Defence Current Affairs 17 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 17 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
March 17, 2026

In Current Affairs for 17 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 17 March 2026

Operation Aspides and Rising Maritime Concerns

The European Union is considering expanding its naval mission, known as Operation Aspides, to address growing threats to global shipping routes. This discussion comes amid rising tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted that ensuring the safety of this route is vital for global economic stability. The strait handles nearly one-fifth of global crude oil trade, and disruptions have already triggered sharp increases in energy prices.

Initially launched in 2024, Operation Aspides focuses on protecting commercial vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The mission currently includes naval assets from France, Greece, and Italy. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron has indicated that European allies are preparing a defensive initiative to secure maritime traffic in the region.

India’s Indigenous 1 kN Turbojet Engine Breakthrough

India has achieved a significant milestone in defence technology with the development of a compact turbojet engine by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories. Known as the NJ100, this engine strengthens India’s push toward self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and missile systems, the engine produces 1 kilonewton of thrust, making it ideal for lightweight aerial platforms. Its advanced design includes a centrifugal compressor, annular combustor, and axial turbine, ensuring high efficiency and performance.

This project reduces dependence on foreign suppliers such as Safran and American manufacturers. With a projected Technology Readiness Level of 8 by 2027, the engine is expected to play a key role in India’s drone and missile capabilities, with potential exports to friendly nations.

Exercise Freedom Shield: Strengthening Military Coordination

The annual joint military drill Freedom Shield has commenced between the United States and South Korea. This exercise aims to enhance coordination and preparedness against evolving security threats.

It includes command-post simulations, field training operations, and joint planning exercises. The drills gain additional importance amid global tensions, especially with potential implications of military movements related to the Middle East.

Such exercises reinforce the strategic alliance between the two nations and ensure readiness in case of regional instability.

Escalating West Asia Conflict and Global Impact

The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified, raising serious concerns over global energy security and maritime safety.

According to reports, large-scale displacement has occurred in Lebanon, affecting a significant portion of its population. The conflict has also impacted critical infrastructure, including oil facilities and transport hubs.

Donald Trump has called on allied nations to deploy naval forces to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian strikes and threats in the region have severely disrupted shipping activities, increasing fears of a global energy crisis.

Indian Navy’s RD-33MK Engine Preservation Facility

The Indian Navy has strengthened its aviation infrastructure by inaugurating a dedicated preservation facility for RD-33MK engines at the Naval Aircraft Yard. These engines power the MiG-29K, a key component of India’s naval air power.

Used on aircraft carriers such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, the RD-33MK engines deliver high thrust and enable advanced combat capabilities.

The newly established preservation bay includes advanced environmental control systems to prevent corrosion and damage caused by coastal conditions. Developed in collaboration with IIT Bombay, the facility features humidity control, temperature regulation, and nitrogen-based protection systems.

Modern monitoring tools track engine health in real time, ensuring improved maintenance efficiency and operational readiness of the Navy’s fighter fleet.

Review Questions

Operation Aspides is primarily related to:
A. Space exploration
B. Cyber security
C. Protection of maritime trade routes
D. Nuclear energy
ANSWER: C
The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important because it:
A. Connects Europe and Africa
B. Handles a large portion of global oil trade
C. Is a major fishing zone
D. Is used only for military ships
ANSWER: B
India’s NJ100 turbojet engine is mainly designed for:
A. Passenger aircraft
B. Heavy cargo planes
C. UAVs and missile systems
D. Submarines
ANSWER: C
Exercise Freedom Shield is conducted between:
A. India and USA
B. USA and South Korea
C. Japan and South Korea
D. NATO countries only
ANSWER: B
The RD-33MK engine is used in which aircraft?
A. Tejas
B. Rafale
C. MiG-29K
D. Sukhoi Su-30MKI
ANSWER: C
Home Port of The INS Satpura Is In Joint Exercises B/w
A. ENC
B. WNC
C. SNC
D. None
ANSWER: A
INS Satpura Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Frigate
ANSWER: D
INS Satpura Is Manufactured By
A. DRDO & ISRO
B. DRDO & Israel Aerospace Industries
C. CSL
D. MDL
ANSWER: D
Cho La Incident Was Done In
A. 1967
B. 1988
C. 1998
D. 1980
ANSWER: A
VL-SRSAM Is A Quick Reaction Surface-to-air Missile Developed By
A. NASA
B. BEL
C. DRDO
D. ISRO
ANSWER: C
Peacetime Gallantry Award Is/Are
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Maha Vir Chakra
C. Vir Chakra
D. None of the above
ANSWER: D
WNC Hq Is In
A. Mumbai
B. Kochi
C. Chennai
D. Panaji
ANSWER: A
Mitra Shakti Ex Held B/w India &
A. Sri Lanka
B. USA
C. UK
D. Nepal
ANSWER: A
SLNS Sayurala Is A Ship Of
A. Oman
B. Qatar
C. Sri Lanka
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C
“The Blue Book: A Writer’s Journal” Book Is Written By
A. Amitava Kumar
B. Vikas Kumar Jha
C. Usha Uthup
D. Richa Mishra
ANSWER: A
CONAKRY Is The Capital Of
A. GUINEA
B. GUATEMALA
C. GRENADA
D. GREECE
ANSWER: A
IRBM Stands For
A. Intermediate Resource Ballistic Missile
B. Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
C. Intermediate Range of Ballistic Missile
D. Intermediated Range Ballistic Missile
ANSWER: B
BEL HQ Is In
A. Bengaluru
B. Noida
C. New Delhi
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A
Major Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of The Indian Navy?
A. Captain
B. Inspector
C. Lt Commander
D. Vice-admiral
ANSWER: C
War Cry of ASSAM REGIMENT
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Rhino Charge
C. Jai Bajrangbali
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: B

DCA 17 March 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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