Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Prime Minister’s second state visit to Israel focuses on defence cooperation and acquiring Sky Sting missile for Indian Air Force (IAF). Sky Sting is a 6th-generation Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Limited, an Israeli defence technology company. It is lightweight and can be fitted on Tejas Mk1A and Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. It has a strike range of about 250 kilometres. It uses a three-pulse solid-fuel rocket motor and can reach speeds above Mach 5.

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President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended Exercise Vayu Shakti. Exercise Vayu Shakti was held at Pokhran, Rajasthan. Indian Air Force showcased operational readiness, combat power and rapid response capability. Advanced systems like Akash, SpyDer, Short Range Loitering Munitions and Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems were demonstrated. Day, dusk and night operations showed versatility and high preparedness. Exercise highlighted success of Operation Sindoor and focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat with indigenous platforms.

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The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for defence acquisitions. Procurement includes six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard. Contracts also cover Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (SAM) Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. Shtil missile is a medium-range, ship-based, vertical-launch surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia. It primarily uses the 9M317ME semi-active radar homing (SARH) missile.

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The United States conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III missile. Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by United States. It is part of the US nuclear triad. It is a land-based nuclear missile under the US Air Force Global Strike Command. The missile uses three solid-propellant rocket motors and can reach speeds of about Mach 23 at burnout. It has a range of over 6,000 miles (5,218 nautical miles), enabling long-distance nuclear strike capability.

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The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) was recently used by the United States for the first time in operations by United States Central Command during the conflict with Iran. It is a surface-to-surface guided ballistic missile designed to strike long-distance targets with very high precision. The missile is developed mainly for the United States Army by Lockheed Martin, a major US aerospace and defence company. It has an open system architecture and modular design, allowing upgrades and integration with new technologies.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Indian Navy successfully conducted four in-flight release trials of the ADC-150 (Air Droppable Container-150) from the Boeing P-8I Poseidon near Goa. ADC-150 is an indigenously developed container capable of carrying 150 kg payload for aerial delivery. The parachute system was developed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment. Instrumentation support came from Defence Research and Development Laboratory. The system enables rapid aerial delivery of equipment, supplies and medical aid to naval ships operating in open sea or emergencies.

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The Tri-Service exercise “Dweep Shakti” was conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force from March 24 to March 28. The exercise aimed to validate integrated capabilities for rapid response in coastal and island defence operations. It involved coordinated amphibious assaults, maritime dominance operations, and complex beach landing drills. Advanced next-generation equipment and drones were used, highlighting improved precision and interoperability among the three services. The exercise helped refine integrated tactics, techniques, and procedures, strengthening multi-domain operational capability.

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Indian Air Force is preparing to induct unmanned stealth fighters under the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme. RPSA aims to develop Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) named Ghatak UCAV. Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles carry missiles and bombs for autonomous strike and combat operations. Ghatak features a stealthy flying-wing design for low radar detection. It can conduct deep-strike missions in heavily defended airspace without risking pilots.

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Indian Navy’s offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna arrived at Malé, Maldives, under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, strengthening India–Maldives maritime ties. The ship was welcomed by Maldives National Defence Force, with two MNDF personnel onboard as part of the multinational crew. This initiative aligns with “Neighbourhood First” policy and Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision. It highlights India’s commitment to regional security, interoperability, and maritime cooperation.

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Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 has commenced in Namangan at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area from 12–25 April 2026. It is the 7th edition of the India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise, conducted annually on an alternating basis between the two countries. The previous edition (2025) was held at Aundh, Pune in India. It aims to enhance military cooperation and joint operational capabilities in semi-mountainous terrain.