Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The United States recently approved a nearly $700 million sale of NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) to Taiwan. NASAMS is a medium-range ground-based air defence system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. It was jointly developed by Raytheon of the United States and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway. It became operational in 1994 and was first deployed by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. NASAMS is used by 13 countries and has protected the United States National Capital Region since 2005.

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The United States State Department has approved a possible sale of Javelin missiles and Excalibur projectiles to India worth 92.8 million USD, strengthening India–U.S. defence ties. The Javelin missile is an American-made, man-portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) jointly developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It is designed to destroy main battle tanks, light armoured vehicles, fortifications, bunkers, and even helicopters. It entered United States military service in 1996 and uses fire-and-forget technology, guiding itself after launch.

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India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and indigenously built frigate INS Udaygiri are representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025. IFR 2025 is hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo from 27 to 29 November 2025, as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. This marks the maiden overseas deployment of both ships and showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

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To boost unmanned strength after Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces have urgently procured more satellite-linked Heron Mk II Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Heron Mk II is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is 8.5 m long, has a 16.6 m wingspan, and carries a 490 kg payload with 1,430 kg maximum takeoff weight. It flies for 45 hours, reaches 35,000 ft, and operates beyond 1,000 km. It carries Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) systems for long-range border-safe surveillance.

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A new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility will be set up in Bengaluru to support the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, boosting India’s defence self-reliance. The C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin of the United States of America (USA). It is the principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) and is the latest variant of the C-130 Hercules. The aircraft can operate from rough and dirt airstrips and is used for airdroppping troops and equipment in hostile areas.

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The Indian Navy deployed INS Gharial and three other naval vessels under Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka. INS Gharial (L23) is a Magar-class amphibious warfare ship of the Indian Navy designed for transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious operations. It is the second indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large), highlighting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The ship was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). INS Gharial is among the largest ships of the Indian Navy and is part of the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command.

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‘Anjadip’, the third of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 22 December 2025 at Chennai. The ship is indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. It is equipped with Lightweight Torpedoes, indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Rockets, and shallow water SONAR, enabling detection and engagement of underwater threats. It enhances the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance, and mine-laying capabilities.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built PCV of the ICG. The vessel was formally delivered during an induction ceremony. It is equipped with a 30 millimetre CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 millimetre stabilised remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems. The vessel has over 60% indigenous content, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Samudra Pratap will aid marine pollution control, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

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President Droupadi Murmu undertook her maiden submarine sortie on December 28. She boarded the Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar naval base. With this, she became the second President of India to go on a submarine sortie. The first Indian President to do so was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. INS Vaghsheer is a Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy. The event highlights civilian leadership’s close engagement with India’s naval forces. It reflects confidence in India’s indigenously built and advanced submarine capabilities

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China released rare footage of the YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile fired from a Type 055 guided missile destroyer warship. YJ-20, also called Eagle Strike-20, is a hypersonic anti-ship missile developed by China. It was first publicly displayed during China’s Victory Day military parade on 3 September 2025. The missile is designed to attack high-value naval assets like aircraft carriers at long ranges. It has a biconic aerodynamic shape that allows controlled glide after rocket boost. This shape creates shockwaves that protect control surfaces from extreme heat.