Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Indian Navy inducted indigenous TROUT underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) under the SPRINT initiative. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO, and TDAC and is an initiative of the Indian Navy. The initiative was launched to promote self-reliance and indigenisation in defence technology and aims to induct at least 75 indigenous technologies into the Indian Navy. SPRINT works with start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform. It focuses on developing and deploying niche naval combat, surveillance and other advanced defence technologies.

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The Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) is an indigenous missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. According to the report, the system has completed developmental trials of its Multi-Function Radar (MFR) and is progressing towards User Evaluation Trials (UET). Its primary role is to protect naval vessels against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and sea-skimming missiles. The missile uses a solid-propellant motor and reportedly reaches speeds of Mach 4, with a range of up to 80 km and an altitude of 16 km. Its vertical-launch capability enables engagement of threats from different directions, providing 360-degree coverage. The system uses an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker.

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The Ministry of Defence signed defence contracts worth ₹4,106 crore for the Indian Air Force’s second dedicated communication satellite, GSAT-7C, and additional Varunastra torpedoes for the Indian Navy. Varunastra, developed by DRDO’s Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, is an indigenous heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo capable of speeds of 40 knots and depths of 600 metres. These procurements will enhance India’s military communication and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

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Recently, the Indian Army conducted the military exercise Akhand Prahar-II in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to strengthen combat readiness and prepare for future battlefield challenges. The exercise was jointly conducted by the Army’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division. It followed the successful completion of Akhand Prahar-I, which demonstrated the Army’s combat preparedness and operational capabilities. The exercise tested various combat procedures using next-generation military equipment, modern technologies and force-multiplier assets.

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In October 2026, Nagpur-based Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited delivered the indigenously developed Nagastra-2 Anti-Tank Loitering Munition System to the Indian Army. Nagastra-2 is a loitering munition that combines the surveillance capabilities of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the ability to carry out precision strikes against targets. The system has an operational range of up to 25 km in recover-and-reuse mode and 50 km in fire-and-forget mode. It is equipped with a 4 kg tandem shaped-charge warhead designed to penetrate armour protection equivalent to up to 650 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA). Nagastra-2 can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes and is fitted with surveillance cameras that enable day-and-night operations.

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Russia has reportedly begun using a new cruise missile called Filin against Ukraine, with combat use reported in late summer 2026. The missile was developed by NPO Molniya, a Moscow-based company belonging to Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation. The Filin reportedly has a maximum range of 1,200 km and a maximum speed of 800 km/h, according to Russian-advertised specifications cited by Ukrainian military intelligence. The missile is approximately 3.5 metres long, with a wingspan of around 3 metres, and uses carbon-fibre and fibreglass composite materials. It is powered by the Russian-made R500 turbojet engine, manufactured by Reynolds LLC.

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Yard 1283 (Srishti), a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), was launched on 27 October 2026 at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. The ship is indigenously designed and built, supporting India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. NGOPVs will strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime operations, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore asset protection, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and anti-piracy missions. The vessel’s name, Srishti, is derived from Sanskrit and means “creation” or “act of creating.” The launch supports the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

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INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the India–Republic of Korea Navy (IN–RoKN) Bilateral Exercise. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve interoperability and enhance operational coordination between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy. The exercise reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and the Republic of Korea. It also supports India’s efforts to promote peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

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The United States and Japan have agreed to establish a facility in Japan for the final assembly and inspection of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. The initiative is part of Operation Supercharge, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and enhancing military readiness. AIM-120 AMRAAM stands for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. It is an American-developed, active radar-guided, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile. The missile was originally developed by Hughes and is now produced by Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation. It became operational in 1991 and is used by several modern fighter aircraft, including the F-35.

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Russia recently test-fired an R-30 Bulava submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile (SLBM) from a submerged nuclear-powered submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk. Bulava (RSM-56) is a Russian intercontinental, nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile. It is designed for deployment on Russia’s Borei-class nuclear-powered submarines. The missile forms an important component of Russia’s sea-based nuclear deterrence capability. It is a three-stage missile that uses solid propellant in its first two stages and liquid fuel in its third stage. It is designed to carry Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).