Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth over ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed to destroy or neutralise enemy airfields from a long stand-off range. It can be launched from aircraft such as Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI. The weapon has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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Recently, Tarang Shakti 2026, the Indian Air Force’s multinational air exercise, has been conducted at Jodhpur and adjoining airbases in Rajasthan. The exercise involves the Indian Air Force and air forces of several foreign countries, focusing on joint training and operational coordination. Germany’s A400M military transport aircraft is participating in combined air operations with Indian and other foreign aircraft. A multinational air exercise is a planned military training activity in which the air forces of multiple countries operate together. Such exercises help participating countries improve coordination, communication, interoperability and understanding of operational procedures.

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Recently, France test-fired its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile for the first time from a nuclear-powered submarine. The M51.3 is a new variant of France’s M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and is designed to carry nuclear warheads. The missile did not carry a warhead during the test and landed in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometres away from any coastline. An SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile) is a ballistic missile launched from a submarine and forms an important part of a country’s nuclear deterrent. The M51 family is a long-range ballistic missile system operated by France as part of its sea-based nuclear deterrent.

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Recently, the Indian Navy inducted indigenous TROUT underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) under the SPRINT initiative. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO, and TDAC and is an initiative of the Indian Navy. The initiative was launched to promote self-reliance and indigenisation in defence technology and aims to induct at least 75 indigenous technologies into the Indian Navy. SPRINT works with start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform. It focuses on developing and deploying niche naval combat, surveillance and other advanced defence technologies.

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INS Trishul, an Indian Navy warship, arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom, to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26. Exercise KONKAN is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. The exercise is conducted in two phases off Plymouth. Over the past two decades, KONKAN has evolved in scale and complexity, strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. The exercise aims to improve operational cooperation and the ability to operate together in complex maritime situations. The exercise reflects the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in India–UK Vision 2035.

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IBSAMAR IX 2026 is the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa. The Indian Navy is participating with INS Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate, accompanied by an integral Chetak helicopter. The exercise is hosted by South Africa to strengthen maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding among the participating navies. The theme of IBSAMAR IX is “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.” The exercise focuses on enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and improving preparedness to address common maritime challenges.

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The Indian Army’s Assam Regiment won a Gold Medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026, held in Wales, United Kingdom. The exercise was conducted from 2 to 12 October 2026. The Indian team competed against more than 100 teams in this challenging military patrolling exercise. The Assam Regiment demonstrated exceptional endurance, tactical skills and teamwork during the competition. The Indian Army’s team secured a place among the ten teams awarded Gold Medals.

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JWALA-MK1, developed by Indian private defence company IG Defence, is preparing for trials following successful solid rocket motor tests in October 2026. It is described as India’s first private-sector micro-missile, designed to intercept and physically destroy hostile drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This short-range surface-to-air missile uses a hard-kill interception approach and aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive air-defence missiles. Its development supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous defence technology and strengthening India’s counter-drone capabilities.

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INS Sudarshini recently visited Salalah, Oman, during its transoceanic deployment named Lokayan-2026. INS Sudarshini is an indigenous, three-masted sail training ship of the Indian Navy, built by Goa Shipyard Limited and commissioned in 2012. The ship is primarily used to train naval cadets in seamanship, navigation, ship-handling and leadership skills. In January 2026, INS Sudarshini began its Lokayan-2026 transoceanic deployment from Kochi. The deployment promotes maritime diplomacy, international goodwill and professional exchanges between the Indian Navy and friendly foreign navies.

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Russia has reportedly begun using a new cruise missile called Filin against Ukraine, with combat use reported in late summer 2026. The missile was developed by NPO Molniya, a Moscow-based company belonging to Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation. The Filin reportedly has a maximum range of 1,200 km and a maximum speed of 800 km/h, according to Russian-advertised specifications cited by Ukrainian military intelligence. The missile is approximately 3.5 metres long, with a wingspan of around 3 metres, and uses carbon-fibre and fibreglass composite materials. It is powered by the Russian-made R500 turbojet engine, manufactured by Reynolds LLC.