Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the U.S. military used a Hellfire missile against a tanker heading toward Iran. The AGM-114 Hellfire is a short-range, air-to-ground, subsonic tactical missile developed by Lockheed Martin, United States. It entered service in 1984 and was originally designed as an anti-tank weapon. The missile can also be used against helicopters and slow-moving aircraft. It is deployed from platforms such as AH-64 Apache helicopters, MQ-1 Predator, MQ-9 Reaper drones, fighter aircraft, and ground launchers. The Hellfire missile is used by the United States and around 30 allied countries.

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The Defence Minister recently reviewed the progress of major HAL projects, including delays in the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A. The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the procurement of 97 Tejas Mk1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Tejas Mk1A is developed by HAL. It is regarded as one of the world’s lightest fighter aircraft in its class. The aircraft is capable of offensive air support, air combat, and ground attack missions.

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India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from 20 July to 7 August 2026 along with 18 other nations. Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is considered the flagship international flying exercise of the RAAF. The name “Pitch Black” comes from the emphasis on night-time flying operations over large unpopulated areas.

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India recently tested Garudastra, the country’s heaviest indigenous 120-mm vehicle-mounted mortar system, in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by Nibe Limited, it is designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations to avoid enemy detection. The system can be operated by a two-member crew and fire 12 rounds in 60 seconds. Garudastra features Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), GPS and laser-guided precision engagement, and network-centric battlefield integration. It can strike targets 7–10 km away and penetrate reinforced concrete bunkers. The system enhances the Indian Army’s mobility, firepower, and precision strike capabilities.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone by granting Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system for induction into the Indian Air Force. The system was developed jointly by DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. The Netra AEW&C had earlier received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, marking its gradual progression to full operational readiness. The system reflects India’s progress in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) PS LESPWAR and other assistance to Seychelles during his State Visit. The FPV was built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel can achieve speeds of over 30 knots. It strengthens Seychelles’ maritime surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and patrolling of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa on 27 June 2026. The vessel is named “Akshay,” meaning Indestructible, symbolising resilience and commitment to maritime security. It will enhance Coast Guard operations including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The induction strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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India and South Korea are set to deepen their defence partnership following the successful collaboration on the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer. The collaboration reflects the growing focus on defence manufacturing, technology transfer, and strategic cooperation between the two countries. K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer. It is the Indian version of South Korea’s K9 Thunder. It is manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with technology transferred from Hanwha Defense (South Korea). It is designed for operations in deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions. It is equipped with a 155 mm/52 calibre gun capable of firing high-explosive, smoke, and guided projectiles.

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INS Mahendragiri, the 6th Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, with over 75% indigenous content. The warship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced stealth features, multifunction radar, anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. It is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship carries the motto “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless.”

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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.