Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia has approved the sale of the R-37M (Russian long-range air-to-air missile), also known as AA-13 Axehead (North Atlantic Treaty Organization reporting name), to India to enhance its air combat capability. The missile is designed for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat, allowing it to strike targets at very long distances without direct visual contact. It is developed to destroy enemy fighter jets, drones, and other aerial threats effectively. The missile is nicknamed an “AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) Killer” because it can target high-value aircraft like radar planes, refuelling tankers, and jamming systems.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs received an indigenous satellite imaging system Prajna, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation through CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), to improve real-time decision-making for security agencies. The AI-enabled Prajna system is designed to monitor sensitive regions and support counter-terrorism operations, thereby strengthening internal security. DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted in-flight trials of ADC-150 (Air Droppable Container with 150 kg capacity) from the P-8I aircraft off the Goa coast.

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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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Yildirimhan Missile is a prototype intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) unveiled by Turkey to strengthen defence self-reliance and expand its strategic military capabilities. The missile is capable of targeting regions across Europe, Africa, and Asia if launched from Turkey. Yildirimhan can reportedly travel at speeds up to Mach 25, which is nearly 25 times the speed of sound and falls under hypersonic speed range. It uses four rocket propulsion engines and is powered by liquid nitrogen tetroxide fuel, which improves range and payload capacity.

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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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India successfully conducted the second flight trial of the Divyastra Missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Divyastra is an advanced Agni missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targeted Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. It was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). MIRV technology enables a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads that can strike different targets independently. MIRV technology was first developed by the United States in the 1960s.

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Exercise PRAGATI 2026 began at Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya, with participation from 12 friendly nations, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. PRAGATI stands for “Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.” The exercise is organised by the Indian Army to strengthen regional military cooperation, defence ties, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms. The two-week exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain.

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Suryastra Rocket System was recently successfully tested at Chandipur, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence technology. The system was developed by NIBE Limited in collaboration with Elbit Systems. Suryastra is India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system designed for precision strikes on enemy command centres, radar sites, and logistics hubs. It is mounted on a mobile 6×6 Tatra truck and can engage multiple targets simultaneously at different ranges. The system uses interchangeable modular pods capable of firing different types of munitions.

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Sanghmitra was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata under the Indian Navy’s indigenous shipbuilding programme. The vessel is part of the Indian Navy’s project to build 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited. These indigenously built ships will support maritime surveillance, coastal defence, anti-piracy patrols, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The vessel is named after Sanghamitra, reflecting India’s cultural heritage.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated an artillery shell manufacturing plant at Savli Vihir Industrial Estate in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The project has been established by Nibe Limited. The facility will manufacture 155 mm artillery shells with an annual production capacity of five lakh shells. The entire production technology and raw materials used in the plant are indigenous, supporting the Make in India initiative.