Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to integrate RVV-BD very long-range BVR air-to-air missiles with its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. RVV-BD is a Russian-origin missile and the export version associated with the R-37M missile family. It uses active radar homing and is designed for engagements at extremely long standoff distances. It can target high-value aerial platforms such as early-warning and reconnaissance aircraft. Integration will require modifications to the Su-30MKI’s radar, avionics and weapons-management software.

Notes:
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.

Notes:
Indian Navy’s guided missile corvette INS Kulish arrived at Ream Naval Base, Cambodia, on 12 September 2026. The visit is part of the Eastern Fleet’s operational deployment. The port call aims to strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Cambodia. INS Kulish is a guided missile corvette of the Indian Navy. It belongs to the Kora-class of guided-missile corvettes. The ship is equipped for anti-surface warfare and has missile and gun capabilities. The ship’s name, Kulish, refers to Indra’s thunderbolt weapon (Vajra) in Indian mythology.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The three-day event is being held from 14 to 16 September 2026. The IAF also demonstrated ‘Vayu UTtaM’, an indigenously developed multi-mode Unmanned Traffic Management system. Vayu UTtaM demonstrated its ability to detect and track military and civil unmanned aircraft systems in real time. The system is designed to help manage increasingly congested airspace and identify and mitigate unauthorised or rogue drones. Its potential applications extend to airspace safety, critical infrastructure protection, civil aviation and public safety.

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Jodhpur, Rajasthan, hosts the 2nd edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, a multinational air exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a multinational air exercise involving the air forces of friendly countries. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, tactical coordination and operational cooperation. It involves joint aerial operations, tactical training and complex aerial missions. The exercise facilitates the exchange of operational practices, tactics and mission-planning approaches. The 1st edition was held in 2024 in two phases at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, and Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

Notes:
The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth over ₹810 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to procure 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed to destroy or neutralise enemy airfields from a long stand-off range. It can be launched from aircraft such as Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI. The weapon has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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The 9th edition of Exercise KAZIND-2026 is conducted from 28 September to 11 October 2026 at Oskemen, Kazakhstan. Exercise KAZIND is a joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan. India has sent a 60-member contingent, mainly from a battalion of the Garhwal Rifles, along with personnel from other services and the Indian Air Force. The exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The exercise aims to improve interoperability, operational coordination, mutual trust and professional cooperation between the two armed forces.

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The 2nd edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) was held at Subic Bay, Philippines. India participated with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish, along with maritime forces from ASEAN countries. The theme of the exercise was “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” The exercise focused on strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, operational coordination and interoperability between India and ASEAN maritime forces. It consisted of two major phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase. The exercise strengthened practical maritime cooperation and interoperability between India and ASEAN.

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The Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026) was conducted off the coast of Paradip in Odisha. Paradip is a major deep-water port on the east coast of India, located at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal. The exercise is designed to test coordinated maritime and aeronautical responses to mass-rescue emergencies at sea. It helps strengthen interoperability among the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and local port administrations to ensure swift operations during large-scale maritime contingencies.

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The Indian Navy’s next-generation offshore patrol vessel ‘Shreyas’ (Yard 3040) was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. Next-generation offshore patrol vessels are being constructed at GRSE, Kolkata, and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. These indigenously designed vessels will support maritime surveillance, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They will also help protect offshore assets and strengthen India’s maritime security. The name ‘Shreyas’ means “best” or “most excellent” in Sanskrit.