Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Indian Coast Guard conducted the coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ on October 16-17 in Gujarat and Daman & Diu. This was the second edition of the exercise this year, coordinated by the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Gandhinagar. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime and coastal security and validate existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Various stakeholders participated, including the Indian Navy, State Police, Marine Police, BSF, NSG, Gujarat Maritime Board, IB, and port authorities. Key assets included ships and boats from the Coast Guard and Navy, with aerial surveillance from aircraft and drones. Operational scenarios were simulated to test coordination and effectiveness in maintaining maritime security.

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The 31st Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) held at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam from 23 to 29 Oct 2024. SIMBEX, an annual exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy, began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994. The exercise includes a Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam with expert exchanges, sports, and cross-deck visits, and a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal. Advanced drills in the Sea Phase covers live weapon firing, anti-submarine, anti-surface, anti-air operations, and tactical manoeuvres.

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The seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC), named ‘Abhay,’ was launched on October 25, 2024, at L&T, Kattupalli. A contract for eight ASW SWC ships was signed in April 2019 between the Ministry of Defence and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The Arnala class ships will replace the older Abhay class and are designed for anti-submarine operations and other maritime tasks. With more than 80% indigenous content, the launch supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat and boosts local defense production and employment.

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A contingent of 25 Indian Army personnel has participated in Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24 from November 1 to 12, 2024. This is the 9th edition of the India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces exercise, featuring troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). The exercise aims to familiarize both sides with each other’s procedures and enhance cooperation and interoperability. This exercise includes tactical military drills, planning special operations, and sharing advanced skills and techniques.

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The 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR took place at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. This follows the last exercise held in December 2023 in Meghalaya and is the second joint exercise this year, after Exercise YUDH ABHYAS in Rajasthan. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and special operations tactics between the two countries. Activities includes joint planning, reconnaissance missions, using unmanned aerial systems, and psychological warfare drills.

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Over 1.76 crore school students from all 36 States and UTs have participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0. It was launched in 2021. The project aims to spread stories of courage and sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees among students. It encourages students to create projects based on these heroic tales, fostering patriotism. The project has been held annually since 2021, with editions in 2021, 2022, and 2023. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.

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China has increased the range of its supersonic cruise missile DF-100 (Dongfeng-100 or Changjian-100). It was introduced during China’s 70th National Day parade on October 1, 2019. DF-100 is designed for precision strikes on diverse targets, including land-based infrastructure, bunkers, and large warships. It is a land-based system with a range of 3,000–4,000 km and can also be launched from bombers. The missile is over 9 meters long, with a payload capacity of 500+ kg. Powered by a ramjet engine, it reaches Mach 5 speeds in its terminal phase.

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India successfully tested the nuclear-capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile from INS Arighaat. The test occurred off Visakhapatnam in the Bay of Bengal and marked a major milestone. The K-4 missile, powered by solid fuel, has a range of 3,500 km and was launched from a 6,000-tonne submarine. This was the first launch from an operational submarine, moving beyond previous tests with submersible pontoons. The test aimed to validate performance parameters, with results under analysis. A public warning and NOTAM were issued for this intermediate-range missile test.

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The 4th India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI conducted at Bentong camp, Pahang, Malaysia. It is scheduled from December 2 to 15, 2024. It involves 78 Indian personnel from the MAHAR Regiment and 123 Malaysian personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under the UN Mandate’s Chapter VII. It includes cross-training, simulated drills like Anti-MT Ambush, Recce Patrol, and terrorist area attacks. This annual event alternates between the two countries, enhancing interoperability, defence cooperation, and bilateral ties.

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India, France, and the UAE launched the “Desert Knight” defence exercise to boost trilateral defence cooperation and air force interoperability in complex combat scenarios. The Indian Air Force deployed Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (airborne early-warning and control) systems from Jamnagar, India. French Rafale jets and UAE’s F-16 fighters operated from the Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE. The exercise featured large-force engagements and intensive combat manoeuvres over the Arabian Sea, southwest of Karachi. It aims to strengthen defence ties in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf amidst China’s growing influence. It follows the 2022 trilateral framework, emphasizing defence, technology, and energy cooperation.