Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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In October 2025, Pravaig Dynamics Private Limited unveiled VEER, an Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV). It is India’s first defence Electric Vehicle (EV) and among the world’s first operational electric tactical vehicles for military use. The VEER has passed military trials and is recognized under the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme.

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India will hold a tri-service military exercise named Poorvi Prachand Prahar in Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh. It is a joint exercise of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance warfighting skills, technological use, and operational coordination among the three forces. It will validate multi-domain integration across land, air, and maritime fronts. The drill will test interoperability, situational awareness, and command-and-control systems in high-altitude conditions.

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command, headquartered in Pune, successfully conducted the Akhand Prahaar exercise in the desert sector of Rajasthan under the tri-services exercise Trishul. The exercise validated the full-spectrum combat readiness of the Konark Corps through integrated use of all arms and services. It included mechanised and infantry manoeuvres, Special Heliborne Operations, and fighter ground attack missions by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise demonstrated strong Army–Air Force coordination and joint operational excellence. It tested next-generation indigenous technologies, including drones, unmanned systems, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare grids.

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Ukraine recently used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles to strike targets inside Russia, marking an important development in the current conflict. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a United States (US) made surface-to-surface ballistic missile series developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin. The missile was first used in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and is also operated by Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan and the UAE. It is an all-weather, inertially guided ballistic missile with a 305 km range and single-stage solid propulsion.

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Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) and BAE Systems (British Aerospace Engineering Systems) recently won an Indian Army contract to supply BvS10 Sindhu, a specialised all-terrain armoured vehicle. BvS10 Sindhu is an upgraded India-specific version of the BvS10 (Beowulf Vehicle System 10) used by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It is also ordered by the German Army and chosen for the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) programme of the United States Army. It has two connected vehicle sections that easily cross snow, marsh, mountains, and rough terrain.

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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 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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Exercise Harimau Shakti 2025 is a joint military exercise conducted between India and Malaysia at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan from 5–18 December 2025. The Indian Army is represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment, while Malaysia is represented by the 25th Battalion Royal Malaysian Army. The exercise aims to jointly rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate, focusing on realistic counter-terrorism scenarios. Both armies practice full tactical drills such as cordon, search and destroy missions, heliborne operations, securing helipads and casualty evacuation.

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In response to the growing threat from sub-sonic cruise missiles, the Indian Army is undertaking a significant strategic shift by repurposing its Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) to strengthen low-altitude air defence capabilities. This move reflects the Army’s focus on countering modern aerial threats that fly low, evade radar, and target critical military and civilian infrastructure. MANPADS are portable surface-to-air missile systems that can be operated by an individual soldier or a small team to engage aerial targets. These systems are commonly known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, enhancing battlefield mobility and rapid deployment.

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Indian Army received the last 3 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing a fleet of 6, based at 451 Army Aviation Squadron, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). AH-64E Apache, also called Apache Guardian, is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in the world. It performs advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions. It was developed by the United States. AH-64E is the latest and most upgraded version used by the United States Army.