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Defence Current Affairs 19 January 2026

In Current Affairs for 19 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 19 January 2026, 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 19 January 2026

India continues to advance its strategic, scientific and defence objectives through a series of significant initiatives spanning maritime diplomacy, indigenous defence technology, military cooperation, air power enhancement, and global geopolitical developments.

INS Sagardhwani Flags Off for Sagar Maitri–V Mission

India’s oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani, operated under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO, was flagged off from Southern Naval Command, Kochi, on 17 January for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri (SM-5) mission. The initiative is a flagship collaborative programme of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with India’s broader regional vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

Sagar Maitri aims to deepen socio-economic ties and foster scientific cooperation, particularly in marine and oceanographic research, among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations. Under this framework, NPOL has consistently undertaken scientific expeditions to enhance research capacity and promote knowledge sharing.

A key scientific pillar of the programme is MAITRI (Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative), launched by DRDO to establish long-term research collaboration with partner countries. As part of SM-5, INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna, which participated in the International Indian Ocean Expedition (1962–65). The mission seeks sustained cooperation with Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

Indigenous Software Enables Autonomous Surface Vessels

In a major boost to indigenous naval capability, the Indian Navy, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), has developed an advanced autonomous software for Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). The software, named Advanced Autonomous Navigation & Control Software (A2NCS), has been integrated into a Fast Interceptor Boat of the Indian Navy.

A2NCS allows fully autonomous maritime operations and supports three distinct operational modes, significantly enhancing flexibility and mission effectiveness. The system has already been deployed in mine countermeasure operations and combat exercises, marking a major step forward in India’s pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence technology.

DOSTI Exercise 2026 Begins in Maldives

The 17th edition of Exercise DOSTI, a prominent trilateral maritime exercise involving the Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lankan Coast Guard, and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commenced in Male, Maldives, on 17 January 2026.

The exercise began with its harbour phase and focuses on strengthening regional maritime security cooperation. Key activities include MARPOL exercises for marine pollution response and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills to enhance interoperability.

A high-level four-member Indian Coast Guard delegation, led by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, attended the exercise, reflecting India’s commitment to regional stability under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and its Neighbourhood First policy.

MRTT Acquisition to Enhance IAF’s Strategic Reach

India has approved a $1.1 billion procurement of six Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), significantly enhancing its aerial refuelling and long-range operational capabilities. The programme, led by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), addresses critical operational gaps in endurance and power projection.

The acquisition is particularly important as the IAF currently relies on Il-78MKI tankers inducted in 2003, which are now ageing and increasingly unreliable. Fleet assessments indicate limitations in supporting modern fighter platforms such as Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Tejas during extended missions.

The selected MRTT, based on a converted Boeing 767, offers improved fuel offload capacity, longer endurance, and compatibility with the probe-and-drogue refuelling system, providing a robust upgrade for India’s air combat readiness.

Indian Army Procures Indigenous Firefighting Robot

Under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, the Indian Army has signed a landmark contract with Ahmedabad-based Swadeshi Empresa Pvt Ltd for the procurement of an indigenous Fire Fighting Robot. The agreement was formalised at the Capability Development Directorate in New Delhi, marking a significant step in inter-service technology adoption.

Originally developed for the Indian Navy, the unmanned robot is designed to operate in extreme fire-prone environments where human intervention is highly risky. Equipped with advanced sensors and suppression systems, it can function autonomously, reducing exposure to toxic fumes, intense heat, and structural hazards. The system was refined through extensive naval trials before being adapted for broader military use.

Trump Announces Tariffs Amid Greenland Dispute

On the global front, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 10 per cent tariff on imports from Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and other European Union countries, escalating tensions over Greenland. The announcement, made via Truth Social, targets nations opposing what Trump described as the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland by the United States.

The tariffs are scheduled to take effect from 1 February, with a warning that they could rise to 25 per cent by 1 June if negotiations fail. Trump reiterated his stance that Greenland is strategically vital for US national security, citing concerns over Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.

