In Current Affairs for 12 February 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 12 February 2026
NATO Launches ‘Arctic Sentry’ to Strengthen Northern Security
NATO has announced the launch of a new initiative named “Arctic Sentry”, aimed at enhancing security and coordination in the Arctic region. The move highlights the alliance’s renewed focus on safeguarding strategic interests in one of the world’s most sensitive and rapidly evolving regions.
According to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, the mission reflects the alliance’s determination to protect member states and ensure stability in an area that holds both strategic and environmental importance. The Arctic has increasingly gained global attention due to emerging shipping routes, natural resources, and heightened geopolitical competition.
The initiative is described as a “multi-domain activity,” bringing together existing operations and exercises already being conducted by member nations such as Norway and Denmark. While NATO has not clarified whether additional military assets will be deployed, the mission seeks to strengthen coordination among allied forces operating in the region.
The development comes amid recent tensions within the transatlantic alliance after remarks by former US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland. Although those tensions have eased following diplomatic discussions, Arctic Sentry signals NATO’s commitment to maintaining unity and preparedness in the High North.
Indian Air Force to Showcase Strength at Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 on 27 February at Pokhran in Rajasthan. The event will demonstrate India’s air combat capabilities through live weapon firing and coordinated aerial maneuvers.
Over 120 defence platforms are expected to participate, including 77 fighter aircraft, 43 helicopters, and 8 transport aircraft. Frontline fighters such as Rafale, Tejas, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Mirage-2000 will feature prominently. Helicopters including Apache, Chinook, Mi-17 variants, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) will also take part. Heavy transport aircraft such as the C-17, C-130J, and C-295 will support operations.
Senior officials have indicated that the exercise will focus on precision targeting, with live demonstrations of weapon deployment against designated targets. However, long-range missile systems such as BrahMos will not be showcased in full operational profiles due to public safety considerations. Notably, two new weapon systems and a greater number of indigenous platforms will be introduced during the exercise, reinforcing India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence production.
Air defence systems including Akash and Spyder, along with L-70 guns and Special Forces units, will provide combat support, making the event a comprehensive display of integrated air power.
India and Bahrain Deepen Naval Cooperation
India and Bahrain continue to strengthen their defence partnership through high-level engagements. Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of India, recently met Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in Riffa.
The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral naval ties, including cooperation in information sharing, joint training exercises, capacity building, and preparing for emerging warfare challenges. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to expanding defence collaboration in line with shared strategic interests in the Gulf region.
Earlier diplomatic exchanges between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister also underscored the strong and multifaceted relationship between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their firm stance against terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, emphasizing shared security concerns.
SAAB Proposes Gripen E for Indian Air Force
Sweden’s defence major SAAB has proposed the induction of its Gripen E fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF), along with an ambitious plan to establish an advanced aerospace ecosystem in India.
Company representatives have highlighted the Gripen E as a modern and cost-efficient multirole fighter equipped with advanced sensor systems and networking capabilities. According to SAAB, the aircraft offers high operational availability and could complement existing IAF platforms such as Rafale and Tejas.
The proposal includes comprehensive design, manufacturing, and maintenance capabilities within India, potentially strengthening domestic aerospace expertise. SAAB positions the Gripen E as a platform that could be inducted relatively quickly and in substantial numbers, while also contributing advanced technological capabilities to India’s defence sector.
Solar Industries Unveils Indigenous UAV ‘Vijayastra’
Nagpur-based Solar Industries India Limited has introduced Vijayastra, an indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle designed for precision strike and surveillance missions. The unveiling marks a significant step in India’s efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Vijayastra is a loitering munition capable of remaining airborne for up to 90 minutes before engaging a target. Weighing under 15 kilograms, it can be deployed from portable launch systems or small UAV platforms. The drone integrates GPS/INS navigation with electro-optical and infrared guidance systems to ensure high targeting accuracy.
