Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Suryastra Rocket System was recently successfully tested at Chandipur, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence technology. The system was developed by NIBE Limited in collaboration with Elbit Systems. Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system designed for precision strikes on enemy command centres, radar sites, and logistics hubs. It is mounted on a mobile 6×6 Tatra truck and can engage multiple targets simultaneously at different ranges. The system uses interchangeable modular pods capable of firing different types of munitions.

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India recently successfully tested the Agni-I Missile from the Integrated Test Range. Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed under India’s missile programme. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile but can function as a medium-range ballistic missile with lighter payloads. The missile has a strike range of about 700 to 1200 kilometres. Agni-I uses a solid-propellant booster derived from Indian Space Research Organisation’s SLV-3 technology.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an artillery shell manufacturing plant at Savli Vihir Industrial Estate in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The project has been established by Nibe Limited. The facility will manufacture 155 mm artillery shells with an annual production capacity of five lakh shells. The entire production technology and raw materials used in the plant are indigenous, supporting the Make in India initiative.

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Recently, the U.S. military used a Hellfire missile against a tanker heading toward Iran. The AGM-114 Hellfire is a short-range, air-to-ground, subsonic tactical missile developed by Lockheed Martin, United States. It entered service in 1984 and was originally designed as an anti-tank weapon. The missile can also be used against helicopters and slow-moving aircraft. It is deployed from platforms such as AH-64 Apache helicopters, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper drones, fighter aircraft, and ground launchers. The Hellfire missile is used by the United States and around 30 allied countries.

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Recently, INS Tarkash arrived at Victoria, Seychelles, during its deployment in the South-West Indian Ocean Region. INS Tarkash is a state-of-the-art stealth frigate of the Indian Navy. It is the second of three Talwar-class guided missile frigates. The Talwar-class frigates are modified versions of the Krivak III-class frigates. The ship was designed and built in Russia. It was constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.

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Recently, the first of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) was inducted into service by the Indian Coast Guard in Goa. The Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) are being built by Chowgule and Company Private Limited. An Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), commonly known as a hovercraft, operates on a cushion of air and can travel over land, water, mudflats, and marshy terrain. The induction aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance, coastal security, search and rescue, and rapid response capabilities. The project supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

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Russia’s Burevestnik missile recently drew attention after research suggested that its flight may leave a trail of radioactive material due to its nuclear-powered propulsion system. Burevestnik, meaning “Storm Petrel”, is a ground-launched, low-flying, nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Russia. It is regarded as the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile. The missile was among the six strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018. NATO designates the missile as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone by granting Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system for induction into the Indian Air Force. The system was developed jointly by DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. The Netra AEW&C had earlier received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, marking its gradual progression to full operational readiness. The system reflects India’s progress in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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INS Trikand recently thwarted a piracy attempt in the Gulf of Aden by forcing pirates to flee from a bulk carrier. It is a frontline guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy. It is the third and final ship of the second batch of Talwar-class frigates. It was built at the Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2013. It is part of the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command, headquartered in Mumbai.

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An Indian Navy Drishti-10 Starliner UAV crashed near Dharampur village in Porbandar district, Gujarat, during a routine training sortie, following which a Board of Inquiry (BoI) was ordered. Drishti-10 Starliner is an indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is a variant of Israel’s Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 platform and is manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace at its Hyderabad facility under a technology transfer agreement. The UAV is designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It plays an important role in strengthening India’s maritime and border security.