Defence Current Affairs 24 December 2025

In Current Affairs for 24 December 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 24 December 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Defence Current Affairs 24 December 2025

Pakistan Finalises $4 Billion Arms Deal with Libya

Pakistan has concluded a major defence export agreement with Libya valued at over $4 billion, marking a significant expansion of its military footprint in North Africa. The deal was finalised following high-level discussions between Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and senior Libyan military officials.

During the engagement, General Munir made controversial assertions regarding Pakistan’s recent military engagements with India, claiming extensive reliance on indigenous defence technology and alleging the downing of advanced Indian fighter aircraft, along with the destruction of an S-400 air defence system. These claims, however, remain unsubstantiated.

As part of the agreement, Libya is set to acquire 16 JF-17 multi-role fighter aircraft and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. The JF-17 has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China and is positioned as a cost-effective combat platform, while the Super Mushak serves as a basic training aircraft for pilots.

Parallel to this development, Pakistan has been actively reinforcing defence relations with Gulf nations. In September 2025, it signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and has also engaged in high-level security discussions with Qatar. The Libya deal is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic presence in a geopolitically sensitive region where international actors are competing for influence over Libya’s fragmented security framework and resource-rich economy.

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DRDO to Begin ASTRA MK-2 Missile Production from July 2026

India’s indigenous defence capabilities are set to receive a major boost with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) planning to commence limited series production of the ASTRA MK-2 air-to-air missile from July 2026.

The ASTRA MK-2 represents a significant technological advancement over the earlier MK-1 variant, which has an operational range of around 110 kilometres. The upgraded version is expected to achieve an engagement range between 160 and 200 kilometres, depending on launch conditions, placing India among a select group of nations possessing advanced beyond-visual-range missile systems.

A key feature of the ASTRA MK-2 is its dual-pulse propulsion system, which enables the missile to maintain hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 4.5. This capability allows it to effectively engage highly manoeuvrable enemy fighter aircraft, including advanced platforms such as China’s J-10C and J-16, even during evasive combat manoeuvres.

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Apollo Micro Systems Secures DRDO Technology Transfers

Hyderabad-based Apollo Micro Systems Limited has received approval from DRDO for the transfer of two crucial technologies related to Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) systems. This development marks an important step in strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in high-energy laser weapons and precision targeting technologies.

One of the transferred systems is a 10 kW multi-channel laser weapon developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS). The system is designed to neutralise threats such as drones, missiles, and small mobile targets through focused laser energy rather than conventional kinetic means.

Established in 1985, Apollo Micro Systems specialises in advanced electronics and electro-mechanical solutions for defence, aerospace, and space applications. The company has also expanded into anti-drone technologies under the ‘Make’ category for the Indian Armed Forces, aligning with the objectives of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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Belrise Industries and Israel’s Plasan Collaborate on Military EV Platforms

Indian automotive manufacturer Belrise Industries has entered into a strategic partnership with Plasan Sasa of Israel, a global leader in armour and vehicle protection technologies. Announced on 22 December 2025, the collaboration aims to develop electric platform solutions for military vehicles tailored to Indian defence requirements.

The partnership centres on the ATEMM (All-Terrain Electric Mission Module) system, a self-propelled electric platform designed for military operations across diverse terrains. The system promises improved payload capacity, enhanced energy efficiency, and superior mobility.

Belrise Industries brings extensive manufacturing expertise to the collaboration, operating 20 facilities across India. The company reported revenues exceeding ₹8,000 crore as of March 2025, with a strong presence in chassis systems and automotive components.

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Safran and India Optel to Manufacture Precision Defence Systems in India

In a major step towards indigenisation, India Optel Limited (IOL), a Mini Navratna defence PSU, has signed an agreement with Safran Electronics & Defense for the local production of two advanced, combat-proven systems. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior defence officials, including the Secretary (Defence Production).

The systems to be manufactured include the SIGMA 30N Digital Ring Laser Gyro Inertial Navigation System, used in artillery, missiles, radars, and air defence platforms, and the CM3-MR Direct Firing Sight, which supports artillery and anti-drone operations.

