Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France for the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, held from November 16 to 27. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force. The exercise reflects the strong India–France strategic partnership in defence, technology, and security. The drill aims to boost interoperability, share best practices, and further strengthen defence cooperation between the two air forces.

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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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Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and BAE Systems (British Aerospace Engineering Systems) recently won an Indian Army contract to supply BvS10 Sindhu, a specialised all-terrain armoured vehicle. BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded India-specific version of the BvS10 (Beowulf Vehicle System 10) used by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It is also ordered by the German Army and chosen for the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) programme of the United States Army. It has two connected vehicle sections that easily cross snow, marsh, mountains, and rough terrain.

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Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahe, the first indigenously designed Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Naval Dockyard Mumbai. Ship is named after the historic coastal town of Mahe on the Malabar Coast. Crest shows the Urumi sword of Kalaripayattu with waves symbolising agility, precision and lethal power and mascot Cheetah represents speed and focus with motto “Silent Hunters”. INS Mahe is the first of eight vessels in its class designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. Ship is equipped with advanced weapons sensors and communication systems to detect track and neutralise underwater threats in shallow waters

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Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park – SEZ, Hyderabad has been inaugurated. It is a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre for LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It is one of the world’s largest aircraft engine MROs and the first global engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) MRO set up in India.

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The Indian Navy deployed INS Gharial and three other naval vessels under Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka. INS Gharial (L23) is a Magar-class amphibious warfare ship of the Indian Navy designed for transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious operations. It is the second indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large), highlighting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The ship was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). INS Gharial is among the largest ships of the Indian Navy and is part of the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command.

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The Indian Army has joined the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II in Abu Dhabi. The exercise is conducted from 18 to 30 December 2025. Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II is conducted between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation between both armies through joint training in an urban environment. The focus is on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, enabling cooperation in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability missions.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), from December 15 to 22, 2025. Exercise AviaIndra reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian defence relationship and continues the series which began in 2014. Personnel from both countries are conducting joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters. The exercise enables sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and operational expertise between the two air forces.

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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.