Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command, headquartered in Pune, successfully conducted the Akhand Prahaar exercise in the desert sector of Rajasthan under the tri-services exercise Trishul. The exercise validated the full-spectrum combat readiness of the Konark Corps through integrated use of all arms and services. It included mechanised and infantry manoeuvres, Special Heliborne Operations, and fighter ground attack missions by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The exercise demonstrated strong Army–Air Force coordination and joint operational excellence. It tested next-generation indigenous technologies, including drones, unmanned systems, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare grids.

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The Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has developed a new generation of Man-portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs). MP-AUVs are designed for mine countermeasure missions with Side Scan Sonar and underwater cameras as primary payloads for real-time detection and classification of Mine-Like Objects (MLOs). Deep learning-based target recognition algorithms enable autonomous classification, reducing operator workload and mission time. The system includes robust underwater acoustic communication for inter-AUV data exchange and improved situational awareness.

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Ukraine recently used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles to strike targets inside Russia, marking an important development in the current conflict. Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a United States (US) made surface-to-surface ballistic missile series developed in the 1980s by Lockheed Martin. The missile was first used in the 1991 Persian Gulf War and is also operated by Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan and the UAE. It is an all-weather, inertially guided ballistic missile with a 305 km range and single-stage solid propulsion.

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Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran Electronics and Defence (SED) signed a joint venture to produce the HAMMER Weapon System in India. HAMMER stands for Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range, developed by French company Safran. It is an air-to-ground precision-guided weapon system, also called a glide bomb. It has a range of up to 70 km and can be attached to 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1,000 kg standard bombs. It is resistant to jamming, can be launched from low altitudes, and works well over rough terrain.

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Taragiri (Yard 12653), the 4th Nilgiri Class ship under Project 17A, was delivered to the Indian Navy on 28 November 2025 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilding Limited, Mumbai. It shows major progress in Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in warship construction. It revives the legacy of the old INS Taragiri (1980–2013). It was designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) with high stealth, automation, survivability and firepower.

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A new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility will be set up in Bengaluru to support the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, boosting India’s defence self-reliance. The C-130J Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin of the United States of America (USA). It is the principal tactical cargo and personnel transport aircraft of the United States Air Force (USAF) and is the latest variant of the C-130 Hercules. The aircraft can operate from rough and dirt airstrips and is used for airdroppping troops and equipment in hostile areas.

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In response to the growing threat from sub-sonic cruise missiles, the Indian Army is undertaking a significant strategic shift by repurposing its Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) to strengthen low-altitude air defence capabilities. This move reflects the Army’s focus on countering modern aerial threats that fly low, evade radar, and target critical military and civilian infrastructure. MANPADS are portable surface-to-air missile systems that can be operated by an individual soldier or a small team to engage aerial targets. These systems are commonly known as shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, enhancing battlefield mobility and rapid deployment.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) hosted Exercise AviaIndra-2025, a joint air exercise with the Russian Federation Aerospace Force (RFASF), from December 15 to 22, 2025. Exercise AviaIndra reflects the long-standing Indo-Russian defence relationship and continues the series which began in 2014. Personnel from both countries are conducting joint flying operations on Su-30 MKI, Tejas, IL-78 aircraft, and Mi-17 helicopters. The exercise enables sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and operational expertise between the two air forces.

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted its first Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built PCV of the ICG. The vessel was formally delivered during an induction ceremony. It is equipped with a 30 millimetre CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 millimetre stabilised remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems. The vessel has over 60% indigenous content, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Samudra Pratap will aid marine pollution control, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed User Evaluation Trials of the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) missile system. Akash-NG is a modern Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) defence system developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It is designed to protect vital areas from enemy air attacks. It is the advanced successor of the Akash missile. The new version is lighter and more advanced. It uses an indigenous Radio Frequency (RF) seeker, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, and fully indigenous radars with Command, Control, and Communication (C2) systems.