Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Defence Cyber Agency under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff launched a cyber security exercise called ‘Cyber Suraksha’ on June 16, which will run till June 27. It is a multi-phase initiative to improve national-level cyber resilience. More than 100 participants from defence and national agencies are taking part in it. The exercise simulates real-world cyber threats in a gamified format to test and train participants. A Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) conclave is also part of the exercise for leadership engagement.

Notes:
A major milestone was achieved with the launch of Garuda Aerospace’s Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility in Chennai, supporting India’s goal of becoming a global drone hub. The facility, spread across 35,000 square feet, is the first of its kind in the country for designing, manufacturing, and testing advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). A total of 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) were also launched across India to promote drone innovation, research, and skill development through academic and industry collaboration.

Notes:
Recently, the United States entered Israel’s war with Iran by launching precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites using Tomahawk cruise missiles and GBU-57 bunker buster bombs. Tomahawk is a long-range, subsonic cruise missile developed by the United States Navy for land-attack missions. It is launched from ships or submarines using a Vertical Launch System for highly accurate strikes. Tomahawks were first used in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm and have been used in several conflicts since then, including Syria in 2017.

Notes:
Recently, the Indian Navy announced it will commission its new stealth multi-role frigate Tamal on 01 July 2025 at Kaliningrad, Russia. Tamal is part of the Krivak class frigates that India has been inducting from Russia over the last two decades. The name Tamal represents the mythical sword used by Indra, the King of the Gods, in battles. The frigate was built at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Notes:
Recently, INS Nilgiri joined the Eastern Naval Command and became a key part of the Eastern Sword-Sunrise Fleet. INS Nilgiri is the first indigenously built stealth frigate under Project 17A of the Indian Navy. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai. The Nilgiri class is based on the design of the Shivalik class stealth frigates developed under Project 17. It is equipped with a modern Combined Diesel and Gas (CODAG) propulsion system.

Notes:
The Indian Army will soon get the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States. The Apache AH-64E, also called the Apache Guardian, is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. It is made by Boeing in the United States and used by many countries, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Japan. It can fly up to 300 kilometres per hour and has a range of 500 kilometres. It has advanced systems for communication, navigation, sensors, and weapons.

Notes:
Recently, the Defence Ministry called the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) project an “exemplary mission mode success”. Indigenously made ATAGS will replace vintage and smaller-calibre artillery guns in the Indian Army. ATAGS is a large-calibre gun system capable of firing future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM) with precision and deep strike. It has been designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a Pune-based lab under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Notes:
The Indian Army conducted an exercise titled ‘Prachand Shakti’ in Meerut on Monday to showcase advanced military technologies. It was organized by the Charging RAM Division at the Kharga Corps Field Training Area. The demo focused on enhancing agility, lethality, and survivability of infantry in deep offensive operations by strike corps. The event was part of the Army’s ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ initiative.

Notes:
On July 15, 2025, India received the second GE-F404 engine from the United States for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark-1A programme. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a public sector firm, received the engine and is set to get 12 more by the end of this financial year. These engines will power the LCA Mark-1A fighter jets, which faced over a year of delay due to U.S. supply chain issues. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 83 LCA Mk-1A jets, with a proposal for 97 more under review. HAL received the first engine in March 2025 and aims to deliver over 10 Tejas jets soon.

Notes:
India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) Agni-I and Prithvi-II from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The missiles were tested under the Strategic Forces Command to check operational and technical parameters. Agni-I and Prithvi-II are key parts of India’s nuclear deterrence strategy. Both missiles are developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). They are part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).