Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the United States deployed its “Dark Eagle” Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) during the Talisman Sabre military drills in Australia. The Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system is developed by the United States. It is designed for strategic attack missions to penetrate anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) defenses and deliver rapid precision strikes. The land-based weapon can hit targets up to 1,700 miles (2,735 km) away.

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On 26 August 2025, Indian Navy commissioned Project 17A multi-mission stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri at Naval Base Visakhapatnam. They are part of Project 17 (Shivalik) class frigates designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB). INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, and INS Himgiri by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Udaygiri became the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch through modular construction. Their commissioning strengthens Navy’s combat readiness and showcases India’s self-reliance in warship design and construction.

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United States (U.S.) and Japan are holding a joint military exercise where the Typhon intermediate-range missile system will be temporarily deployed in Japan. The Typhon missile system, also known as Mid-Range Capability (MRC) or Strategic Mid-Range Fires (SMRF), was developed by the United States and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It uses a modular design that allows it to fire SM-6 missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles. SM-6 missiles can engage targets beyond 320 km, while Tomahawk missiles offer deep-strike capability up to 1,500 km. The system is containerized, road-mobile, and highly survivable, allowing rapid deployment across allied regions.

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The 14th edition of Exercise MAITREE-XIV commenced at Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi, Meghalaya. Exercise MAITREE is a joint military exercise between India and Thailand, instituted in 2006. It is part of the military-to-military exchange programme, enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army. The exercise reinforces bilateral defence cooperation and commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region. The 13th edition was held at Fort Vachiraprakan, Tak Province, Thailand. Indian Army is represented by a Battalion of the Madras Regiment.

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The Nepali Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army launched the fourth joint exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025, in Kathmandu. The drill runs until 16 September 2025. It aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. The exercise, first held in 2017, alternates between Nepal and China. Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 focuses on building capacity, addressing security challenges, and fostering mutual trust and military-to-military ties.

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An Indian Armed Forces contingent joined Russia for multilateral military exercise ZAPAD 2025. The exercise is held at Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia, from September 10 to 16. The Indian team has 65 personnel: 57 from the Army, 7 from the Air Force, and 1 from the Navy. The Army team is led by a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment with support from other arms and services. ZAPAD 2025 aims to boost military cooperation and interoperability among nations. The drills cover tactics, techniques, and procedures in warfare and counter-terrorism. The exercise also integrates emerging technologies for better multinational force operations.

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A recent video shocked Washington showing a US Hellfire missile bouncing off a UFO near Yemen. The Hellfire is an air-to-ground, laser-guided, subsonic tactical missile with strong anti-tank power. It can also act as an air-to-air weapon against helicopters and slow-moving aircraft. It was developed by the United States in 1972 to counter Soviet armor formations. It is a laser-guided, air-to-ground tactical missile used by the U.S. military and more than 30 allied nations for precision striking capabilities against various targets.

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, an all-women tri-services sailing expedition, from Gateway of India. It is a symbol of Nari Shakti, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, military diplomacy, and global vision. Ten women officers will sail on IASV Triveni, covering 26,000 nautical miles in nine months, crossing the equator twice and sailing around Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope. IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry, will stop at ports in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. The voyage highlights India’s progress in women empowerment, maritime adventure, and global recognition.

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INS Aravali, a new shore-based naval facility, was commissioned in Gurugram to boost the Indian Navy’s information warfare and maritime domain awareness. Strategically located in the National Capital Region (NCR), it will support Navy’s command and control network. The base reflects Prime Minister’s vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). INS Aravali is named after the Aravali range, symbolising vigilance, endurance, and foresight. Its crest shows mountains and a rising sun, and its motto is “Maritime Security through Collaboration.” It consolidates India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

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Recently, South Korea, the United States, and Japan launched their five-day trilateral multi-domain exercise ‘Freedom Edge’ from September 15–19 in international waters near Jeju Island. This is the third round of the drills, after earlier editions in June and November 2024. It is the first such exercise under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump. The exercise focuses on ballistic missile defence, air defence, medical evacuation, and maritime interdiction training. The goal is to boost interoperability and strengthen trilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.