Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Navy recently concluded the Jal Prahar 2025 joint exercise with the Indian Army along the eastern seaboard. It is a biannual joint amphibious exercise to strengthen synergy and interoperability between the two forces. The exercise aims to enhance operational readiness, maritime security, and national defence capabilities. The Harbour Phase was held at Visakhapatnam with induction of army troops onboard INS Gharial, onboard training, safety briefings, orientation, and camaraderie activities. The Sea Phase of Jal Prahar 2025 was held from September 21 to 23 at Kakinada. It showcased amphibious operations to test joint capabilities.

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The Border Security Force (BSF) launched a new AI (Artificial Intelligence) and GIS (Geographic Information System) command system at its headquarters. The system is named Decision Support System (DSS) to improve decision-making for commanders at all levels. DSS integrates GIS platform, legacy operations, incident database, and sensor feeds to form a Complete Operating Picture (COP). It enables monitoring, predictive trend analysis, and AI/ML-based operations to predict smuggling hotspots and infiltration routes. DSS aids resource allocation, operational planning and execution along India’s 6,000 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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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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Recently, an Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel departed for Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia for Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025. AUSTRAHIND is an annual joint military exercise between India and Australia. This edition is led by a Battalion of Gorkha Rifles along with troops from other arms and services. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, improve interoperability, and exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures in sub-conventional warfare in urban and semi-urban terrain. It provides an opportunity to hone operational capabilities, integrate emerging technologies, and operate jointly in a combat environment. Other India-Australia exercises are AUSINDEX and PITCHBLACK.

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India has recently proposed the supply of the Akash missile system to Brazil, during Defence Minister’s talks with Brazilian Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin in New Delhi. Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is designed to protect vulnerable areas and assets from aerial threats like fighter jets, drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It was indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad. It is currently in service with both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently successfully tested the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at an altitude of 32,000 feet. The system is indigenously developed by DRDO. It was designed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru. MCPS allows paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at set altitudes, and land accurately at designated zones. It ensures independent operation without foreign interference or denial of service.

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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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Recently, the Prime Minister of India celebrated Deepavali aboard INS Vikrant and praised armed forces’ unity during Operation Sindoor. INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured aircraft carrier. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited. The carrier was commissioned in 2022. It measures 262 metres in length and 62 metres in width, with 14 decks. Its full-load displacement is 43,000 tonnes.

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INS Sahyadri, commanded by Captain Rajat Kumar, is participating in the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JAIMEX) 25. Exercise JAIMEX 25 is conducted between India and Japan. JAIMEX 25 was held from 16–17 October in the west of Kyushu, involving Japanese Ship (JS) Asahi, JS Oumi, a submarine, 2nd Artillery Brigade (Japan Ground Self Defence Force – JGSDF), and Western Aircraft Control and Warning Wing (Japan Air Self Defence Force – JASDF). The exercise aimed to enhance tactical capabilities, interoperability, and multi-layered defence cooperation between the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), JGSDF, and JASDF.

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After defeating Pakistan in the recent conflict through Operation Sindoor, India plans to boost its air combat power. The country is set to acquire a large number of Meteor air-to-air missiles. Meteor is an advanced radar-guided, Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). It was developed by European partners led by MBDA (Matra BAE Dynamics Alenia). It uses a ramjet engine for high-speed controlled flight and complex maneuvers.