Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The U.S. Army and U.S. Navy recently completed integrated testing of the Dark Eagle Long‑Range Hypersonic Weapon system, marking a major milestone in America’s hypersonic weapons development. The Dark Eagle Long‑Range Hypersonic Weapon is a non‑nuclear, ground‑launched hypersonic missile system being developed for the U.S. Army as part of U.S. hypersonic modernization efforts. The missile component of the Long‑Range Hypersonic Weapon program is jointly developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, two leading American defense companies.

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President Droupadi Murmu undertook her maiden submarine sortie on December 28. She boarded the Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar naval base. With this, she became the second President of India to go on a submarine sortie. The first Indian President to do so was Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. INS Vaghsheer is a Kalvari-class submarine of the Indian Navy. The event highlights civilian leadership’s close engagement with India’s naval forces. It reflects confidence in India’s indigenously built and advanced submarine capabilities

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INSV Kaundinya, an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, sailed on her maiden overseas voyage from Gujarat to Oman. It is a stitched sail ship inspired by 5th century CE ships depicted in Ajanta Caves paintings. It is named after Kaundinya, an Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. It has been constructed using traditional stitched shipbuilding techniques with natural materials, reviving ancient maritime knowledge. Project executed through a tripartite agreement between Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations.

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In January 2026, the Indian Army created a modern warfare force named Bhairav to strengthen combat capabilities. Bhairav battalions are designed for high-speed offensive and special operations at tactical and operational levels. Around 15 Bhairav battalions have been raised, with plans to expand to 25. These units bridge the gap between Para Special Forces and regular Infantry. Bhairav units are technology-driven and capable of independent multi-domain operations.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army recently conducted successful trials of the indigenous Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System. It is fully designed and developed in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The system includes the missile, launcher, target acquisition system, and fire control unit. It is a third-generation “fire and forget” missile with advanced autonomy after launch. It uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker for accurate day-and-night operations

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Recently, INS Sagardhwani, India’s oceanographic research vessel under DRDO’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), was flagged off for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative from Southern Naval Command, Kochi. Sagar Maitri is a collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO under MAHASAGAR, aiming to strengthen cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries through socio-economic engagement and ocean research. The mission includes the MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative) component for long-term scientific partnerships.

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More animals were showcased during the Republic Day Parade, highlighting the role of the Indian Army’s Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC). Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) is a specialised corps responsible for the breeding, rearing, training and veterinary care of Army animals such as horses, mules and dogs. It ensures operational readiness of animals for combat, logistics, reconnaissance and counter-terrorism operations. The headquarters of the RVC is located in Meerut.

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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.

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INS Arnala marks India’s shift from a “Buyer’s Navy” to a “Builder’s Navy” by strengthening indigenous defence capability. It is the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) built for the Indian Navy. It is the Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built ASW-SWC. It was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. It was commissioned into the Eastern Naval Command on 18 June 2025. It is named after the historic Arnala Fort near Vasai, Maharashtra.

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South Korean and United States air forces have started the Buddy Squadron joint aerial exercise at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek. The exercise aims to improve interoperability and integrated tactical skills between the two allies. Buddy Squadron is a battalion-level drill conducted alternately by South Korea and the United States. It focuses on sharing air-to-air combat tactics and integrated training. The exercise involves fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets. It strengthens joint operational readiness and regional security cooperation.