Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently announced plans to extend the range of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air missile to over 200 kilometres. Astra Mark 2 is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by DRDO. More than 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), contributed to its development. The Astra Mark 1 missile with a 90–100 km range is already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and integrated with LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI jets. Astra Mark 2 will enhance India’s air combat superiority and may also be exported to friendly nations.

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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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Ukraine recently carried out a bold strike on a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk using UK-made Storm Shadow long-range missiles, breaching Moscow’s air defenses. Storm Shadow is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile. It was jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France. The missile is called SCALP in France. It is designed for stealth and precision strikes in all weather conditions. It targets high-value stationary assets like airbases, radar sites, and communication hubs. It is used by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. India has integrated SCALP missiles with Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force.

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South Korea is set to deploy its ‘monster missile’ Hyunmoo-5 by the end of this year. It marks a major upgrade in South Korea’s conventional arsenal against North Korea. Hyunmoo-5 is a ballistic missile developed by South Korea. It is designed for deep penetration strikes using a large conventional warhead. The missile can destroy heavily fortified underground targets. It is part of the Korean Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) strategy to deter North Korea without nuclear weapons. It was officially unveiled in October 2024.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two advanced Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on October 24, 2025. These are the seventh and eighth vessels in a series of eight indigenously built FPVs for the ICG. The FPVs are 52 metres long, displace 320 tonnes, and feature Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP), the first of their kind in this class in India. They perform multi-mission roles including fisheries protection, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search & rescue, especially around India’s islands and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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In October 2025, Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile 9M730 Burevestnik, meaning “storm petrel.” The test took place at the Pankovo test site in the Arctic region. The missile is designed with unlimited range to evade and penetrate advanced air and missile defense systems. The aim is to enhance Russia’s strategic deterrence against current and future defense technologies. It was developed by Russia’s Defence Industry and designated by NATO as “SSC-X-9 Skyfall.” It is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile, both nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed.