Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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A week after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Washington visit, the United States (US) confirmed supplying advanced air-to-air missiles to Pakistan. Pakistan will receive AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) under a modified arms contract with Raytheon, US defence company,valued at over $2.51 billion. The AMRAAM is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile with “fire-and-forget” capability, speed up to Mach 4, and all-weather operation. AMRAAM is developed by the United States, compatible with F-16 jets, and also used on F-15, F-22, F-35, and other fighter aircraft worldwide.

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The Indian Army has recently started procuring the indigenously developed ‘Saksham’ Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) Grid System. SAKSHAM stands for Situational Awareness for Kinetic Soft and Hard Kill Assets Management. It is an advanced Counter-Unmanned Aerial System designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones. The system is modular and operates as a high-end Command and Control (C2) platform. It functions on the secure Army Data Network (ADN). SAKSHAM ensures complete airspace security in the Tactical Battlefield Space (TBS). It has been developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

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India has recently proposed the supply of the Akash missile system to Brazil, during Defence Minister’s talks with Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi. Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is designed to protect vulnerable areas and assets from aerial threats like fighter jets, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad. It is currently in service with both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.

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The Indian Navy received ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) on 23 October. The vessel is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. It is named after the historic port town of Mahe in Puducherry, it honors India’s maritime legacy. ‘Mahe’ is indigenously designed and constructed with over 80% indigenous content under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The vessel can perform underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying in coastal waters.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on October 24, 2025. These are the seventh and eighth vessels in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs for the ICG. The FPVs are 52 metres long, displace 320 tonnes, and feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), the first of their kind in this class in India. They perform multi-mission roles including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search & rescue, especially around India’s islands and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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Recently, the Indian Navy’s indigenously built Survey Vessel (Large) Ikshak is set to be commissioned at Naval Base Kochi. The name Ikshak, meaning “The Guide,” reflects its role in charting unexplored waters for safe navigation. It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, Kolkata. The ship will study underwater hydrography and aid marine navigation. It has over 80% indigenous content, showing India’s self-reliance in naval technology. Besides surveys, it can serve as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and hospital ship.

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In October 2025, Pravaig Dynamics Private Limited unveiled VEER, an Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV). It is India’s first defence Electric Vehicle (EV) and among the world’s first operational electric tactical vehicles for military use. The VEER has passed military trials and is recognized under the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme.

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The Indian Army and Air Force conducted a large-scale joint exercise ‘Maru Jwala’ in the Jaisalmer desert, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border during the 12-day ‘Operation Trishul’. The drill simulated coordinated strikes on terrorist hideouts and enemy positions, showcasing India’s combat readiness and use of advanced technology in desert warfare. Drones identified enemy locations, broadcast evacuation messages, and guided simultaneous ground and air attacks. T-90 tanks, mechanised infantry, and attack helicopters led the assault with aerial and robotic support. AI-driven logistics were demonstrated through robotic mule dogs delivering first aid and drones supplying ammunition.

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command, headquartered in Pune, successfully conducted the Akhand Prahaar exercise in the desert sector of Rajasthan under the tri-services exercise Trishul. The exercise validated the full-spectrum combat readiness of the Konark Corps through integrated use of all arms and services. It included mechanised and infantry manoeuvres, Special Heliborne Operations, and fighter ground attack missions by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise demonstrated strong Army–Air Force coordination and joint operational excellence. It tested next-generation indigenous technologies, including drones, unmanned systems, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare grids.

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America’s Anduril and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) EDGE Group are jointly developing the new Omen drone at a 50,000 sq ft research centre in Abu Dhabi as per the recent update. Omen is a tail-sitting vertical takeoff and landing drone with a hybrid-electric propulsion system. It is modular and adaptable for both military and non-military missions. It supports roles like maritime surveillance, infrastructure protection, and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) over coastal areas.