Defence Current Affairs 30 January 2026

In Current Affairs for 30 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
January 30, 2026
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In Current Affairs for 30 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 30 January 2026

India Advances Indigenous Defence and Aerospace Capabilities

India’s defence and space ecosystem is witnessing rapid progress, with major developments spanning missile technology, air defence modernisation, advanced artillery, space-based data processing, and international aerospace cooperation. Recent initiatives highlight the country’s growing technological self-reliance and strategic ambition.

DRDO Prepares for Crucial ASTRA Mk-2 Missile Trial

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to conduct a significant test of the ASTRA Mk-2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile in the near future. This trial is expected to validate the missile’s enhanced interception capability at distances exceeding 200 kilometres, marking a major leap in India’s indigenous air combat strength.

ASTRA Mk-2 is an advanced version of the ASTRA missile family, building upon the operational success of the Mk-1 variant, which is already deployed on Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. While the Mk-1 has an effective range of about 160 kilometres, the Mk-2 incorporates a larger rocket motor and improved propulsion system to achieve significantly longer reach.

According to defence sources, the upcoming test will be conducted from a Su-30MKI aircraft off India’s eastern coast. The trial will simulate real combat conditions against fast-moving aerial targets. The missile is equipped with an indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker and receives mid-course guidance updates through a data link, ensuring high accuracy even in complex and cluttered airspace.

Alpha Design Modernises IAF’s Pechora Air Defence System

Alpha Design Technologies Limited (ADTL), a Bengaluru-based defence company, has successfully completed a comprehensive upgrade of the Indian Air Force’s legacy Pechora surface-to-air missile system. This achievement aligns with the government’s broader push to modernise ageing military platforms through indigenous solutions.

The upgraded Pechora system has undergone full digitisation, significantly enhancing its ability to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including low-flying drones, cruise missiles, and high-speed fighter aircraft. The modernised system will be integrated into Mission Sudarshan Chakra, an ambitious programme aimed at creating a layered and networked air defence shield for the country.

Originally inducted during the 1970s, the Soviet-era Pechora system served the IAF reliably for decades but faced challenges due to technological obsolescence. ADTL emerged as the key upgrade partner after securing a ₹591.3 crore contract in September 2020, leveraging its extensive experience in defence electronics and systems integration.

IIT-Madras Develops Ramjet-Assisted Artillery Shells

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) have achieved a breakthrough in artillery technology by developing and testing ramjet-assisted artillery shells. This innovation promises to dramatically increase the range of conventional artillery systems without modifying the guns themselves.

The new design integrates a ramjet engine into an existing 155 mm artillery shell, replacing the conventional base-bleed unit. Unlike rocket-assisted projectiles or minor aerodynamic enhancements, ramjet propulsion provides sustained thrust after the shell exits the barrel, allowing it to travel much farther while maintaining its destructive effectiveness.

A ramjet engine operates by using the projectile’s high speed to compress incoming air, mix it with fuel, and generate thrust without moving mechanical parts. In artillery applications, this technology enables extended range, improved flexibility, and cost-effective performance. The project showcases how academic research, when aligned with operational requirements, can directly contribute to national security and place India among global leaders in defence innovation.

ISRO Explores Orbital Data Centres and Edge Computing in Space

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is studying an ambitious concept of deploying physical data centres in orbit. This initiative aims to address the rapidly growing volume of data generated by satellites, which is placing increasing pressure on ground-based infrastructure.

By processing and storing data directly in space, ISRO seeks to reduce dependence on continuous data transmission to Earth and overcome downlink bottlenecks. Studies confirmed by the Department of Space indicate that orbital data centres could enable edge computing in space, where data is analysed at the source rather than after transmission.

This approach would transform satellites from passive data collectors into intelligent platforms capable of filtering, compressing, prioritising, and analysing information in real time. Such capabilities are particularly valuable for time-critical applications like disaster response, environmental monitoring, and border surveillance, representing a major shift in satellite operations.

