Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia test-fired a mobile, solid-fuel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on 28 August 2026 from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, sending training warheads over 6,700 km to the Kura test range in Kamchatka. The researchers identified it as the RS-24 Yars. RS-24 Yars is a three-stage, solid-fuel ICBM deployed in both mobile and silo-based configurations. It can carry Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs) and has an estimated range of over 10,000 km. The Yars entered Russian Strategic Missile Forces service in 2010, replacing systems such as RS-12M Topol.

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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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INS Mysore arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, on 9 September 2026 to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana. The exercise is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy. It includes harbour and sea-based professional engagements, including cross-deck visits and operational interactions. Sporting engagements are also part of the exercise to strengthen mutual understanding between naval personnel. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, professional exchanges and maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia.

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The VIMARSH 2026 conclave was held in New Delhi in September 2026, focusing on indigenising India’s defence manufacturing sector. The event was organized under the theme “Varta se Vikas” (Development through Dialogue). During this event, the Union Defence Minister announced key policy measures to enhance the integration of MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups into the domestic defence supply chain. The event addressed key structural challenges in defence production, including high capital intensity, testing bottlenecks, and long procurement cycles.

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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 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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KAL, India’s first indigenous long-range attack drone, was successfully flight-tested at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan in September 2026. The drone has been designed and developed by Noida-based IG Defence, a defence technology company. KAL is a one-way attack drone, also described as a kamikaze or loitering-type strike platform. It has a range of up to 1,000 km, endurance of 7–8 hours and payload capacity of up to 50 kg. It can operate at an altitude of up to 5,000 metres above mean sea level. The drone uses multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) for autonomous navigation.

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The 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) was held at Subic Bay, Philippines. India participated with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish, along with maritime forces from ASEAN countries. The theme of the exercise was “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” The exercise focused on strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between India and ASEAN maritime forces. It consisted of two major phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase. The exercise strengthened practical maritime cooperation and interoperability between India and ASEAN.

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INS Sahyadri, an Indian Navy warship, arrived at Vladivostok, Russia, to participate in Exercise INDRA 2026. Exercise INDRA is a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy. The exercise is scheduled from 13 to 18 October 2026. It aims to enhance mutual understanding, operational coordination and interoperability between the two navies. The participation strengthens the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Russia. The exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which emphasises mutual and holistic advancement for security and growth across regions.

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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.