Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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On October 21, 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) started the 12th Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, West Bengal. The bilateral phase will run from November 13 to 21, 2024, focusing on advanced air combat simulations and joint mission planning. This phase aims to improve interoperability and combat readiness while promoting knowledge exchange. RSAF is sending its largest contingent yet, including aircrew and support for F-16, F-15, G-550 AEW&C, and C-130 aircraft. The IAF will use Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.

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The 31st Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) held at Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam from 23 to 29 Oct 2024. SIMBEX, an annual exercise between the Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy, began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994. The exercise includes a Harbour Phase at Visakhapatnam with expert exchanges, sports, and cross-deck visits, and a Sea Phase in the Bay of Bengal. Advanced drills in the Sea Phase covers live weapon firing, anti-submarine, anti-surface, anti-air operations, and tactical manoeuvres.

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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 US Army is conducting a test launch of the Minuteman III hypersonic nuclear missile after Election Day voting closes. The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States (US). It became operational in the 1970s and is the sole land-based component of the US nuclear triad. Designed by Boeing, it was originally meant for ten years of service but has been modernized. The missile was the first to have multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). The US currently has about 440 Minuteman III missiles in its arsenal, with a replacement planned for 2029.

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The autonomous surface vessel completed a 1,500-km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi as part of the ‘Sagarmala Parikrama’ journey. The journey was flagged off virtually by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the NIIO’s annual event, Swavlamban. The initiative is supported by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), and iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO). This achievement highlights India’s progress in autonomous systems for defense, enhancing capabilities in coastal surveillance, patrol, and anti-piracy operations.

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The President of India recently witnessed a demonstration on INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously designed and built aircraft carrier. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It strengthens India’s position as a ‘Blue Water Navy’ with global reach, joining the US, Russia, France, UK, and China in the elite group capable of building aircraft carriers. The ship has a displacement of 43,000 tonnes, an endurance of 13,890 km, and can accommodate up to 30 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. It uses the STOBAR method for aircraft operations.

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The Indian Navy will conduct the fourth ‘Pan-India’ Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on November 20-21, 2024. This large-scale exercise involves six ministries, 21 organizations, and covers all coastal states, UTs, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Coastal Defence & Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase began in October to audit coastal defence infrastructure. For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join CDSRE teams, along with State Marine Police, Coast Guard, and Fisheries. The exercise aims to protect coastal assets and involve local communities, with participants from the Indian Army, Air Force, and the fishing community.

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The Indian Air Force inaugurated the C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) at Air Force Station Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The simulator enables realistic pilot training, covering missions like tactical airlift, para-dropping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. It enhances pilot readiness by simulating critical scenarios, improving decision-making and flight safety. The C-295 aircraft supports “Atmanirbhar Bharat,” marking India’s private-sector entry into transport aircraft production. The C-295 is a versatile 5-10 tonne transport aircraft with modern technology, designed for tactical and varied mission capabilities.

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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 Army launched “Eklavya,” an online learning platform to enhance training and education. It was developed by Headquarters Army Training Command, sponsored by Army War College, and created by Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics” (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, with support from the Directorate General of Information Systems. The platform is hosted on the Army Data Network with scalable architecture, allowing seamless integration of multiple training establishments and extensive courses. This initiative aligns with the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” vision and the 2024 theme, “Year of Technology Absorption.”