Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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The Ministry of Defence ordered 73,000 SIG716 rifles from U.S. company Sig Sauer, to be delivered by end-2025. SIG716 is an American-made automatic assault rifle. The Indian Army uses these rifles extensively, especially in mountainous and border regions. The rifle is 34.39 inches long with a 15.98-inch barrel and weighs 3.58 kg. It has a higher recoil and is designed to hit targets at 600 meters. The rifle uses a 7.62x51mm caliber for longer range and more power than INSAS and AK-47 rifles. Its gas piston system boosts reliability and lowers maintenance. The SIG716’s modular design allows easy customization with accessories.

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Air Marshal Tejinder Singh became the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force in New Delhi. After taking his new position, he paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial. Tejinder Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and joined the IAF fighter stream on June 13, 1987. He is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor with over 4,500 flying hours. He studied at the Defence Service Staff College and National Defence College. He has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Radar Station, a Fighter Base, and was Air Officer Commanding in Jammu and Kashmir. He received the Vayu Sena Medal in 2007 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022.

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Russian troops recently used a Grom-E1 hybrid missile to hit Kharkiv, Ukraine. The Grom-E1 is a modernized weapon based on the Soviet-era Kh-38 missile. It was developed by Russia and first introduced in 2018. The Grom-E1 combines features of both a missile and an aerial bomb. It has a maximum range of 120 km, with a high-explosive warhead and a contact detonator. A variant with a thermobaric design can detonate at high altitudes. The effectiveness depends on the altitude and speed of the launching aircraft. It can be launched from Russian aircraft like the MiG-35, Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57.

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The 20th edition of the India-USA Joint Military Exercise YUDH ABHYAS-2024 began at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9th to 22nd September 2024. Yudh Abhyas is an annual joint military exercise between India and the USA, ongoing since 2004. The exercise fosters cooperation between the two militaries, focusing on training, cultural exchanges, and developing joint operational skills. The previous edition took place at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, USA.

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DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials for the ‘Zorawar’ tanks. These tanks are designed to boost the Indian Army’s capabilities in high-altitude areas. Developed jointly by DRDO and L&T, they are named after General Zorawar Singh, known for his victories in Tibet. The Zorawar tanks are equipped with drones and battle management systems for better situational awareness. They are built for quick deployment and maneuverability in mountainous regions and are also amphibious, making them suitable for operations in riverine areas.

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Squadron Leader Mohana Singh became the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force’s elite 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ squadron, flying the indigenously made LCA Tejas fighter jet. She participated in the ‘Tarang Shakti’ exercise in Jodhpur, where she instructed the vice chiefs of the Army and Navy on the LCA Tejas.

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Southern Command of the Indian Army organized a two-day national symposium, ‘Exercise AIKYA’, on disaster management in Chennai. “Aikya” means “Oneness” in Tamil, symbolizing the goal to unite India’s Disaster Management community. It brought together stakeholders from six southern states/UTs: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. The exercise simulated emergencies, tested roles, discussed disaster relief technologies, and reviewed recent operations. It focused on issues like tsunamis, landslides, floods, cyclones, industrial incidents, and forest fires, emphasizing recent events in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad, and Andhra Pradesh.

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The Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 is an Indian-origin vehicle undergoing final assembly in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of a strategic partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces. This light armoured vehicle can transport troops and perform various roles, including medical evacuation and surveillance. The Moroccan facility marks a significant step in local defence manufacturing and aims to enhance Morocco’s self-reliance while also creating local employment opportunities.

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INSV Tarini sailed for the Navika Sagar Parikrama II, flagged off by Chief of Naval Staff Adm Dinesh K Tripathi on October 2, 2024. This is the first global circumnavigation by Indian women in double-handed mode, showcasing India’s maritime strength and commitment to women empowerment. INSV Tarini, inducted in 2017, has covered over 66,000 nautical miles and participated in several key expeditions. The vessel is equipped with advanced navigation, safety, and communication systems. The officers trained for over three years, with guidance from Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), preparing for this challenging voyage.

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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.