In Defence Current Affairs for 08 May 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 08 May 2026
Maiden Flight-Trial of TARA Weapon
India achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the Odisha coast on May 7, 2026. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons through a modular range extension kit.
The system has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories. The primary objective of TARA is to enhance the range, accuracy, and lethality of low-cost conventional weapons used against ground-based targets. The weapon uses advanced yet economical technologies, making it one of the first glide weapon systems in India to focus on cost-effective precision strike capability.
The project has been developed with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) and several Indian industries, which have already begun production activities. The successful test demonstrates India’s growing capability in designing and manufacturing advanced defence systems under the vision of self-reliance in defence production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, industry partners, and all associated teams for the successful trial. He described the achievement as an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also appreciated the scientists and teams involved in the successful flight-test.
Rajnath Singh Releases Film on Operation Sindoor in Jaipur
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a film based on Operation Sindoor during his visit to Jaipur on May 7, 2026. The film was launched at the Jaipur Military Station during the Joint Commanders’ Conference organised by the Sapta Shakti Command.
The 27-minute cinematic tribute commemorated the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a landmark tri-service military operation recognised for its precision, coordination, and strategic execution. The second edition of the Joint Commanders’ Conference was organised on the theme “Military Capability in New Domains” on May 7–8, 2026.
Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan also attended the conference. Discussions focused on the changing nature of modern warfare, including the growing role of artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber warfare, space warfare, and cognitive warfare.
The conference provided an important platform for evaluating emerging security challenges and preparing a roadmap for future military capability development. Special emphasis was laid on indigenisation and Aatmanirbharta in defence production by promoting innovation and stronger civil-military integration.
The event also showcased demonstrations of futuristic military applications developed within the country and included the release of new doctrines related to future warfare strategies and operational concepts.
INS Sagardhwani Arrives in Vietnam
INS Sagardhwani arrived at Cam Ranh on May 5, 2026, marking a significant step in scientific and maritime cooperation between India and Vietnam. The vessel was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese military and naval officials, including Senior Colonel Tran Van Cuong of the Khanh Hoa Military Command.
During the visit, the ship will engage in scientific interactions with the Institute of Oceanography in Nha Trang to strengthen cooperation in marine science and oceanographic research. The Indian Navy will also participate in training exchanges, cross-training visits, sports events, yoga sessions, and professional interactions with the Vietnam People’s Navy.
Commissioned in July 1994, INS Sagardhwani is a specialised oceanographic research vessel that has contributed extensively to marine acoustics and naval oceanography. The visit highlights India’s commitment to scientific collaboration, maritime security, and regional cooperation.
India and Vietnam recently upgraded their bilateral ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India in May 2026. Vietnam is considered a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Recent developments between the two countries include the establishment of a 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, a target of increasing bilateral trade to 25 billion US dollars by 2030, integration of India’s UPI with Vietnam’s payment system, and the signing of 13 Memorandums of Understanding in sectors such as healthcare, critical minerals, and digitisation of ancient manuscripts.
Defence cooperation remains a major pillar of the relationship, including joint military exercises, maritime security collaboration, and possible defence exports such as the BrahMos missile system. Cultural ties are also strong due to shared Buddhist heritage and India’s involvement in restoring the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Both countries support a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region and emphasise freedom of navigation in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
52nd All India Sainik Schools Principals’ Conference
The 52nd All India Sainik Schools Principals’ Conference was inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth at Sainik School Kazhakoottam on May 7, 2026.
The two-day conference began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, followed by discussions on academic excellence, institutional performance, policy matters, and future initiatives to strengthen the Sainik School system.
Delegates from 33 Sainik Schools and principals of 79 New Sainik Schools participated in the event, including through video conferencing. The conference also included educational exhibitions and interactive sessions on innovative technologies and teaching practices.
Addressing the gathering, Sanjay Seth highlighted the importance of Sainik Schools in developing disciplined, responsible, and patriotic youth prepared for leadership roles in the Armed Forces. He noted that these institutions have produced thousands of officers for the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and other military academies.
