Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation launched the Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System (UFOSS) project to strengthen underwater surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). UFOSS is an indigenous fixed network of undersea acoustic and hydrographic sensors installed on the seabed for continuous submarine detection. It aims to monitor strategic maritime choke points and detect Chinese nuclear submarines and Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP). The system will enhance India’s long-term maritime domain awareness and underwater security.

Notes:
The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026. The multinational maritime training exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154). It covers maritime law, maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats, uncrewed systems, damage control, and survival at sea. The exercise aims to strengthen regional maritime security, interoperability, and capacity building among participating nations.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Recently, INS Malvan was commissioned at Karwar on 22 July 2026. It is the second indigenously built Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). The ship is named after Malvan, the historic coastal town in Maharashtra. It was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. It has over 80% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It is equipped for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Mine Warfare, and Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO). Its motto is “Silent Claws”, and its crest features the Bagh Nakha (Tiger’s Claw).

Notes:
The United States recently deployed the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile in Guam for the first time. The Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system is developed by the United States. It is a non-nuclear, ground-launched missile designed for long-range precision strikes. It is intended to destroy high-value, heavily defended targets such as command centres, air defence systems and missile launchers.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan). The week-long exercise focused on the theme “Counter-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems).” It aimed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the IAF’s helicopter fleet against emerging drone threats. Nearly all major IAF helicopter platforms participated in the exercise. The exercise validated tactics, techniques, procedures (TTPs), mission planning, interoperability, and rapid response.

Notes:
The 8th edition of the India-US Bilateral Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 was conducted between August 10 and 14, 2026. The exercise was hosted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This specialized maritime exercise focused on advanced technology demonstrations, including the deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The five-day bilateral drill involved intense Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and practical simulations to address underwater mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised maritime explosive remnants, reinforcing the defense ties and tactical cooperation between the two partner navies.

Notes:
The Indian Navy recently inaugurated the shore-based Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test, validate, and maintain critical submarine rescue equipment, including the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), without requiring active sea deployment. Visakhapatnam serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

Notes:
The Indian Army has raised its first Baaz Battalion equipped with sophisticated drones under the 11 Corps (Vajra Corps). The battalion has been operationalised in Jalandhar, Punjab, with a focus on the sensitive western border region. Named after the hawk (Baaz), the unit is intended to strengthen the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The drone unit will act as the Army’s “eyes in the sky”, providing real-time aerial surveillance and improving operational response. The initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader military modernisation and transformation, drawing on recent operational experiences, including Operation Sindoor.