Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
7th edition of ‘Exercise Eastern Bridge VII’ was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) to enhance military cooperation and interoperability. It was held at Masirah (Oman). It involved complex air operations and tactical drills, improving strategic capabilities. The exercise fostered camaraderie through joint briefings and cultural exchanges, highlighting the commitment of both nations to regional peace and security. This collaboration aims to strengthen ties and prepare for emerging security challenges in the region.

Notes:
The Navika Sagar Parikrama II expedition features the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which will navigate 21,600 nautical miles around the globe. This mission, led by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K, emphasizes India’s maritime heritage and commitment to empowerment and innovation. The expedition will challenge the crew with treacherous waters, including passages around Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn, and the Cape of Good Hope, showcasing their resilience and spirit.

Notes:
The Indian Army inducted 100 robotic Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULE) for combat areas, especially in high altitudes. MULEs enhance combat and surveillance missions with thermal cameras and radars for reconnaissance in tough terrains. These robots operate in extreme temperatures (-40 to +55°C), carry a 15kg payload, and can climb stairs and hills. They are durable, agile, and equipped with electro-optics and infrared tech for object recognition, even moving through rivers. MULEs improve surveillance and supply delivery, reducing reliance on animal transport by 50-60% by 2030.
China also uses robotics, hinting at a new military technology race.

Notes:
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has delivered 100 Control Centres for the Air Defence Control and Reporting system (Akashteer) to the Indian Army. These control centres will play a crucial role in protecting the country from aerial threats like missile and rocket attacks. The successful delivery highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its military self-reliance. It also emphasizes the modernization of India’s defense infrastructure, enhancing overall security capabilities.

Notes:
Recently, the Indian Navy received Nirdeshak, the second of four Survey Vessel ships, built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata. Nirdeshak features over 80% indigenous content, reflecting the commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ These are the largest survey vessels in India, designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of ports and navigational channels. The ship will also gather oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.

Notes:
THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence), a missile defense system developed by United States, is designed to intercept and destroy short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. The U.S. has deployed THAAD to Israel as part of its commitment to Israel’s defense amid rising tensions with Iran. This deployment enhances Israel’s existing air defense capabilities, providing a deterrent against missile threats. The system employs “hit-to-kill” technology and can cover a broader area than older systems, reflecting strategic military adjustments in the region.

Notes:
Russia is testing the combat readiness of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile unit northwest of Moscow. The Yars RS-24 is a Russian mobile nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), operational since 2010. It can be mounted on trucks or deployed in silos. The missile is 22.5 meters long, 2 meters in diameter, and weighs 49,000 kg. It has a range of 2,000 to 10,500 km and uses inertial and Glonass guidance systems. The missile can carry up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) , each with a 300-kiloton thermonuclear warhead, and can deploy decoys to evade missile defense systems.

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.

Notes:
NTPC and the Indian Army are setting up a solar hydrogen-based microgrid in Chushul, Ladakh, to ensure stable, green power for off-grid Army sites. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone via video conferencing. This microgrid is designed to function independently, with hydrogen as the storage medium, replacing diesel generators. The system will provide sustainable power even in extreme winter conditions, supporting clean energy use in remote Army locations.

Notes:
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.