Defence Current Affairs 23 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 23 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
February 23, 2026
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In Current Affairs for 23 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 23 February 2026

Pakistan Conducts Cross-Border Airstrikes in Afghanistan

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated after Pakistan carried out airstrikes across the border, targeting multiple locations in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. According to media reports citing security sources, more than 80 people were killed in the strikes conducted at seven different sites.

Islamabad stated that the operation was launched in response to recent suicide attacks inside Pakistan, which it attributes to militant groups allegedly operating from Afghan territory. The targeted sites reportedly included several centres described as militant hubs in Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika provinces.

Pakistani authorities claimed that the strikes were directed against camps associated with “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a term used domestically to refer to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), its affiliates, and Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP).

However, Kabul has consistently denied allegations that armed groups are using Afghan soil to plan or execute attacks against Pakistan. Afghan officials maintain that Pakistan’s internal security challenges should not be attributed to Afghanistan.

India Emerges in Israel’s Proposed ‘Hexagon’ Alliance Vision

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently referred to India as a “global power” and described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a close personal friend while outlining his vision of a new regional alliance framework shaped like a “hexagon.”

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized the growing partnership between Israel and India, highlighting the strengthening diplomatic and strategic ties developed in recent years. He recalled the widely shared 2017 images of the two leaders walking together along the Mediterranean coast, symbolizing their close rapport.

The proposed “hexagon” alliance would reportedly include India, select Arab nations, African countries, Mediterranean partners such as Greece and Cyprus, and additional Asian nations. Though not detailed extensively, the concept aligns broadly with the vision of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to boost connectivity, trade routes, and economic integration across regions.

The remarks underscore India’s expanding global influence and its growing participation in multi-regional strategic partnerships.

Exercise Vayushakti-26: IAF Demonstrates Air Power

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct Exercise Vayushakti-26 at the Pokhran Air-to-Ground Range in Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026. The large-scale drill is designed to showcase the operational readiness and combat capabilities of the IAF.

The exercise will demonstrate long-range precision strikes, integrated multi-domain operations, and the use of indigenous defence platforms developed under the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Officials stated that the event will highlight the air force’s ability to respond swiftly and decisively in conflict situations.

Guided by its core values of “Achook, Abhedya aur Sateek” (Accurate, Invincible and Precise), the IAF aims to reinforce public confidence in its preparedness and reaffirm its role as a key pillar of India’s national security structure.

India–US Special Forces to Hold ‘Vajra Prahar’ in Himachal Pradesh

India and the United States will conduct the 16th edition of their joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra Prahar, at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The exercise is scheduled from February 23 to March 15, 2026.

The drill is intended to enhance interoperability and strengthen joint operational capabilities between the two countries’ elite forces. It will facilitate the exchange of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures related to special operations.

The previous edition of Vajra Prahar was held in Idaho, USA, in 2024 and involved personnel from India’s Special Forces and the US Army’s Green Berets.

Together with Exercise Vayushakti-26, Vajra Prahar reflects India’s ongoing military modernisation efforts and its expanding defence partnerships amid evolving regional security challenges.

US Army Showcases Next-Generation M1E3 Abrams Tank

The United States Army unveiled the early prototype of its next-generation main battle tank, the M1E3 Abrams, during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2026. The development marks a significant step in the Army’s armored modernization program.

The redesigned tank is built to counter modern battlefield threats, including drones and precision-guided weapons, while improving mobility and operational sustainability. One of its key innovations is the introduction of an autoloader system, which reduces the crew requirement from four to three personnel. This modification lowers overall weight and manpower demands while enhancing efficiency.

The public debut of the M1E3 Abrams highlights the US Army’s commitment to upgrading its armored capabilities to meet emerging combat challenges, focusing on survivability, adaptability, and enhanced battlefield performance.

Review Questions

Pakistan’s recent airstrikes were conducted in which Afghan provinces?
A. Kandahar, Helmand, Kabul
B. Nangarhar, Paktika, Khost
C. Herat, Balkh, Kunduz
D. Ghazni, Logar, Badakhshan
ANSWER: B
The term “Fitna al-Khawarij” is used by Pakistani authorities to refer to which
group?
A. Al-Qaeda
B. Taliban Government of Afghanistan
C. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliates
D. Lashkar-e-Taiba
ANSWER: C
The proposed ‘hexagon’ alliance mentioned by Israel broadly aligns with which
connectivity initiative?
A. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
B. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
C. India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
D. QUAD
ANSWER: C
Exercise Vayushakti-26 is conducted by which of the following?
A. Indian Army
B. Indian Navy
C. Indian Coast Guard
D. Indian Air Force
ANSWER: D
What major technological upgrade is featured in the M1E3 Abrams tank
prototype?
A. Nuclear propulsion system
B. Autoloader system reducing crew size
C. Amphibious assault capability
D. Laser-based weapon system
ANSWER: B
Taragiri, a Project 17A Frigate Made By
A. MDL
B. CSL
C. GRSE
D. DRDO
ANSWER: A
Naib Subedar Jeremy Lalrinnunga is related with
A. Table Tennis
B. Cricket
C. Boxing
D. Weightlifting
ANSWER: D
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port is located At
A. Paradip
B. Cochin
C. Kolkata
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: D
‘Iron Beam’ new laser-based air defence system Made By
A. USA
B. UK
C. Israel
D. Russia
ANSWER: C
First Submarine Developed Under P-75 Is
A. INS Kalvari
B. INS Khanderi
C. INS Karanj
D. INS Vela
ANSWER: A
Who Wrote The Book New Dimensions Of India’s Foreign Policy?
A. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
B. Abdul Kalam Azad
C. Amit Chaudhuri
D. Raghuram Rajan
ANSWER: A
Mechanical Training Institute (MTI) Of IAF Is In
A. Yelahanka, Bengaluru
B. Jalahalli, Bengaluru
C. Tambaram Chennai
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C
Central Statistical Organization Hq Is In
A. New Delhi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Pune
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A
Ex SHAKTI, Ex VARUNA, GARUDA India conducted with
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C
Yaounde Is The Capital Of
A. Cameroon
B. Canada
C. UAE
D. Burundi
ANSWER: A
“The Oath of the Vayuputras” Book Is Written By
A. Amish Tripathi
B. Issac Newton
C. Mahashweta Devi
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: A
SITMEX Ex Is Done Among
A. India, Singapore, and Thailand
B. India, Sri Lanka and Thailand
C. Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Commander Rank Of Indian Navy Is Equivalent To Rank Of IAF Is
A. Wing Commander
B. Squadron Leader
C. Group Captain
D. Flying Officer
ANSWER: A
INS Visakhapatnam (D66) Manufactured By
A. GRSE
B. MDL
C. CSL
D. Boeing
ANSWER: B
War Cry of the BIHAR REGIMENT
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Rhino Charge
C. Jai Bajrangbali
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: C

DCA 23 Febuary 2026 Download

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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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