Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia has approved the sale of the R-37M (Russian long-range air-to-air missile), also known as AA-13 Axehead (North Atlantic Treaty Organization reporting name), to India to enhance its air combat capability. The missile is designed for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat, allowing it to strike targets at very long distances without direct visual contact. It is developed to destroy enemy fighter jets, drones, and other aerial threats effectively. The missile is nicknamed an “AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) Killer” because it can target high-value aircraft like radar planes, refuelling tankers, and jamming systems.

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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Achal was recently commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard at Goa Shipyard Limited. It is a new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), and “Achal” means firm. It is the fifth among eight Fast Patrol Vessels being built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is powered by two 3000 kilowatt advanced diesel engines and can achieve a top speed of 27 knots. It has an operational endurance of 1500 nautical miles and includes advanced systems such as Integrated Bridge System and Automated Power Management System.

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India recently successfully tested the Agni-I Missile from the Integrated Test Range. Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed under India’s missile programme. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile but can function as a medium-range ballistic missile with lighter payloads. The missile has a strike range of about 700 to 1200 kilometres. Agni-I uses a solid-propellant booster derived from Indian Space Research Organisation’s SLV-3 technology.

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Recently, the U.S. military used a Hellfire missile against a tanker heading toward Iran. The AGM-114 Hellfire is a short-range, air-to-ground, subsonic tactical missile developed by Lockheed Martin, United States. It entered service in 1984 and was originally designed as an anti-tank weapon. The missile can also be used against helicopters and slow-moving aircraft. It is deployed from platforms such as AH-64 Apache helicopters, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper drones, fighter aircraft, and ground launchers. The Hellfire missile is used by the United States and around 30 allied countries.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently announced the successful maiden flight of the first Made-in-India Airbus C-295. The C-295 is a new-generation medium tactical military transport aircraft designed for multiple operational roles. It can perform troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, medical evacuation, airborne warning, and air-to-air refuelling. The aircraft has an endurance of up to 11 hours and can operate in all weather conditions.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone by granting Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system for induction into the Indian Air Force. The system was developed jointly by DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. The Netra AEW&C had earlier received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, marking its gradual progression to full operational readiness. The system reflects India’s progress in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Indonesia signed an MoU with BrahMos Aerospace for the phased procurement of two coastal BrahMos missile batteries worth about USD 200 million. BrahMos is a medium-range, supersonic cruise missile based on the “Fire and Forget” principle. It is the world’s fastest operational cruise missile, capable of speeds up to Mach 2.8. It is jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (Russia) through BrahMos Aerospace. The missile provides long-range precision strike capability against land and maritime targets.

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The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Malvan, strengthening India’s coastal defence capabilities. Malvan is the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy. It has been indigenously designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel is named after the coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra and carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malvan. It has a displacement of about 1,100 tonnes and is waterjet-propelled. It is equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, advanced radars, and sonar systems.

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The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States. The MH-60R Seahawk (“Romeo”) is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a US defence company. It is designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and shipborne operations. It serves as the US Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter.

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DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on 23 July 2026. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test took place from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target. Kusha can neutralise fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over a long range and altitude. The missile, radars, and command-and-control system were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.