Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Indian Navy received INS Androth, the second indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare–Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC). It is named after Androth Island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. INS Androth is the second of eight ASW-SWC ships built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. These ships are designed as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Classification Rules. The vessel is 77 meters long and among the largest Indian Naval warships. It enhances submarine detection, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities.

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Indian Navy’s Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar is participating in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore. Exercise Pacific Reach is a biennial multinational exercise with participation from over 40 nations. The harbour phase will include discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium and cross-deck visits. The sea phase will see INS Nistar and Submarine Rescue Unit (E) perform intervention and rescue operations with other nations in the South China Sea.

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Recently, South Korea, the United States, and Japan launched their five-day trilateral multi-domain exercise ‘Freedom Edge’ from September 15–19 in international waters near Jeju Island. This is the third round of the drills, after earlier editions in June and November 2024. It is the first such exercise under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The exercise focuses on ballistic missile defence, air defence, medical evacuation, and maritime interdiction training. The goal is to boost interoperability and strengthen trilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.

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The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 between India and the United States ended after two weeks on 14 September. It was held at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in Alaska from 1–14 September. Around 450 Indian Army personnel, led by a Madras Regiment battalion, trained with the US Army’s 11th Airborne Division. The exercise included command post operations, joint planning, command and control at brigade and battalion levels. Combined tactical operations were conducted in sub-Arctic terrain with infantry, artillery, aviation, electronic warfare, and counter-drone systems.

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India successfully conducted a test launch of the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This is the first rail-based launch integrated with the national railway network. The launch demonstrates India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and cross-country mobility with reduced visibility. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers. The test involved the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

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The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system at its headquarters. The system is named Decision Support System (DSS) to improve decision-making for commanders at all levels. DSS integrates GIS platform, legacy operations, incident database, and sensor feeds to form a Complete Operating Picture (COP). It enables monitoring, predictive trend analysis, and AI/ML-based operations to predict smuggling hotspots and infiltration routes. DSS aids resource allocation, operational planning and execution along India’s 6,000 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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The Spear Corps under Eastern Command, Indian Army, conducted Exercise Drone Kavach in forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh from September 25 to 28, 2025. The exercise tested the Army’s combat readiness for next-generation drone warfare and validated drone technologies and counter-drone systems. The personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also participated in the four-day exercise. Earlier, Spear Corps soldiers summited Mount Gorichen (6,488 meters) on September 19, 2025, demonstrating endurance, discipline, and teamwork in the Eastern Himalayas.

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Exercise KONKAN-25 began on 05 October 2025 off the western coast of India. It is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom (UK). The exercise has two phases, a harbour phase and a sea phase. The harbour phase includes professional exchanges, ship visits, sports events, and cultural activities. The sea phase involves complex drills in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, along with flying operations and seamanship tasks. India is represented by INS Vikrant, the indigenous aircraft carrier with its carrier battle group. The exercise reinforces the goal of secure, open, and free seas under the India-UK Vision 2035.

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Recently, an Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel departed for Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia for Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025. AUSTRAHIND is an annual joint military exercise between India and Australia. This edition is led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles along with troops from other arms and services. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare in urban and semi-urban terrain. It provides an opportunity to hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate jointly in a combat environment. Other India-Australia exercises are AUSINDEX and PITCHBLACK.

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NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) conducts an annual nuclear deterrence exercise called Steadfast Noon. The exercise tests NATO’s nuclear deterrent readiness. It is hosted by a different NATO country each year. In 2025, the Netherlands is hosting Steadfast Noon at Volkel Air Base. Other participating bases are Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (Britain), and Skrydstrup (Denmark). Finland, Poland, United States, Germany, and other allies are participants. Around 70 aircraft from 14 allied nations will take part, including conventional and dual-capable aircraft.