Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India and South Korea are set to deepen their defence partnership following the successful collaboration on the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer. The collaboration reflects the growing focus on defence manufacturing, technology transfer, and strategic cooperation between the two countries. K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer. It is the Indian version of South Korea’s K9 Thunder. It is manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with technology transferred from Hanwha Defense (South Korea). It is designed for operations in deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions. It is equipped with a 155 mm/52 calibre gun capable of firing high-explosive, smoke, and guided projectiles.

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Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation launched the Underwater Fiber Optic Sensing System (UFOSS) project to strengthen underwater surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). UFOSS is an indigenous fixed network of undersea acoustic and hydrographic sensors installed on the seabed for continuous submarine detection. It aims to monitor strategic maritime choke points and detect Chinese nuclear submarines and Pakistan’s Hangor-class submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP). The system will enhance India’s long-term maritime domain awareness and underwater security.

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India and Indonesia signed a deal for the supply of Astra Mk 1 missiles, marking a major step in bilateral defence cooperation. Astra Mk 1 is an indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missile is designed for use by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. It has a range of 80–110 km, an altitude of up to 20 km, and a maximum speed of Mach 4.5. It features inertial guidance, mid-course update, and terminal active radar homing, and is powered by a single-pulse smokeless solid-fuel motor.

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INS Mahendragiri, the 6th Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam. It was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, with over 75% indigenous content. The warship is equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced stealth features, multifunction radar, anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. It is named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats, the warship carries the motto “Mighty, Majestic, Matchless.”

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The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Malvan, strengthening India’s coastal defence capabilities. Malvan is the second Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy. It has been indigenously designed and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. The vessel is named after the coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra and carries forward the legacy of the erstwhile INS Malvan. It has a displacement of about 1,100 tonnes and is waterjet-propelled. It is equipped with torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets, advanced radars, and sonar systems.

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The Indian Navy recently received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States. The MH-60R Seahawk (“Romeo”) is a state-of-the-art multi-mission naval helicopter. It is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a US defence company. It is designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, and shipborne operations. It serves as the US Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter.

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‘Nipun’, the second Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was delivered to the Indian Navy by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on 30 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The vessel is designed and built as per the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) classification rules. ‘Nipun’ means “adept” or “highly skilled” in Sanskrit. It is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving, underwater rescue, and salvage operations using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The vessel will also function as the Mother Ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) during submarine rescue missions.

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The Indian Navy launched DSC A24, the fifth and final vessel under the Diving Support Craft (DSC) Project. The vessel was launched at Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata, West Bengal. The DSCs feature a catamaran-hull design with a displacement of 300–400 tonnes. The vessels are built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) Naval Rules. They will enhance the Navy’s diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operations.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan). The week-long exercise focused on the theme “Counter-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems).” It aimed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the IAF’s helicopter fleet against emerging drone threats. Nearly all major IAF helicopter platforms participated in the exercise. The exercise validated tactics, techniques, procedures (TTPs), mission planning, interoperability, and rapid response.

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The Indian Navy’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) ‘Shruti’ (Yard 3037) was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The vessel supports India’s focus on indigenous warship construction under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The name Shruti refers to India’s ancient Vedic tradition and the four Vedas. It will undertake missions including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, offshore asset protection, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and anti-piracy operations.