Defence Current Affairs 02 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 02 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 02 March 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 02 March 2026

Iran’s Security Chief Ali Larijani Says It Will Not Negotiate with the United States

  • Iran’s security ​chief Ali Larijani, who was ‌also ⁠an ⁠adviser ​to the country’s former Supreme ​Leader, said ​in a ⁠post ‌on ​X ​on ⁠Monday that Tehran will not ​negotiate with ​the U.S., in response to ‌a report that ​Iran is ​trying ⁠to revive negotiations with Washington.
  • The Iran vs Israel-US war entered its third day on Monday with intensified aerial bombardment, mounting civilian casualties, retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf, and growing fears of a prolonged regional conflict.
  • The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has triggered a dramatic military escalation, drawing in the United States, Israel, Hezbollah and Gulf nations, while sending shockwaves through global energy and financial markets — including India.
  • The United States and Israel pounded targets across Iran on Sunday, dropping massive bombs on ballistic missile sites and wiping out warships in what officials described as an intensifying campaign.
  • Blasts rattled windows across Tehran, with plumes of smoke rising over the capital. Iranian leaders said more than 200 people have been killed since the start of the strikes that eliminated Khamenei and other senior figures.
  • The US military confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers struck Iran’s ballistic missile facilities with 2,000-pound bombs. President Donald Trump said nine Iranian warships had been sunk and that the Iranian navy’s headquarters had been “largely destroyed.”
  • In a six-minute video message, Trump vowed to “avenge” the deaths of three US service members killed in Iran’s counteroffensive, calling them “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.”
  • Israel suffers worst civilian toll so far
  • Iran vowed revenge for Khamenei’s killing and fired missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states.
  • In central Israel, an Iranian missile struck a residential district in Beit Shemesh, about 18 miles west of Jerusalem, killing at least nine people — the worst casualty toll in the country since the conflict began. Israel’s overall death toll rose to 11.
  • The strike hit near a makeshift synagogue and a communal bunker. Some victims were shelt .
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India Strengthens Defence Capabilities with Major Milestones in 2026

India marked significant achievements in defence preparedness and indigenous military development with a series of landmark events in February 2026. From the President flying an indigenous combat helicopter to successful missile trials and major Army upgrades, these developments underline the nation’s growing strategic confidence and technological progress.

President Murmu Flies Indigenous LCH ‘Prachand’

On 27 February 2026, Droupadi Murmu created history by undertaking a 25-minute sortie in the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’ near the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Flying as a co-pilot from the Jaisalmer Air Force Station, she became the first Indian President to take part in a sortie aboard an attack helicopter.

Clad in an olive-green flying suit, the President’s flight symbolized confidence in India’s armed forces and showcased the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The LCH ‘Prachand’ is India’s first indigenously designed and developed combat helicopter, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is equipped with advanced avionics, stealth features, and the capability to conduct night operations. The helicopter can deploy air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and a 20 mm turret gun. Importantly, it is designed for high-altitude missions, making it highly effective in mountainous regions.

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DRDO Successfully Tests VSHORADS Missile System

In another major boost to India’s air defence network, the Defence Ministry announced the successful completion of three flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) from Chandipur, Odisha.

The VSHORADS missile system has been developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation through its Research Centre Imarat in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners. It is a man-portable air defence system designed to neutralize high-speed aerial threats at varying altitudes and ranges.

The trials were conducted to revalidate the missile’s performance against fast-moving targets. Data collected through telemetry systems, electro-optical tracking devices, and radars deployed at the Integrated Test Range confirmed its effectiveness across multiple threat scenarios. The successful tests further strengthen India’s short-range air defence capabilities.

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Indian Army Conducts Joint Artillery Exercise in Arunachal Pradesh

Demonstrating its operational readiness in high-altitude terrain, the Indian Army conducted a three-day joint artillery field firing exercise at Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district from 23 to 25 February.

The exercise involved coordination with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Arunachal Scouts, Para Special Forces, and the newly raised Bhairav Battalion. The training focused on enhancing inter-agency cooperation and strengthening preparedness in mountainous and strategically sensitive regions.

Advanced technologies, next-generation equipment, and refined artillery procedures were integrated into the exercise. Officials stated that the drill reinforced the Army’s commitment to integrated war-fighting capability and realistic combat training to meet evolving operational challenges in border areas.

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Indian Army Upgrades T-72 Tanks Under ‘Make in India’

Further strengthening its armoured fleet, the Indian Army has completed the installation of indigenously manufactured Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems (TIFCS) on 96 T-72 tanks. The upgraded systems have successfully cleared firing validation trials and are ready for induction.

