Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The 4th edition of Exercise Cyclone IV between India and Egypt is scheduled to be held from 9 to 17 April 2026 at Anshas, Egypt. The exercise reflects growing defence cooperation between India and Egypt and follows the previous successful edition held in India. The Indian contingent consists of 25 personnel from Special Forces units, training alongside Egyptian Special Forces. The aim is to enhance joint mission planning and improve interoperability through exchange of best practices in special operations.

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North Korea confirmed testing new cluster-warhead systems on Hwasong-11A short-range ballistic missiles, designed to destroy wide targets. The Hwasong-11A (also known as KN-23) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by North Korea. The tests demonstrated the ability to disperse bomblets over a 6 to 7-hectare area using Hwasong-11 missiles, aiming to maximize damage against soft targets and infrastructure.

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Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard, boosting maritime capabilities. ALH Mk III is the maritime variant of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. It is indigenously designed and manufactured in India, supporting self-reliance in defence. It is a multi-role, twin-engine helicopter suited for complex maritime operations. It enhances operational readiness, rapid response, and surveillance efficiency of the Indian Coast Guard.

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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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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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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Achal was recently commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard at Goa Shipyard Limited. It is a new-generation Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), and “Achal” means firm. It is the fifth among eight Fast Patrol Vessels being built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is powered by two 3000 kilowatt advanced diesel engines and can achieve a top speed of 27 knots. It has an operational endurance of 1500 nautical miles and includes advanced systems such as Integrated Bridge System and Automated Power Management System.

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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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Russia announced the deployment of the Sarmat strategic nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), also known by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) designation “Satan II.” It is developed by Russia. The missile is considered one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-capable missiles and is designed to strike targets across long distances in the United States and Europe. Sarmat is the first post-Soviet Russian ICBM classified as “super heavy.” The missile reportedly has a range exceeding 35,000 km and carries a warhead yield significantly greater than Western counterparts.

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Saanya became the first woman officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to receive the prestigious Category-A Qualified Flying Instructor Certification (Cat-A QFI). Cat-A QFI is the highest instructional grading in the IAF and is awarded to highly skilled and experienced pilots authorised to train junior instructors and evaluate advanced combat flying skills.
Squadron Leader Saanya was commissioned into the IAF Flying Branch on June 20, 2015.

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Oreshnik Missile is a Russian-made intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile. Ukrainian authorities recently claimed that Russia used the missile during attacks on Kyiv. The missile was first reportedly used in November 2024 against the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Oreshnik is based on the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile system. It is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. The missile is mounted on a mobile transporter-launcher for rapid deployment and concealment.