European leaders have firmly rejected the proposal, asserting that Greenland’s future is solely for Denmark and the island’s residents to decide. In response to rising tensions, Denmark has announced an enhanced military presence in Greenland, coordinated with allied nations. France’s Armed Forces Minister described the move as a clear demonstration of Europe’s resolve to protect sovereignty in the region.

Review Questions

  1. INS Sagardhwani, recently flagged off for Sagar Maitri–V, operates under
    which organisation?
    A. Indian Coast Guard
    B. National Institute of Oceanography
    C. Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (DRDO)
    D. Ministry of Earth Sciences
    ANSWER: C
  2. The Sagar Maitri initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO is aligned with which
    broader national vision?
    A. SAGAR
    B. MAHASAGAR
    C. Atmanirbhar Bharat
    D. Act East Policy
    ANSWER: B
  3. The indigenous software A2NCS developed by the Indian Navy and BEL is
    primarily meant for:
    A. Missile guidance systems
    B. Submarine navigation
    C. Autonomous operation of unmanned surface vessels
    D. Aircraft carrier combat management
    ANSWER: C
  4. Exercise DOSTI 2026 is a trilateral maritime exercise involving India, Sri Lanka
    and which other country?
    A. Bangladesh
    B. Myanmar
    C. Maldives
    D. Thailand
    ANSWER: C
  5. The recently approved MRTT aircraft for the Indian Air Force is based on which
    platform?
    A. Airbus A330
    B. Boeing 737
    C. Boeing 767
    D. C-130J Super Hercules
    ANSWER: C
  6. What significant event is commemorated on National Technology Day in
    India?
    A. India’s first satellite launch
    B. Pokhran-II nuclear tests and Hansa-3’s maiden flight
    C. Chandrayaan-2 launch
    D. Launch of the Make in India initiative
    ANSWER: B
  7. Indian Army Installs First Windmill On LOC In
    A. Jammu
    B. Kashmir
    C. Jaipur
    D. Amritsar
    ANSWER: B
  8. Which Of The Indian Army Has Been Appointed As New Force Commander Of
    The UMNISS?
    A. Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian
    B. Lt Gen Shailesh Tinaikar
    C. Lt Gen Sulabh Mani
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  9. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees HQ Is In
    A. Geneva
    B. Berlin
    C. New York
    D. Moscow
    ANSWER: A
  10. Peacetime Distinguished Service Medal Is
    A. PVC
    B. MVC
    C. VSM
    D. YSM
    ANSWER: C
  11. Major Rank of the Indian Army Is Equivalent To Rank Of IAF Is
    A. Commander
    B. Squadron Leader
    C. Group Captain
    D. Lieutenant
    ANSWER: B
  12. UNDP Was Established In
    A. 1965
    B. 1975
    C. 1985
    D. 1995
    ANSWER: A
  13. Lamitye Exercise Held B/W India And___?
    A. Thailand
    B. USA
    C. Qatar
    D. Seychelles
    ANSWER: D
  14. Nomadic Elephant Exercise Held B/W India And___?
    A. Australia
    B. USA
    C. Mongolia
    D. Singapore
    ANSWER: C
  15. Defence Services Staff College Is At
    A. Wellington
    B. Bangalore
    C. Pune
    D. Dehradun
    ANSWER: A
  16. Amman Is The Capital Of
    A. Oman
    B. Jordan
    C. Kiribati
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: B
  17. “The Upside-Down King” Book Is Written By
    A. Sudha Murthy
    B. Nadia Murad
    C. Naseeruddin Shah
    D. APJ Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: A
  18. War Cry of THE MAHAR REGIMENT
    A. Bharat Mata ki Jai
    B. Bolo Hindustan Ki Jay
    C. Jai Hind
    D. Durga Mata Ki Jai
    ANSWER: B
  19. Southwestern Air Command Of IAF Is In
    A. Prayagraj
    B. Gandhinagar
    C. Shillong
    D. New Delhi
    ANSWER: B
  20. Bagram Air Base Located In
    A. Pakistan
    B. Iraq
    C. Afghanistan
    D. Qatar
    ANSWER: C
DCA 19 January 2026Download

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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.

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