Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
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.

Notes:
BSF has launched ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ along the Pakistan border in the western Rajasthan to prevent infiltration during foggy winters, running from January 22 to 29. This operation enhances vigilance with ultra-modern weapons, advanced instruments, and intensified patrols by vehicles and camels in inaccessible areas. Officers and soldiers, including those from headquarters, are deployed near the fencing to monitor activities continuously. BSF’s intelligence wing actively coordinates with other agencies to track suspicious activities. Key objectives include boosting border security, increasing soldier deployment, enhancing surveillance, and maintaining day-night dominance along the border.

Notes:
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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The upcoming India-US defence deal includes co-production of Stryker infantry combat vehicles. Stryker is an eight-wheel-drive combat vehicle developed for the US Army by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). It was the first new military vehicle inducted into the US Army since the 1980s. The Stryker family includes different variants like infantry carriers, mobile gun systems, and medical evacuation vehicles. It is known for speed and flexibility in urban warfare. The vehicle has a range of 483 km, top speed of 100 km/h, and is air-transportable by C-17 and C-130 aircraft.

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The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹10,147 crore for ammunition for the Army’s Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS). Pinaka is a battle-proven, all-weather artillery weapon system developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). It was first used in the Kargil War to neutralize enemy positions. The system delivers rapid and accurate fire on critical enemy targets. Each launcher carries 12 rockets, and a battery has six launchers (72 rockets total). It has a range of 60 to 75 km and can fire high-explosive and submunition warheads.

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Ukraine has acquired the Gravehawk hybrid surface-to-air missile system to counter Russia’s missile attacks. It is developed by the United Kingdom. It targets short-range threats, especially fast-moving airborne objects. Missiles can reach Mach 2.5 and engage targets up to 12 miles away. It is effective against drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.

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‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’, a military exercise, was conducted at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat by the Indian Army. It involved the 11 Infantry Division (Ahmedabad), 31 Infantry Brigade (Jamnagar), Coast Guard, and Marine Police. The District Administration, Forest Department, Maritime Board, and NSG monitored the drill. The exercise aimed to enhance coordination between defense forces, paramilitary units, and district authorities. It focused on combat readiness for terrorist attacks or war scenarios.

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INS Guldar, a decommissioned Indian Navy landing ship, will become India’s first underwater museum. The ship was handed over to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for this transformation. It served in the Eastern Naval Command and later at Andaman and Nicobar Command until decommissioning on January 12, 2024. The ship participated in key operations like Op Aman, Op Azad, Op Pawan, and Op Tasha. The project will promote marine conservation, boost coastal livelihoods, and enhance India’s underwater tourism.

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Indian Army signed a contract on 25 February 2025 to procure 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA)
systems from L&T Ltd for Rs 80.43 crore under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category. The system will boost Atmanirbhar Bharat with 80% local components. ACADA is developed by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior. It detects chemical warfare agents (CWA) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS).

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The Sea Dragon 2025 naval exercise began off the Guam coast in the western Pacific Ocean. Hosted by the U.S. Navy’s 7th fleet, it runs from March 4-19, 2025. The exercise involves five nations, including the Indian Navy, focusing on anti-submarine warfare. Participating countries include India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US. It aims to improve tactical and command interoperability among allies and partners of the U.S. Each country is deploying its Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Navy is using the P8I aircraft, a Boeing-made maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.