Defence Current Affairs 26 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 26 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
February 26, 2026

In Current Affairs for 26 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 26 February 2026

Exercise Agni Varsha: Showcasing Firepower in the Desert

The Indian Army recently carried out Exercise Agni Varsha under the supervision of Headquarters Southern Command at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The large-scale drill was aimed at assessing combat readiness and enhancing integrated operational capabilities in desert terrain.

The exercise demonstrated the coordinated use of multiple combat arms, long-range precision strikes, and digitally networked command-and-control systems in a simulated battlefield scenario. It highlighted how mechanised forces operate together seamlessly across land and air domains in high-intensity conditions.

A significant feature of the exercise was the participation of foreign defence journalists from 25 nations, who observed the Indian Army’s swift manoeuvres, precision targeting, and powerful strike capabilities in the Thar Desert.

The Integrated Manoeuvre Force included advanced platforms such as T-90 Main Battle Tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles, K-9 Vajra self-propelled guns, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket launchers, Advanced Light Helicopter (Weapon System Integrated variant), Apache attack helicopters, along with various surveillance and armed drones. The drill reaffirmed India’s growing emphasis on multi-domain warfare preparedness.

Indian Navy’s Mega Exercise Milan 2026 Concludes

The Indian Navy’s flagship multilateral naval drill, Exercise Milan 2026, concluded successfully off the coast of Visakhapatnam. The closing ceremony was conducted aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

Held under the theme “Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration,” the exercise witnessed participation on an unprecedented scale. A total of 42 warships and submarines, including 18 vessels from friendly foreign nations, and 29 aircraft took part in the exercise.

Spanning over a week, the event began with a Harbour Phase that featured professional exchanges, bilateral interactions, and an International Maritime Seminar. It was followed by an intense Sea Phase comprising advanced naval operations such as integrated air defence drills, anti-submarine warfare exercises, maritime interdiction operations, cross-deck flying, and communication exercises.

Exercise Milan reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and promoting security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

What is the Proposed ‘Iron Alliance’?

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently proposed the idea of forming an “Iron Alliance” with India. Speaking in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), he emphasised the need for closer cooperation among nations that stand for moderation, progress, and mutual respect in the face of extremist threats.

Netanyahu described India-Israel ties as steadily strengthening, highlighting expanded trade, deeper cooperation, and growing strategic understanding between the two countries.

India’s Interest in the Iron Beam System

India is reportedly examining the possibility of acquiring Israel’s Iron Beam laser-based air defence system. Designed to neutralise threats such as rockets, drones, and mortar shells, the system offers a cost-effective solution for short-range interceptions. It aligns with India’s broader goal of building a layered air defence structure under initiatives such as Mission Sudarshan.

Relevance of the Iron Dome

India is also studying aspects of Israel’s Iron Dome air defence technology to enhance its own missile and drone interception capabilities. Such systems could significantly strengthen India’s multi-layered defence shield and contribute to strategic self-reliance.

The ‘Hexagon Alliance’ Concept

In addition to the Iron Alliance, Netanyahu proposed a broader “Hexagon Alliance” involving key regional powers in West Asia, with India positioned centrally. The proposal comes amid heightened regional tensions. At the same time, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) in September 2025, which some analysts have described as resembling an “Islamic NATO,” with reports suggesting possible Turkish interest.

Defence Security Corps Anniversary

The Defence Security Corps (DSC) is a specialised branch of the Indian Army responsible for safeguarding defence installations across the country. DSC personnel are deployed at Army, Air Force, and Naval bases, as well as sensitive establishments such as ordnance factories, nuclear facilities, and DRDO institutions.

The need for a dedicated security force for defence installations was recognised prior to Independence. Government approval for such an organisation was granted on 25 February 1947. The force was initially established on 25 April 1947 as the Defence Department Constabulary with police-style ranks. In 1948, it was renamed the Ministry of Defence Security Corps and adopted military rank structures.

Today, the DSC plays a crucial role in preventing sabotage, theft, and security breaches at vital defence assets.

Seven Years of the Balakot Airstrike

On 26 February 2019, the Indian Air Force conducted an airstrike on a terrorist training facility near Balakot in Pakistan. The mission, internally codenamed Operation Bandar, marked a significant moment in India’s counter-terrorism strategy.

Background

The operation was launched in response to the Pulwama attack of 14 February 2019, in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in Jammu & Kashmir. Indian authorities identified the targeted Balakot site as a major training base of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group.

