In Defence Current Affairs for 21 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 21 May 2026
Multilateral Exercise PRAGATI 2026 Begins in Meghalaya
The multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 started at the Umroi Military Station in Meghalaya with the participation of armed forces from 12 friendly nations. The participating countries include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
The visiting contingents received a warm and traditional welcome from the Indian Army, showcasing India’s cultural values and hospitality. The exercise reflects India’s commitment to strengthening regional defence cooperation and enhancing military understanding among partner nations.
PRAGATI stands for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region. The exercise is being organised with the spirit of equality, friendship and mutual respect among participating countries.
The main objective of the exercise is to provide a common platform for professional interaction and military cooperation. Through joint activities and exchanges, participating armies gain valuable operational experience and improve coordination with one another.
The two-week exercise focuses on counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous and jungle terrain. The training includes joint planning, tactical drills and coordinated missions aimed at improving adaptability, endurance and operational efficiency of troops from all participating nations.
Launch of Sanghmitra – Yard 3039
The Indian Navy achieved another important milestone with the launch of Yard 3039, named Sanghmitra, a Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata on 20 May 2026. The vessel was launched by Mrs Sarita Vatsayan in the presence of Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan.
The construction of 11 NGOPVs is being carried out simultaneously at two shipyards — Goa Shipyard Limited in Goa and GRSE in Kolkata. These advanced patrol vessels are designed and built indigenously, highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The ships are intended to strengthen the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in multiple domains. Their roles will include maritime surveillance, coastal defence, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), protection of offshore assets and anti-piracy missions.
The ship has been named Sanghmitra after the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, symbolising India’s rich historical heritage. Its crest features the constellation Ursa Major along with a red and white lighthouse, representing guidance and strength at sea.
The launch marks another major step towards the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative in defence production.
Bharat Forge to Set Up India’s First Private Marine Gas Turbine Facility
Bharat Forge has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish India’s first private-sector marine gas turbine facility in Visakhapatnam.
The upcoming facility will be located close to the Naval Dockyard and Eastern Naval Command, providing strategic support to India’s naval infrastructure. This move is expected to significantly improve maintenance and operational support for the Indian Navy.
The facility will handle several advanced functions including blade restoration, rotor balancing, combustor liner repairs, component manufacturing, advanced testing and round-the-clock technical support.
This initiative is an important step towards strengthening India’s naval self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign technology in propulsion systems. It also reflects the growing contribution of the private sector in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Indian Army Introduces Indigenous VR-Based Aerial Delivery Simulator
The Indian Army has inducted an indigenous Virtual Reality-based Aerial Delivery Training Simulator developed by the Simulator Development Division under ARTRAC. The simulator has been handed over to the Army Airborne Training School in Agra.
The advanced simulator is designed for training on aircraft platforms such as the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Super Hercules and CH-47 Chinook.
This development represents a major advancement in immersive military training technology. The simulator reduces dependence on expensive live-aircraft missions while providing highly realistic operational training.
The system recreates aircraft interiors, cargo handling systems and aerial delivery procedures with high accuracy. Trainees can practise parachute drops, cargo release operations and emergency drills in a safe virtual environment.
ARTRAC’s Simulator Development Division has been actively promoting indigenous innovation in military technology by integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, unmanned systems and virtual reality into training solutions.
India and South Korea to Develop Advanced Defence Systems Jointly
India and South Korea have decided to strengthen defence cooperation through joint development and production of advanced weapon systems, including laser weapons and air defence technologies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that the successful industrial partnership between the two countries in the commercial sector should now expand into advanced defence technologies.
Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed to deepen cooperation in defence cyber security, military education and United Nations peacekeeping operations. Agreements were also reached between India’s National Defence College and Korea National Defence University to promote training and strategic collaboration.
Rajnath Singh also met Lee Yong-chul, Minister of Defence Acquisition Program Administration of South Korea. Both sides agreed to promote joint development, production and exports of defence equipment.
The two countries discussed a roadmap for the India-Korea Defence Innovation Accelerator Ecosystem (KIND-X), which aims to connect and strengthen innovation ecosystems in both nations.
Later, Rajnath Singh chaired the India–Republic of Korea Defence Industry Business RoundTable, where senior officials and industry leaders explored new opportunities in defence manufacturing, co-development, co-production and supply chain cooperation.
The growing partnership between India and South Korea is expected to enhance technological advancement, strengthen regional security and boost indigenous defence production capabilities in both countries.
Review Questions
- PRAGATI 2026 military exercise was conducted at which location?
A. Pune
B. Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya
C. Jaipur
D. Kochi
Answer: B. Umroi Military Station, Meghalaya - The ship ‘Sanghmitra’ launched by the Indian Navy belongs to which category?
A. Aircraft Carrier
B. Destroyer
C. Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel
D. Submarine
Answer: C. Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel - Bharat Forge is establishing India’s first private marine gas turbine facility in
which city?
A. Chennai
B. Mumbai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Kochi
Answer: C. Visakhapatnam - The indigenous VR-based Aerial Delivery Training Simulator of the Indian Army
is designed for which aircraft platform?
A. Rafale
B. Tejas
C. C-17 Globemaster III
D. MiG-21
Answer: C. C-17 Globemaster III - India and South Korea agreed to jointly develop which of the following
systems?
A. Nuclear submarines
B. Laser weapons and air defence systems
C. Civil aircraft
D. Space stations
Answer: B. Laser weapons and air defence systems - Operation SANKALP Was Launched By The
A. IAF
B. Indian Army
C. Indian Navy
D. BSF
ANSWER: C - INS Mysore Is A
A. OPV
B. Frigate
C. Destroyer
D. Fighter Jet
ANSWER: C - NSG Stands For
A. Nuclear Suppliers Group
B. Nucleoid Suppliers Group
C. Non-Suppliers Group
D. Nuclear Supply Group
ANSWER: A - Motto Of CBI Is
A. Victory Everywhere
B. Always Alert
C. Industry, Impartiality, Integrity
D. None
ANSWER: C - First Made In India Passenger Aircraft Is___
A. Dornier 228
B. Chetak
C. Cheetah
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - The Cheetah Is A
A. Helicopter
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Fighter Jet
ANSWER: A - INS Sindhukesari Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Tank
ANSWER: C - “Billions & Billions” Book Is Written By
A. Shashi Tharoor
B. Carl Sagan
C. Hew Strachan
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: B - WNC Hq Is In
A. Mumbai
B. Kochi
C. Chennai
D. Panaji
ANSWER: A - QRFV Stands For
A. Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicle Medium
B. Quick Reaction Fighting Vast Medium
C. Quick Reaction Fight Vehicle Medium
D. None
ANSWER: A - Aeronautical Development Agency Is In
A. Bengaluru
B. Noida
C. New Delhi
D. Gurugram
ANSWER: A - Joint Exercises B/w The India And UAE Is Called:
A. Yama
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Zayed Talwar
ANSWER: D - Indian Army Artillery School Devlali Comes Under
A. Northern Command
B. Eastern Command
C. Western Command
D. Southern Command
ANSWER: D - Strength’s Origin is in Science Is The Motto Of
A. ISRO
B. DRDO
C. NASA
D. Indian Army
ANSWER: B - INS Airavat Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Amphibious warfare
ANSWER: D
ALSO READ:
- Latest Daily Current Affairs and Defence Updates
- Latest Daily Current Affairs April 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- 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]
