Defence Current Affairs MCQs

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HAL has renamed its HJT-36 jet trainer aircraft as ‘Yashas’ after major upgrades. Yashas is the flagship jet training aircraft of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The aircraft has been modified to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance. It is designed for Stage II pilot training, including counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, and armament training. The upgrades enhance its performance and safety, making it a key asset for pilot training.

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The sixth edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a joint military exercise between India and Japan, is scheduled to take place at Mount Fuji, Japan from February 25 to March 9. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two forces. It involves joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate. The aim is to strengthen military ties through improved interoperability, joint operations, and the exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise helps promote military-to-military relations between India and Japan.

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The US President signed an Executive Order to develop an Iron Dome-style missile defense system to protect against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. Iron Dome is Israel’s short-range air defense system that intercepts rockets in the air. It is developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. It functions in all weather conditions, day and night.

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Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 24 to 28 February 2025. It is a tri-service special forces exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force. Participants included the Indian Army’s Para (SF), Navy’s Marine Commandos, and Air Force’s Garud (SF). The exercise focused on interoperability, coordination, and synergy among special forces. It included airborne insertion, precision strikes, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, combat free falls, and urban warfare.

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India’s Astra MK-III missile has been renamed Gandiva, inspired by Arjuna’s legendary bow from the Mahabharata. It is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed for fighter aircraft. It is developed by DRDO, it aims to revolutionize BVR aerial combat. It will be deployed on IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft.

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The first rear fuselage for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, produced by private Indian firm Alpha Tocol Engineering Services, was handed over to HAL. It was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Tejas LCA Mk1A is an advanced version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. It has over 40 improvements from the Tejas Mk1, enhancing combat and operational capabilities. The key upgrades are AESA radars (Israeli EL/M-2052 and Uttam), upgraded flight control computer, Unified Electronic Warfare Suite, and Advanced Self Protection Jammer pod. The aircraft has nine hardpoints for carrying weapons, including Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles and Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles (ASRAAM).

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According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India was the second-largest arms importer from 2020-24, though its imports fell by 9.3% compared to 2015-19. Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer, with imports rising nearly 100 times. India’s arms imports from Russia fell to 36% in 2020-24 from 55% in 2015-19. India was the top arms buyer from both Russia and France. The U.S. led global arms exports with 43%, while Russia’s exports dropped by 64%. China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, showing domestic production growth.

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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully tested India’s Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur, Odisha. The Astra missile made a direct hit on a flying target, proving its accuracy and effectiveness. All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Astra can engage targets over 100 km away with advanced guidance and navigation systems. Already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF), it enhances India’s air defense. The test brings India closer to inducting the LCA AF MK1A variant and strengthening indigenous defense systems.

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The Union Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), Ashwini. Ashwini is an active electronically scanned phased array radar using solid-state technology. It tracks high-speed aircraft, UAVs, and helicopters. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), it has integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. It offers 4D surveillance with electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation. The radar is mobile, with advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and works across various terrains for automatic target detection.

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The Indian Army conducted Ex Prachand Prahaar, a Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh from 25 to 27 March 2025. It involved the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and other Indian Armed Forces under the Eastern Command. The exercise simulated future warfare with advanced surveillance, strike capabilities, and multi-domain operational planning. Cutting-edge platforms like long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed helicopters, UAVs, loitering munitions, and space-based assets were used for situational awareness and rapid target engagement.