Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Indian Army received the last 3 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing a fleet of 6, based at 451 Army Aviation Squadron, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). AH-64E Apache, also called Apache Guardian, is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in the world. It performs advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions. It was developed by the United States. AH-64E is the latest and most upgraded version used by the United States Army.

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Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Ship Amulya, 3rd in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels series, was commissioned in Goa on 19 December 2025. It was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with more than 60% indigenous components, supporting Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India. 51-metre vessel integrates modern design for endurance, efficiency and rapid response. It is powered by two 3000 KW diesel engines, achieves top speed of 27 knots and endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.

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The next-generation civil helicopter DHRUV-NG was inaugurated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru. The inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) DHRUV-NG, a civil variant showcased at Aero India 2025, was flagged off. DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed for diverse Indian terrain and global civil aviation standards. The helicopter focuses on enhanced safety, improved performance, and passenger comfort, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing aviation.

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Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced that the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile system has officially entered active service. A brief induction ceremony was held in Belarus, where the missiles have been deployed. Oreshnik is an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile developed by Russia. It is named after the Russian word for “hazel tree.” It has a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres and can reach speeds up to Mach 10, or ten times the speed of sound. The missile is mobile and solid-fuel powered, allowing rapid deployment.

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The Albert Ekka Brigade celebrated its 56th Raising Day at Agartala Military Station with solemn ceremonies. The brigade fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war from the Tripura sector, including Operation Cactus Lily. The brigade has earned highest gallantry awards in war and peacetime, including the Param Vir Chakra. Lance Naik Albert Ekka of 14th Guards was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for bravery in the Battle of Gangasagar. The 1971 war included Operations Cactus Lily and Nut Cracker, leading to Pakistan’s surrender on 16 December 1971 and the creation of Bangladesh.

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A rare U.S. Air Force RQ-170 “Sentinel” stealth surveillance drone was recently spotted returning to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in eastern Puerto Rico. The drone returned after U.S. military strikes conducted overnight against targets in Venezuela. The RQ-170 Sentinel is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the United States. It was designed and manufactured by Skunk Works, a division of Lockheed Martin, for the United States Air Force (USAF). The drone is used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance (ISTAR), and electronic warfare missions over target areas.

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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), on 5th January 2026 in Goa. The ship is the largest in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet and has over 60% indigenous content, with plans to increase to 90%. It enhances the ICG’s capabilities in pollution control, firefighting, maritime safety, coastal patrol, and extended surveillance. It is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, side-sweeping arms, skimmers, floating booms, and a pollution control lab, it can operate even in rough seas.

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Mumbai hosted the fifth Tri-Services Veterans Day parade at Marine Drive ahead of Veterans Day. The event was held from 8 AM to 11 AM with participation of over 500 veterans, including gallantry award winners and octogenarians. Mumbai is the only city in India to host a city-level Veterans Day parade. The event was organised by the Navy Foundation Mumbai Chapter with support from Headquarters Western Naval Command. Tri-Services Veterans Day marks the retirement of Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, on 14 January 1953.

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The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise. It took place at the Dighi Hills Range, Khadki Military Station, under the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area of the Southern Command. The exercise aimed to strengthen coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies for complex security challenges and emergency situations.

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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.