Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Vajra Ghaat at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. The exercise focused on testing the K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery gun system in desert warfare conditions of the Thar Desert. It was spearheaded by the White Tiger Division. The objective is to validate refined Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for better survivability and operational effectiveness. The drill demonstrated swift deployment of heavy artillery in harsh terrain. K9 Vajra carried out high-intensity, precise fire missions.

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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy tested the Sayyad-3G air defense missile. Sayyad-3G is a naval surface-to-air missile developed by Iran. It is derived from the land-based Sayyad-3 missile and modified for maritime use. It provides medium-range air defense to warships and naval vessels. It is launched through a Vertical Launch System, giving 360-degree coverage. It can quickly respond to aerial threats. It can intercept warplanes, maritime patrol aircraft, and high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

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Reports indicate that Iran is close to finalising a defence deal with China to procure CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles to strengthen its naval strike capability. The CM-302 is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile developed by China and is the export variant of the YJ-12 missile deployed by the Chinese Navy. The missile is specifically designed to target and destroy large naval vessels and other high-value maritime assets. It is powered by a liquid direct-flow air-breathing jet engine with four air intakes, enabling sustained high-speed flight. The missile can travel at speeds of around Mach 2.5 to Mach 3, making it extremely difficult for enemy air defence systems to intercept.

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Recently, the President of India undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is an indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is the only attack helicopter in the world capable of landing and taking off at 5,000 metres (16,400 feet). It has advanced stealth features, armoured protection and night attack capability. It has crash-resistant landing gear for better survivability. It reduces radar and Infrared (IR) signature and has a countermeasure dispensing system against enemy missiles.

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An Indian Armed Forces contingent arrived in Seychelles for the 11th edition of “Lamitiye 2026”, a joint military exercise with the Seychelles Defence Forces, held from March 9 to March 20 at the Seychelles Defence Academy. “Lamitiye”, meaning “friendship” in Creole, is a biennial exercise conducted since 2001 in Seychelles. All three Indian Armed Forces services are participating: Army (Assam Regiment), Navy (INS Trikand), and Air Force (C-130 aircraft). The 12-day exercise includes joint tactical drills, field training, combat discussions, case studies, lectures, and demonstrations, ending with a two-day validation exercise.

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The Indian Army has started fielding Shaurya Squadrons, which are dedicated drone sub-units within armoured regiments. Shaurya Squadrons provide tank commanders with real-time surveillance and precision-strike capability at the unit level. Each squadron has 20 to 30 personnel trained in drone and counter-drone operations. They operate surveillance drones, attack drones, swarm drones, first-person view (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions.

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The Malwan has been delivered to the Indian Navy as part of efforts to strengthen coastal defence capabilities. It is the second of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited at Kochi, and is indigenously designed and constructed. The vessel is named after Malwan and carries forward the legacy of the former INS Malwan, a naval minesweeper that served until 2003. It is designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), coastal surveillance, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and mine warfare.

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Indian Air Force is preparing to induct unmanned stealth fighters under the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme. RPSA aims to develop Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) named Ghatak UCAV. Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles carry missiles and bombs for autonomous strike and combat operations. Ghatak features a stealthy flying-wing design for low radar detection. It can conduct deep-strike missions in heavily defended airspace without risking pilots.

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The 4th edition of Exercise Cyclone IV between India and Egypt is scheduled to be held from 9 to 17 April 2026 at Anshas, Egypt. The exercise reflects growing defence cooperation between India and Egypt and follows the previous successful edition held in India. The Indian contingent consists of 25 personnel from Special Forces units, training alongside Egyptian Special Forces. The aim is to enhance joint mission planning and improve interoperability through exchange of best practices in special operations.

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North Korea confirmed testing new cluster-warhead systems on Hwasong-11A short-range ballistic missiles, designed to destroy wide targets. The Hwasong-11A (also known as KN-23) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by North Korea. The tests demonstrated the ability to disperse bomblets over a 6 to 7-hectare area using Hwasong-11 missiles, aiming to maximize damage against soft targets and infrastructure.