Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Government of India has decided to build a new ₹13,000-crore greenfield civil-military airport under the Great Nicobar Project. The new airport will be developed on Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The government has chosen this plan instead of expanding the existing INS Baaz naval airfield. INS Baaz is an Indian naval air station located near Campbell Bay on Great Nicobar Island. It was commissioned in 2012 and is the first air station in the Nicobar Islands. The air station plays a major role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in the Indian Ocean region.

Notes:
Recently, an Indian Army contingent departed to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2026. The exercise is being held from 20 June to 3 July 2026 at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It is a multinational military exercise focused on UN peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. KHAAN QUEST began as a bilateral exercise between the United States and Mongolia in 2003 and became a multilateral exercise in 2006. The Indian contingent consists of 40 personnel, mainly from the Jat Regiment. The exercise focuses on joint planning, patrolling, search operations, civilian evacuation, combat first aid, and casualty evacuation.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa on 27 June 2026. The vessel is named “Akshay,” meaning Indestructible, symbolising resilience and commitment to maritime security. It will enhance Coast Guard operations including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The induction strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Notes:
INS Mahendragiri, the 6th Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, with over 75% indigenous content. The warship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced stealth features, multifunction radar, anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. It is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship carries the motto “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless.”

Notes:
The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States. The MH-60R Seahawk (“Romeo”) is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a US defence company. It is designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and shipborne operations. It serves as the US Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter.

Notes:
The United States recently deployed the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile in Guam for the first time. The Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system is developed by the United States. It is a non-nuclear, ground-launched missile designed for long-range precision strikes. It is intended to destroy high-value, heavily defended targets such as command centres, air defence systems and missile launchers.

Notes:
Bhargavastra, India’s first indigenous counter-swarm micro-missile system, was recently showcased to the Indian Army. It has been developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. to counter individual drones and drone swarms. The system uses a dual-layered defence mechanism with unguided micro-rockets and precision-guided micro-missiles. It can detect large UAVs up to 10 km and small drones up to 6 km, with an interception range of 2.5 km.