Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Nepali Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army launched the fourth joint exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025, in Kathmandu. The drill runs until 16 September 2025. It aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. The exercise, first held in 2017, alternates between Nepal and China. Sagarmatha Friendship-2025 focuses on building capacity, addressing security challenges, and fostering mutual trust and military-to-military ties.

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Russia recently struck Ukraine’s Cabinet building with an Iskander-K missile. Iskander-K is a Russian-made mobile short-range cruise missile launcher vehicle on an 8×8 military truck chassis. It looks similar to Iskander-M, which is a ballistic missile launcher vehicle. Also called SSC-8, it entered service with Russian Armed Forces in February 2017. It is built for tactical-operational strikes.

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off Samudra Pradakshina, an all-women tri-services sailing expedition, from Gateway of India. It is a symbol of Nari Shakti, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, military diplomacy, and global vision. Ten women officers will sail on IASV Triveni, covering 26,000 nautical miles in nine months, crossing the equator twice and sailing around Capes Leeuwin, Horn, and Good Hope. IASV Triveni, a 50-foot yacht built in Puducherry, will stop at ports in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. The voyage highlights India’s progress in women empowerment, maritime adventure, and global recognition.

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The Indian Navy has commissioned its first 3D Air Surveillance Radar (3D-ASR) aboard a warship. The radar, called Lanza-N, is developed by Tata Advanced Systems with Spanish defence company Indra. This is the first time Lanza-N is operational outside Spain. Tata Advanced Systems became the first Indian company to build and integrate next-generation naval surveillance radars. The radar passed sea trials with naval and aerial platforms across different radar cross-sections. A radar assembly and testing facility is set up in Karnataka to speed up deliveries. Lanza-N can detect drones, supersonic fighters, anti-radiation missiles, and naval platforms.

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STAR (Supersonic TARget) missile is India’s indigenous high-speed target missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It simulates hostile supersonic threats, including modern anti-ship cruise missiles, to train Indian Armed Forces in realistic conditions. It has a two-stage propulsion: solid booster rocket for lift-off and Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) for sustained supersonic flight. DRDO is developing two variants: Air-Launched STAR for LCA Tejas and joint exercises, Ground-Launched STAR for mobile Navy/Army drills. STAR ends dependence on expensive imports and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in missile training and R&D.

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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Adamya, first of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Paradip Port, Odisha on 19 September 2025. The 51-meter vessel is indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% local content under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. ICGS Adamya will be based at Paradip under ICG Region (North East) to safeguard India’s maritime interests. It is the first ship with indigenous Controllable Pitch Propellers and gearboxes for superior manoeuvrability.

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India successfully conducted a test launch of the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This is the first rail-based launch integrated with the national railway network. The launch demonstrates India’s strategic deterrence capabilities and cross-country mobility with reduced visibility. The Agni-Prime is a next-generation ballistic missile capable of striking targets up to 2,000 kilometers. The test involved the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC).

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The Indian Navy is hosting the fifth edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti – 2025 at Visakhapatnam. It is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Indonesia. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, strengthen mutual understanding, and share best naval practices. It reflects the shared commitment of both nations to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s participation includes INS Kavaratti, an Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette of the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command (ENC).

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently successfully tested the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at an altitude of 32,000 feet. The system is indigenously developed by DRDO. It was designed by Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra, and Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru. MCPS allows paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at set altitudes, and land accurately at designated zones. It ensures independent operation without foreign interference or denial of service.

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In October 2025, Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile 9M730 Burevestnik, meaning “storm petrel.” The test took place at the Pankovo test site in the Arctic region. The missile is designed with unlimited range to evade and penetrate advanced air and missile defense systems. The aim is to enhance Russia’s strategic deterrence against current and future defense technologies. It was developed by Russia’s Defence Industry and designated by NATO as “SSC-X-9 Skyfall.” It is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile, both nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed.