Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Iran reportedly fired Qader cruise missiles targeting the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, though reports indicate the ship was not hit. Qader is a medium-range, shore-based anti-ship cruise missile developed by Iran. It is an upgraded version of the Noor missile, which itself is based on the Chinese C-802 design. The missile strengthens Iran’s coastal defence and anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities in strategic regions like the Strait of Hormuz. It is part of Iran’s broader strategy to deter naval forces and protect its maritime interests.

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INS Dunagiri has been delivered to the Indian Navy as part of ongoing naval modernisation. It is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigates. The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers. It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that previously served in the Indian Navy. The vessel uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, integrating a diesel engine and gas turbine driving controllable pitch propellers (CPP). It is equipped with a modern Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for efficient onboard operations.

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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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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.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation unveiled Advanced Armoured Platforms (tracked & wheeled) on April 25, 2026, at Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. These platforms were developed by Vehicles Research and Development Establishment to meet evolving operational needs of Indian defence forces. They feature an indigenously developed 30 mm crewless turret with a 7.62 mm PKT gun and Anti-Tank Guided Missile capability.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Navy conducted the maiden salvo launch of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range (NASM-SR) off the Bay of Bengal near Odisha. NASM-SR is India’s first indigenous helicopter-launched anti-ship missile, replacing the Sea Eagle missile. It has been developed by Research Centre Imarat with other DRDO labs. The missile has a range of about 55 km and supports fire-and-forget capability in all weather conditions. It uses a solid booster and long-burn sustainer propulsion system.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation has launched the Vikram VT 21 project featuring wheeled and tracked advanced armoured platforms. The platform is designed with enhanced armour protection against projectiles, blasts, and shrapnel. The system includes integrated weapons and advanced surveillance capabilities. It offers modular ballistic and blast protection, improving battlefield survivability. The vehicle is amphibious, enabling operations across water bodies.

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INS Mahendragiri is the sixth Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigate delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 April 2026. It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai, marking progress in indigenous warship building. Project 17A frigates are advanced multi-mission warships with improved stealth, survivability, and combat capabilities. The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau using an integrated construction approach. It uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion along with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP).

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The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicle of the Indian Coast Guard was held at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa on 11 May 2026. These Air Cushion Vehicles are being manufactured under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with around 50% indigenous content. The contract for six indigenously designed and built Air Cushion Vehicles was signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited in October 2024. The vehicles will be used for coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, interdiction, and search-and-rescue operations.

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Exercise PRAGATI 2026 began at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with participation from 12 friendly nations, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. PRAGATI stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” The exercise is organised by the Indian Army to strengthen regional military cooperation, defence ties, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The two-week exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.