symbolizes India’s rich heritage in shipbuilding, trade, and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to acquire the ‘Ice Breaker’ missile from Israel. The Ice Breaker is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile with precision guidance and autonomous capabilities. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a leading Israeli defense company. The missile can be deployed from various platforms, including jet fighters, light attack aircraft, helicopters, small ships, and ground vehicles.