Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Army’s Southern Command conducted Exercise Amogh Jwala at the Babina Field Firing Ranges, Uttar Pradesh, to demonstrate high-tempo mechanised warfare capabilities. The exercise showcased the integrated use of advanced military assets, including attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, drones, counter-drone systems, and modern battlefield technologies. It was conducted in a multi-domain operational environment, combining land, air, cyber, and space elements to reflect modern warfare requirements. The drill emphasized synchronisation of fire and manoeuvre, along with real-time drone-enabled surveillance and target acquisition.

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The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Nilgiri is participating in the Sea Phase of the Royal Australian Navy-hosted multinational Exercise KAKADU 2026 in Darwin, Australia. The exercise focuses on enhancing maritime interoperability, strengthening cooperation, and improving mutual understanding among participating nations. It serves as a key engagement for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), bringing together numerous nations to promote maritime security. This participation highlights India’s commitment to building a secure, stable Indo-Pacific region through strengthened naval cooperation

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Vayu Baan is India’s first helicopter-launched drone system developed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a small, autonomous drone dropped from a moving helicopter mid-flight.After release, it unfolds wings, activates propulsion, and functions as surveillance (ISR) or precision-guided munition (kamikaze drone). The program is an indigenous Air-Launched Effects (ALE) project led by IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD). It aims to provide stand-off capability to identify and destroy targets beyond 50 km, keeping helicopters safe from MANPADS.

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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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INS Dunagiri has been delivered to the Indian Navy as part of ongoing naval modernisation. It is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigates. The ship was designed by the Warship Design Bureau and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers. It is a reincarnation of the earlier INS Dunagiri, a Leander-class frigate that previously served in the Indian Navy. The vessel uses Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion, integrating a diesel engine and gas turbine driving controllable pitch propellers (CPP). It is equipped with a modern Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for efficient onboard operations.

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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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Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard, boosting maritime capabilities. ALH Mk III is the maritime variant of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. It is indigenously designed and manufactured in India, supporting self-reliance in defence. It is a multi-role, twin-engine helicopter suited for complex maritime operations. It enhances operational readiness, rapid response, and surveillance efficiency of the Indian Coast Guard.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs received an indigenous satellite imaging system Prajna, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation through CAIR (Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics), to improve real-time decision-making for security agencies. The AI-enabled Prajna system is designed to monitor sensitive regions and support counter-terrorism operations, thereby strengthening internal security. DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted in-flight trials of ADC-150 (Air Droppable Container with 150 kg capacity) from the P-8I aircraft off the Goa coast.

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INS Kalpeni is a fast attack craft of the Indian Navy and recently visited Gan, strengthening India–Maldives maritime cooperation. It belongs to the Car Nicobar class Waterjet Fast Attack Craft built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. It was commissioned on 14 October 2010. The ship is named after Kalpeni Island of Lakshadweep. It is based at Kochi under the Southern Naval Command. Its roles include coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling, boarding operations, and search and rescue.

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The first edition of Exercise ‘Pragati’ is scheduled to take place at Umroi, Meghalaya, from May 18–31, 2026. Exercise Pragati (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region) involves 11 friendly countries. It aims to enhance defence cooperation, interoperability, and mutual trust among participating nations. The exercise reflects a shared commitment to regional security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.