Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Ukraine recently carried out a bold strike on a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk using UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles, breaching Moscow’s air defenses. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile. It was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. The missile is called SCALP in France. It is designed for stealth and precision strikes in all weather conditions. It targets high-value stationary assets like airbases, radar sites, and communication hubs. It is used by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. India has integrated SCALP missiles with Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.

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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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Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce the civil commuter aircraft SJ-100. The SJ-100 is a new-generation short-haul jet aircraft of Russian origin. It was earlier known as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, designed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. It is a twin-engine, narrow-body aircraft mainly used for commercial operations. It is flown by more than 16 airlines, including nine from Russia. The aircraft can seat 103 passengers and fly up to 3,530 kilometres. It offers low operating costs and performs efficiently in temperatures from -55°C to +45°C.

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After defeating Pakistan in the recent conflict through Operation Sindoor, India plans to boost its air combat power. The country is set to acquire a large number of Meteor air-to-air missiles. Meteor is an advanced radar-guided, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). It was developed by European partners led by MBDA (Matra BAE Dynamics Alenia). It uses a ramjet engine for high-speed controlled flight and complex maneuvers.

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India will hold a tri-service military exercise named Poorvi Prachand Prahar in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. It is a joint exercise of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance warfighting skills, technological use, and operational coordination among the three forces. It will validate multi-domain integration across land, air, and maritime fronts. The drill will test interoperability, situational awareness, and command-and-control systems in high-altitude conditions.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Savitri recently arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, during its Long-Range Operational Deployment to the South West Indian Ocean Region. INS Savitri is an indigenously built Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Indian Navy. It was built by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai, and commissioned on 7 June 1990. The ship operates under the Eastern Naval Command based at Visakhapatnam. It performs roles like aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and patrol duties. It has a top speed of 15 knots (30 km/h) and is equipped with a 40×60 Bofors Gun and a helicopter deck for Chetak operations.

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The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025 began at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, on 10 November 2025 and will continue till 23 November 2025. The exercise involves 170 Indian Army personnel mainly from the RAJPUT Regiment and 135 Sri Lankan Army personnel from the GAJABA Regiment, along with Air Force teams from both nations. The aim is to rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Mandate with focus on counter-terrorist operations.

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The eighth India-UK Joint Military Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 began recently at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a joint military exercise between India and the United Kingdom. It is a 14-day exercise held from 17 to 30 November 2025. A total of 240 personnel are participating, with equal representation from the Indian Army and the British Army. Indian troops are from the Sikh Regiment. The exercise is conducted under a United Nations (UN) mandate focusing on counter-terrorism in semi-urban areas.

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India is set to strengthen counter-drone warfare as the Army and Indian Air Force plan to procure 16 indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark-2) units. The Mark-2 is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), led by its lab CHESS – Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences with the Armed Forces. It detects, tracks and neutralises hostile drones using sensors, jammers and high-energy laser weapons.

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The United States recently approved a nearly $700 million sale of NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) to Taiwan. NASAMS is a medium-range ground-based air defence system designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. It was jointly developed by Raytheon of the United States and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway. It became operational in 1994 and was first deployed by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. NASAMS is used by 13 countries and has protected the United States National Capital Region since 2005.