Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India successfully conducted a test launch of the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This is the first rail-based launch integrated with the national railway network. The launch demonstrates India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and cross-country mobility with reduced visibility. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers. The test involved the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

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The Spear Corps under Eastern Command, Indian Army, conducted Exercise Drone Kavach in forward areas of Eastern Arunachal Pradesh from September 25 to 28, 2025. The exercise tested the Army’s combat readiness for next-generation drone warfare and validated drone technologies and counter-drone systems. The personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also participated in the four-day exercise. Earlier, Spear Corps soldiers summited Mount Gorichen (6,488 meters) on September 19, 2025, demonstrating endurance, discipline, and teamwork in the Eastern Himalayas.

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INS Imphal of the Indian Navy recently conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) 2025 with the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101). It is an indigenously built stealth guided missile destroyer. INS Imphal is the third ship of Project P-15B (Visakhapatnam-class destroyers). Other ships in the class are INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Surat. It was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL). It is the first warship named after a Northeast city — Imphal, capital of Manipur. It is also the first warship with accommodation for women officers and sailors.

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NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) conducts an annual nuclear deterrence exercise called Steadfast Noon. The exercise tests NATO’s nuclear deterrent readiness. It is hosted by a different NATO country each year. In 2025, the Netherlands is hosting Steadfast Noon at Volkel Air Base. Other participating bases are Kleine Brogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (Britain), and Skrydstrup (Denmark). Finland, Poland, United States, Germany, and other allies are participants. Around 70 aircraft from 14 allied nations will take part, including conventional and dual-capable aircraft.

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Taiwan will build a more defensive air system called “T-Dome” to counter China’s military actions. President Lai Ching-te unveiled T-Dome to modernise Taiwan’s defence sector and increase military and political pressure. Taiwan is expanding its military and defence spending but faces pressure from China’s large and advanced military. T-Dome supports Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare approach, creating a multi-layer defence shield. Taiwan aims to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. T-Dome strengthens Taiwan’s ability to target larger military forces despite Beijing’s rising defence budget and new weapons development.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri made a port call at Busan Naval Harbour, South Korea, on 13 October 2025. It participated in the first-ever Indian Navy (IN) – Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) Bilateral Exercise. The visit highlights the growing Navy-to-Navy interactions and Strategic Partnership between India and South Korea. INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik Class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, was commissioned in 2012. The ship is based at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise includes harbour and sea phases, with joint drills, cross-deck visits, and training.

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Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering a proposal from Russia to procure Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, with possible local manufacturing in India. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). It is designed for both air superiority and ground attack roles. The aircraft features advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities. The Su-57 was primarily developed for the Russian Air Force.

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South Korea is set to deploy its ‘monster missile’ Hyunmoo-5 by the end of this year. It marks a major upgrade in South Korea’s conventional arsenal against North Korea. Hyunmoo-5 is a ballistic missile developed by South Korea. It is designed for deep penetration strikes using a large conventional warhead. The missile can destroy heavily fortified underground targets. It is part of the Korean Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) strategy to deter North Korea without nuclear weapons. It was officially unveiled in October 2024.

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The Indian Navy received ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) on 23 October. The vessel is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. It is named after the historic port town of Mahe in Puducherry, it honors India’s maritime legacy. ‘Mahe’ is indigenously designed and constructed with over 80% indigenous content under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The vessel can perform underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying in coastal waters.

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India has launched its annual Trishul 2025 tri-Service combat exercise along the western border with Pakistan. It involves the Army, Navy, and Air Force and follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s warning over Pakistan’s military buildup near Sir Creek. Sir Creek is a 96 km tidal estuary between Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Pakistan’s Sindh province. India issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) restricting airspace from October 30 to November 10, while Pakistan also restricted routes on October 28–29. The exercise, though routine, is larger and more complex this year.