Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia’s Burevestnik missile recently drew attention after research suggested that its flight may leave a trail of radioactive material due to its nuclear-powered propulsion system. Burevestnik, meaning “Storm Petrel”, is a ground-launched, low-flying, nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Russia. It is regarded as the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile. The missile was among the six strategic weapons unveiled by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018. NATO designates the missile as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

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The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026. The multinational maritime training exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154). It covers maritime law, maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats, uncrewed systems, damage control, and survival at sea. The exercise aims to strengthen regional maritime security, interoperability, and capacity building among participating nations.

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DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the ‘Kusha’ Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) on 23 July 2026. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The test took place from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. The missile successfully intercepted a high-speed, high-altitude electronic target. Kusha can neutralise fighter jets, missiles, UAVs, and large enemy aircraft over a long range and altitude. The missile, radars, and command-and-control system were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.

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Machilipatnam (BY 529), the 7th of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), was launched on 29 July 2026. The ship has been built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy. It is named after the historic port city of Machilipatnam in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich maritime heritage. The vessel is designed for Underwater Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Warfare. It will strengthen coastal defence and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

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Bhargavastra, India’s first indigenous counter-swarm micro-missile system, was recently showcased to the Indian Army. It has been developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. to counter individual drones and drone swarms. The system uses a dual-layered defence mechanism with unguided micro-rockets and precision-guided micro-missiles. It can detect large UAVs up to 10 km and small drones up to 6 km, with an interception range of 2.5 km.

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QW-12 and FN-16 are Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) developed by China. They are shoulder-fired, short-range surface-to-air missile systems designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The systems use infrared or multi-mode homing seekers for target tracking. They recently came into the news following reports of their transfer to Iran through a Hong Kong-based intermediary. The development has raised concerns over regional security, missile proliferation, and export-control violations in the Middle East.

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The U.S. Department of Defense signed framework agreements worth over $3 billion with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The agreements aim to increase production of Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD missile interceptors. THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is an advanced ballistic missile defence system developed by the United States. THAAD intercepts short, medium, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of flight. It can destroy incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.

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Australia is set to become the first international buyer of the US-made AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). AIM-260 JATM is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. It is designed to have a longer range than the AIM-120 AMRAAM and counter advanced threats such as China’s PL-15. The missile features a wingless supersonic design and is approximately 4 metres long. Its estimated range is more than 180–200 km, making it an important component of the U.S. long-range air-combat capability.

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The 8th edition of the India-US Bilateral Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 was conducted between August 10 and 14, 2026. The exercise was hosted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. This specialized maritime exercise focused on advanced technology demonstrations, including the deployment of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The five-day bilateral drill involved intense Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and practical simulations to address underwater mines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised maritime explosive remnants, reinforcing the defense ties and tactical cooperation between the two partner navies.

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The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ (Yard 3037) was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel supports India’s focus on indigenous warship construction under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The name Shruti refers to India’s ancient Vedic tradition and the four Vedas. It will undertake missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore asset protection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and anti-piracy operations.