This agreement builds upon an earlier MoU signed in January 2024 and reflects the long-term commitment of both partners to support advanced defence manufacturing under India’s self-reliance framework.

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Review Questions

  1. Which military equipment is Libya set to purchase from Pakistan under the $4
    billion defence deal?
    A. F-16 fighter jets and K-8 trainers
    B. JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak aircraft
    C. J-10C fighter jets and UAVs
    D. Mirage III and JF-17 trainers
    ANSWER: B
  2. The ASTRA MK-2 air-to-air missile have a maximum engagement range of:
    A. 110 km
    B. 130 km
    C. 160–200 km
    D. 250 km
    ANSWER: C
  3. Which feature gives the ASTRA MK-2 missile its enhanced performance against
    high-manoeuvrability fighter aircraft?
    A. Ramjet propulsion system
    B. Stealth coating
    C. Dual-pulse motor architecture
    D. Satellite guidance system
    ANSWER: C
  4. Apollo Micro Systems received DRDO technology transfer approvals related to
    which defence capability?
    A. Ballistic missile defence
    B. Electronic warfare systems
    C. Directed Energy Weapon systems
    D. Hypersonic glide vehicles
    ANSWER: C
  5. The ATEMM system, being adapted for Indian defence needs by Belrise
    Industries and Israel’s Plasan, is best described as:
    A. An armoured combat tank platform
    B. A naval unmanned surface vehicle
    C. An all-terrain electric mission module
    D. A missile launch vehicle
    ANSWER: C
  6. INS Tushil is an upgraded __ class frigate of Project 1135.6.
    A. Krivak III
    B. Shanku
    C. Kautilyya
    D. Delhi
    ANSWER: A
  7. _ as a kind of ‘suicide’ drone.
    A. Heron
    B. Dronaam
    C. Baaz
    D. Kharga Kamikaze
    ANSWER: D
  8. MRSAM Stands For
    A. Medium Router Surface to Air Missile
    B. Medium Range Surface to Anti Missile
    C. Medium Range Sea to Air Missile
    D. Medium Range Surface to Air Missile
    ANSWER: D
  9. Operation Ajay Was Conducted In
    A. 2020
    B. 2021
    C. 2022
    D. 2023
    ANSWER: D
  10. BEL HQ Is In
    A. Bengaluru
    B. Noida
    C. New Delhi
    D. Chennai
    ANSWER: A
  11. Major Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of The Indian Navy?
    A. Captain
    B. Inspector
    C. Lt Commander
    D. Vice-admiral
    ANSWER: C
  12. Training Command of IAF is located at
    A. New Delhi
    B. Bangalore
    C. Gurugram
    D. Lucknow
    ANSWER: B
  13. Which Nation Is A New Member Of SCO?
    A. China
    B. Pakistan
    C. India
    D. Iran
    ANSWER: D
  14. War Cry of ASSAM REGIMENT
    A. Parakramo Vijayate
    B. Rhino Charge
    C. Jai Bajrangbali
    D. Duty, Honour, courage
    ANSWER: B
  15. __Is India’s 3rd Highest Military Decoration Award.
    A. PVC
    B. MVC
    C. Veer Chakra
    D. Kirti Chakra
    ANSWER: C
  16. MV Suchindra Is The GOC In Chief Of
    A. Northern Command
    B. Western Command
    C. Southern Command
    D. Central Command
    ANSWER: A
  17. Colonel Rank of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Rank Of Indian Navy Is
    A. Commander
    B. Captain
    C. Group Captain
    D. Lieutenant
    ANSWER: B
  18. War Cry of NAGA REGIMENT
    A. Bharat Mata ki Jai
    B. Ki ki so so Lhargyalo
    C. Jai Durga Naga
    D. Durga Mata Ki Jai
    ANSWER: C
  19. Regimental Centre Of The Rajput Regiment Is In
    A. Fatehgarh, Uttar Pradesh
    B. Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
    C. Awantipora, J&K.
    D. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
    ANSWER: A
  20. National Cadet Corps Was Established In
    A. July 16, 1948
    B. July 16, 1958
    C. July 26, 1968
    D. July 26, 1988
    ANSWER: A

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.