Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India’s first indigenous and privately manufactured C-295 aircraft will roll out from Vadodara, Gujarat. It was built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. It marks a shift from public-sector to private-sector defence manufacturing, advancing Make in India (Defence) initiative. Vadodara facility (opened 2024) is India’s first private-sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft.

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More animals were showcased during the Republic Day Parade, highlighting the role of the Indian Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC). Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) is a specialised corps responsible for the breeding, rearing, training and veterinary care of Army animals such as horses, mules and dogs. It ensures operational readiness of animals for combat, logistics, reconnaissance and counter-terrorism operations. The headquarters of the RVC is located in Meerut.

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The Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police conducted Exercise Agni Pariksha in Arunachal Pradesh. It was a joint training exercise to improve coordination and combat teamwork between the two forces. This was the first exercise of its kind focusing on inter-force operational integration. Personnel from Spear Corps, artillery regiments, infantry battalions, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police took part. Non-artillery soldiers were trained in artillery procedures and firing missions.

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South Korean and United States air forces have started the Buddy Squadron joint aerial exercise at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek. The exercise aims to improve interoperability and integrated tactical skills between the two allies. Buddy Squadron is a battalion-level drill conducted alternately by South Korea and the United States. It focuses on sharing air-to-air combat tactics and integrated training. The exercise involves fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets. It strengthens joint operational readiness and regional security cooperation.

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Iran recently released dramatic footage of its Khorramshahr‑4 ballistic missile amid rising tensions with the United States of America (USA). The Khorramshahr‑4, also called the Kheibar missile, is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). It is developed by the Iranian state-owned defence company Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). The missile uses liquid fuel for propulsion. It has an operational range of around 2,000 kilometers. The missile travels faster than the speed of sound. It is considered one of Iran’s most powerful medium-range missiles.

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Yard 18003 (Krishna), the first of three Cadet Training Ships (CTS), was launched on 16 February 2026 at Larsen & Toubro, Kattupalli, Chennai. The ship was launched by Mrs Anupama Chauhan in the presence of Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). It is indigenously designed and built and will be delivered to the Indian Navy by end 2026. The ships will train Officer Cadets, including women, and cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries at sea. The project strengthens indigenous shipbuilding under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Vajra Ghaat at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The exercise focused on testing the K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun system in desert warfare conditions of the Thar Desert. It was spearheaded by the White Tiger Division. The objective is to validate refined Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for better survivability and operational effectiveness. The drill demonstrated swift deployment of heavy artillery in harsh terrain. K9 Vajra carried out high-intensity, precise fire missions.

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The 7th edition of the joint military exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN between India and Japan has commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, in Uttarakhand. The exercise is being conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026. The exercise is held alternately in India and Japan and serves as an important pillar of defence cooperation between the two countries. The primary objective of Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN is to strengthen military collaboration and enhance joint operational capabilities in a semi-urban environment.

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The Indian Navy deployed a P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to Guam to join the US-led Sea Dragon anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise 2026. The exercise includes QUAD partners: United States, India, Australia, Japan, and also New Zealand. Multiple P-8 aircraft participate, enabling better coordination due to similar systems, sensors, and data-link capabilities. The drill improves ASW skills by training crews from simulated targets to real submarine detection with 200+ flight hours. Joint classroom sessions are also conducted to refine tactics and coordination. The deployment comes as India ensures safe passage of merchant ships in the Arabian Sea for energy security.

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The United States and South Korea conducted the joint military exercise “Freedom Shield” involving thousands of troops. Around 18,000 South Korean troops are participating, while the number of United States troops is not officially confirmed. The exercise continued till 19 March 2026 and focuses on defence preparedness and coordination. North Korea strongly opposes such exercises, viewing them as a rehearsal for invasion. These drills often trigger reactions from North Korea, including missile tests and military demonstrations.