Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Iran has recently used the Kheibar Shekan missile in a series of complex attacks, drawing global attention to its advanced missile capabilities. It is a long-range, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by Iran. The missile belongs to the fourth generation of the Khorramshahr missile family. Being solid-fuel powered, it can be launched more quickly than liquid-fuel missiles and requires less preparation time. It is designed to strike long-distance strategic targets with high accuracy.

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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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The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan). The week-long exercise focused on the theme “Counter-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems).” It aimed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the IAF’s helicopter fleet against emerging drone threats. Nearly all major IAF helicopter platforms participated in the exercise. The exercise validated tactics, techniques, procedures (TTPs), mission planning, interoperability, and rapid response.

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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.

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INS Imphal (D68) marked India’s 80th Independence Day with a port call at Sultan Qaboos Port, Muscat, Oman. More than 200 Indian school students in Oman visited the indigenously built destroyer. INS Imphal is a stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy and was commissioned on 26 December 2023. It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and designed by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy. It is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B). INS Imphal is the first Indian naval warship with dedicated modular accommodation and facilities for women officers and sailors.

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Divyastra Mk3 is an indigenously developed jet-powered loitering munition (kamikaze drone) developed by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt). It recently conducted its maiden flight in Uttar Pradesh, marking a step towards indigenous UAV capabilities. The drone is designed to strike high-value enemy assets, infrastructure and personnel using an onboard explosive warhead. It incorporates autonomous flight control and AI-enabled target-engagement capabilities.

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India has successfully manufactured and test-fired its first 100% indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’. It was produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at the Korwa Ordnance Facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The rifle uses 100% domestically sourced components and raw materials. It is chambered for 7.62×39 mm ammunition, has a rate of fire of around 700 rounds per minute, and an effective range of up to 800 metres. Indian Army user trials are scheduled for September 2026.

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The Indian Army has raised its first Baaz Battalion equipped with sophisticated drones under the 11 Corps (Vajra Corps). The battalion has been operationalised in Jalandhar, Punjab, with a focus on the sensitive western border region. Named after the hawk (Baaz), the unit is intended to strengthen the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The drone unit will act as the Army’s “eyes in the sky”, providing real-time aerial surveillance and improving operational response. The initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader military modernisation and transformation, drawing on recent operational experiences, including Operation Sindoor.