In Defence Current Affairs for 11 April 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 11 April 2026
Kargil War Hero Colonel Sonam Wangchuk Passes Away
- India mourns the loss of one of its bravest soldiers, Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, a decorated veteran of the 1999 Kargil War, who passed away on April 10, 2026. He was 61. His demise has drawn heartfelt tributes from the government, armed forces, and citizens across the country.
•A Hero of Operation Vijay
- Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was widely respected for his exceptional courage during Operation Vijay, India’s military campaign in the Kargil conflict. As a young Major in the Ladakh Scouts, he led daring missions in extremely harsh high-altitude conditions, particularly in the Batalik sector.
- One of his most remarkable achievements was leading a counter-ambush operation under heavy enemy fire, successfully neutralizing enemy positions and securing strategic territory along the Line of Control. His leadership and bravery played a crucial role in India’s success during the war.
- For his extraordinary gallantry, he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the country’s second-highest wartime honour.
• Tributes Pour In
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over his passing, describing him as a “highly decorated officer” known for his courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the nation. He praised Wangchuk as a proud son of Ladakh whose life symbolized resilience, service, and national unity.
- The Indian Army also paid tribute, remembering him as a fearless soldier and an inspiring leader whose legacy will continue to motivate future generations of soldiers.
• The “Lion of Ladakh”
- Popularly known as the “Lion of Ladakh,” Colonel Wangchuk was born in 1964 in Leh. He joined the Indian Army in 1987 and served in various challenging terrains, including the Northeast and high-altitude regions of Ladakh.
- Over a distinguished career spanning three decades, he earned multiple honours and built a reputation as an expert in mountain warfare and leadership under extreme conditions.
• Legacy of Courage and Service
- Colonel Wangchuk’s life stands as a powerful example of dedication, patriotism, and sacrifice. From leading troops in one of India’s toughest battles to mentoring younger soldiers, his contribution to the nation remains invaluable.
- His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy—rooted in courage, discipline, and service—will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Indian Army Clears Lt Col Purohit for Brigadier Rank
- In a significant development, the Indian Army has cleared Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit for promotion to the rank of Brigadier, marking a major turning point in his long and controversial career.
- Promotion After Legal and Service Relief
- The decision comes shortly after the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) intervened to stay Purohit’s retirement, which was scheduled for March 31, 2026. The tribunal directed authorities to keep his retirement on hold while examining his plea regarding promotion and service benefits.
- This interim relief effectively allowed the Army to consider his case for promotion, which had remained pending due to prolonged legal proceedings.
- Background: Malegaon Blast Case
- Lt Col Purohit had been embroiled in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, one of India’s most high-profile terror investigations. He was accused and faced trial for several years, which significantly affected his military career progression.
- However, in July 2025, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) acquitted him and other accused, stating that the prosecution failed to establish charges beyond reasonable doubt.
- The case itself stretched over nearly 17 years, involving extensive investigation and examination of numerous witnesses before the final verdict cleared all accused.
- Impact on Career Progression
- Purohit had argued before the tribunal that the lengthy judicial process denied him fair career advancement opportunities within the Army. His promotion had been delayed despite continued service and eventual acquittal.
- Following the court verdict, he was first promoted to the rank of Colonel in 2025. The latest clearance for Brigadier rank now restores his career trajectory and allows him to continue serving at a higher leadership level.
- A Turning Point
- The Army’s decision is being seen as a major institutional acknowledgment of the tribunal’s direction and the judicial outcome of the case. It also highlights the importance of ensuring that prolonged legal battles do not permanently hinder the careers of personnel who are ultimately acquitted.
- With this promotion, Lt Col (now Col) Purohit is expected to take on greater responsibilities in the coming months, marking a new chapter in his professional journey.
IAF Issues RFI for Advanced 4D Long-Range Radars
- In a major step toward strengthening India’s air defence network, the IAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of advanced 4D long-range surveillance radars. The move reflects the force’s growing focus on modernising its detection and tracking capabilities amid evolving aerial threats.
- Enhancing Long-Range Surveillance Capabilities
- According to available information, the proposed radars are expected to have a detection range of around 450 km, significantly enhancing the IAF’s ability to monitor airspace over vast distances.
- These next-generation systems will be capable of tracking multiple aerial targets simultaneously, including fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and possibly stealth platforms. The inclusion of “4D” technology indicates that the radars will provide not just range, direction, and altitude, but also real-time velocity tracking, enabling more precise threat assessment.
- What Makes 4D Radars Important?
- Unlike traditional 2D or 3D radars, 4D radars integrate advanced technologies such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and digital beamforming.
- What Makes 4D Radars Important?
- This allows them to:
- Track fast-moving and low-observable targets
- Provide highly accurate real-time data
- Improve response time for air defence systems
- Operate effectively in complex environments, including mountainous terrain
- Strengthening India’s Air Defence Network
- The RFI aligns with India’s broader push to build a layered and integrated air defence system. The IAF already operates a mix of radar systems, including medium-range and low-level radars, which are integrated into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) for real-time monitoring and response.
- Focus on Indigenous Development
- The procurement is also expected to support the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Indian defence firms, particularly those working with the DRDO are likely to play a key role in developing or supplying these advanced radar systems.
HAL Hands Over Four ALH Mk III Maritime helicopters to ICG
- HAL said it has handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard at an event.
