Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Russian Black Sea Fleet recently launched Kalibr cruise missiles, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Kalibr missiles, developed by Russia’s Almaz-Antey, can be launched from various platforms and serve anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land attack roles. They vary in size, ranging from 1,300 kg to 2,300 kg, with ranges spanning 200 km to 2500 km. Featuring advanced guidance systems and high explosive warheads, Kalibr missiles can accelerate to supersonic speeds to evade defenses in the terminal phase.

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Indian Naval Ship INS Ranvir, a Rajput Class Guided Missile Destroyer, arrived in Chattogram, Bangladesh for an Operational Deployment. Commissioned in 1986, the upgraded ship features state-of-the-art indigenous weapons and sensors. The visit includes professional interactions, community outreach, and sports with Bangladeshi naval personnel. INS Ranvir will also participate in a Maritime Partnership Exercise. This visit enhances India-Bangladesh friendship, cooperation, and regional security, aligned with India’s SAGAR initiative.

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The Indian “Iron-Dome” Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) is competing with China’s Sky Dragon-50 for an order from Brazil. Developed by India’s DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Akash SAM defends against air threats, including fighter jets and ballistic missiles. It operates with the Indian Army and Air Force, featuring a Rajendra radar for target guidance. Akash SAM is mobile, automatic, and adaptable, with capabilities to engage multiple targets simultaneously up to 45 km away.

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India is acquiring the Camcopter S-100 rotary unmanned aerial system from Austrian company Schiebel. This system will enhance the Indian Navy’s ISR capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, marking a significant technological collaboration. Schiebel, founded in 1951 in Vienna, specializes in high-tech unmanned systems with global facilities and a strong reputation for military, commercial, and humanitarian products.

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The prototype of India’s indigenous light tank, Zorawar, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was unveiled on July 6. Powered by a Cummins engine, it is designed for extreme weather and high altitudes along the northern border. Extensive trials will follow, aiming for Army user trials by August 2025. DRDO is also developing a new domestic engine for the tank.

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NewSpace Research and Technologies successfully tested a 100-kg Max Take Off Weight (MTOW) UAV at Unming La Pass. Located at 19,024 ft. in Eastern Ladakh along the Ladakh Range, Unming La Pass is the highest motorable road in the world, constructed by the Border Road Organization under Project Himank. The road enhances connectivity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and improves local connectivity in the Chisumle-Demchok sector to Leh, boosting tourism. Other significant passes in Ladakh include Khardung La, Chang La, and Tanglang La.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sanctioned seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF is a Ministry of Defence program executed by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects costing up to INR 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.

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India will host the 28th Malabar naval exercise in October, partnering with the United States, Japan, and Australia. The exercise aims to enhance military coordination and interoperability, focusing on advanced anti-submarine warfare and strategic naval maneuvers. It highlights India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in light of rising tensions due to China’s assertive actions in the area, emphasizing the importance of collaborative defense efforts among these nations.

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At the annual ‘Fleet Awards Function-2024’ in Visakhapatnam on July 14, INS Delhi was recognized as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its operational achievements over the past year. INS Kavaratti received the award for Best Ship in the Corvettes/OPVs/LSTs category. Additionally, INS Shivalik, INS Sumedha, and INS Sumitra were acknowledged as the most spirited ships of the Sunrise Fleet for their performance in various challenging missions.

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This phase aims to validate intercept systems for ballistic missiles in the 5000 km range. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed, two-stage, solid-propelled system designed to counter various ballistic missile threats within endo- to low exo-atmospheric regions. In 2022, DRDO tested the AD-1 long-range interceptor missile for both exo- and endo-atmospheric interception.