Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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‘Nipun’, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on 30 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The vessel is designed and built as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules. ‘Nipun’ means “adept” or “highly skilled” in Sanskrit. It is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving, underwater rescue, and salvage operations using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The vessel will also function as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine rescue missions.

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The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project. The vessel was launched at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, West Bengal. The DSCs feature a catamaran-hull design with a displacement of 300–400 tonnes. The vessels are built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Naval Rules. They will enhance the Navy’s diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operations.

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Qadr-F missile was recently in the news amid heightened Middle East tensions and Iran–Israel military exchanges. Qadr-F is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. It has an estimated range of around 2,000 km and is derived from the Shahab-3 missile family. The missile is a key long-range asset of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is deployed alongside Iran’s Emad and Kheiber missiles as part of its strategic missile capabilities.

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The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ (Yard 3037) was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel supports India’s focus on indigenous warship construction under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The name Shruti refers to India’s ancient Vedic tradition and the four Vedas. It will undertake missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore asset protection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and anti-piracy operations.

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The Indian Army contingent has departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026). The exercise is scheduled to take place from August 18–31, 2026, at Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp, Surat Thani, Thailand. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in jungle and semi-urban terrain. It aims to enhance interoperability, mutual understanding and military cooperation between India and Thailand. Exercise MAITREE was instituted in 2006.

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INS Mangrol is the third indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) delivered to the Indian Navy. It has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under an eight-ship Mahe-class programme. The vessel has over 80% indigenous content and is designed for anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, mine warfare and low-intensity maritime operations. Mangrol is named after the coastal town and minor port of Mangrol in Junagadh district, Gujarat. The vessel uses waterjet propulsion, which provides high manoeuvrability and makes it suitable for shallow and coastal waters. It is equipped with sonar, radars, torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets and mine-laying capability.

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Nipun is the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV) of the Nistar-class being inducted into the Indian Navy. It is indigenously designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. The vessel will strengthen the Navy’s capabilities in deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. Nipun is equipped with modern diving systems, navigation and platform-management systems, station-keeping capabilities and medical facilities. Its induction reflects India’s growing self-reliance and indigenisation in specialised defence shipbuilding.

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The Indian Army has raised its first Baaz Battalion equipped with sophisticated drones under the 11 Corps (Vajra Corps). The battalion has been operationalised in Jalandhar, Punjab, with a focus on the sensitive western border region. Named after the hawk (Baaz), the unit is intended to strengthen the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The drone unit will act as the Army’s “eyes in the sky”, providing real-time aerial surveillance and improving operational response. The initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader military modernisation and transformation, drawing on recent operational experiences, including Operation Sindoor.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has incorporated a joint venture with France-based Safran Helicopter Engines. The joint venture is named Safhal Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL). SAFHAL will design, develop, certify, produce, sell and support helicopter engines in India. The partnership is aimed at strengthening indigenous helicopter-engine manufacturing and supporting India’s defence aerospace capabilities.

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DRDO successfully tested the indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at 22,000 feet in Nyoma-Mudh, Ladakh. The trial was conducted at around −15°C, demonstrating the system’s suitability for high-altitude and extreme cold conditions. The parachute was deployed at 20,000 feet, with the test jumpers landing safely at 13,700 feet. The trial also validated indigenous subsystems such as the para computer, specialised oxygen systems and specialised jumpsuits. The test strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities and operational readiness in high-altitude environments.