India and Russia Hold Technical Talks on Su-57 Production

India and Russia are engaged in detailed technical discussions regarding the possible joint production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter aircraft in India. A senior Russian aerospace official stated that consultations are at an advanced stage and involve extensive evaluation.

Russia has also showcased its latest regional aircraft, including the Ilyushin Il-114-300 and the Sukhoi SJ-100. Discussions reportedly include the licensed manufacture of Su-57 fighters at Indian facilities currently producing Su-30 aircraft, with maximum involvement of Indian industry and systems.

Additionally, agreements between Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are progressing for the production of Superjet-100 regional aircraft in India. These partnerships aim not only to localise manufacturing but also to supply components and systems for use in Russia, strengthening aerospace cooperation between the two nations.

Review Questions

The upcoming ASTRA Mk-2 missile trial aims to demonstrate an interception
range of more than:
A. 120 km
B. 160 km
C. 180 km
D. 200 km
ANSWER: D
Which fighter aircraft will be used to conduct the ASTRA Mk-2 test trial?
A. MiG-29
B. Tejas Mk-1A
C. Su-30MKI
D. Rafale
ANSWER: C
The upgraded Pechora air defence system will be integrated under which
initiative?
A. Mission Raksha Kavach
B. Mission Sudarshan Chakra
C. Mission Trishul
D. Mission Sky Shield
ANSWER: B
IIT-Madras has developed artillery shells that use which propulsion technology
to extend range?
A. Turbojet propulsion
B. Rocket-assisted propulsion
C. Scramjet propulsion
D. Ramjet propulsion
ANSWER: D
ISRO’s concept of orbital data centres mainly focuses on:
A. Increasing satellite launch frequency
B. Replacing ground stations entirely
C. Enabling edge computing in space
D. Enhancing astronaut training
ANSWER: C
Indian Army Flag Consist Colors of___ Colors.
A. Gold, Red And Black
B. Gold, Red And Blue
C. Gold, Rose Black And Black
D. Green, Red And Black
ANSWER: A
Which Country Has the Maximum Nuclear Warheads?
A. UK
B. Russia
C. USA
D. China
ANSWER: B
“Naam Namak Nishaan” Is The War Cry Of
A. THE GRENADIERS
B. RR
C. Sikh Regiment
D. Gorkha Regiment
ANSWER: A
IPCC Stands For
A. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Challenge
B. Intergovernmental Panel on Cloud Change
C. Intergovernmental Pan on Climate Change
D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ANSWER: D
Operational Range of Rudram-1 Is
A. 150 km
B. 250 km
C. 350 km
D. 450 km
ANSWER: B
Where Is The Hq Of The Eastern Command of The Indian Army?
A. Kochi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Pune
D. Kolkata
ANSWER: D
Joint Exercises B/w The India And Sri Lanka Is Called:
A. Yama
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: B
Luanda Is The Capital Of
A. Andorra
B. Algiers
C. Angola
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C
“Sea of Tranquility” Book Is Written By
A. Emily St. John Mandel
B. Barak Obama
C. Hew Strachan
D. S. Jenifer
ANSWER: A
Ex KAZIND Conducted B/W India And
A. France
B. China
C. Kazakhstan
D. Kyrgyzstan
ANSWER: C
Group Captain Rank Of IAF Is Equivalent to Which Rank of Indian Navy?
A. Colonel
B. Captain
C. Commander
D. Major
ANSWER: B
What Is The Ranking Of The IAF In The World Directory of Modern Military
Aircraft (WDMMA)?
A. 1st
B. 2nd
C. 3rd
D. 4th
ANSWER: C
“Balidanam Vir Lakshanam” Is The Motto Of
A. JKLI
B. THE MAHAR REGIMENT
C. THE BIHAR REGIMENT
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
F 18 Super Hornet Fighter Aircraft Manufactured By
A. Boeing
B. Lockheed Martin
C. Airbus
D. HAL
ANSWER: A
Where are the headquarters of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
located?
A. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
B. Dubai, UAE
C. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
D. Islamabad, Pakistan
ANSWER: C

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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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