Defence - General Knowledge Questions

Correct Answer :   Lucknow

The first Joint Commander's Conference of the Indian Armed Forces was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4-5, 2024.

This two-day event, presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, brought together India's top military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The conference focused on the theme "Sashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (Strong and Secure India), emphasizing the government's commitment to transforming and modernizing India's defence forces.

Correct Answer :   Jodhpur

The second phase of 'Exercise Tarang Shakti 24' was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

This international exercise saw participation from multiple nations, including Australia, which contributed to three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel.

Running from August 30 to September 13, 2024, the exercise aimed to enhance regional security cooperation and involved other nations such as Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US, underscoring the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.

Correct Answer :   C.R. Praveen Nair

Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair took charge as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, on Thursday (29th August 2024), succeeding Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty.

Vice Admiral Nair, a highly decorated officer with a distinguished career in the Indian Navy, brings extensive experience in Surface Warfare, Communications, and Electronic Warfare to his new role.

Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991, Vice Admiral Nair has an impressive academic and professional background.

He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, the U.S. Additionally, he holds an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies from Mumbai University.

Correct Answer :   United States

India is finalizing a repeat order for 73,000 SiG 716 assault rifles from the United States to equip its frontline troops.

This follows a successful 2019 procurement of 72,400 SiG 716 rifles, driven by their superior performance, extended range, and automatic firing capability.

The SiG 716 rifles have proven to be highly effective, aligning with the Indian Army's revised operational philosophy favouring the 7.62 x 51mm calibre.

This procurement underscores the strong defence collaboration between India and the United States.

Correct Answer :   INS Mumbai

INS Mumbai, an Indian Navy ship, is scheduled for a three-day visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This visit is significant as it marks INS Mumbai's first-ever visit to Sri Lanka and represents the eighth visit by an Indian Navy ship to the country this year.

During the visit, INS Mumbai will deliver spare parts for the Sri Lanka Air Force's Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and participate in various joint activities.

The ship will also replenish its fuel and provisions, and the crew will have the opportunity to visit local sites in Colombo and Galle.

Correct Answer :   Japan

Japan is the country working with India to counter China's military assertiveness, as discussed during their recent 2+2 ministerial dialogue.

The focus of the discussion was on enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, including the transfer of critical technologies like UNICORN.

Both nations emphasized the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific and pledged to remove regulatory obstacles to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The dialogue reflects the growing collaboration between India and Japan in addressing shared geopolitical challenges and maintaining regional stability.

Correct Answer :   GAURAV

GAURAV is the name of the long-range glide bomb successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on August 13, 2024, from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.

This air-launched 1,000 kg class bomb is designed to hit targets at long distances with high accuracy using a hybrid navigation scheme.

The successful test marks a significant achievement in India's efforts to develop indigenous defence technologies, further enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces.

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

The 10th edition of India- Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise MITRA SHAKTI commenced 12th Aug 2024, at Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.

The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12th to 25th August 2024.

Indian contingent comprising of 106 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services.

The Sri Lankan contingent is being represented by personnel from Gajaba Regiment of Sri Lankan Army. Joint Exercise MITRA SHAKTI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Sri Lanka. Last edition was conducted in Pune in Nov 2023.

Aim of the Joint Exercise is to enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.

The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban environment.

Tactical drills to be rehearsed during the exercise include Response to a Terrorist Action, Establishment of a Joint Command Post, Establishment of an Intelligence & Surveillance Centre, Securing of a Helipad/ Landing Site, Small Team Insertion & Extraction, Special Heliborne Operations, Cordon & Search Operations besides employment of Drones and Counter Drone Systems, among others.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting joint operations.

It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Malaysia

The "Udara Shakti 2024" bilateral air exercise was hosted by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in Kuantan, Malaysia.

This exercise marked a significant milestone in strengthening military cooperation between India and Malaysia.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated with a contingent of seven Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft, engaging in four days of intensive joint exercises and knowledge exchange.

The exercise concluded successfully on August 9, 2024, and the IAF contingent returned to India on August 10, 2024.

Correct Answer :   INS Arighat

INS Arighat is the name of India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), which is nearing its commissioning.

Expected to enter service soon, INS Arighat will join INS Arihant, which was the first SSBN inducted into the Indian Navy in 2016.

The submarine will enhance India's maritime defence capabilities with its advanced features, including four launch tubes for K-4 and K-15 missiles.

The Indian Navy's ongoing efforts to expand its nuclear submarine fleet are part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and deterrence capabilities.