In Current Affairs for 21 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 21 January 2026
India’s defence and strategic engagements are witnessing rapid expansion, reflecting its growing role in regional and global security architecture. Recent developments—from strengthening ties with the United Arab Emirates to boosting indigenous semiconductor manufacturing and expanding defence exports—underscore India’s push towards strategic autonomy and global influence. Alongside, international geopolitical shifts continue to shape security priorities worldwide.
India–UAE Strategic Defence Partnership
India and the United Arab Emirates have taken a major step towards deeper strategic cooperation by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to formalise a Strategic Defence Partnership. This move signals a strong alignment of security interests at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia and the Persian Gulf.
The partnership reflects increasing trust between the two nations and aims to enhance collaboration in defence production, military cooperation and security dialogue. In addition to defence, both countries reaffirmed their economic ambitions by agreeing to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032. This ambitious target highlights the growing economic interdependence between India and the UAE.
The UAE remains one of India’s largest trading partners and a crucial gateway to markets in West Asia and Africa. Building on recent trade facilitation initiatives and rising investment flows, both sides plan to diversify cooperation beyond traditional sectors. Manufacturing, energy, logistics, technology and services are expected to drive long-term, resilient growth.
Another LoI signed during the high-level talks focuses on joint initiatives in space infrastructure development and commercialisation, further expanding the strategic scope of the bilateral relationship.
Indian Defence Company’s ₹500 Crore Semiconductor Investment
In a significant boost to India’s self-reliance in critical technologies, an Indian defence firm has announced an investment of ₹500 crore to establish a new semiconductor manufacturing facility. Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd, a major player in defence optics and optronics, plans to commence production by the end of next year.
The facility will specialise in chiplet integration and advanced system-in-package technologies, areas where India currently depends entirely on imports. At present, Israel and European countries dominate supplies in this segment, making domestic production strategically vital.
With India’s defence modernisation and indigenisation drive gaining momentum, officials estimate an annual domestic demand of around ₹2,500 crore for sensors and chipsets. The new plant is expected to capture a significant share of this market, reducing import dependence and strengthening the defence industrial ecosystem.
India Exports Pinaka Rocket Systems to Armenia
India’s defence exports achieved another milestone with the dispatch of the first batch of guided Pinaka rocket systems to Armenia. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the consignment from a facility in Nagpur, marking the beginning of deliveries under a deal valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore.
The agreement covers four Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher batteries along with ammunition, anti-tank rockets and supporting equipment. India had earlier supplied the unguided variant of the Pinaka system between July 2023 and November 2024. The current delivery involves the guided version, significantly enhancing precision strike capabilities.
Armenia has emerged as the first confirmed international customer of the Pinaka system, though interest has been shown by several countries in Southeast Asia and Europe, including France. The export reflects India’s growing credibility as a reliable defence supplier.
The Defence Minister highlighted that India’s defence exports have surged from below ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to a record ₹24,000 crore, supported by increased private sector participation. Domestic defence production has also expanded sharply, reaching ₹1.51 lakh crore, compared to ₹46,425 crore in 2014.
Trump’s View on Greenland and US National Security
Global geopolitics continues to evolve, with the Arctic region gaining strategic importance. Former US President Donald Trump views Greenland as essential to American national security, particularly in the context of the proposed Golden Dome missile defence shield.
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Trump believes the United States should not outsource its security interests and considers Greenland critical due to its strategic location. He noted that Greenland’s importance has been recognised by US leaders for over a century.
Concerns over rising global interest in the Arctic and the possibility of future security challenges have reinforced this perspective. Trump reportedly believes that if Greenland were under US control, no other power could assert dominance over the region, ensuring long-term strategic stability for the United States.
HAL Delivers Advanced Dornier-228 Aircraft to Indian Coast Guard
India’s maritime security capabilities received a major boost with the induction of two advanced Dornier-228 aircraft into the Indian Coast Guard in January 2026. Delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Kanpur, these aircraft represent the latest, mission-optimised version of the proven Dornier platform.
The new aircraft feature a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, replacing traditional analogue systems with fully integrated digital avionics. This upgrade significantly reduces pilot workload, enhances situational awareness and improves operational safety during complex maritime missions.
