Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Navy recently inaugurated the shore-based Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test, validate, and maintain critical submarine rescue equipment, including the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), without requiring active sea deployment. Visakhapatnam serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

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Divyastra Mk3 is an indigenously developed jet-powered loitering munition (kamikaze drone) developed by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt). It recently conducted its maiden flight in Uttar Pradesh, marking a step towards indigenous UAV capabilities. The drone is designed to strike high-value enemy assets, infrastructure and personnel using an onboard explosive warhead. It incorporates autonomous flight control and AI-enabled target-engagement capabilities.

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Russia has reportedly received North Korea’s KN-30 ballistic missile for the first time, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence agency (HUR). KN-30 is a ballistic missile developed by North Korea and is the Western designation for the Hwasong-11C. It is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) powered by a solid-propellant engine. The missile is launched from a mobile ground-based launcher.

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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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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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Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th iteration of the joint military exercise between the United States and Jordan. The 2026 edition is scheduled to be hosted at Fort Carson, Colorado, USA. The exercise is conducted between US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Jordanian Armed Forces. Traditionally, Eager Lion has been held in Jordan, making the 2026 edition notable for its change of location. It is a multi-domain military exercise aimed at improving interoperability between participating forces. The exercise focuses on addressing regional security threats and strengthening defence cooperation between the US and Jordan.

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The 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT began at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. It is an annual India–Mongolia joint military exercise conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The 2026 exercise is held from 21 September to 3 October 2026. The Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces are represented by 45 personnel each. The exercise focuses on enhancing joint capabilities for Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.

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Recent Ukrainian reports have claimed that Russian forces used Misagh-2 systems in the Rostov region to intercept Ukrainian UAVs. Misagh-2 is an Iranian-manufactured man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS). It is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to engage low-flying aerial targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The missile uses a passive infrared (IR) seeker to detect the heat signature of its target. It has a fire-and-forget capability, meaning the operator does not need to continuously guide the missile after launch. This allows the operator to leave the firing position quickly after launching the missile.

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Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched India’s first indigenously designed and built Fleet Support Ship (FSS), named ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. He also laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5). Fleet Support Ships are designed to provide at-sea replenishment, logistics and maintenance support to naval vessels, helping the Navy operate for longer periods in distant maritime areas. These ships will have large cargo and fluid capacity, maintenance workshops, helicopter decks and self-defence systems.