Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The 4th India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI conducted at Bentong camp, Pahang, Malaysia. It is scheduled from December 2 to 15, 2024. It involves 78 Indian personnel from the MAHAR Regiment and 123 Malaysian personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment. The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain under the UN Mandate’s Chapter VII. It includes cross-training, simulated drills like Anti-MT Ambush, Recce Patrol, and terrorist area attacks. This annual event alternates between the two countries, enhancing interoperability, defence cooperation, and bilateral ties.

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The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam. SLINEX, launched in 2005, aims to enhance maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The exercise includes two phases: a Harbour Phase for professional exchanges and a Sea Phase for joint operations. Sea Phase activities involve Special Forces exercises and navigation drills. This annual event strengthens ties between the two nations and promotes a secure maritime environment in the region.

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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.

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A 334-member Indian Army contingent is participating in the 18th Surya Kiran exercise hosted by the Nepali Army in Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025. The annual exercise is alternately hosted by India and Nepal; the 17th edition was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, in 2023. Surya Kiran aims to strengthen bonds between Indian and Nepali army personnel and improve their professional skills.

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The eighth Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 22, was inducted on 06 Jan 2025 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The contract for 11 ACTCM Barges was signed with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd., a Thane-based MSME, on 05 Mar 2021. Seven ACTCM Barges have already been delivered, and the shipyard is also building four Sullage Barges for the Navy. The barges are indigenously designed and tested for seaworthiness at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. Built under Indian Register of Shipping rules, these barges promote Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

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Border Security Force (BSF) launched a 10-day “OPS Alert” exercise from January 22 to 31, 2025, along the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border for heightened security during Republic Day celebrations. Patrolling and border domination duties are intensified, focusing on riverine borders and unfenced gaps. Security drills and reconciliation programs with border populations are being conducted.

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Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for supporting the Navy’s anti-piracy operations. The mission was part of Operation Sankalp, launched by the Indian Navy on March 16 last year in the Arabian Sea. The operation aimed to counter piracy and Houthi rebel threats to merchant vessels in the Indian Ocean. Key areas of operation included the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia. The Navy saved lives, seized narcotics, and rescued hijacked merchant vessels during the operation.

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DRDO successfully conducted three flight trials of the VSHORADS off Odisha’s Chandipur coast. Tests targeted high-speed, low-altitude aerial threats, simulating low-flying drones. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed India’s man-portable air defense missile system, known as the Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS). This system is designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at ranges up to 6 kilometers. The VSHORADS, which represents a significant advancement in India’s defense technology, is notable for its state-of-the-art uncooled imaging infrared seeker, making it technically superior to existing man-portable air defense systems in the Indian armed forces.

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DRDO and IIT Hyderabad unveiled India’s largest metal 3D printing machine for rocket components. It was developed at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. The machine uses Powder-based Directed Energy Deposition technology for additive manufacturing. It has a build volume of 1m x 1m x 3m, making it one of India’s largest metal 3D printers. The system features dual heads for thermal balancing and speed. A key milestone was achieved with the successful fabrication of a one-meter-high component, advancing large-scale additive manufacturing in India.

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Russia has proposed a partnership with India for joint production of the Su-57 fighter jet at HAL. The collaboration aims to localize fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) technology. The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). It is designed for both air superiority and ground attack roles. The aircraft features advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities. The Su-57 was primarily developed for the Russian Air Force.