Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India recently successfully tested the Agni-I Missile from the Integrated Test Range. Agni-I is a single-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed under India’s missile programme. It is classified as a short-range ballistic missile but can function as a medium-range ballistic missile with lighter payloads. The missile has a strike range of about 700 to 1200 kilometres. Agni-I uses a solid-propellant booster derived from Indian Space Research Organisation’s SLV-3 technology.

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India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to acquire five S-400 regimental systems. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared a proposal to procure five additional S-400 systems. The S-400 Triumf air defence system has been developed by Russia. It was designed and manufactured by Almaz-Antey (specifically the Almaz Central Design Bureau) as a mobile, long-range surface-to-air missile system.The S-400 is capable of tracking and destroying multiple aerial threats simultaneously, including stealth aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

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India will participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 from 20 July to 7 August 2026 along with 18 other nations. Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is considered the flagship international flying exercise of the RAAF. The name “Pitch Black” comes from the emphasis on night-time flying operations over large unpopulated areas.

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The Indian Navy is commissioning three indigenously built platforms in Kolkata: INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray. These platforms reflect India’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production. INS Dunagiri is the fifth Project 17A stealth frigate, designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). INS Sanshodhak is the fourth Survey Vessel (Large) used for hydrographic, oceanographic, and geophysical surveys. INS Agray is the fourth Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, designed for littoral warfare and underwater threat detection.

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Recently, China’s state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) aired footage of the launch of the Dongfeng-17 (DF-17) hypersonic missile for the first time. The DF-17 is a Chinese solid-fueled medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile officially unveiled in 2019. The missile has an operational range of about 1,800–2,500 km and is deployed on a mobile launcher. It carries the DF-ZF Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV). After launch, the warhead separates at high altitude and re-enters the atmosphere. The glide vehicle maneuvers at speeds of Mach 5–10.

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India recently tested Garudastra, the country’s heaviest indigenous 120-mm vehicle-mounted mortar system, in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by Nibe Limited, it is designed for rapid shoot-and-scoot operations to avoid enemy detection. The system can be operated by a two-member crew and fire 12 rounds in 60 seconds. Garudastra features Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI), GPS and laser-guided precision engagement, and network-centric battlefield integration. It can strike targets 7–10 km away and penetrate reinforced concrete bunkers. The system enhances the Indian Army’s mobility, firepower, and precision strike capabilities.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone by granting Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system for induction into the Indian Air Force. The system was developed jointly by DRDO, Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. The Netra AEW&C had earlier received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, marking its gradual progression to full operational readiness. The system reflects India’s progress in indigenous defence technology and self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Bharat Dynamics Limited recently secured an order worth ₹1,109.37 crore from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply launchers for HELINA missiles. HELINA (Helicopter-launched NAG) is an indigenous, third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation. It is the helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile, while its Air Force variant is called Dhruvastra. The missile has a range of 500 m to 7 km and uses an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker with lock-on before launch guidance.

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The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa on 27 June 2026. The vessel is named “Akshay,” meaning Indestructible, symbolising resilience and commitment to maritime security. It will enhance Coast Guard operations including maritime law enforcement, coastal security, search and rescue, and environmental protection. The induction strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability and supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

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Recently, DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range. The trial validated the rocket’s performance at a user-defined minimum range of 60 km, with the rocket accurately hitting its target. The Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The rocket was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with different Pinaka rocket variants. The successful test marks another milestone in India’s indigenous long-range guided rocket capability.