Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Exercise Brahmastra, a major live-firing exercise by the Indian Army, was held at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The purpose of this exercise is to showcase the combat capabilities of the newly inducted AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and test coordination between air and ground forces. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter equipped with a 30 mm chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and rockets for precision strikes. The exercise tested operational readiness, coordination between pilots and ground crews, and precision targeting in simulated battlefield conditions.

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INS Nireekshak reached Colombo to participate in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 (India–Sri Lanka Navy Diving Exercise). It is a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy. The exercise (21–27 April 2026) focuses on diving operations, training, and interoperability. It strengthens maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise aligns with MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision in the Indian Ocean Region.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled Advanced Armoured Platforms (tracked & wheeled) on April 25, 2026, at Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. These platforms were developed by Vehicles Research and Development Establishment to meet evolving operational needs of Indian defence forces. They feature an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and Anti-Tank Guided Missile capability.

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INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigate delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 April 2026. It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, marking progress in indigenous warship building. Project 17A frigates are advanced multi-mission warships with improved stealth, survivability, and combat capabilities. The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau using an integrated construction approach. It uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion along with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP).

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Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat along with other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian industry partners. DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of TARA off the coast of Odisha on 7 May 2026. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. It is a modular range extension kit developed to improve the accuracy, range, and lethality of low-cost weapons against ground-based targets.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an artillery shell manufacturing plant at Savli Vihir Industrial Estate in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The project has been established by Nibe Limited. The facility will manufacture 155 mm artillery shells with an annual production capacity of five lakh shells. The entire production technology and raw materials used in the plant are indigenous, supporting the Make in India initiative.

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Oreshnik Missile is a Russian-made intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile. Ukrainian authorities recently claimed that Russia used the missile during attacks on Kyiv. The missile was first reportedly used in November 2024 against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Oreshnik is based on the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile system. It is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. The missile is mounted on a mobile transporter-launcher for rapid deployment and concealment.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently announced the successful maiden flight of the first Made-in-India Airbus C-295. The C-295 is a new-generation medium tactical military transport aircraft designed for multiple operational roles. It can perform troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, medical evacuation, airborne warning, and air-to-air refuelling. The aircraft has an endurance of up to 11 hours and can operate in all weather conditions.

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The Indian Navy is commissioning three indigenously built platforms in Kolkata: INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray. These platforms reflect India’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production. INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) used for hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical surveys. INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, designed for littoral warfare and underwater threat detection.

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India recently tested Garudastra, the country’s heaviest indigenous 120-mm vehicle-mounted mortar system, in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by Nibe Limited, it is designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations to avoid enemy detection. The system can be operated by a two-member crew and fire 12 rounds in 60 seconds. Garudastra features Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), GPS and laser-guided precision engagement, and network-centric battlefield integration. It can strike targets 7–10 km away and penetrate reinforced concrete bunkers. The system enhances the Indian Army’s mobility, firepower, and precision strike capabilities.