Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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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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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Ukraine recently claimed that its FP-5 Flamingo long-range missiles struck a Russian defence manufacturing facility in the Volgograd region. The FP-5 Flamingo is a domestically developed, ground-launched cruise missile that entered service in 2025. It has a strike range of up to 3,000 km and can carry a combat payload of up to 1,150 kg. The missile is designed for low-altitude flight, enabling it to evade detection and operate even under electronic interference. It uses reusable launchers, making it a cost-effective long-range strike system.

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Recently, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range. The trial validated the rocket’s performance at a user-defined minimum range of 60 km, with the rocket accurately hitting its target. The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with different Pinaka rocket variants. The successful test marks another milestone in India’s indigenous long-range guided rocket capability.

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DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on 23 July 2026. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test took place from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target. Kusha can neutralise fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over a long range and altitude. The missile, radars, and command-and-control system were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.

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India has developed its first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine in the 350 kg thrust class. The engine was developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE). It was successfully realised and delivered to GTRE by Azad Engineering. The development marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous jet engine technology and defence manufacturing capabilities.

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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 U.S. Department of Defense signed framework agreements worth over $3 billion with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The agreements aim to increase production of Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD missile interceptors. THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is an advanced ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States. THAAD intercepts short, medium, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight. It can destroy incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.

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The United States Army has temporarily halted AH-64 Apache training flights following a crash near Fort Hood, Texas, that killed two soldiers. The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat attack helicopter, with the pilot seated at the rear and the co-pilot/gunner in the front. It is made by Boeing in the United States and used by many countries, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Japan. It can fly up to 300 kilometres per hour and has a range of 500 kilometres. It has advanced systems for communication, navigation, sensors, and weapons.

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The Department of Defence Production (DDP) notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) on 17–18 August 2026. The list includes 405 strategically important defence items, covering Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Indian Coast Guard. The list has been made available on the SRIJAN Defence Portal to promote indigenous defence production. The SRIJAN Defence Portal was launched in August 2020 by the Ministry of Defence. It is a single-window digital platform connecting domestic manufacturers, including MSMEs and startups, with defence procuring agencies.