Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that Ukraine attacked a military airfield in Taganrog using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. ATACMS missiles are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with a range of 300 km, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. These missiles use projectile motion to deliver warheads to their targets. ATACMS missiles can be launched from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

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The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an upgraded version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). SARAT, launched in 2016, aids in locating people or vessels in distress at sea quickly. It uses model ensembling to account for uncertainties in the object’s last known location and time. The tool factors in currents and winds and operates on high-resolution ocean models. Users can select from 60 types of objects and input details like the last seen location. Version 2 improves search area accuracy, visualizations, and user interface for easier identification of missing objects.

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The Indian Army inaugurated the AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, led virtually by General Upendra Dwivedi. The centre reflects the Army’s focus on using Artificial Intelligence for operational excellence. It aims to foster innovation in military technology with AI-driven solutions. The initiative seeks to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and preparedness for future conflicts.

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A 334-member Indian Army contingent is participating in the 18th Surya Kiran exercise hosted by the Nepali Army in Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025. The annual exercise is alternately hosted by India and Nepal; the 17th edition was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, in 2023. Surya Kiran aims to strengthen bonds between Indian and Nepali army personnel and improve their professional skills.

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INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned into the Indian Navy for the first time. INS Surat is a stealth-guided missile destroyer, part of Project 15B, known as the Visakhapatnam class. It is India’s first warship equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. INS Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tonnes, a length of 164 meters, and a COGAG propulsion system with four gas turbines. It can achieve speeds over 30 knots (56 km/h) and is armed with advanced surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and sensors. Designed for high-speed offensive naval operations with superior strike power and maneuverability.

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Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor for 120 seconds. Scramjets, an upgrade to ramjets, generate thrust via supersonic airflows and combustion. They operate at hypersonic speeds, exceeding Mach 5 (over 5,400 km/hr). Hypersonic missiles can bypass air defense systems for rapid, high-impact strikes. Countries like the USA, Russia, India, and China are advancing hypersonic technology. Scramjets are air-breathing engines sustaining supersonic combustion without moving parts. Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a DRDO lab in Hyderabad, developed this scramjet-powered hypersonic technology. This milestone boosts hypersonic missiles, fast air transport, and low-cost satellite launches.

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The upcoming India-US defence deal includes co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles. Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive combat vehicle developed for the US Army by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). It was the first new military vehicle inducted into the US Army since the 1980s. The Stryker family includes different variants like infantry carriers, mobile gun systems, and medical evacuation vehicles. It is known for speed and flexibility in urban warfare. The vehicle has a range of 483 km, top speed of 100 km/h, and is air-transportable by C-17 and C-130 aircraft.

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The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore for ammunition for the Army’s Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS). Pinaka is a battle-proven, all-weather artillery weapon system developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). It was first used in the Kargil War to neutralize enemy positions. The system delivers rapid and accurate fire on critical enemy targets. Each launcher carries 12 rockets, and a battery has six launchers (72 rockets total). It has a range of 60 to 75 km and can fire high-explosive and submunition warheads.

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SARAT version 2 improves efficiency in search and rescue operations. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed an upgraded version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). The tool uses model ensembling, factoring in currents and winds for accurate location predictions. It offers over 60 object types and allows users to input details like last known location. Version 2 enhances accuracy, visualizations, and the user interface, speeding up operations with better success rates. The tool helps Indian search and rescue agencies respond faster and more effectively.

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Indian Navy’s INS Shardul and P8I aircraft are in Bali, Indonesia, for the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 and Exercise Komodo. Exercise Komodo, launched in 2014, is a non-combat multilateral naval drill by the Indonesian Navy. It promotes maritime cooperation and regional security among friendly nations. The 2025 theme is “Maritime Partnership for Peace and Stability.” The fifth edition features fleet reviews, naval drills, officer exchanges, bilateral meetings, and a defense exhibition. It involves 39 countries, with 34 foreign and 18 Indonesian Navy warships participating.