Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India plans to equip Dassault Mirage 2000 jets with Astra Mark-2 missiles, enhancing interception up to 240 kilometres and boosting aerial dominance. Astra Mark-2 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). More than 50 industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), contributed to its development. Astra Mark-1 (90–100 kilometres range) is already inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI.

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Russia has approved the sale of the R-37M (Russian long-range air-to-air missile), also known as AA-13 Axehead (North Atlantic Treaty Organization reporting name), to India to enhance its air combat capability. The missile is designed for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat, allowing it to strike targets at very long distances without direct visual contact. It is developed to destroy enemy fighter jets, drones, and other aerial threats effectively. The missile is nicknamed an “AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) Killer” because it can target high-value aircraft like radar planes, refuelling tankers, and jamming systems.

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The first edition of Exercise ‘Pragati’ is scheduled to take place at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 18–31, 2026. Exercise Pragati (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region) involves 11 friendly countries. It aims to enhance defence cooperation, interoperability, and mutual trust among participating nations. The exercise reflects a shared commitment to regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

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Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat along with other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian industry partners. DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of TARA off the coast of Odisha on 7 May 2026. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. It is a modular range extension kit developed to improve the accuracy, range, and lethality of low-cost weapons against ground-based targets.

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India successfully conducted the second flight trial of the Divyastra Missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Divyastra is an advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. It was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). MIRV technology enables a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads that can strike different targets independently. MIRV technology was first developed by the United States in the 1960s.

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Russia announced the deployment of the Sarmat strategic nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), also known by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) designation “Satan II.” It is developed by Russia. The missile is considered one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-capable missiles and is designed to strike targets across long distances in the United States and Europe. Sarmat is the first post-Soviet Russian ICBM classified as “super heavy.” The missile reportedly has a range exceeding 35,000 km and carries a warhead yield significantly greater than Western counterparts.

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Exercise PRAGATI 2026 began at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with participation from 12 friendly nations, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. PRAGATI stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” The exercise is organised by the Indian Army to strengthen regional military cooperation, defence ties, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The two-week exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.

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Sanghmitra was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata under the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme. The vessel is part of the Indian Navy’s project to build 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited. These indigenously built ships will support maritime surveillance, coastal defence, anti-piracy patrols, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The vessel is named after Sanghamitra, reflecting India’s cultural heritage.

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India recently successfully tested the Agni-I Missile from the Integrated Test Range. Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed under India’s missile programme. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile but can function as a medium-range ballistic missile with lighter payloads. The missile has a strike range of about 700 to 1200 kilometres. Agni-I uses a solid-propellant booster derived from Indian Space Research Organisation’s SLV-3 technology.

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The Defence Minister recently reviewed the progress of major HAL projects, including delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Tejas Mk1A is developed by HAL. It is regarded as one of the world’s lightest fighter aircraft in its class. The aircraft is capable of offensive air support, air combat, and ground attack missions.