Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
Ukraine recently claimed that its FP-5 Flamingo long-range missiles struck a Russian defence manufacturing facility in the Volgograd region. The FP-5 Flamingo is a domestically developed, ground-launched cruise missile that entered service in 2025. It has a strike range of up to 3,000 km and can carry a combat payload of up to 1,150 kg. The missile is designed for low-altitude flight, enabling it to evade detection and operate even under electronic interference. It uses reusable launchers, making it a cost-effective long-range strike system.

Notes:
Recently, Germany announced plans to expand its missile defence network by establishing a second Arrow-3 missile defence site in Bavaria. Arrow-3 is an exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defence system designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. It is jointly developed by Israel and the United States as part of the Arrow Weapon System (AWS). The Arrow Weapon System (AWS) is the world’s first operational stand-alone Anti Tactical Ballistic Missile (ATBM) defence system.

Notes:
India and Indonesia signed a deal for the supply of Astra Mk 1 missiles, marking a major step in bilateral defence cooperation. Astra Mk 1 is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is designed for use by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has a range of 80–110 km, an altitude of up to 20 km, and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. It features inertial guidance, mid-course update, and terminal active radar homing, and is powered by a single-pulse smokeless solid-fuel motor.

Notes:
DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on 23 July 2026. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test took place from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target. Kusha can neutralise fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over a long range and altitude. The missile, radars, and command-and-control system were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.

Notes:
Iran has recently used the Kheibar Shekan missile in a series of complex attacks, drawing global attention to its advanced missile capabilities. It is a long-range, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by Iran. The missile belongs to the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr missile family. Being solid-fuel powered, it can be launched more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles and requires less preparation time. It is designed to strike long-distance strategic targets with high accuracy.

Notes:
Bhargavastra, India’s first indigenous counter-swarm micro-missile system, was recently showcased to the Indian Army. It has been developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. to counter individual drones and drone swarms. The system uses a dual-layered defence mechanism with unguided micro-rockets and precision-guided micro-missiles. It can detect large UAVs up to 10 km and small drones up to 6 km, with an interception range of 2.5 km.

Notes:
Russian Kh-101 cruise missile violated Polish airspace and crashed in Poland’s eastern Lublin region during a massive Russian air assault on Ukraine The crash created a 10-metre crater, raising security concerns in the NATO region. The Kh-101 (NATO reporting name: AS-23 Kodiak) is a Russian strategic air-launched cruise missile. It is designed with stealth features and carries a conventional warhead of about 450 kg. The missile has a range of 2,500–3,000 km. Its guidance system combines Inertial Navigation System (INS), GLONASS satellite navigation, and Optical-Electronic Terrain Contour Matching (OTCM).

Notes:
The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project. The vessel was launched at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, West Bengal. The DSCs feature a catamaran-hull design with a displacement of 300–400 tonnes. The vessels are built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Naval Rules. They will enhance the Navy’s diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operations.

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan). The week-long exercise focused on the theme “Counter-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems).” It aimed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the IAF’s helicopter fleet against emerging drone threats. Nearly all major IAF helicopter platforms participated in the exercise. The exercise validated tactics, techniques, procedures (TTPs), mission planning, interoperability, and rapid response.

Notes:
The U.S. Department of Defense signed framework agreements worth over $3 billion with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The agreements aim to increase production of Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD missile interceptors. THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is an advanced ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States. THAAD intercepts short, medium, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight. It can destroy incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.