Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) built the vessel, which was delivered to the Navy at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026. INS Nipun is designed for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. The vessel is capable of deep-sea saturation diving and is equipped with a side diving stage. It carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring and salvage operations. INS Nipun can also function as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine emergencies.

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The Japanese Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingent arrived in Jodhpur for the second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The exercise will be conducted from September 9 to 22, 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise focuses on air combat manoeuvring, interoperability, operational synergy and tactical proficiency. It aims to strengthen mutual understanding and defence cooperation between India and Japan.

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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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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Qeshm Island in southern Iran. The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-purpose Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone designed for long-duration missions. It was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a United States company. The MQ-9 is an advanced successor to the MQ-1 Predator. It is mainly used for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and precision strikes.

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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 18th edition of Exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT began at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. It is an annual India–Mongolia joint military exercise conducted alternately in India and Mongolia. The 2026 exercise is held from 21 September to 3 October 2026. The Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces are represented by 45 personnel each. The exercise focuses on enhancing joint capabilities for Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.

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Recently, Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise, has been conducted at Jodhpur and adjoining airbases in Rajasthan. The exercise involves the Indian Air Force and air forces of several foreign countries, focusing on joint training and operational coordination. Germany’s A400M military transport aircraft is participating in combined air operations with Indian and other foreign aircraft. A multinational air exercise is a planned military training activity in which the air forces of multiple countries operate together. Such exercises help participating countries improve coordination, communication, interoperability and understanding of operational procedures.

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Recently, the Indian Navy inducted indigenous TROUT underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) under the SPRINT initiative. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO, and TDAC and is an initiative of the Indian Navy. The initiative was launched to promote self-reliance and indigenisation in defence technology and aims to induct at least 75 indigenous technologies into the Indian Navy. SPRINT works with start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform. It focuses on developing and deploying niche naval combat, surveillance and other advanced defence technologies.

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Project Seabird is an initiative of the Indian Navy aimed at strengthening India’s naval infrastructure and maritime capabilities. Project Seabird Phase IIA focuses on expanding INS Kadamba naval base at Karwar, Karnataka. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani and the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs inaugurated key utility infrastructure and residential facilities at the naval base. The naval base is located on India’s western coast along the Arabian Sea. The project spans over 11,000 acres, making INS Kadamba one of the largest naval bases in the Eastern Hemisphere.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, designated CG 875, at Coast Guard Air Station, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The helicopter was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at the Coast Guard Region (West). It is equipped with advanced radar, an Electro Optical Pod (EOP) for long-range imaging and identification, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS). The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, also known as the HAL Dhruv Mk-III, is an indigenous multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The helicopter is designed for multiple roles, including search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, transport and maritime security.