Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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America’s Anduril and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) EDGE Group are jointly developing the new Omen drone at a 50,000 sq ft research centre in Abu Dhabi as per the recent update. Omen is a tail-sitting vertical takeoff and landing drone with a hybrid-electric propulsion system. It is modular and adaptable for both military and non-military missions. It supports roles like maritime surveillance, infrastructure protection, and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) over coastal areas.

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The Ministry of Defence recently signed a deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure INVAR Anti-Tank Missiles worth over ₹2,095 crore to strengthen T-90 tank firepower. INVAR is an Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) fired from the barrel of T-90 tanks. It offers long-range precision strikes and can destroy tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). It is built by Russia’s Rosoboronexport and produced in India under licence by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It uses semi-automatic laser beam-riding guidance, making it resistant to jamming.

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An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has reached Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France for the bilateral air exercise Garuda-2025, held from November 16 to 27. Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air exercise conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force. The exercise reflects the strong India–France strategic partnership in defence, technology, and security. The drill aims to boost interoperability, share best practices, and further strengthen defence cooperation between the two air forces.

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Recently, France released images of its new nuclear-capable supersonic cruise missile, the Air-Sol Moyenne Portée-Renove (ASMPA-R), for the first time. ASMPA-R was developed by France as the latest version of the ASMP medium-range missile family. It is a crucial part of France’s nuclear deterrence and supports the air-based leg of its nuclear triad. It uses a ramjet engine with dual air intakes for sustained supersonic flight at about Mach 3.

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Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri took part in the bilateral maritime exercise AUSINDEX 2025 in the Northern Pacific. AUSINDEX is held between India and Australia and has been conducted biennially since 2015. Aim of the exercise is to boost interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership between both maritime nations. Warships and aircraft of both navies carried out joint operations including anti-submarine warfare, gunnery drills, and advanced flying operations. INS Sahyadri participated from India and HMAS Ballarat participated from Australia.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful high-speed rocket-sled test of a fighter aircraft escape system at controlled velocity. The test was carried out at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. It validated canopy severance, ejection sequencing, and complete aircrew recovery using an instrumented Anthropomorphic Test Dummy. The test was conducted in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). A dual-sled system with LCA aircraft forebody was propelled using multiple solid propellant rocket motors.

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The Indian Navy announced that INS Aridhaman, India’s third Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN), will soon be inducted. It is the second submarine of the Arihant class, built under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project at the Ship Building Centre, Visakhapatnam. It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes on surface and 7,000 tonnes submerged, powered by an 83 Megawatt (MW) pressurized water reactor from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). INS Arighaat is India’s second indigenously built Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN), following the first SSBN INS Arihant.

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The 10th edition of India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI commenced at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise is conducted from 03 to 12 December 2025 and is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Indonesian Army. The Indian contingent comprises troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent includes personnel from Indonesian Special Forces. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between both Special Forces.

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India recently tested the K-4 missile, an intermediate-range, nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat in the Bay of Bengal. K-4 is 12 metres long, weighs 17 tonnes, and uses a two-stage solid-fuel system. It has a range of 3,500 km, a significant upgrade over the older K-15 missile (range 750 km). Each Arihant-class submarine can carry four K-4 missiles. It can carry a payload of up to 2 tonnes, including a nuclear warhead. It is developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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The Indian Coast Guard conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise 2025 (RPREX-2025) in Mumbai. The exercise focused on tackling oil pollution at sea. A mock scenario involved a Motor Tanker sending a distress call after a collision with a fishing boat. The collision caused a hole in the tanker and heavy crude oil spillage into the sea. A specialised Indian Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessel and two other ships were deployed. Ships operated in full pollution response configuration. The exercise tested coordination and readiness of all stakeholders. It was conducted as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan.