Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Raksha Mantri congratulated DRDO on the successful Field Evaluation Trials of the Nag Mk 2 missile. The Nag Mk 2 is a third-generation, indigenously developed Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile. It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features fire-and-forget technology for precision targeting with minimal operator intervention. The missile can neutralize modern armored vehicles with explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, and the weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.

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The Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, developed by India and France, has secured an export order from Armenia. It is a 155 mm, 52-calibre towed gun system, jointly developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and KNDS France, and manufactured in India. The gun has a range exceeding 40 km, depending on the ammunition, and is designed for modern combat. It features advanced targeting, fire-control systems, modular design for easy transport, rapid firing rates, and terrain adaptability.

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The 13th edition of the India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ held in Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. The opening ceremony took place at the MNDF Official Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi on 2 February 2025. ‘Ekuverin’ means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language. It is an annual bilateral exercise, held alternately in India and the Maldives since 2009. The 12th edition was held in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11-24, 2023. A platoon-level contingent from both nations participates. The exercise enhances coordination for counter-insurgency, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.

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The upcoming India-US defence deal includes co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles. Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive combat vehicle developed for the US Army by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). It was the first new military vehicle inducted into the US Army since the 1980s. The Stryker family includes different variants like infantry carriers, mobile gun systems, and medical evacuation vehicles. It is known for speed and flexibility in urban warfare. The vehicle has a range of 483 km, top speed of 100 km/h, and is air-transportable by C-17 and C-130 aircraft.

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The Indian Army and Indian Air Force conducted EX Winged Raiders in the Eastern Theater. The exercise focused on special airborne operations to improve inter-service synergy. It aimed at enhancing interoperability, crucial for the planned integrated theatre command. Interoperability allows different armed forces to use each other’s weapon systems efficiently. The exercise involved airborne insertion techniques using fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Chinook helicopters were used for special airborne operations. The training enhanced troop expertise, rapid deployment, and mission readiness.

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HAL has renamed its HJT-36 jet trainer aircraft as ‘Yashas’ after major upgrades. Yashas is the flagship jet training aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft has been modified to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance. It is designed for Stage II pilot training, including counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, and armament training. The upgrades enhance its performance and safety, making it a key asset for pilot training.

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INSV Tarini reached Port Stanley on February 18, 2025, completing the third phase of Navika Sagar Parikrama II. The expedition highlights the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender empowerment and maritime excellence. It is crewed by two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A. The voyage, covering over 21,600 nautical miles, started from Goa on October 2, 2024. Route includes Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland), Cape Town (South Africa), and back to Goa. INSV Tarini, a 56-foot sailing vessel, has previously completed Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017.

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Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 24 to 28 February 2025. It is a tri-service special forces exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force. Participants included the Indian Army’s Para (SF), Navy’s Marine Commandos, and Air Force’s Garud (SF). The exercise focused on interoperability, coordination, and synergy among special forces. It included airborne insertion, precision strikes, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, combat free falls, and urban warfare.

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The Ministry of Defence signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for 1000 HP engines for T-72 tanks. The engines will be delivered in fully formed, completely knocked down, and semi knocked down conditions. T-72 tanks, a key part of the Indian Army’s fleet, currently have 780 HP engines. The Soviet-designed T-72 was introduced in 1971 and is widely used globally. It was designed by Uralvagonzavod in the Soviet Union. T-72 tanks are locally manufactured and upgraded at Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi. The tank features high-accuracy sighting systems and an automatic loading mechanism for efficient firing.

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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested India’s Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur, Odisha. The Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, proving its accuracy and effectiveness. All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Astra can engage targets over 100 km away with advanced guidance and navigation systems. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), it enhances India’s air defense. The test brings India closer to inducting the LCA AF MK1A variant and strengthening indigenous defense systems.