Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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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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Samarthak, the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026. The vessel has been built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T), Kattupalli. It has over 75% indigenous content, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Samarthak is designed as a versatile trial and evaluation platform for multiple maritime missions. It can undertake maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, offshore patrolling, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The name ‘Samarthak’ means ‘The Proponent’, signifying its role as a dependable enabler of multiple missions.

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India is planning to acquire the US-made FGM-148 Javelin, a shoulder-fired anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system. The development was announced by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who described it as a significant step in India-US defence relations. The Javelin uses fire-and-forget technology, allowing the operator to move away after launching the missile. The system is designed to engage armoured vehicles and tanks and is known for its portability and advanced guidance capabilities.

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The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, its second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) built the vessel, which was delivered to the Navy at Visakhapatnam on 30 July 2026. INS Nipun is designed for deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue operations. The vessel is capable of deep-sea saturation diving and is equipped with a side diving stage. It carries Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring and salvage operations. INS Nipun can also function as a mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine emergencies.

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Russia has publicly unveiled the S-71K Kovyor, a new air-launched stand-off weapon designed for the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It is designed to provide a lower-cost option between expensive cruise missiles and attack drones. The S-71K is reportedly powered by an R500 turbojet engine and has a range of approximately 300 km. The unveiling comes as Russia is seeking to expand Su-57E sales and possible production cooperation with India.

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The keel laying ceremony of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) for the Indian Navy was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. The contract for construction of NGMVs was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited in March 2023. NGMVs will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems to enhance the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities. The vessels are being developed to strengthen the Navy as a future-ready and combat-ready force in the Indian Ocean Region. The project supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Make for the World. It also aims to strengthen India’s domestic shipbuilding and defence manufacturing capabilities.

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Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA). The activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation. India’s participation is in line with its Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. The deployment provides opportunities for professional and operational interaction among participating maritime forces.

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KAL, India’s first indigenous long-range attack drone, was successfully flight-tested at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan in September 2026. The drone has been designed and developed by Noida-based IG Defence, a defence technology company. KAL is a one-way attack drone, also described as a kamikaze or loitering-type strike platform. It has a range of up to 1,000 km, endurance of 7–8 hours and payload capacity of up to 50 kg. It can operate at an altitude of up to 5,000 metres above mean sea level. The drone uses multi-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and INS (Inertial Navigation System) for autonomous navigation.

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The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth over ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed to destroy or neutralise enemy airfields from a long stand-off range. It can be launched from aircraft such as Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI. The weapon has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas 2026 was conducted at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. It is a bilateral military exercise between India and United States. The exercise focused on improving interoperability, coordination and mutual understanding of military tactics and procedures. The drills included M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers, Dhanush guns, Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers and L70 air defence guns. The M-LIDS (Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System) was also used to practise counter-drone responses.