Operating at altitudes ranging from 100 to 4,000 metres and with a range exceeding 50 kilometres, Vijayastra is designed for versatile deployment scenarios. The system incorporates indigenous rocket motors derived from the company’s earlier Nagastra platform.
Solar Industries has invested significantly in research and development, with production planned at its Ambernath facility. The company aims to scale manufacturing capacity to 1,000 units annually by 2027 and expects interest from all three services, including potential naval adaptations for maritime surveillance.
Conclusion
Recent developments across NATO and India’s defence sector reflect a broader global trend of strengthening military readiness and indigenous capabilities. While NATO’s Arctic Sentry underscores the strategic importance of the High North, India’s defence initiatives—from large-scale air exercises to indigenous drone development—demonstrate a clear focus on modernization and self-reliance. Together, these moves highlight the evolving dynamics of global security and technological advancement in defence.
Review Questions
- What is the primary objective of NATO’s ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission?
A. To establish new military bases in Greenland
B. To enhance security and coordination in the Arctic region
C. To conduct naval exercises in the Pacific Ocean
D. To expand NATO membership
ANSWER: B - Exercise Vayu Shakti 2026 will be held at which location?
A. Leh, Ladakh
B. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
C. Pokhran, Rajasthan
D. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
ANSWER: C - Which of the following fighter aircraft is proposed by SAAB for induction into
the Indian Air Force?
A. F-16
B. Eurofighter Typhoon
C. Gripen E
D. F/A-18 Super Hornet
ANSWER: C - Vijayastra, unveiled by Solar Industries, is primarily a:
A. Ballistic missile system
B. Main battle tank
C. Loitering munition UAV
D. Submarine-launched torpedo
ANSWER: C - Discussions between India and Bahrain focused mainly on:
A. Space exploration cooperation
B. Trade in agricultural products
C. Naval cooperation and defence collaboration
D. Cultural exchange programs
ANSWER: C - ‘Samudra Prahari’ Is A
A. Submarine
B. ICG Pollution-Control Vessel
C. Destroyer
D. Frigate
ANSWER: B - Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University (DDIBU) Located At
A. Tripura
B. Assam
C. U.P.
D. Kerala
ANSWER: A - Light Combat Helicopter Is Manufactured By
A. DRDO
B. HAL
C. Boeing
D. Airbus
ANSWER: B - Ex ‘KAZIND’ & ‘KHANJAR’ Conducted b/w India &
A. Kazakhstan
B. Kyrgyzstan
C. Both a & b
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - Munitions India Limited Is An Indian State-owned Defence Company, HQ in
A. Pune
B. Mumbai
C. Noida
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A - Current CDS Of India Is
A. Gen Anil Chauhan
B. Gen Bipin Rawat
C. Gen M M Naravane
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - War Cry Of Mechanised Infantry Regiment Is
A. Durga Mata K Jai
B. Raja Ram Chandra K Jai
C. Bolo Bharat Mata Ki Jai
D. Bajrang Bali K Jai
ANSWER: C - Ex ‘BLUE FLAG’ Conducted b/w India &
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. UAE
D. Israel
ANSWER: D - Operation Devi Shakti Was Conducted In
A. 2016
B. 2017
C. 2018
D. 2021
ANSWER: D - Always Alert Is The Motto Of
A. RAW
B. IB
C. DRDO
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - Only Five-star Rank Officer Of The IAF Is
A. K.M Karippa
B. V R Chaudhary
C. R K S Bhadauria
D. Arjan Singh
ANSWER: D - SPYDER Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Air defence system
ANSWER: D - Vilnius Is The Capital Of
A. Lithuania
B. Qatar
C. Malawi
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A - “Making of a General-A Himalayan Echo” Book Is Written By
A. Ramesh Kandula
B. Meghna Pant
C. Hunter Biden
D. Lt. Gen. Konsam Himalay Singh
ANSWER: D - President’s Bodyguard Motto Is
A. Jai Hind
B. Sarvda Shaktishali
C. Bharat Mata Ki Jai
D. Rashtra Pratham
ANSWER: C
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