Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity. The test was carried out at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. It validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy. The test was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A dual-sled system with LCA aircraft forebody was propelled using multiple solid propellant rocket motors.

Notes:
In response to the growing threat from sub-sonic cruise missiles, the Indian Army is undertaking a significant strategic shift by repurposing its Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) to strengthen low-altitude air defence capabilities. This move reflects the Army’s focus on countering modern aerial threats that fly low, evade radar, and target critical military and civilian infrastructure. MANPADS are portable surface-to-air missile systems that can be operated by an individual soldier or a small team to engage aerial targets. These systems are commonly known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, enhancing battlefield mobility and rapid deployment.

Notes:
Exercise Ekatha 2025 was held in Maldives from 15–17 December 2025. Exercise Ekatha, established in 2017, is an annual bilateral maritime exercise, conducted between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The 8th edition focused on interoperability and operational synergy through technical/combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition, explosive handling, asymmetric warfare, and special heli-borne drills.

Notes:
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), on 5th January 2026 in Goa. The ship is the largest in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet and has over 60% indigenous content, with plans to increase to 90%. It enhances the ICG’s capabilities in pollution control, firefighting, maritime safety, coastal patrol, and extended surveillance. It is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, side-sweeping arms, skimmers, floating booms, and a pollution control lab, it can operate even in rough seas.

Notes:
The Indian Army has launched Depot Integration Management Edition, which is a pan-Army digital logistics platform. It provides near real-time visibility of logistic items from units up to Army Headquarters. It is developed jointly by the Indian Army and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics. The platform standardises digital workflows across all Army depots and units. It equips commanders with integrated dashboards, exception alerts, and predictive stock analytics. It will reduce paperwork by about 70 percent and shorten the logistics cycle by one-third.

Notes:
The Indian Army signed a ₹168 crore contract for a solar-powered surveillance drone named Medium Altitude Persistent Surveillance System. It is developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies under Innovations for Defence Excellence of the Ministry of Defence. This is the first solar-powered drone inducted by the Indian Army. Unlike battery or fuel drones, it uses solar energy to remain airborne for long hours. It will be used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions along borders.

Notes:
On the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. Operation Pawan was conducted by the IPKF after the Indo–Sri Lanka Accord on 29 July 1987. The IPKF was deployed in Sri Lanka until March 1990, when it withdrew following a change in the Sri Lankan government’s policy. The operation involved significant bravery and sacrifice by Indian soldiers, now formally recognised and honoured by the government.

Notes:
Recently, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai. Both sides emphasised enhanced maritime cooperation, interoperability, and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The exercise took place onboard ICG’s pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari. The drill involved ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and JCG National Strike Team, focusing on hazardous chemical spill response. Prior planning, classroom sessions, and rehearsals ensured coordinated operational readiness. The Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to learn about India’s shipbuilding capabilities.

Notes:
China has revealed a major upgrade in its undersea nuclear strength with the Type 096 Tang-Class submarine. It is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) designed and built by China for strategic nuclear deterrence. The submarine is larger and stealthier, with a submerged displacement of about 20,000 tonnes, similar to United States Ohio-class submarines. It uses advanced noise-reduction technologies to reduce detection by enemy forces.

Notes:
Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL) has upgraded the Indian Air Force (IAF) Pechora system, supporting India’s push for indigenous defence modernisation. Pechora, formally called S-125 Neva/Pechora, is a Soviet-origin surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for low- to medium-altitude threats. It has protected Indian airspace since the 1970s as a key air defence asset. The system uses radar-guided launchers with V-600 missiles and a fire control unit. It operates with the 4R90 Yatagan radar having five parabolic antennas for detection and tracking.