Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Japanese Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingent arrived in Jodhpur for the second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The exercise will be conducted from September 9 to 22, 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise focuses on air combat manoeuvring, interoperability, operational synergy and tactical proficiency. It aims to strengthen mutual understanding and defence cooperation between India and Japan.

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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.

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Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched India’s advanced Ocean Research Vessel (ORV) ‘Sagar Manthan’ at Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata. The vessel has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR). It is being developed under Vertical-4, Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration of the Deep Ocean Mission, at an estimated cost of around ₹840 crore. ‘Sagar Manthan’ is an all-weather, multidisciplinary research vessel designed to conduct oceanographic and geophysical research, including surveys of deep-sea mineral resources.

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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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Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA). The activity brings together maritime forces from ASEAN member states and eight Plus countries. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding and maritime cooperation. India’s participation is in line with its Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. The deployment provides opportunities for professional and operational interaction among participating maritime forces.

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Recent Ukrainian reports have claimed that Russian forces used Misagh-2 systems in the Rostov region to intercept Ukrainian UAVs. Misagh-2 is an Iranian-manufactured man-portable air-defence system (MANPADS). It is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to engage low-flying aerial targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The missile uses a passive infrared (IR) seeker to detect the heat signature of its target. It has a fire-and-forget capability, meaning the operator does not need to continuously guide the missile after launch. This allows the operator to leave the firing position quickly after launching the missile.

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India’s Akash air defence system has been exported to three countries: Armenia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Armenia was the first foreign customer and acquired multiple Akash batteries. The Akash is an indigenous Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system developed by DRDO. It is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The system is designed to engage high-speed aerial targets. Its successful exports highlight India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology and defence exports.

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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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INS Trishul, an Indian Navy warship, arrived at Plymouth, United Kingdom, to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26. Exercise KONKAN is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. The exercise is conducted in two phases off Plymouth. Over the past two decades, KONKAN has evolved in scale and complexity, strengthening interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies. The exercise aims to improve operational cooperation and the ability to operate together in complex maritime situations. The exercise reflects the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in India–UK Vision 2035.

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INS Mangrol is the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 12 October 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The ship has been constructed with over 80% indigenous content, promoting the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Its primary objective is to detect and counter submarine threats in coastal and shallow waters. The ship is equipped with the Abhay Hull-Mounted Sonar, lightweight torpedoes, an indigenous anti-submarine rocket launcher and the Maareech Advanced Torpedo Decoy System. It is powered by three diesel engines with waterjet propulsion, enabling high manoeuvrability in shallow waters.