Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The United States (US) Air Force recently conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), planned months in advance. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an American-made silo-launched guided missile designed for surface attacks. “L” stands for silo-launched, “G” for surface attack, and “M” for guided missile in the US Department of Defense code. The US currently maintains around 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal.

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The 11th edition of Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI-2025 began at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka, on 10 November 2025 and will continue till 23 November 2025. The exercise involves 170 Indian Army personnel mainly from the RAJPUT Regiment and 135 Sri Lankan Army personnel from the GAJABA Regiment, along with Air Force teams from both nations. The aim is to rehearse Sub-Conventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Mandate with focus on counter-terrorist operations.

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The Indian Army conducted Exercise Brahmashira in the Rann and Creek Sector, Gujarat, under the Tri-Services Exercise Trishul. It involved the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Border Security Force (BSF) with civil administration. The drill tested integrated land-sea-air operations and multi-domain coordination. It featured Joint Task Forces and a modern Joint Control Centre for real-time coordination. The exercise validated new technologies, cyber and drone warfare, and Military-Civil Fusion. Southern Command also led Exercises MaruJwala and Akhand Prahaar in the Thar Desert. It reflects the Army’s Decade of Transformation and focus on Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation

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The Indian Army and Air Force conducted a large-scale joint exercise ‘Maru Jwala’ in the Jaisalmer desert, Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border during the 12-day ‘Operation Trishul’. The drill simulated coordinated strikes on terrorist hideouts and enemy positions, showcasing India’s combat readiness and use of advanced technology in desert warfare. Drones identified enemy locations, broadcast evacuation messages, and guided simultaneous ground and air attacks. T-90 tanks, mechanised infantry, and attack helicopters led the assault with aerial and robotic support. AI-driven logistics were demonstrated through robotic mule dogs delivering first aid and drones supplying ammunition.

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The 6th edition of India-Vietnam Army Exercise VINBAX began in Hanoi. Exercise VINBAX is a bilateral military exercise between India and Vietnam. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two armies. It focuses on sharing best practices in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations. The 6th edition strengthens defence cooperation and promotes closer military collaboration between India and Vietnam

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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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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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Safran Aircraft Engine Services India (SAESI) facility at GMR Aerospace & Industrial Park – SEZ, Hyderabad has been inaugurated. It is a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre for LEAP (Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion) engines of Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It is one of the world’s largest aircraft engine MROs and the first global engine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) MRO set up in India.

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India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and indigenously built frigate INS Udaygiri are representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025. IFR 2025 is hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo from 27 to 29 November 2025, as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations. This marks the maiden overseas deployment of both ships and showcases India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

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The 10th edition of India–Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUDA SHAKTI commenced at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise is conducted from 03 to 12 December 2025 and is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Indonesian Army. The Indian contingent comprises troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Indonesian contingent includes personnel from Indonesian Special Forces. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and interoperability between both Special Forces.