During the prize distribution ceremony, Sainik School Nagrota received the Raksha Mantri Trophy for sending the highest number of cadets to the NDA and INA in 2025. Sainik School Satara was awarded the Certificate of Merit for Class X academic excellence, while Sainik School Kazhakoottam received the award for Class XII academic excellence for the 2024–25 session.
In line with the National Education Policy 2020, the government is establishing 100 new Sainik Schools across the country. So far, 86 schools have been approved and 79 are operational, aiming to provide greater opportunities for youth aspiring to join the Armed Forces.
US-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified further as the United Arab Emirates reported missile and drone threats from Iran early on Friday, testing the fragile month-long ceasefire between the two countries.
The developments followed renewed exchanges near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that three American Navy destroyers successfully passed through the strait despite coming under attack. According to him, no damage occurred to the vessels, while significant damage was inflicted on Iranian attackers.
Iran’s military leadership accused the United States of violating the ceasefire by targeting an Iranian oil tanker and carrying out airstrikes near Qeshm Island and nearby coastal regions. Iran claimed it retaliated by attacking U.S. naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and the port of Chabahar.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets. Rising tensions and disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have pushed fuel prices higher, with average U.S. gasoline prices increasing sharply since February 2026.
The situation continues to create concerns regarding global trade, maritime security, and energy supply chains.
BRO Raising Day 2026
The Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 67th Raising Day on May 7, 2026. Established in 1960, the BRO plays a crucial role in developing strategic infrastructure in India’s border and high-altitude regions.
Several BRO projects also celebrated their Raising Days in 2026. Project VARTAK marked its 66th Raising Day in Tezpur, Assam, while Project DEEPAK celebrated its 66th Raising Day in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Project DANTAK commemorated its 66th Raising Day in Bhutan, reflecting India’s long-standing infrastructure cooperation with the neighbouring country.
The organisation functions under the motto “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam,” meaning “Everything is achievable through hard work.” One of its major current projects includes the construction of the Shinku-La Tunnel to ensure all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
The BRO also serves as the infrastructure backbone for the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), which aims to transform border villages into vibrant and self-reliant communities.
Under Phase II of the programme, approved in April 2025 with an outlay of ₹6,839 crore, the initiative now covers 1,954 villages along borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
The programme focuses on improving road connectivity, telecom services, electricity, healthcare, tourism, and livelihood opportunities in border regions. It also seeks to reduce migration from border villages and strengthen national security by empowering local populations.
Recently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched several infrastructure projects under VVP Phase II in Regal village of Jammu and Kashmir on May 6, 2026.
Review Questions
1. The maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon was conducted by:
A) ISRO and DRDO
B) DRDO and Indian Air Force
C) Indian Navy and DRDO
D) HAL and DRDO
Answer: B) DRDO and Indian Air Force
Explanation: The maiden flight-trial of TARA was successfully conducted by DRDO and the Indian Air Force on May 7, 2026.
2. TARA is primarily designed to:
A) Launch satellites
B) Detect submarines
C) Convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons
D) Destroy enemy aircraft
Answer: C) Convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons
Explanation: TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to improve the accuracy and range of unguided warheads.
3. Which DRDO laboratory led the development of the TARA weapon system?
A) ADE Bengaluru
B) DRDL Hyderabad
C) Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
D) GTRE Bengaluru
Answer: C) Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
Explanation: TARA was developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad along with other DRDO laboratories.
4. The film on Operation Sindoor was released in:
A) New Delhi
B) Pune
C) Jaipur
D) Lucknow
Answer: C) Jaipur
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the film during his visit to Jaipur.
5. The theme of the 2026 Joint Commanders’ Conference was:
A) Future Naval Warfare
B) Military Capability in New Domains
C) Self-Reliant Armed Forces
D) AI and National Security
Answer: B) Military Capability in New Domains
Explanation: The conference focused on emerging military technologies and future warfare domains.
