Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Ukraine unveiled the FP-5 “Flamingo,” a new long-range cruise missile. It is developed by Ukraine’s Fire Point defense company. The missile has a range of 3,000 kilometres and carries a 1,150-kilogram warhead with a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 kg. Flamingo is the first indigenously produced “heavy” missile in Ukraine’s arsenal. It has a wingspan of six meters and uses a turbofan engine. The missile can reach speeds up to 900 km/h and navigates using inertial systems and GPS. Its high terminal velocity and heavy warhead allow deeper target penetration and greater destruction. It is designed to resist electronic warfare, likely with secure GPS and CRPA antennas.

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An Indian Armed Forces contingent joined Russia for multilateral military exercise ZAPAD 2025. The exercise is held at Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia, from September 10 to 16. The Indian team has 65 personnel: 57 from the Army, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy. The Army team is led by a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment with support from other arms and services. ZAPAD 2025 aims to boost military cooperation and interoperability among nations. The drills cover tactics, techniques, and procedures in warfare and counter-terrorism. The exercise also integrates emerging technologies for better multinational force operations.

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The Indian Navy has commissioned its first 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR) aboard a warship. The radar, called Lanza-N, is developed by Tata Advanced Systems with Spanish defence company Indra. This is the first time Lanza-N is operational outside Spain. Tata Advanced Systems became the first Indian company to build and integrate next-generation naval surveillance radars. The radar passed sea trials with naval and aerial platforms across different radar cross-sections. A radar assembly and testing facility is set up in Karnataka to speed up deliveries. Lanza-N can detect drones, supersonic fighters, anti-radiation missiles, and naval platforms.

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STAR (Supersonic TARget) missile is India’s indigenous high-speed target missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It simulates hostile supersonic threats, including modern anti-ship cruise missiles, to train Indian Armed Forces in realistic conditions. It has a two-stage propulsion: solid booster rocket for lift-off and Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) for sustained supersonic flight. DRDO is developing two variants: Air-Launched STAR for LCA Tejas and joint exercises, Ground-Launched STAR for mobile Navy/Army drills. STAR ends dependence on expensive imports and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in missile training and R&D.

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Indian Navy’s Diving Support Vessel (DSV) INS Nistar is participating in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore. Exercise Pacific Reach is a biennial multinational exercise with participation from over 40 nations. The harbour phase will include discussions on submarine rescue systems, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium and cross-deck visits. The sea phase will see INS Nistar and Submarine Rescue Unit (E) perform intervention and rescue operations with other nations in the South China Sea.

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The DSC A22, the third vessel in the five-ship Diving Support Craft (DSC) project, was launched in Kolkata. The vessel is constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd under a Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract signed in 2021. Diving Support Crafts (DSCs) are designed for submarine rescue, salvage operations, underwater inspection, hull cleaning, and diver training. Construction follows the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and includes hydrodynamic testing at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. The launch highlights Kolkata’s growing role in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding programme. This event is part of India’s push for self-reliant defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Adamya, first of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Paradip Port, Odisha on 19 September 2025. The 51-meter vessel is indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% local content under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. ICGS Adamya will be based at Paradip under ICG Region (North East) to safeguard India’s maritime interests. It is the first ship with indigenous Controllable Pitch Propellers and gearboxes for superior manoeuvrability.

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Project Vijayak of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 15th Raising Day at Kargil, Ladakh on 21 September 2025, marking entry into its 16th year. It was launched in 2010 by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and named after Operation Vijay to reflect the connection between the battle theatre and the project area. It has built 1,400 km of roads and 80 major bridges across Ladakh. In April 2025, it achieved a record by reopening the Zojila Pass in just 31 days after winter closure. The project has improved operational preparedness of Armed Forces and connectivity for Ladakh’s people.

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India successfully conducted a test launch of the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This is the first rail-based launch integrated with the national railway network. The launch demonstrates India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and cross-country mobility with reduced visibility. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers. The test involved the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

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The Indian Army has issued a tender to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for five to six regiments of the indigenously developed ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system. The system was earlier known as Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project is worth about ₹30,000 crore and will boost air defence on borders with Pakistan and China. The mobile system can search, track and engage targets on the move with a 30 km firing range. It will complement Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) and Akash systems.