Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Yard 1280 (Shachi), the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa on 31 March 2026. Construction of NGOPVs is happening concurrently at GSL, Goa and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. These indigenously built ships will augment the existing fleet of ten Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)/Next-generation OPVs (NOPVs) for multi-domain operations including defence, surveillance, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR), and anti-piracy missions.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
INS Taragiri was commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026, at Visakhapatnam by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It is the fourth ship of the Project 17A class, designed by the Warship Design Bureau. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, it has over 75% indigenous content with MSME support. The frigate features advanced stealth technology with reduced radar cross-section. It supports multi-role operations: combat, surveillance, anti-piracy, and humanitarian missions.

Notes:
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹975 crore to procure TRAWL assemblies for T-72 tank and T-90 tank to enhance minefield breaching capability of the Indian Army. The agreements were signed with Bharat Earth Movers Limited and Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Private Limited in New Delhi. The TRAWL system, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation, enables tanks to safely pass through minefields, including those with advanced anti-tank mines and magnetic fuses. The procurement falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, promoting domestic defence production.

Notes:
INS Nireekshak reached Colombo to participate in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 (India–Sri Lanka Navy Diving Exercise). It is a Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel of the Indian Navy. The exercise (21–27 April 2026) focuses on diving operations, training, and interoperability. It strengthens maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise aligns with MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision in the Indian Ocean Region.

Notes:
Sanghmitra was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata under the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme. The vessel is part of the Indian Navy’s project to build 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited. These indigenously built ships will support maritime surveillance, coastal defence, anti-piracy patrols, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The vessel is named after Sanghamitra, reflecting India’s cultural heritage.

Notes:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an artillery shell manufacturing plant at Savli Vihir Industrial Estate in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The project has been established by Nibe Limited. The facility will manufacture 155 mm artillery shells with an annual production capacity of five lakh shells. The entire production technology and raw materials used in the plant are indigenous, supporting the Make in India initiative.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 regimental systems. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a proposal to procure five additional S-400 systems. The S-400 Triumf air defence system has been developed by Russia. It was designed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey (specifically the Almaz Central Design Bureau) as a mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile system.The S-400 is capable of tracking and destroying multiple aerial threats simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently announced the successful maiden flight of the first Made-in-India Airbus C-295. The C-295 is a new-generation medium tactical military transport aircraft designed for multiple operational roles. It can perform troop and cargo transport, maritime patrol, surveillance, reconnaissance, signals intelligence, medical evacuation, airborne warning, and air-to-air refuelling. The aircraft has an endurance of up to 11 hours and can operate in all weather conditions.