Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Recently, the Indian Navy inducted indigenous TROUT underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) under the SPRINT initiative. SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO, and TDAC and is an initiative of the Indian Navy. The initiative was launched to promote self-reliance and indigenisation in defence technology and aims to induct at least 75 indigenous technologies into the Indian Navy. SPRINT works with start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) platform. It focuses on developing and deploying niche naval combat, surveillance and other advanced defence technologies.

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IBSAMAR IX 2026 is the ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise involving the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa. The Indian Navy is participating with INS Tarkash, a frontline guided-missile stealth frigate, accompanied by an integral Chetak helicopter. The exercise is hosted by South Africa to strengthen maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding among the participating navies. The theme of IBSAMAR IX is “Stronger Together Towards a Shared Future in the Maritime Domain.” The exercise focuses on enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and improving preparedness to address common maritime challenges.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, designated CG 875, at Coast Guard Air Station, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The helicopter was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute at the Coast Guard Region (West). It is equipped with advanced radar, an Electro Optical Pod (EOP) for long-range imaging and identification, and an Automatic Identification System (AIS). The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, also known as the HAL Dhruv Mk-III, is an indigenous multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The helicopter is designed for multiple roles, including search and rescue, reconnaissance, surveillance, transport and maritime security.

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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 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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Russia has reportedly begun using a new cruise missile called Filin against Ukraine, with combat use reported in late summer 2026. The missile was developed by NPO Molniya, a Moscow-based company belonging to Russia’s Tactical Missiles Corporation. The Filin reportedly has a maximum range of 1,200 km and a maximum speed of 800 km/h, according to Russian-advertised specifications cited by Ukrainian military intelligence. The missile is approximately 3.5 metres long, with a wingspan of around 3 metres, and uses carbon-fibre and fibreglass composite materials. It is powered by the Russian-made R500 turbojet engine, manufactured by Reynolds LLC.

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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 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the indigenous Pralay missile off the coast of Odisha in November 2026. The test was conducted from Launchpad No. 3 at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. During the test, the missile successfully engaged two simulated targets located approximately 500 km away. Pralay is an indigenous, solid-propellant, surface-to-surface quasi-ballistic missile developed by DRDO. Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, which follow a relatively predictable trajectory, Pralay can manoeuvre and change its flight path during flight.

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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.

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The Indian Navy’s INS Surat arrived in Muscat, Oman, in November 2026 to participate in the 15th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr (Sea Breeze). The exercise is conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman. It aims to improve operational interoperability, strengthen professional cooperation and promote mutual understanding between the two navies. The deployment reflects the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Oman. The exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.