Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Networking & Data Centricity’ to build a future-ready force. The focus is on stronger connectivity, real-time decision-making, and higher combat effectiveness. Jointness, self-reliance, and innovation are the core pillars of military power. Data centricity treats data as a key combat asset shared across platforms instantly. This enables faster targeting, efficient troop movement, and better resource use. It shifts the Army from platform-centric to network-centric warfare. The initiative supports indigenisation, defence modernisation, and seamless Army–Navy–Air Force operations.

Notes:
The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise ‘Sanjha Shakti’, a joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise. It took place at the Dighi Hills Range, Khadki Military Station, under the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area of the Southern Command. The exercise aimed to strengthen coordination between the armed forces and civilian agencies for complex security challenges and emergency situations.

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The Boeing E-4B Nightwatch, also called the US military’s “Doomsday Plane,” recently made a rare appearance in Los Angeles, causing panic amid high geopolitical tensions. It is the most secretive aircraft in the US military and serves as the National Airborne Operations Center. The plane functions as a flying command post to keep the US government operational during extreme scenarios like nuclear war or destruction of ground command centers. Its mission is to ensure government continuity even in “doomsday” situations. The E-4B is a key part of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications system (NC3), allowing senior leaders to manage nuclear forces under all conditions.

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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.

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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.

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India’s first indigenous and privately manufactured C-295 aircraft will roll out from Vadodara, Gujarat. It was built by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. It marks a shift from public-sector to private-sector defence manufacturing, advancing Make in India (Defence) initiative. Vadodara facility (opened 2024) is India’s first private-sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft.

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Assam Rifles is planning to induct two indigenous dog breeds, Tangkhul Hui from Manipur and Kombai from Tamil Nadu, to reduce long-term dependence on foreign breeds. Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, operates the Assam Rifles Dog Training Centre (ARDTC) at Jorhat for training service dogs. Tangkhul Hui (Haofa) is a rare indigenous breed from Ukhrul district, Manipur, traditionally reared by the Tangkhul community for hunting. Kombai, also called the Polygar dog, is an indigenous guard breed from Theni district, Tamil Nadu, named after Kombai town.

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The sail training ship (STS) INS Tarangini arrived in Visakhapatnam for the International Fleet Review (IFR) and MILAN exercise starting February 18. INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy’s first sail training ship. It became the first Indian naval ship to circumnavigate the globe in 2003‑2004. Its primary role is to instill courage, camaraderie, and endurance in officer cadets starting a naval career. The ship provides hands-on training in sailing, setting and furling sails, watch-keeping, and sail manoeuvres.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron virtually inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for H125 helicopters at Vemagal Industrial Area in Kolar district, Karnataka (near Bengaluru). The facility marks India’s first private-sector helicopter manufacturing plant. It will manufacture the H125 helicopter. Initial production capacity: 10 helicopters per year, scalable to meet a projected demand of 500 units over 20 years. The first “Made in India” H125 is expected to roll out by early 2027. The H125 is globally known for its “hot and high” performance, including the record landing on Mount Everest.

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The Southern Air Command conducts a high-tempo joint maritime exercise named Kalari Leap in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy archipelago. The exercise validates joint planning, rapid force projection and precise operations in complex maritime environments. The Armed Forces Special Operations Division and the Indian Coast Guard participate in the joint drill. Indian Air Force assets operate alongside Coast Guard ships, Gemini boats and Dornier 228 aircraft. The exercise demonstrates readiness for integrated air, maritime and special operations in island territories.