Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The next-generation civil helicopter DHRUV-NG was inaugurated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru. The inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) DHRUV-NG, a civil variant showcased at Aero India 2025, was flagged off. DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed for diverse Indian terrain and global civil aviation standards. The helicopter focuses on enhanced safety, improved performance, and passenger comfort, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing aviation.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two Pralay missiles from the same launcher off Odisha coast. The test was part of user evaluation trials by Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Both missiles followed the planned trajectory and met all flight objectives. Tracking was done by Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur and onboard telemetry systems. Pralay is an indigenously developed solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile with high-precision guidance. It can carry different warheads for multiple target types. The missile was developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad with other DRDO labs.

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The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’ to build a future-ready force. The focus is on stronger connectivity, real-time decision-making, and higher combat effectiveness. Jointness, self-reliance, and innovation are the core pillars of military power. Data centricity treats data as a key combat asset shared across platforms instantly. This enables faster targeting, efficient troop movement, and better resource use. It shifts the Army from platform-centric to network-centric warfare. The initiative supports indigenisation, defence modernisation, and seamless Army–Navy–Air Force operations.

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The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has commissioned an upgraded Type 052D guided missile destroyer named Loudi. The induction reflects China’s rapid naval expansion to narrow the gap with United States naval strength. The warship adopts a new system and operational architecture. It has improved combat capabilities in air defence and sea attack roles. The destroyer also strengthens task force command and coordination abilities. The commissioning highlights China’s focus on modern, network-centric naval warfare.

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Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) forces have launched a major joint military exercise in Saudi Arabia called “Gulf Shield 2026”. The exercise aims to strengthen collective defence and improve regional military coordination among all GCC member states. It is designed to enhance combat readiness, joint operational integration, and efficiency in planning and execution in a unified operational environment. The drills include a wide range of procedures, tests, and field scenarios to assess force readiness and effectiveness of responses to potential threats.

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In January 2026, the Indian Army created a modern warfare force named Bhairav to strengthen combat capabilities. Bhairav battalions are designed for high-speed offensive and special operations at tactical and operational levels. Around 15 Bhairav battalions have been raised, with plans to expand to 25. These units bridge the gap between Para Special Forces and regular Infantry. Bhairav units are technology-driven and capable of independent multi-domain operations.

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India’s indigenous Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM) will be showcased at the Republic Day parade on 26 January. LRAShM is a hypersonic glide missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) like LRAShM glide unpredictably after rocket launch, unlike traditional ballistic missiles. The missile combines extreme speed and maneuverability, making it hard to intercept with current air defenses.

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Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive ahead of Veterans Day. The event was held from 8 AM to 11 AM with participation of over 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners and octogenarians. Mumbai is the only city in India to host a city-level Veterans Day parade. The event was organised by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with support from Headquarters Western Naval Command. Tri-Services Veterans Day marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953.

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The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, also called the US military’s “Doomsday Plane,” recently made a rare appearance in Los Angeles, causing panic amid high geopolitical tensions. It is the most secretive aircraft in the US military and serves as the National Airborne Operations Center. The plane functions as a flying command post to keep the US government operational during extreme scenarios like nuclear war or destruction of ground command centers. Its mission is to ensure government continuity even in “doomsday” situations. The E-4B is a key part of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications system (NC3), allowing senior leaders to manage nuclear forces under all conditions.

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On the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Operation Pawan was conducted by the IPKF after the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord on 29 July 1987. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka until March 1990, when it withdrew following a change in the Sri Lankan government’s policy. The operation involved significant bravery and sacrifice by Indian soldiers, now formally recognised and honoured by the government.