Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia recently warned Japan over the deployment of U.S. Typhon missile systems, calling it unacceptable and a threat to Russian security. Typhon, also known as Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a surface-to-surface missile system developed by the United States. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin and can launch SM-6 and Tomahawk missiles. SM-6 has a range of over 320 km, while Tomahawk provides deep-strike capability up to 1,500 km. The system is containerized, road-mobile and highly survivable, allowing rapid deployment and precision strikes against land and maritime targets.

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The Indian Patent Office recently granted a patent for BAM-H24, a novel high-energy compound. This propellant formulation was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH). BAM-H24 is a boron-, hydrogen-, and nitrogen-rich energetic material designed to act as a solid propellant, fuel additive, and burn-rate accelerator.

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India and the United States are conducting the 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. The exercise features Arctic-trained US soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, deployed to India’s high-altitude areas. The 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force (3MDTF) is participating with advanced long-range precision fires and integrated command-and-control systems. The exercise will conclude on 28 September 2026. It includes a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).

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A three-day Table Top Exercise (TTX) under the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) was conducted at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Visakhapatnam from 9–11 September 2026. It focused on developing a “Coordinated Response to Illicit Maritime Activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)”. The Colombo Security Conclave is a regional security grouping focused on cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Its cooperation covers areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster management and transnational organised crime.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently began receiving the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, which has been officially named ‘Ankur’. It is developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The HTT-40 is designed to meet the basic pilot training requirements of the IAF. The handover of the first three aircraft marks the commencement of deliveries under a contract for 70 such trainers. This indigenous platform is equipped with modern avionics, a pressurized cabin, and advanced safety features, replacing older training assets and boosting self-reliance in military pilot training.

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The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka–India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17–21 September 2026. The exercise is conducted in two phases: Harbour Phase followed by the Sea Phase. The Indian Navy is represented by INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala. SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005 and has evolved into an important platform for maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. SLINEX-26 aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and aims to strengthen a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment in the region.

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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 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) was held at Subic Bay, Philippines. India participated with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish, along with maritime forces from ASEAN countries. The theme of the exercise was “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” The exercise focused on strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between India and ASEAN maritime forces. It consisted of two major phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase. The exercise strengthened practical maritime cooperation and interoperability between India and ASEAN.

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India’s Akash air defence system has been exported to three countries: Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Armenia was the first foreign customer and acquired multiple Akash batteries. The Akash is an indigenous Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system developed by DRDO. It is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system is designed to engage high-speed aerial targets. Its successful exports highlight India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology and defence exports.

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Recently, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commenced their joint military exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 in Uttarakhand. The exercise was conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia. It focuses on mountain warfare and aims to improve interoperability, mutual understanding and military cooperation. A total of 92 personnel, with equal participation from both armies, are taking part.