Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russia is constructing a secret underground factory at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan to expand production of Geran-2 drones. Geran-2 is a long-range, one-way attack drone used by Russia in the war in Ukraine. It is the Russian version of the Iranian HESA Shahed-136 drone. The drone has a delta-wing design, with a length of about 3.5 metres and a wingspan of around 2.5 metres. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h and has a range of up to 2,000 km. The drone generally carries around 50 kg of explosives, while newer variants can carry up to 90 kg.

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The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas 2026 was conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. It is a bilateral military exercise between India and United States. The exercise focused on improving interoperability, coordination and mutual understanding of military tactics and procedures. The drills included M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, Dhanush guns, Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers and L70 air defence guns. The M-LIDS (Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System) was also used to practise counter-drone responses.

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INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship, recently reached the historic port of Alexandria in Egypt as part of the “Lokayan 26” transoceanic expedition. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, INS Sudarshini is a three-masted barque designed for imparting hands-on training in traditional seamanship, celestial navigation, and sail handling to naval cadets. The expedition aims to foster international maritime relations, enhance professional cooperation through cross-deck visits, and demonstrate India’s commitment to traditional seafaring practices across global waters.

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Recently, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commenced their joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 in Uttarakhand. The exercise was conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia. It focuses on mountain warfare and aims to improve interoperability, mutual understanding and military cooperation. A total of 92 personnel, with equal participation from both armies, are taking part.

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Recently, the United States announced the deployment of the NMESIS anti-ship missile system to Yonaguni Island in Japan’s Okinawa prefecture during the Keen Sword joint military exercise. NMESIS stands for Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System.It is a ground-based anti-ship missile system developed for the US Marine Corps (USMC). The system uses the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) mounted on an unmanned variant of the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The NSM is jointly manufactured by Raytheon of the US and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway. Its key role is to enable the US Marine Corps to detect and engage enemy ships from land, supporting naval operations.

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The Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) is an indigenous missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. According to the report, the system has completed developmental trials of its Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and is progressing towards User Evaluation Trials (UET). Its primary role is to protect naval vessels against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and sea-skimming missiles. The missile uses a solid-propellant motor and reportedly reaches speeds of Mach 4, with a range of up to 80 km and an altitude of 16 km. Its vertical-launch capability enables engagement of threats from different directions, providing 360-degree coverage. The system uses an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.

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JWALA-MK1, developed by Indian private defence company IG Defence, is preparing for trials following successful solid rocket motor tests in October 2026. It is described as India’s first private-sector micro-missile, designed to intercept and physically destroy hostile drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This short-range surface-to-air missile uses a hard-kill interception approach and aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive air-defence missiles. Its development supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous defence technology and strengthening India’s counter-drone capabilities.

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Recently, the Indian Army conducted the military exercise Akhand Prahar-II in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to strengthen combat readiness and prepare for future battlefield challenges. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Army’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division. It followed the successful completion of Akhand Prahar-I, which demonstrated the Army’s combat preparedness and operational capabilities. The exercise tested various combat procedures using next-generation military equipment, modern technologies and force-multiplier assets.

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The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) was held in Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 October 2026. The exercise involves the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Singapore’s naval ship RSS Supreme arrived in Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in the exercise. SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has evolved into an important bilateral maritime engagement.

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Telangana is set to host Raksha Expo 2026 in Hyderabad, marking India’s first state-government-led defence and aerospace exhibition. It is scheduled to take place from December 7 to 9, 2026. The exhibition will showcase developments in defence, aerospace, space technology and internal security. The event aims to attract investment, strengthen India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and promote indigenisation.