The T-72 tanks form a crucial part of the Army’s armoured strength. The new TIFCS enhances operational performance, particularly during night operations and in low-visibility conditions. The system features thermal imaging technology and automatic target tracking, significantly improving targeting accuracy and engagement capability.

The upgrade was carried out by Alpha-Elsec Defence & Aerospace Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Alpha Design Technologies and Israel’s Elbit Systems. The initiative highlights the growing role of Indian private industry and MSMEs in defence manufacturing and aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ mission.


Conclusion

The recent developments — from the President’s historic sortie in ‘Prachand’ to successful missile trials, high-altitude military exercises, and tank upgrades — collectively demonstrate India’s steady progress toward defence self-reliance and operational excellence. These milestones not only enhance national security but also reinforce India’s position as an emerging power with strong indigenous defence capabilities.

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Review Questions

  1. The Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ has been developed by:
    A. DRDO
    B. ISRO
    C. Bharat Electronics Limited
    D. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
    ANSWER: D
  2. Who became the first Indian President to undertake a sortie in an attack
    helicopter?
    A. Pratibha Patil
    B. Ram Nath Kovind
    C. Droupadi Murmu
    D. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: C
  3. VSHORADS missile system has been developed by which organisation?
    A. Indian Navy
    B. DRDO
    C. ISRO
    D. Bharat Electronics Limited
    ANSWER: B
  4. The joint artillery exercise in February 2026 was conducted in which state?
    A. Sikkim
    B. Himachal Pradesh
    C. Arunachal Pradesh
    D. Uttarakhand
    ANSWER: C
  5. The Thermal Imaging Fire Control Systems (TIFCS) were installed on which
    tank?
    A. T-90
    B. Arjun
    C. T-72
    D. BMP-2
    ANSWER: C
  6. Which Force Is Deployed At India, Nepal And Bhutan Border?
    A. Sashastra Seema Bal
    B. Central Industrial Security Force
    C. National Security Guard
    D. Indo-Tibetan Border Police
    ANSWER: A
  7. Who Among The Following Has Become The First Ever Woman Pilot Of The
    Indian Navy?
    A. Chhavi Rajawat
    B. Shubhangi Swaroop
    C. Sita Sahu
    D. Asha Roy
    ANSWER: B
  8. What Is The Code Name Of The First Nuclear Test Of India?
    A. Chagai 1-1
    B. Smiling Buddha
    C. Project 596
    D. Shakti 1 – 1
    ANSWER: B
  9. Which Is The Smallest Unit Of The Indian Army?
    A. Corps
    B. Section
    C. Battalion
    D. Platoon
    ANSWER: B
  10. What Is The Highest Military Honour Of India?
    A. Param Vir Chakra
    B. Bharat Ratna
    C. Maha Vir Chakra
    D. Padma Bhushan
    ANSWER: A
  11. When Was The Indian Air Force Founded?
    A. 30th October 1934
    B. 27th October 1932
    C. 8th October 1933
    D. 8th October 1932
    ANSWER: D
  12. What Is SRBM Developed By DRDO?
    A. Static-Random Ballistic Missile
    B. Scientific-Range Ballistic Missile
    C. Short-Range Ballistic Memory
    D. Short-Range Ballistic Missile
    ANSWER: D
  13. What Is The India-China Border Line Called?
    A. McMahon Line
    B. Marginal Line
    C. Mannerheim Line
    D. Medicine Line
    ANSWER: A
  14. The “Ladakh Scouts” Is Also Known As –
    A. Snow Lions
    B. Snow Warriors
    C. Snow Leopards
    D. Snow Jackals
    ANSWER: B
  15. Shenyang FC-31 Is A
    A. Destroyer
    B. OPV
    C. Submarine
    D. Fighter Jet
    ANSWER: D
  16. Armed Forces Medical College Is Located At
    A. Mumbai
    B. Pune
    C. Nashik
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: B
  17. “White Darkness: And Other Stories,” Authored By
    A. Lt Gen Y K Joshi
    B. Sitaram Yechuri
    C. Hew Strachan
    D. Lt Col Ramesh Menon (Retd)
    ANSWER: D
  18. Where Is The Hq Of The Southwestern Command of The Indian Army?
    A. Kochi
    B. Vishakhapatnam
    C. Pune
    D. Jaipur
    ANSWER: D
  19. Super Hornet Fighter Aircraft Is Made By
    A. Dassault
    B. Boeing
    C. Airbus
    D. HAL
    ANSWER: B
  20. Brigadier Rank of Indian Army Is Equivalent to which rank of Indian Navy?
    A. Commodore
    B. Captain
    C. Commander
    D. Lieutenant
    ANSWER: A

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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.