- The company said it has met the delivery timeline and further strengthened the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime capabilities.Helicopter documents were handed over by the Office of the Regional Director, Aeronautical Quality Assurance (ORDAQA), and the Helicopter Division to the Coast Guard squadrons of Kochi and Porbandar, it said in a release, adding that these deliveries are part of the nine ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters contract signed in March 2024.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited said it had delivered 16 ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard by 2022, and an additional order for six more helicopters was signed in March 2026.The ALH Mk III (MR) is the maritime variant of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter.
- It is a multi-role, twin-engine helicopter equipped for demanding maritime operations, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, coastal security, law enforcement, VIP travel, troop transport, logistics, and anti-piracy operations.
- Equipped with advanced avionics, a modern glass cockpit, and night operation capability, the ALH Mk III (MR) significantly strengthens the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness across diverse maritime scenarios, it added.
Artemis-II
- NASA has successfully launched Artemis 2, its first astronaut mission to the moon since 1972.
- Liftoff took place on April 1, sending four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. Splashdown occurred on Friday, April 10.In a mission that saw smooth sailing over nine days, its tenth day brought the biggest and most keenly-watched challenge – a high-stakes re-entry into the Earth’s orbit at speeds reaching 40,000 kilometres per hour and temperatures of 2,760 degrees Celsius.
- That is at the maximum a speed 30 times the speed of sound and temperatures half as hot as the surface of the Sun.The crew on board Artemis II became the farthest to travel away from the Earth, going over 6,400 kilometres farther that the 1970 Apollo 13 mission.
- They reached 4,06,771 kilometers away from the Earth in the flyby around the Moon. Though Hansen wants this generation to ensure the record is short-lived.The upcoming Artemis-II mission by NASA represents a significant milestone that could provide a substantial boost to the Indian space sector. By the success of this mission, India stands to gain the momentum and technical insights necessary to develop advanced systems tailored for future lunar programmes.
- Although India is not a direct participant in this specific flight to the Moon, its strategic position as a signatory to the Artemis Accords ensures it remains a vital player in the evolving landscape of deep-space exploration.
- Central to this potential growth is the framework provided by the Artemis Accords, which outlines a shared set of principles for exploring the Moon. These principles emphasize international cooperation, the interoperability of technology, and the transparent sharing of scientific data.
Review Questions
- Lt Col Prasad Shrikant Purohit was cleared for promotion to which rank by the
Indian Army?
A. Major General
B. Colonel
C. Brigadier
D. Lieutenant General
ANSWER: C - The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) intervened in Purohit’s case by:
A. Ordering his dismissal from service
B. Staying his retirement temporarily
C. Cancelling his promotion permanently
D. Transferring him to another unit
ANSWER: B - Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was awarded which gallantry award for his role in
the Kargil War?
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Ashoka Chakra
C. Maha Vir Chakra
D. Vir Chakra
ANSWER: C - The 4D long-range radars proposed by the IAF are expected to have an
approximate detection range of:
A. 150 km
B. 250 km
C. 350 km
D. 450 km
ANSWER: D - The ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
are primarily used for:
A. Space exploration
B. Ground combat operations
C. Maritime surveillance and rescue missions
D. Nuclear deterrence
ANSWER: C - The GSAT-7R satellite, planned for launch by ISRO in 2025, is primarily
intended to serve which branch of the Indian Armed Forces?
A. Indian Air Force
B. Indian Army
C. Indian Navy
D. Indian Coast Guard
ANSWER: C - Defence Research & Development Laboratory Hq Is In
A. Hyderabad
B. New Delhi
C. Kochi
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A - Lieutenant Commander Of the Indian Navy Is Equivalent to Which Rank Of
IAF?
A. Squadron Leader
B. Major
C. Group Captain
D. Flying Officer
ANSWER: A - Which Is The Capital Of Uzbekistan?
A. Moscow
B. Dodoma
C. Tashkent
D. Dushanbe
ANSWER: C - Ex ‘DESERT EAGLE’ Conducted b/w India &
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. UAE
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C - Naib Subedar Jeremy Lalrinnunga Is Related With
A. Table Tennis
B. Cricket
C. Boxing
D. Weightlifting
ANSWER: D - What Is The Highest Commissioned Rank Awarded In The IAF?
A. Air Marshal
B. Air Chief Marshal
C. Wing Commander
D. Admiral
ANSWER: B - Rashtriya Raksha University Is In
A. Gandhinagar
B. Mumbai
C. New Delhi
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A - The Zorawar Is A
A. Tank
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Fighter Jet
ANSWER: A - Current Scientific Advisor To The Defence Minister Is
A. Rakesh Sinha
B. S. Somnath
C. G. Sateesh Reddy
D. Samir Kamat
ANSWER: C - The Current Chairman Of DRDO Is
A. Rakesh Sinha
B. S. Somnath
C. G. Sateesh Reddy
D. Samir Kamat
ANSWER: D - Havildar Achinta Sheuli Is Related With
A. Archery
B. Weightlifting
C. Judo
D. Football
ANSWER: B - Ex SHAKTI, Ex VARUNA, GARUDA India conducted with
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - __Is India’s 3rd Highest Military Decoration Award.
A. PVC
B. MVC
C. Veer Chakra
D. Kirti Chakra
ANSWER: C - Motto of THE MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENT
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Assam Vikram
C. Yudhaya Krit Nishchaya
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: D
ALSO READ:
- Latest Daily Current Affairs and Defence Updates
- Latest Daily Current Affairs March 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs February 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs January 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs November 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs October 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs August 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs July 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs June 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs May 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs April 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs March 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs February 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs January 2025 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Defence Current Affairs Year End Review 2024
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs November 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs October 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs September 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs August 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs July 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Monthly Defence Current Affairs June 2024 [DOWNLOAD PDF]










