Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Samarthak, the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026. The vessel has been built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T), Kattupalli. It has over 75% indigenous content, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Samarthak is designed as a versatile trial and evaluation platform for multiple maritime missions. It can undertake maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The name ‘Samarthak’ means ‘The Proponent’, signifying its role as a dependable enabler of multiple missions.

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India is planning to acquire the US-made FGM-148 Javelin, a shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. The development was announced by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who described it as a significant step in India-US defence relations. The Javelin uses fire-and-forget technology, allowing the operator to move away after launching the missile. The system is designed to engage armoured vehicles and tanks and is known for its portability and advanced guidance capabilities.

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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) built the vessel, which was delivered to the Navy at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026. INS Nipun is designed for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. The vessel is capable of deep-sea saturation diving and is equipped with a side diving stage. It carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring and salvage operations. INS Nipun can also function as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine emergencies.

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The RAKSHA defence diplomacy framework, released by the Ministry of Defence in September 2026, outlines a comprehensive 10-year strategic roadmap spanning from 2026 to 2036. This blueprint integrates India’s national security objectives with foreign-policy relationships. It is structured around four operational pillars: Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports, and Maritime Security. The framework seeks to systematically elevate India’s global defence engagement, strengthen regional partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region, and establish the nation as a reliable long-term security partner and exporter of indigenous military hardware.

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The Indian Patent Office recently granted a patent for BAM-H24, a novel high-energy compound. This propellant formulation was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH). BAM-H24 is a boron-, hydrogen-, and nitrogen-rich energetic material designed to act as a solid propellant, fuel additive, and burn-rate accelerator.

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The Japanese Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingent arrived in Jodhpur for the second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The exercise will be conducted from September 9 to 22, 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise focuses on air combat manoeuvring, interoperability, operational synergy and tactical proficiency. It aims to strengthen mutual understanding and defence cooperation between India and Japan.

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Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched India’s advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’ at Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata. The vessel has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). It is being developed under Vertical-4, Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration of the Deep Ocean Mission, at an estimated cost of around ₹840 crore. ‘Sagar Manthan’ is an all-weather, multidisciplinary research vessel designed to conduct oceanographic and geophysical research, including surveys of deep-sea mineral resources.

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INS Mysore arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, on 9 September 2026 to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana. The exercise is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy. It includes harbour and sea-based professional engagements, including cross-deck visits and operational interactions. Sporting engagements are also part of the exercise to strengthen mutual understanding between naval personnel. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, professional exchanges and maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia.

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India and the United States are conducting the 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. The exercise features Arctic-trained US soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, deployed to India’s high-altitude areas. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) is participating with advanced long-range precision fires and integrated command-and-control systems. The exercise will conclude on 28 September 2026. It includes a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).

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Lockheed Martin received its first batch of critical Patriot interceptor components from General Motors (GM Defense). PATRIOT stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target. It is a US surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system designed to detect, track and intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. It is operated by the United States Army and several allied countries.