Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian “Iron-Dome” Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) is competing with China’s Sky Dragon-50 for an order from Brazil. Developed by India’s DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd, Akash SAM defends against air threats, including fighter jets and ballistic missiles. It operates with the Indian Army and Air Force, featuring a Rajendra radar for target guidance. Akash SAM is mobile, automatic, and adaptable, with capabilities to engage multiple targets simultaneously up to 45 km away.

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India is acquiring the Camcopter S-100 rotary unmanned aerial system from Austrian company Schiebel. This system will enhance the Indian Navy’s ISR capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region, marking a significant technological collaboration. Schiebel, founded in 1951 in Vienna, specializes in high-tech unmanned systems with global facilities and a strong reputation for military, commercial, and humanitarian products.

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) sanctioned seven new private sector projects under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Established to promote self-reliance in defence technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the TDF is a Ministry of Defence program executed by DRDO. It supports MSMEs and startups, providing up to 90% funding for projects costing up to INR 50 crore, with a maximum development period of four years.

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Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the first indigenously-built Talwar class frigate, ‘Triput.’ Part of a 2016 India-Russia deal, Triput is among four Admiral Grigorovich class frigates, with two built in India via technology transfer. The Indian Navy already operates six of this class. INS Triput, 124m long and 15.5m wide, is powered by four gas turbines, reaching speeds of 28 knots with a 3200-ton displacement. It features stealth-enhancing hull design, advanced weapons and sensors, an Integrated Platform and Bridge Management System, and a robust air defense system with vertical launch long-range surface-to-air missiles.

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system. This phase aims to validate intercept systems for ballistic missiles in the 5000 km range. The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile is an indigenously developed, two-stage, solid-propelled system designed to counter various ballistic missile threats within endo- to low exo-atmospheric regions. In 2022, DRDO tested the AD-1 long-range interceptor missile for both exo- and endo-atmospheric interception.

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The US Navy, Navy SEAL commandos, and the US Air Force plan to install the Mako missile in all their aircraft. Developed by Lockheed Martin, an American aerospace manufacturer, the Mako missile is an air-launched hypersonic multi-mission weapon, capable of being fired from the internal weapons bay of the F-35 and F-22 Raptor stealth fighters. Named after the fastest shark, it can reach speeds over Mach 5 with high maneuverability, making it hard to intercept. Weighing around 590 kg and measuring 4 meters in length, the Mako missile is designed for diverse missions and represents a breakthrough in digital engineering in missile development.

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The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved amendments to a deal for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance UAVs from General Atomics. The DAC, the highest defense procurement body, ensures timely and efficient acquisition of military capabilities. Formed post-Kargil War in 2001, it is chaired by the defense minister and includes the Chief of Defence Staff and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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The Indian Air Force faces delays in receiving Tejas light combat aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, affecting its readiness and capabilities. Tejas, a 4.5-generation single-seat supersonic multirole fighter, was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Agency and HAL. Intended to replace older MiG-21 and Su-7 jets, it joined the IAF in 2016. It has three models and is known for being the smallest and lightest in its class, with versatile combat roles.

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The Indian Naval Submarine INS Shalki, the first submarine built in India, arrived in Colombo for a two-day visit. This Shishumar-class diesel-electric submarine, commissioned in 1992, was constructed by Mazgaon Dock Limited in Mumbai. It is 64.4 m long, carries 40 people, and has a displacement of 1450-1850 tons. Its speed ranges from 11 knots surfaced to 22 knots submerged, with a range of 8,000 nautical miles.

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The Indian Air Force has approved the production of 200 Astra Mk-1 missiles for Su-30 MKI and Tejas aircraft after Deputy Chief Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit’s visit to Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Developed by DRDO and made by BDL, Astra Mk-1 is an air-to-air missile with a range of 80-110 km and a speed of Mach 4.5. DRDO is also working on the Astra Mk-2 with a range of 130-160 km.