Defence Current Affairs 20 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 20 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
March 20, 2026

In Current Affairs for 20 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 20 March 2026

Indian Army Conducts ‘Amogh Jwala’ Exercise

The Indian Army’s Southern Command successfully completed a major military exercise titled ‘Amogh Jwala’ at the Babina Field Firing Ranges in Uttar Pradesh. Conducted over 13 days starting from 6 March, the drill focused on strengthening capabilities in modern, technology-driven mechanised warfare.

The exercise was designed to evaluate new operational strategies, optimise force structures, and refine procedures suited for present-day battle scenarios. It demonstrated seamless coordination between mechanised forces and multiple combat elements, including attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and counter-drone technologies.

A key highlight of the exercise was the integration of network-centric warfare systems supported by a robust command and control framework. High-speed mechanised manoeuvres combined with real-time drone-based surveillance ensured accurate targeting and effective battlefield response.

The exercise also emphasized multi-domain warfare, integrating land, air, cyber, space, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare (EW). Importantly, it validated the effectiveness of Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) and enhanced joint operations capability with the Indian Air Force and other services.

XTEND and Rayonix Partner for UAV Production in India

Israel-based defence technology company XTEND has entered into a strategic partnership worth $11 million with India’s Rayonix Tech to expand unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities in India.

Under this agreement, Rayonix will serve as the exclusive partner for manufacturing, testing, and distribution of selected UAV platforms in the country. The collaboration also includes technology transfer and operational support to enable indigenous production.

At the core of this partnership is XTEND’s XOS system—an advanced software-driven autonomy platform. This system integrates artificial intelligence for navigation, mission execution, and real-time control, allowing efficient deployment of robotic systems across multiple domains.

This collaboration is expected to significantly boost India’s defence preparedness by enhancing surveillance, precision strike capabilities, and loitering munitions. It also supports India’s long-term objective of reducing dependency on foreign defence technologies.

Goodluck Defence Enters Ammunition Manufacturing

Goodluck India has marked its entry into the defence sector through its subsidiary, Goodluck Defence and Aerospace Limited. The company has successfully dispatched its first export order valued at $6 million.

The shipment consists of 155 mm artillery shells, which are widely used in modern warfare. These high-calibre rounds are compatible with advanced artillery systems such as K9 Vajra and Dhanush howitzers deployed by the Indian Army.

This move reflects the company’s strategic diversification from traditional steel and engineering products into defence manufacturing. With rising global demand for artillery ammunition due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts, the company is positioning itself as a competitive player in the defence supply chain.

Iran Claims Strike on F-35 Fighter Jet

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that it successfully struck a US Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet using its air defence systems. According to Iranian sources, the incident occurred during a military operation in central Iran.

However, US defence officials confirmed that the aircraft made an emergency landing following what is believed to be missile fire. The pilot was reported safe, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The IRGC also stated that its defence systems had intercepted over 125 drones, indicating improvements in its integrated air defence capabilities. The incident highlights rising tensions and evolving military capabilities in the region.

Major Naxalite Surrender in Gadchiroli

In a significant development in internal security, eleven Naxalites surrendered before security forces in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district. The group included several senior members and carried a combined bounty of ₹68 lakh.

Officials reported that sustained security operations and government rehabilitation policies have contributed to the increasing number of surrenders. Since 2025, over 120 Maoists have laid down arms in the district, and overall Naxal activity has reduced significantly.

The government has adopted a dual strategy combining targeted security operations with development initiatives. Efforts such as improved infrastructure, establishment of security camps, and rehabilitation schemes have weakened insurgent networks.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target to eliminate Naxalism completely by 31 March 2026. Special focus is being placed on regions like Bastar, with the aim of achieving long-term peace and development.

Conclusion

These developments reflect India’s growing focus on strengthening defence capabilities, promoting indigenous manufacturing, and addressing internal security challenges. From advanced military exercises and global defence partnerships to counter-insurgency success, the country is making steady progress towards strategic self-reliance and national security.

Review Questions

The ‘Amogh Jwala’ exercise was conducted at which location?
A. Pokhran Field Range
B. Babina Field Firing Range
C. Deolali Artillery Range
D. Mahajan Field Range
ANSWER: B
The primary objective of the ‘Amogh Jwala’ exercise was to:
A. Test nuclear weapons capability
B. Improve naval warfare tactics
C. Evaluate technology-driven mechanised warfare
D. Conduct humanitarian rescue operations
ANSWER: C
XTEND partnered with which Indian company for UAV production?
A. HAL
B. DRDO
C. Rayonix Tech
D. Bharat Electronics Limited
ANSWER: C
Goodluck Defence and Aerospace Limited’s first order included:
A. Fighter jet components
B. Missiles
C. 155 mm artillery shells
D. Radar systems
ANSWER: C
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set the target to eliminate Naxalism in
India by:
A. 2025
B. 2027
C. March 31, 2026
D. 2030
ANSWER: C
What is the main radar technology to be featured on India’s NETRA MK-II
AWACS system?
A. Pulse-Doppler Radar
B. Phased Array Radar
C. Passive Electronically Scanned Array
D. Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
ANSWER: D
Aerobatic Team Of IAF Is
A. Surya
B. Surya Kiran
C. Kiran
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B
Sampriti Ex Conducts B/W
A. India & Indonesia
B. India & Bangladesh
C. India & Sri Lanka
D. India & Russia
ANSWER: B
Assistant Commandant Of ICG Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of Indian Army?
A. Captain
B. Brigadier
C. Lieutenant
D. Major General
ANSWER: C
Parachute Regiment Training Centre Is At
A. Bangalore
B. New Delhi
C. Nagpur
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A
Thales Group Is A Company Of Which Nation
A. Taiwan
B. China
C. USA
D. France
ANSWER: D
Which Country Hosted Multilateral Exercise MILAN 2022?
A. France
B. UK
C. India
D. Malaysia
ANSWER: C
Quito Is The Capital Of
A. Ecuador
B. Egypt
C. UAE
D. El Salvador
ANSWER: A
“Modi @20: Dreams Meeting Delivery” Book Is Written By
A. Shashi Tharoor
B. Rajesh Talwar
C. Venkaiah Naidu
D. Rasheed Kidwai
ANSWER: C
Russia’s New Nuclear-capable Intercontinental Missile That Can Strike Any
Target In The World Is___.
A. Nikita
B. Mashov
C. Spike
D. Sarmat
ANSWER: D
What Is The Name Of India’s First Indigenously Developed Flying Trainer?
A. Horn-NG
B. HANS-NG
C. HANSA-NG
D. Hawk-NG
ANSWER: C
Sea Dragon Is A
A. Domestic Ex
B. Multilateral Ex
C. Bilateral Ex
D. None of these
ANSWER: B
World’s Highest Motorable Road Is In
A. Sikkim
B. Ladakh
C. Himachal Pradesh
D. Assam
ANSWER: B
Exercises B/w The India And UK Is Called:
A. AJEYA WARRIOR
B. KONKAN
C. Indra
D. Both A&B
ANSWER: D
CTBT Treaty Is Related To
A. Nuclear Test Ban
B. Dual Use Goods Tech
C. Spreading Biological Weapons
D. Both A&B
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.

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