Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) was developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat along with other laboratories of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian industry partners. DRDO and the Indian Air Force successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of TARA off the coast of Odisha on 7 May 2026. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons. It is a modular range extension kit developed to improve the accuracy, range, and lethality of low-cost weapons against ground-based targets.

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INS Sagardhwani recently visited Cam Ranh, Vietnam, strengthening India-Vietnam scientific cooperation. It is an oceanographic research vessel commissioned in July 1994. The name “Sagardhwani” means “sound or voice of the sea.” The vessel was designed by Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi, and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). It is equipped with advanced scientific laboratories and equipment for oceanographic research. INS Sagardhwani contributes to marine acoustics, naval oceanography, and collaborates with Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratories under the Sagar Maitri initiative.

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The Girder Laying Ceremony for the 4th, 5th, and 6th Air Cushion Vehicle of the Indian Coast Guard was held at the Rassaim Yard of Chowgule Shipyard in Goa on 11 May 2026. These Air Cushion Vehicles are being manufactured under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with around 50% indigenous content. The contract for six indigenously designed and built Air Cushion Vehicles was signed with Chowgule & Company Private Limited in October 2024. The vehicles will be used for coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, interdiction, and search-and-rescue operations.

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Russia announced the deployment of the Sarmat strategic nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), also known by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) designation “Satan II.” It is developed by Russia. The missile is considered one of the world’s most powerful nuclear-capable missiles and is designed to strike targets across long distances in the United States and Europe. Sarmat is the first post-Soviet Russian ICBM classified as “super heavy.” The missile reportedly has a range exceeding 35,000 km and carries a warhead yield significantly greater than Western counterparts.

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India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 regimental systems. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a proposal to procure five additional S-400 systems. The S-400 Triumf air defence system has been developed by Russia. It was designed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey (specifically the Almaz Central Design Bureau) as a mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile system.The S-400 is capable of tracking and destroying multiple aerial threats simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

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Recently, the first of six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) was inducted into service by the Indian Coast Guard in Goa. The Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) are being built by Chowgule and Company Private Limited. An Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV), commonly known as a hovercraft, operates on a cushion of air and can travel over land, water, mudflats, and marshy terrain. The induction aims to enhance the Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance, coastal security, search and rescue, and rapid response capabilities. The project supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.

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Recently, China’s state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired footage of the launch of the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile for the first time. The DF-17 is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile officially unveiled in 2019. The missile has an operational range of about 1,800–2,500 km and is deployed on a mobile launcher. It carries the DF-ZF Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV). After launch, the warhead separates at high altitude and re-enters the atmosphere. The glide vehicle maneuvers at speeds of Mach 5–10.

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Recently, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range. The trial validated the rocket’s performance at a user-defined minimum range of 60 km, with the rocket accurately hitting its target. The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with different Pinaka rocket variants. The successful test marks another milestone in India’s indigenous long-range guided rocket capability.

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India and Indonesia signed a deal for the supply of Astra Mk 1 missiles, marking a major step in bilateral defence cooperation. Astra Mk 1 is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is designed for use by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has a range of 80–110 km, an altitude of up to 20 km, and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. It features inertial guidance, mid-course update, and terminal active radar homing, and is powered by a single-pulse smokeless solid-fuel motor.

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The Indian Navy will host Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, from 20–23 July 2026. The multinational maritime training exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154). It covers maritime law, maritime domain awareness, counter-narcotics, force protection, asymmetric threats, uncrewed systems, damage control, and survival at sea. The exercise aims to strengthen regional maritime security, interoperability, and capacity building among participating nations.