Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first micro-missile system to counter swarm drones. It is designed to counter the threat of swarm drones. It was developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. Bhargavastra detects small flying machines over 6 km and hits targets over 2.5 km. It uses guided micro-munitions and can fire more than 64 micro missiles simultaneously. The system operates in all terrains, including high-altitude areas. It fulfills Army Air Defence requirements, marking India’s first counter-drone system with micro missiles.

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The Indian Army placed a ₹10,200 crore order for ammunition for the Pinaka multi-launch rocket system. Pinaka, developed by DRDO, is named after Lord Shiva’s mythical weapon. It can hit targets beyond 75 kilometers and launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it highly effective. Armenia is the first export customer for Pinaka, with interest shown by several other countries.

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Sweden has chosen the Taurus KEPD-350 cruise missile to enhance its Gripen fighter jets’ long-range strike capabilities. The Taurus KEPD-350 is an air-launched, precision-guided missile designed for deep penetration and high-accuracy attacks. The Taurus KEPD-350 missile is developed by a joint venture between Germany and Sweden, specifically by “Taurus Systems GmbH”, which is a partnership between MBDA Deutschland GmbH (Germany) and Saab Bofors Dynamics (Sweden). The missile can bypass dense air defense systems and destroy heavily fortified ground targets. It has been in operational service since 2005 and is used by the air forces of Germany, Spain, and South Korea.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the high-altitude trials of the Integrated Life Support System (ILSS) for the LCA Tejas aircraft. The trials were conducted at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet above Mean Sea Level. The ILSS is an advanced system that generates and regulates breathable oxygen for pilots during flight.  The ILSS is based on the On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS).  The ILSS includes 10 line replaceable units, including the low-pressure breathing regulator, BOS, emergency oxygen system, oxygen sensor, and anti-G valve.

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India celebrates CISF Raising Day on March 10 each year to honor the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The 56th Raising Day was observed on March 10, 2025, in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended as the chief guest, along with Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan and CISF Director General Rajvinder Singh Bhatti. CISF was founded in 1969 under the CISF Act of 1968 and initially had 3,129 personnel. Now, it has expanded to 1,77,713 personnel, securing ports, airports, industries, historical monuments, and key infrastructure. The day is marked by parades, cultural programs, and tributes to CISF personnel.

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Exercise Varuna is the bilateral naval exercise between India and France, started in 1993 and named Varuna in 2001. VARUNA 2025 is the 23rd edition, scheduled to take place from March 19 to 22 in the Arabian Sea. It features high-intensity naval drills covering sub-surface, surface, and aerial operations. INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle participates with fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine. Key highlights include advanced air defence drills and mock air-to-air combat between French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K jets to improve combat readiness.

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Stealth frigate ‘Tavasya’ was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on March 22, 2025. It is the last of four Krivak-class stealth frigates and the second built at GSL under a technology transfer agreement with Russia. India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in 2016 for four Krivak-class frigates. Two ships were imported from Russia, while two were built at GSL. Tavasya is likely the last warship built under foreign license as India moves towards indigenous warship production.

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India successfully flight-tested the Vertically Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) off the Odisha coast. VL-SRSAM is an indigenously developed Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM). It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a quick reaction missile that neutralises aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets. Initially designed for the Indian Navy with a 40 km range, it can now strike targets up to 80 km. The missile is also being developed for the Indian Air Force to protect air bases.

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The Indian Navy’s frigate INS Tarkash intercepted and seized over 2500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean during a maritime security operation. INS Tarkash is a modern stealth frigate of the Indian Navy. It belongs to the Talwar class of guided missile frigates, which are modified Krivak III-class frigates built by Russia. It was constructed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on November 9, 2012, in Kaliningrad, Russia. INS Tarkash is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet.

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The first tri-service all-women global circumnavigation expedition “Samudra Pradakshina” was flagged off from Mumbai on 7 April 2025 on board the IASV (Indian Army Sailing Vessel) Triveni. It was flagged off by Lieutenant General AK Ramesh, Commandant, College of Military Engineering, at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The team will sail to Seychelles and return to Mumbai, covering 4,000 nautical miles in 55 days. The expedition is a part of the armed forces’ initiative to promote women’s empowerment, also called Nari Shakti. Last year, the Indian Navy launched its second all-women Navika Sagar Parikrama on board INSV (Indian Naval Sailing Vessel) Tarini.