Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, INS Sagardhwani, India’s oceanographic research vessel under DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), was flagged off for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative from Southern Naval Command, Kochi. Sagar Maitri is a collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO under MAHASAGAR, aiming to strengthen cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries through socio-economic engagement and ocean research. The mission includes the MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative) component for long-term scientific partnerships.

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China has revealed a major upgrade in its undersea nuclear strength with the Type 096 Tang-Class submarine. It is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) designed and built by China for strategic nuclear deterrence. The submarine is larger and stealthier, with a submerged displacement of about 20,000 tonnes, similar to United States Ohio-class submarines. It uses advanced noise-reduction technologies to reduce detection by enemy forces.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology on February 3, 2026, from Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The demonstration positions India among elite nations with SFDR capability for long-range air-to-air missiles, providing a tactical advantage. The missile was initially propelled by a ground booster to reach the desired Mach number.

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INS Arnala marks India’s shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy” by strengthening indigenous defence capability. It is the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) built for the Indian Navy. It is the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built ASW-SWC. It was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. It was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on 18 June 2025. It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.

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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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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 helicopters at Vemagal Industrial Area in Kolar district, Karnataka (near Bengaluru). The facility marks India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing plant. It will manufacture the H125 helicopter. Initial production capacity: 10 helicopters per year, scalable to meet a projected demand of 500 units over 20 years. The first “Made in India” H125 is expected to roll out by early 2027. The H125 is globally known for its “hot and high” performance, including the record landing on Mount Everest.

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy tested the Sayyad-3G air defense missile. Sayyad-3G is a naval surface-to-air missile developed by Iran. It is derived from the land-based Sayyad-3 missile and modified for maritime use. It provides medium-range air defense to warships and naval vessels. It is launched through a Vertical Launch System, giving 360-degree coverage. It can quickly respond to aerial threats. It can intercept warplanes, maritime patrol aircraft, and high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

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President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended Exercise Vayu Shakti. Exercise Vayu Shakti was held at Pokhran, Rajasthan. Indian Air Force showcased operational readiness, combat power and rapid response capability. Advanced systems like Akash, SpyDer, Short Range Loitering Munitions and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems were demonstrated. Day, dusk and night operations showed versatility and high preparedness. Exercise highlighted success of Operation Sindoor and focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat with indigenous platforms.

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The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Taragiri (F41), a stealth frigate, on 03 April 2026. It is the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Limited and designed by the Warship Design Bureau. The ship is a modern reincarnation of the earlier INS Taragiri (Leander-class frigate) and is built for high-speed, high-endurance, multi-dimensional naval operations.