Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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 Army’s Konark Corps conducted the high-intensity ‘Rudra Raptors’ joint exercise in the desert sector of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The exercise was held under the theme “One Team, One Purpose, Absolute Battlefield Dominance.” AH-64E Apache attack helicopters of Thar Raptors and tanks of the Black Mace Brigade participated in the exercise. It focused on air-ground integration, combat readiness, communication, manoeuvre and battlefield dominance. The exercise also highlighted the Indian Army’s focus on Atmanirbharta, innovation and advanced battlefield technologies.

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The German Navy successfully test-fired Israel’s LORA ballistic missile system in the North Atlantic Ocean on September 2, 2026. The test was conducted from German frigates, including the Sachsen-Anhalt (F 224), in waters between Ireland and Iceland. LORA is manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It has a range of around 400–500 km.

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Russia has publicly unveiled the S-71K Kovyor, a new air-launched stand-off weapon designed for the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It is designed to provide a lower-cost option between expensive cruise missiles and attack drones. The S-71K is reportedly powered by an R500 turbojet engine and has a range of approximately 300 km. The unveiling comes as Russia is seeking to expand Su-57E sales and possible production cooperation with India.

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Indian Navy’s guided missile corvette INS Kulish arrived at Ream Naval Base, Cambodia, on 12 September 2026. The visit is part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment. The port call aims to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Cambodia. INS Kulish is a guided missile corvette of the Indian Navy. It belongs to the Kora-class of guided-missile corvettes. The ship is equipped for anti-surface warfare and has missile and gun capabilities. The ship’s name, Kulish, refers to Indra’s thunderbolt weapon (Vajra) in Indian mythology.

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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 Indian Air Force (IAF) recently began receiving the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, which has been officially named ‘Ankur’. It is developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The HTT-40 is designed to meet the basic pilot training requirements of the IAF. The handover of the first three aircraft marks the commencement of deliveries under a contract for 70 such trainers. This indigenous platform is equipped with modern avionics, a pressurized cabin, and advanced safety features, replacing older training assets and boosting self-reliance in military pilot training.

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The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka–India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17–21 September 2026. The exercise is conducted in two phases: Harbour Phase followed by the Sea Phase. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala. SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005 and has evolved into an important platform for maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. SLINEX-26 aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and aims to strengthen a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the region.

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The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas 2026 was conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. It is a bilateral military exercise between India and United States. The exercise focused on improving interoperability, coordination and mutual understanding of military tactics and procedures. The drills included M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, Dhanush guns, Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers and L70 air defence guns. The M-LIDS (Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System) was also used to practise counter-drone responses.

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INS Trishul has arrived at Toulon, France, to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA. VARUNA is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy. It aims to enhance interoperability, exchange operational experiences and best practices, and strengthen mutual understanding between the two navies. The exercise reflects the expanding maritime cooperation and strategic partnership between India and France.