Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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India is developing an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system called ‘Virupaaksha’ to upgrade its fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets. Being manufactured indigenously it would be the most capable radar equipping any Sukhoi variant globally. This airborne radar uses electronic instead of mechanical scanning allowing versatile detection and tracking exceeding capabilities of current radars on IAF’s MKI jets.

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Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi recently took on the significant role of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. His illustrious career in the Indian Navy began on July 1, 1985, and he has since held various pivotal positions, including serving as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command before his current appointment. Vice Admiral Tripathi is recognized for his specialization in Communication and Electronic Warfare and has been instrumental in various operational and strategic capacities within the Navy. His appointment as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff marks another milestone in his distinguished service.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a milestone with the successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. This surface-to-air missile intercepted a high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a low altitude, affirming the complete weapon system’s efficacy. Equipped with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, the AKASH-NG enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities, defending against agile aerial threats. Notably, it can engage up to 10 targets simultaneously within a range of 40 km, showcasing superior performance compared to its predecessors.

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The inaugural Bilateral Maritime Exercise, ‘Ex-Ayutthaya,’ between the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy took place, symbolizing the historic ties between Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand. Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated, enhancing operational synergy. The exercise included surface and anti-air exercises, weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical maneuvers. The 36th Indo-Thai CORPAT was conducted simultaneously, reinforcing regional maritime security efforts. The collaboration aligns with India’s SAGAR vision, promoting Security And Growth for All in the Region.

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The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 25 personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), is participating. The exercise focuses on enhancing bilateral military cooperation and understanding operating procedures in desert terrain under UN Charter Chapter VII. It involves three phases, including Military Exhibitions, IED training, and Joint Tactical Exercises, fostering stronger ties between the two friendly nations.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted Exercise Desert Knight with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force on January 23–24, 2024. The exercise took place over the Arabian Sea, with the IAF operating from its west coast bases and the UAE and France operating from Al Dhafra airbase. The exercise’s main focus was to improve synergy and interoperability between the three air forces. The IAF said that such exercises demonstrate the growing diplomatic and military interactions in the region, as well as the IAF’s capabilities.

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed crucial tests on the Insat-3DS satellite, a collaborative effort with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Part of a climate observatory satellite series, it aims to enhance climate services. The satellite, along with INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already in orbit, will be launched using the more advanced Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14), featuring cryogenic liquid propellants. INSAT-3DR boasts improvements like imaging in the Middle Infrared band for night-time cloud and fog pictures and enhanced accuracy in Sea Surface Temperature estimation.

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The Indian Navy’s primary objective for its Very Low Frequency (VLF) communication station is to transmit fleet broadcasts and communicate with ships and submarines. VLF radio waves are used to communicate with submarines that are underwater. The Indian Navy has been operating a VLF facility for the last 24 years. The first VLF station was established at INS Kattabomman Radar Station in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu in 1990. The Navy is currently building a second VLF station in the Damagudem forest area near Puduru of Vikarabad mandal, Telangana. The new station is expected to be completed in 2027.

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has unveiled ‘Jigarthanda,’ India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility. The 24-meter-long S2 facility, developed over three years, is located at IIT Kanpur’s Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory. Funded by ARDB, DST, and IIT Kanpur, it can simulate hypersonic conditions with flight speeds between 3-10 km/s. ‘Jigarthanda’ will play a crucial role in advancing aerospace technologies, supporting missions like Gaganyaan, Reusable Launch Vehicles, and hypersonic cruise missiles for ISRO and DRDO.

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IIT Madras and Munitions India Limited are partnering to create India’s first domestically designed 155 Smart Ammunition. The two-year initiative, under the Ministry of Defence, aims to achieve a Circular Error Probable of 10 meters, significantly improving precision in defense operations. The project focuses on enhancing accuracy and lethality using guidance systems and advanced technologies. The 155mm Indian Smart Ammunition is compatible with existing artillery guns, featuring fin stabilization, canard control, and a 3-mode fuse operation for various tactical requirements, marking a crucial stride towards self-reliance in defense production.