Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’ to enhance maritime security and surveillance capabilities. These vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. with over 60% indigenous content, are designed for monitoring, control, and surveillance. The ICG aims to achieve self-reliance in defense, exemplified by this launch utilizing advanced shipbuilding techniques and indigenous materials.

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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 fifth Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2024 conducted in Ambala, Haryana. VINBAX-2024 aims to strengthen the joint military capabilities of India and Vietnam. For the first time, the exercise includes Bi-Service participation, with personnel from both countries’ Army and Air Force. India’s contingent consists of 47 members, mainly from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from other services.

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The 3rd edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND started on November 8, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. It is an annual exercise held alternately between India and Australia; the last edition was in Australia in December 2023. The Indian contingent includes 140 personnel, mainly from the DOGRA Regiment and the Indian Air Force. The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and interoperability for joint sub-conventional operations in semi-urban, semi-desert terrain under UN Chapter VII. Drills include counter-terrorism operations, joint raids, drone usage, and Special Heli Borne Operations. It promotes the exchange of best practices in tactical operations.

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France is evaluating India’s Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) system for its requirements. The system, developed by DRDO, is named after “Pinaka,” a mythical weapon of Lord Shiva. It can hit targets up to 75 kilometers and beyond. The Pinaka MBRL can launch 12 rockets in 44 seconds, making it effective for overwhelming enemy defenses. Armenia was the first export customer for Pinaka, with other countries also expressing interest in the system.

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The Oreshnik hypersonic missile, recently tested by Russia, has a range of 3,000-5,500 km and can strike targets in Europe and the western US. Its unique feature is the ability to carry multiple warheads, akin to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). President Vladimir Putin indicated that this missile’s deployment was a response to Ukraine’s use of Western missiles, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The missile is designed to be highly accurate and currently lacks effective countermeasures against it.

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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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The Indian Coast Guard hosted SAREX-24 in Kochi from November 27-30, 2024, under the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board. The event aims to validate the National Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR) framework through an inclusive, collaborative approach. It addresses India’s vast 4.6 million sq km Search and Rescue Region (ISRR), emphasizing cooperation with agencies, littorals, and friendly nations. The focus will be on Mass Rescue Operations (MRO) during large-scale sea contingencies. The theme, “Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional Collaboration,” highlights ICG’s dedication to providing aid across ISRR.

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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.

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The SLINEX 24 bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka was held from December 17-20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. India was represented by INS Sumitra from the Eastern Fleet and a Special Forces team. Sri Lanka participated with the SLNS Sayura Offshore Patrol Vessel and its Special Forces team. The exercise aimed to improve interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation between the two navies.