Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Qadr-F missile was recently in the news amid heightened Middle East tensions and Iran–Israel military exchanges. Qadr-F is a medium-range ballistic missile developed by Iran. It has an estimated range of around 2,000 km and is derived from the Shahab-3 missile family. The missile is a key long-range asset of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It is deployed alongside Iran’s Emad and Kheiber missiles as part of its strategic missile capabilities.

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The Department of Defence Production (DDP) notified the 6th Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) on 17–18 August 2026. The list includes 405 strategically important defence items, covering Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and the Indian Coast Guard. The list has been made available on the SRIJAN Defence Portal to promote indigenous defence production. The SRIJAN Defence Portal was launched in August 2020 by the Ministry of Defence. It is a single-window digital platform connecting domestic manufacturers, including MSMEs and startups, with defence procuring agencies.

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The Indian Navy recently inaugurated the shore-based Launch and Recovery System (LARS) Test Plinth at the Submarine Rescue Unit (East) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to test, validate, and maintain critical submarine rescue equipment, including the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), without requiring active sea deployment. Visakhapatnam serves as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command.

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Divyastra Mk3 is an indigenously developed jet-powered loitering munition (kamikaze drone) developed by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt). It recently conducted its maiden flight in Uttar Pradesh, marking a step towards indigenous UAV capabilities. The drone is designed to strike high-value enemy assets, infrastructure and personnel using an onboard explosive warhead. It incorporates autonomous flight control and AI-enabled target-engagement capabilities.

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Russia has reportedly received North Korea’s KN-30 ballistic missile for the first time, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence agency (HUR). KN-30 is a ballistic missile developed by North Korea and is the Western designation for the Hwasong-11C. It is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) powered by a solid-propellant engine. The missile is launched from a mobile ground-based launcher.

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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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The Indian Army has raised its first Baaz Battalion equipped with sophisticated drones under the 11 Corps (Vajra Corps). The battalion has been operationalised in Jalandhar, Punjab, with a focus on the sensitive western border region. Named after the hawk (Baaz), the unit is intended to strengthen the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The drone unit will act as the Army’s “eyes in the sky”, providing real-time aerial surveillance and improving operational response. The initiative is part of the Indian Army’s broader military modernisation and transformation, drawing on recent operational experiences, including Operation Sindoor.

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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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Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched India’s advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’ at Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata. The vessel has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). It is being developed under Vertical-4, Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration of the Deep Ocean Mission, at an estimated cost of around ₹840 crore. ‘Sagar Manthan’ is an all-weather, multidisciplinary research vessel designed to conduct oceanographic and geophysical research, including surveys of deep-sea mineral resources.

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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.