Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, China’s state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired footage of the launch of the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile for the first time. The DF-17 is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile officially unveiled in 2019. The missile has an operational range of about 1,800–2,500 km and is deployed on a mobile launcher. It carries the DF-ZF Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV). After launch, the warhead separates at high altitude and re-enters the atmosphere. The glide vehicle maneuvers at speeds of Mach 5–10.

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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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Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR and other assistance to Seychelles during his State Visit. The FPV was built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel can achieve speeds of over 30 knots. It strengthens Seychelles’ maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and patrolling of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa on 27 June 2026. The vessel is named “Akshay,” meaning Indestructible, symbolising resilience and commitment to maritime security. It will enhance Coast Guard operations including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The induction strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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India and Indonesia signed a deal for the supply of Astra Mk 1 missiles, marking a major step in bilateral defence cooperation. Astra Mk 1 is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is designed for use by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has a range of 80–110 km, an altitude of up to 20 km, and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. It features inertial guidance, mid-course update, and terminal active radar homing, and is powered by a single-pulse smokeless solid-fuel motor.

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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 Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia. The exercise will be held from 20 July to 7 August 2026 at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley. Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) premier multinational air combat exercise. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, combat flying skills, operational coordination, and defence cooperation. India will participate in complex air combat scenarios alongside air forces from the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

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Iran has recently used the Kheibar Shekan missile in a series of complex attacks, drawing global attention to its advanced missile capabilities. It is a long-range, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by Iran. The missile belongs to the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr missile family. Being solid-fuel powered, it can be launched more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles and requires less preparation time. It is designed to strike long-distance strategic targets with high accuracy.

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Qadr-F missile was recently in the news amid heightened Middle East tensions and Iran–Israel military exchanges. Qadr-F is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. It has an estimated range of around 2,000 km and is derived from the Shahab-3 missile family. The missile is a key long-range asset of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is deployed alongside Iran’s Emad and Kheiber missiles as part of its strategic missile capabilities.

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The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ (Yard 3037) was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel supports India’s focus on indigenous warship construction under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The name Shruti refers to India’s ancient Vedic tradition and the four Vedas. It will undertake missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore asset protection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and anti-piracy operations.