Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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NTPC and the Indian Army are setting up a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, to ensure stable, green power for off-grid Army sites. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone via video conferencing. This microgrid is designed to function independently, with hydrogen as the storage medium, replacing diesel generators. The system will provide sustainable power even in extreme winter conditions, supporting clean energy use in remote Army locations.

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China’s stockpile of DF-26 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs) has grown, with nearly 60 new launchers observed at a major production site. The DF-26 missile, or Dong Feng-26, is an advanced Chinese IRBM designed for both land and maritime strikes. It measures 14 meters in length, 1.4 meters in diameter, and weighs 20,000 kg at launch. Powered by two-stage solid propellant, it can hit targets up to 3,000-4,000 km away. The missile’s modular design allows it to carry two nuclear and multiple conventional warheads. Its anti-ship version, DF-26B, targets naval vessels, including aircraft carriers.

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The U.S., France, and Armenia are India’s top three customers for military exports. India now exports military equipment to over 100 countries globally. The Defence Ministry is actively promoting exports and local manufacturing to boost domestic production for national and international needs. Exports to the U.S. include aircraft and helicopter parts for companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. France receives Indian software and electronic equipment, while Armenia imports ATAGS artillery guns, Pinaka rocket launchers, Swathi radars, and other systems from India.

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The autonomous surface vessel completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi as part of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ journey. The journey was flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the NIIO’s annual event, Swavlamban. The initiative is supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). This achievement highlights India’s progress in autonomous systems for defense, enhancing capabilities in coastal surveillance, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.

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The President of India recently witnessed a demonstration on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It strengthens India’s position as a ‘Blue Water Navy’ with global reach, joining the US, Russia, France, UK, and China in the elite group capable of building aircraft carriers. The ship has a displacement of 43,000 tonnes, an endurance of 13,890 km, and can accommodate up to 30 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. It uses the STOBAR method for aircraft operations.

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France is evaluating India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its requirements. The system, developed by DRDO, is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon of Lord Shiva. It can hit targets up to 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it effective for overwhelming enemy defenses. Armenia was the first export customer for Pinaka, with other countries also expressing interest in the system.

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The Defence Space Agency has launched India’s first space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, in New Delhi. This exercise focuses on addressing growing threats to space-based assets and services. It aims to secure national strategic space objectives and integrate India’s space capabilities into military operations. The exercise will deepen understanding of operational dependencies on space assets and identify vulnerabilities if space services are disrupted. Participants include the Defence Space Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, and specialist branches like the Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command.

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The Indian Army conducted the ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ exercise on 18-19 November in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat. It is an annual multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise by the Konark Corps of Southern Command. The inaugural event in Ahmedabad included a Table Top Exercise on managing cyclones in Gujarat’s coastal region. The exercise focused on interagency coordination for efficient disaster response. A Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration at Porbandar’s Chowpatty Beach simulated logistics, rapid response, and disaster management in a cyclone scenario.

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Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine fired six US-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) at Russia’s Bryansk region. ATACMS is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon system. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, US defence company. It is capable of striking targets beyond the range of standard artillery and was first used in the 1991 Gulf War. Other operators include Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the UAE. The missile has a range of 190 miles (305 km) and uses single-stage solid propellant. It is launched from HIMARS and MLRS platforms and can carry cluster munitions to target larger areas.

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India successfully tested the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from INS Arighaat. The test occurred off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal and marked a major milestone. The K-4 missile, powered by solid fuel, has a range of 3,500 km and was launched from a 6,000-tonne submarine. This was the first launch from an operational submarine, moving beyond previous tests with submersible pontoons. The test aimed to validate performance parameters, with results under analysis. A public warning and NOTAM were issued for this intermediate-range missile test.