Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India has launched its annual Trishul 2025 tri-Service combat exercise along the western border with Pakistan. It involves the Army, Navy, and Air Force and follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s warning over Pakistan’s military buildup near Sir Creek. Sir Creek is a 96 km tidal estuary between Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Pakistan’s Sindh province. India issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) restricting airspace from October 30 to November 10, while Pakistan also restricted routes on October 28–29. The exercise, though routine, is larger and more complex this year.

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Recently, the Indian Navy’s indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) Ikshak is set to be commissioned at Naval Base Kochi. The name Ikshak, meaning “The Guide,” reflects its role in charting unexplored waters for safe navigation. It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata. The ship will study underwater hydrography and aid marine navigation. It has over 80% indigenous content, showing India’s self-reliance in naval technology. Besides surveys, it can serve as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and hospital ship.

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The Indian Army conducted Exercise Brahmashira in the Rann and Creek Sector, Gujarat, under the Tri-Services Exercise Trishul. It involved the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Border Security Force (BSF) with civil administration. The drill tested integrated land-sea-air operations and multi-domain coordination. It featured Joint Task Forces and a modern Joint Control Centre for real-time coordination. The exercise validated new technologies, cyber and drone warfare, and Military-Civil Fusion. Southern Command also led Exercises MaruJwala and Akhand Prahaar in the Thar Desert. It reflects the Army’s Decade of Transformation and focus on Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation

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The Indian Army and Air Force conducted a large-scale joint exercise ‘Maru Jwala’ in the Jaisalmer desert, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border during the 12-day ‘Operation Trishul’. The drill simulated coordinated strikes on terrorist hideouts and enemy positions, showcasing India’s combat readiness and use of advanced technology in desert warfare. Drones identified enemy locations, broadcast evacuation messages, and guided simultaneous ground and air attacks. T-90 tanks, mechanised infantry, and attack helicopters led the assault with aerial and robotic support. AI-driven logistics were demonstrated through robotic mule dogs delivering first aid and drones supplying ammunition.

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The 6th edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX began in Hanoi. Exercise VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between India and Vietnam. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies. It focuses on sharing best practices in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. The 6th edition strengthens defence cooperation and promotes closer military collaboration between India and Vietnam

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The Ministry of Defence recently signed a deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles worth over ₹2,095 crore to strengthen T-90 tank firepower. INVAR is an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) fired from the barrel of T-90 tanks. It offers long-range precision strikes and can destroy tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). It is built by Russia’s Rosoboronexport and produced in India under licence by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It uses semi-automatic laser beam-riding guidance, making it resistant to jamming.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France for the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, held from November 16 to 27. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force. The exercise reflects the strong India–France strategic partnership in defence, technology, and security. The drill aims to boost interoperability, share best practices, and further strengthen defence cooperation between the two air forces.

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Recently, France released images of its new nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile, the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Renove (ASMPA-R), for the first time. ASMPA-R was developed by France as the latest version of the ASMP medium-range missile family. It is a crucial part of France’s nuclear deterrence and supports the air-based leg of its nuclear triad. It uses a ramjet engine with dual air intakes for sustained supersonic flight at about Mach 3.

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Ukraine recently used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles to strike targets inside Russia, marking an important development in the current conflict. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a United States (US) made surface-to-surface ballistic missile series developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin. The missile was first used in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and is also operated by Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan and the UAE. It is an all-weather, inertially guided ballistic missile with a 305 km range and single-stage solid propulsion.

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Indian Navy unveiled the crest of INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft. The crest features the Urumi sword from Kerala’s martial art, symbolizing stealth, precision, and lethality. Rising waves on the crest represent India’s maritime vigilance. Named after the historic town of Mahe, the ship’s motto is “Silent Hunters”. It reflects the ship’s anti-submarine warfare role in shallow and coastal waters. The unveiling highlights India’s naval indigenisation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.