Enhanced navigation and communication systems allow precise low-level flying over sea and seamless coordination with naval and coastal assets. A standout feature is the integration of advanced surveillance sensors supported by a dedicated Mission Management System (MMS).
The sensor suite typically includes maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical and infrared systems, and Automatic Identification System receivers. Together, these capabilities enable effective monitoring, identification and tracking of vessels across India’s vast exclusive economic zone, strengthening coastal surveillance and maritime domain awareness.
Conclusion
These developments collectively highlight India’s expanding strategic footprint—through deeper international partnerships, growing defence exports, indigenous technology investments and enhanced maritime capabilities. At the same time, evolving global security concerns, from the Arctic to West Asia, continue to shape defence priorities worldwide. India’s trajectory reflects a clear shift towards self-reliance, global engagement and long-term strategic preparedness.
Review Questions
- India and the UAE signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) primarily to conclude a
partnership in which area?
A. Civil nuclear cooperation
B. Strategic defence cooperation
C. Joint counter-terrorism operations
D. Maritime boundary management
ANSWER: B - By which year have India and the UAE set a target to double their bilateral
trade to USD 200 billion?
A. 2028
B. 2030
C. 2032
D. 2035
ANSWER: C - The ₹500 crore semiconductor manufacturing facility announced by Paras
Defence will mainly focus on which technology segment?
A. Silicon wafer fabrication
B. Memory chip production
C. Chiplet integration and system-in-package technologies
D. Quantum computing processors
ANSWER: C - Which country became the first confirmed international buyer of India’s
Pinaka guided rocket system?
A. Vietnam
B. France
C. Philippines
D. Armenia
ANSWER: D - The advanced Dornier-228 aircraft inducted into the ICG are equipped with
which key feature for enhanced maritime surveillance?
A. Hypersonic propulsion systems
B. Mission Management System with EO/IR sensors and AIS
C. Stealth coating for radar evasion
D. Unmanned aerial refuelling capability
ANSWER: B - Air Force Technical College (AFTC) Located At
A. Bangalore
B. Noida
C. Jaipur
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A - Institute of National Integration Is In
A. Pune
B. Noida
C. Jaipur
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A - Ajeya Warrior Ex Conducts B/W
A. India & Indonesia
B. India & UK
C. India & Sri Lanka
D. India & Thailand
ANSWER: B - Which Is Not The Member Of SAARC?
A. Bangladesh
B. Myanmar
C. India
D. Pakistan
ANSWER: B - National Crime Records Bureau Was Set up In
A. 1986
B. 1987
C. 1988
D. 1989
ANSWER: A - AUKUS Stands For
A. Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, & the United States
B. Australia, the United Kingdom, & the United States
C. Australia, the United Kingdom, & Uganda
D. Argentina, the United Kingdom, & the United States
ANSWER: B - Army Sports Institute Is In
A. Pune
B. Noida
C. Jaipur
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A - OPEC Hq Is In
A. Budapest, Hungary
B. New York, USA
C. Luanda, Angola
D. Vienna, Austria
ANSWER: D - Chairman Of The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) Is
A. PM
B. NSA
C. CDS
D. Home Minister
ANSWER: A - Baghdad Is The Capital Of GUARDS
A. Iraq
B. Iran
C. UAE
D. Saudi Arabia
ANSWER: A - “The Sikh History of East India” Book Is Written By
A. Abinash Mohapatra
B. Avinash Khemka
C. Rajesh Talwar
D. Vinod Rai
ANSWER: A - International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Hq Is At
A. London, United Kingdom
B. Vienna, Austria
C. Paris, France
D. Geneva, Switzerland
ANSWER: A - The Army Training Command Of The Indian Army Is In
A. Kochi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Pune
D. Shimla
ANSWER: D - Commodore Rank Of Indian Navy Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of Indian
Army?
A. Brigadier
B. Lt. Gen
C. Captain
D. Major General
ANSWER: A - Air Commodore Rank of IAF Is Equivalent To Which Rank of Indian Army?
A. Brigadier
B. Colonel
C. Major
D. General
ANSWER: A
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