Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
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, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed indigenous lightweight armour panels meeting STANAG 4569 Level 6 protection. Level 6 is a high-grade ballistic standard designed to defeat 30 mm armour-piercing ammunition, significantly enhancing battlefield survivability while preserving operational vehicle mobility and strategic transportability for armed forces. STANAG 4569 is a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Standardization Agreement that specifies military protection levels for occupants of light armoured vehicles and combat platforms. It provides baseline testing requirements for threats including kinetic energy projectiles, artillery strikes, and improvised explosive devices.

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The fifth edition of the India–Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise involves approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army and is scheduled to conclude on 1 November 2026. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the two armies. For the first time, an observer delegation from New Zealand is participating in the exercise. The theme is “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.” The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13–26 October 2025.

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The 7th edition of the annual joint military exercise DUSTLIK 2026 was conducted at the Gurumsaray Field Training Area in Namangan, Uzbekistan. The exercise involves the Indian Army and the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan. DUSTLIK is a bilateral military exercise designed to strengthen defence cooperation and improve interoperability between the armed forces of the two countries. The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations, particularly tactical operations in semi-urban terrain. It provides an opportunity for both armies to exchange operational experience, share tactical best practices and improve coordination during joint missions.

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The 11th edition of the India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI commenced on 27 October 2026 at Banyuwangi, Indonesia. The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent consists of personnel from the Indonesian Special Forces. The primary objective is to strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both countries. Training focuses on special operations in jungle environments, including obstacle crossing, combat marksmanship, mountaineering, air assault and combat-hardening sessions. The exercise also facilitates the exchange of knowledge about weapons, equipment and operational practices.

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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).

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The United States recently approved a potential sale of 500 PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine. The proposed deal is estimated to be worth approximately US$2.1 billion and is subject to the statutory US Congressional review process. The PAC-3 MSE stands for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement. The Patriot is an advanced, mobile, ground-based surface-to-air missile defence system developed by the United States. The system is designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. PAC-3 MSE uses hit-to-kill technology, destroying incoming threats through direct physical impact

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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has accorded in-principle approval to India’s next-generation stealth destroyers under Project 18A. The approval aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities amid growing maritime security challenges in the region. The Defence Acquisition Council is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposed warships are expected to cost approximately ₹80,000 crore. The destroyers will be equipped with advanced sensors, modern weapons and stealth technologies. The programme is intended to enhance India’s maritime security preparedness amid the growing naval and underwater warfare capabilities of China and Pakistan.

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Pakistan successfully flight-tested its indigenous air-to-air missile (AAM) named ‘Fa’az’. The missile test highlights Pakistan’s efforts toward advancing its indigenous seeker technology and guidance architecture for modern aerial combat operations. Air-to-air missiles are specialized aircraft-launched weapons designed to engage and destroy airborne targets. The development represents a key step in equipping local combat platforms with beyond-visual-range (BVR) and short-range capabilities, thereby reducing reliance on foreign weapon systems while bolstering overall tactical aerial warfare capabilities.

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The Indian Navy received ‘Amini’, an indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel has been designed and constructed according to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Amini is among the largest Indian naval warships powered by waterjet propulsion. It is equipped with advanced lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and sonar systems to detect and engage underwater threats. The vessel will strengthen the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, coastal surveillance and mine-laying capabilities. It is named after Amini Island in Lakshadweep.