6. Which senior military officer attended the Joint Commanders’ Conference along with Rajnath Singh?
A) Manoj Pande
B) Bipin Rawat
C) Anil Chauhan
D) R Hari Kumar
Answer: C) Anil Chauhan
Explanation: Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan attended the conference.
7. INS Sagardhwani is a:
A) Missile destroyer
B) Aircraft carrier
C) Oceanographic research vessel
D) Amphibious warfare ship
Answer: C) Oceanographic research vessel
Explanation: INS Sagardhwani is a specialised vessel used for marine scientific research and naval oceanography.
8. INS Sagardhwani visited which country in May 2026?
A) Indonesia
B) Vietnam
C) Japan
D) Thailand
Answer: B) Vietnam
Explanation: The ship arrived at Cam Ranh, Vietnam on May 5, 2026.
9. India and Vietnam upgraded their ties to:
A) Strategic Defence Partnership
B) Global Economic Partnership
C) Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
D) Maritime Security Alliance
Answer: C) Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Explanation: The two countries upgraded their relations during the visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India.
10. Vietnam officially joined which initiative promoted by India?
A) SAGAR Mission
B) Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
C) BIMSTEC Maritime Grid
D) Blue Economy Forum
Answer: B) Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
Explanation: Vietnam joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to support a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
11. The 52nd All India Sainik Schools Principals’ Conference was held at:
A) Sainik School Satara
B) Sainik School Nagrota
C) Sainik School Kazhakoottam
D) Rashtriya Military School Bengaluru
Answer: C) Sainik School Kazhakoottam
Explanation: The conference was inaugurated at Sainik School Kazhakoottam in Kerala.
12. Who inaugurated the 52nd All India Sainik Schools Principals’ Conference?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Sanjay Seth
D) Ajit Doval
Answer: C) Sanjay Seth
Explanation: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth inaugurated the conference.
13. Which Sainik School won the Raksha Mantri Trophy in 2025?
A) Sainik School Satara
B) Sainik School Kazhakoottam
C) Sainik School Ghorakhal
D) Sainik School Nagrota
Answer: D) Sainik School Nagrota
Explanation: The school received the trophy for sending the maximum number of cadets to NDA and INA.
14. The Strait of Hormuz is strategically important because it:
A) Connects Europe and Asia
B) Is the deepest sea route in the world
C) Carries a major share of global oil shipments
D) Hosts the largest naval base in Asia
Answer: C) Carries a major share of global oil shipments
Explanation: Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
15. Which country reported missile and drone threats from Iran in May 2026?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Oman
C) Qatar
D) United Arab Emirates
Answer: D) United Arab Emirates
Explanation: The UAE stated that its air defence systems were engaging Iranian missile and drone threats.
16. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its _____ Raising Day in 2026.
A) 65th
B) 66th
C) 67th
D) 68th
Answer: C) 67th
Explanation: BRO celebrated its 67th Raising Day on May 7, 2026.
17. The motto of the Border Roads Organisation is:
A) Service Before Self
B) Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam
C) Victory Through Strength
D) Nation First Always
Answer: B) Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam
Explanation: The motto means “Everything is achievable through hard work.”
18. Which BRO project is associated with the Manali–Leh axis?
A) Project VARTAK
B) Project DANTAK
C) Project DEEPAK
D) Project HIMANK
Answer: C) Project DEEPAK
Explanation: Project DEEPAK is responsible for maintaining strategic roads including the Manali–Leh axis.
19. Vibrant Villages Programme Phase II covers villages along the borders with:
A) Only China
B) China and Nepal only
C) Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar
D) All SAARC countries
Answer: C) Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar
Explanation: The expanded Phase II now includes villages along multiple international borders.
20. One of the main objectives of the Vibrant Villages Programme is to:
A) Promote urban migration
B) Develop private industrial zones
C) Prevent migration from border villages
D) Establish foreign trade hubs
Answer: C) Prevent migration from border villages
Explanation: The programme aims to create better livelihood opportunities and strengthen border security by encouraging people to remain in border regions.
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