Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is considering a proposal from Russia to procure Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, with possible local manufacturing in India. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). It is designed for both air superiority and ground attack roles. The aircraft features advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities. The Su-57 was primarily developed for the Russian Air Force.

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The Indian Navy recently inducted its 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 25 (Yard 135) at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. A barge is a large flat-bottomed vessel used to transport heavy cargo along inland waterways or ports. LSAM stands for Landing Ship Ammunition, designed to safely carry ammunition and missiles. LSAM 25 improves Navy logistics by supporting transport, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition at jetties and outer harbours. It was built by MSME shipyard M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., Thane under a Ministry of Defence contract. The induction reflects India’s defence indigenisation under Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

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The Indian Navy received ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs) on 23 October. The vessel is built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. It is named after the historic port town of Mahe in Puducherry, it honors India’s maritime legacy. ‘Mahe’ is indigenously designed and constructed with over 80% indigenous content under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The vessel can perform underwater surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine-laying in coastal waters.

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In October 2025, Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile 9M730 Burevestnik, meaning “storm petrel.” The test took place at the Pankovo test site in the Arctic region. The missile is designed with unlimited range to evade and penetrate advanced air and missile defense systems. The aim is to enhance Russia’s strategic deterrence against current and future defense technologies. It was developed by Russia’s Defence Industry and designated by NATO as “SSC-X-9 Skyfall.” It is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile, both nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed.

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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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Recently, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China inducted the Fujian aircraft carrier after extensive trials. Fujian is China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, following Liaoning and Shandong. It is China’s first domestically designed and built carrier. With this, China now has the second-largest fleet of aircraft carriers, after the United States (US). Fujian is the first Chinese carrier with a catapult launch system, enabling heavier, fully armed warplanes and longer operational range.

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The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025 began at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, on 10 November 2025 and will continue till 23 November 2025. The exercise involves 170 Indian Army personnel mainly from the RAJPUT Regiment and 135 Sri Lankan Army personnel from the GAJABA Regiment, along with Air Force teams from both nations. The aim is to rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Mandate with focus on counter-terrorist operations.

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India is set to strengthen counter-drone warfare as the Army and Indian Air Force plan to procure 16 indigenous Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (Mark-2) units. The Mark-2 is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), led by its lab CHESS – Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences with the Armed Forces. It detects, tracks and neutralises hostile drones using sensors, jammers and high-energy laser weapons.

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Goa Shipyard Limited handed over ICGS Amulya, the third of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), to the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel is 51.43 m long, 330 tonnes, and uses Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) for better fuel efficiency. It has a top speed over 27 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles. It will be crewed by 6 officers and 35 sailors. It is built for fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. The ship will strongly boost India’s coastal and offshore security.

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The Indian Navy deployed INS Gharial and three other naval vessels under Operation Sagar Bandhu to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to cyclone-affected regions of Sri Lanka. INS Gharial (L23) is a Magar-class amphibious warfare ship of the Indian Navy designed for transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious operations. It is the second indigenously built Landing Ship Tank (Large), highlighting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The ship was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). INS Gharial is among the largest ships of the Indian Navy and is part of the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command.