Execution of the Operation

In the early hours of 26 February, a formation of fighter aircraft, including Mirage 2000 jets supported by Su-30 MKI aircraft, carried out precision strikes using SPICE-2000 guided munitions. The mission required meticulous planning, including route selection and electronic counter-measures.

This strike was significant as it was the first publicly acknowledged air operation across the Line of Control since 1971.

Strategic and Political Impact

Following the operation, top national security leadership convened to assess the situation. The strike was widely viewed domestically as a firm response to cross-border terrorism and demonstrated India’s willingness to employ air power in counter-terror operations.

Debate Over Impact

While Indian authorities stated that the targeted facility was successfully hit, some independent analyses based on satellite imagery offered varying interpretations regarding the extent of structural damage. The differing assessments highlight the challenges of evaluating military outcomes solely through open-source imagery, especially in remote and night-time conditions.

Conclusion

Recent defence developments — from high-intensity exercises like Agni Varsha and Milan 2026 to evolving strategic alignments such as the proposed Iron Alliance — reflect India’s expanding military preparedness and international engagement. At the same time, commemorations of events like the Balakot airstrike and the Defence Security Corps anniversary underscore India’s continued focus on security, deterrence, and operational readiness in a dynamic global environment.

Review Questions

Exercise Agni Varsha was conducted at which location?
A. Mahajan Field Firing Range
B. Pokhran Field Firing Range
C. Babina Cantonment
D. Deolali Artillery Centre
ANSWER: B
Which of the following platforms was part of the Integrated Manoeuvre Force
during Exercise Agni Varsha?
A. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft
B. Arjun Mk-1A Tank
C. T-90 Main Battle Tank
D. Rafale Fighter Jet
ANSWER: C
Exercise Milan 2026 concluded onboard which Indian naval vessel?
A. INS Vikramaditya
B. INS Chennai
C. INS Vikrant
D. INS Kolkata
ANSWER: C
The theme of Exercise Milan 2026 was:
A. Secure Seas for All
B. United Maritime Strength
C. Camaraderie, Cooperation, Collaboration
D. Strength through Partnership
ANSWER: C
The Defence Security Corps (DSC) was initially established in 1947 under which
name?
A. Armed Forces Security Wing
B. Defence Installation Guard
C. Defence Department Constabulary
D. Military Security Organisation
ANSWER: C
Which missile system developed by India that can hit a target at a distance of
more than 5000 kilometers?
A. Arjun
B. Akash
C. Agni – V
D. Nag
ANSWER: C
Joint Ex B/w The India And Singapore Is Called:
A. Bold Kurukshetra
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A
Quad Was Founded On
A. 2017
B. 2018
C. 2019
D. 2020
ANSWER: A
Where Is The Hq Of The Training Command of The IAF?
A. Kochi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Bengaluru
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: C
Air Marshal Rank of IAF Is Equivalent to which rank of the Indian Navy?
A. Commodore
B. Captain
C. Commander
D. Vice Admiral
ANSWER: D
‘Ex Zapad’ Conducted B/W India &
A. Qatar
B. Russia
C. UAE
D. Maldives
ANSWER: B
IBSAMAR Trilateral Naval Exercise Held Between India, Brazil And___?
A. North Korea
B. Switzerland
C. Singapore
D. South Africa
ANSWER: D
The Port Duqm Is In
A. Yemen
B. Iran
C. Iraq
D. Oman
ANSWER: D
Madrid Is The Capital Of
A. Spain
B. Sri Lanka
C. UAE
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A
“Fit At Any Age” Book Is Written By
A. Ajay Bhatt
B. Sitaram Yechuri
C. Vikram Sampath
D. Retd. Air Marshal PV Iyer
ANSWER: D
Lamitye Exercise Held B/W India And___?
A. Thailand
B. USA
C. Qatar
D. Seychelles
ANSWER: D
Which Of The Following Is Not Main Organ Of United Nations?
A. International Court of Justice
B. Economic and Social Council
C. Secretariat
D. International Monetary fund
ANSWER: D
“Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai” Is The War Cry Of
A. GARHWAL RIFLES
B. MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT
C. THE GRENADIERS
D. PUNJAB REGIMENT
ANSWER: A
NAMICA Stands For
A. Nag Missile Cart
B. Nag Missile Carrier
C. Nag Missile Corn
D. None
ANSWER: B
Akash Is A Medium-range Mobile Surface-to-air Missile System Developed By
The___
A. HAL
B. TATA
C. Mahindra
D. DRDO
ANSWER: D

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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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