In Defence Current Affairs for 13 July 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 13 July 2026
Navy Plans ₹1 Lakh Crore Indigenous Warship Expansion
The Indian Navy is preparing for one of its largest indigenous warship construction programmes, with projects collectively estimated at nearly ₹1 lakh crore. The proposed expansion includes Project-15C guided-missile destroyers, Project-17B stealth frigates, and Project-18A next-generation surface combatants, aimed at significantly strengthening India’s maritime capabilities.
The ambitious programme reflects India’s long-term strategy of expanding its naval strength amid increasing strategic competition across the Indo-Pacific region. The projects are expected to enhance India’s ability to safeguard sea lanes, protect national interests, and maintain a technological advantage in the Indian Ocean.
Project-15C Destroyers
Project-15C is expected to be the first major programme to move forward. Under this initiative, the Navy plans to construct four advanced guided-missile destroyers with an estimated investment of nearly ₹50,000 crore.
These ships will build upon the experience gained from the Project-15A Kolkata-class and Project-15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers while incorporating modern technologies such as:
- Advanced radar and sensor systems
- Improved electronic warfare capabilities
- Enhanced air defence architecture
- Long-range precision strike weapons
- Better stealth characteristics
The Ministry of Defence is likely to initiate the procurement process through a Request for Proposal (RFP), after which construction will commence once approvals are completed.
Project-17B Stealth Frigates
The second major programme is Project-17B, under which the Navy intends to build six advanced stealth frigates valued at approximately ₹40,000 crore.
The construction responsibility is expected to be divided equally between:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
These frigates will feature reduced radar signatures, advanced weapon systems, and multi-role operational capabilities suitable for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Project-18A Surface Combatants
Project-18A represents the most ambitious component of India’s future naval expansion.
The Navy plans to develop six large surface combatants with a displacement of nearly 14,000–15,000 tonnes, making them among the largest warships ever designed and constructed in India.
These vessels are expected to possess:
- Multi-layered air defence systems
- Long-range strike capability
- Integrated command-and-control networks
- Advanced stealth design
- Greater endurance for blue-water operations
The programme is expected to play a central role in transforming the Indian Navy into a technologically advanced blue-water force.
Indian Army Conducts Drone Proficiency Competition in Ladakh
The Fire & Fury Corps of the Indian Army organised an Inter Formation Drone Proficiency Competition in the challenging high-altitude environment of Ladakh on 11 July 2026.
The exercise tested unmanned aerial systems under realistic operational conditions, highlighting the Army’s growing emphasis on drone-based warfare.
Teams demonstrated expertise in operating:
- Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drones
- Quadcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
The drones were employed for various military missions including:
- Intelligence gathering
- Surveillance
- Reconnaissance
- Operational support
Participants displayed high levels of precision, mission planning, flight control, and adaptability despite the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions.
The competition reinforces the Indian Army’s focus on integrating unmanned technologies into future battlefield operations, especially along sensitive border regions such as Ladakh.
Bangladesh Hands Mongla Port Economic Zone Project to China
Bangladesh has officially awarded the Mongla Port Economic Zone development project to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, replacing India in a project originally proposed under bilateral cooperation.
The project had initially been earmarked for Indian participation in 2015. However, prolonged delays and the absence of significant progress resulted in Bangladesh withdrawing the proposal in 2025.
China subsequently secured the project, marking another important strategic development in the Bay of Bengal region.
Why Mongla Port is Important
Mongla Port is Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport and occupies a strategically significant location close to India’s eastern border.
Its development is expected to:
- Improve regional trade connectivity
- Strengthen maritime logistics
- Enhance Bangladesh’s industrial infrastructure
- Increase China’s influence in the Bay of Bengal
The development also highlights the growing strategic competition between India and China for influence across South Asia.
Iran Closes the Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, citing security concerns and ongoing tensions involving the United States in West Asia.
According to Iranian authorities, shipping through the waterway would remain suspended until the prevailing security situation changes.
The IRGC also warned that any military action related to the closure could invite a strong response from Iranian forces.
Global Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
Its significance includes:
- Major transit route for global crude oil exports
- Vital corridor for liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments
- Essential link connecting Gulf producers with international markets
Any disruption in navigation through the strait has the potential to affect global energy prices, international shipping, and overall economic stability.
Russia Offers Su-57E Stealth Fighter to India
Delays in the supply of GE F404-IN20 engines for India’s LCA Tejas Mk-1A programme, along with uncertainty surrounding the availability of GE F414 engines, have raised concerns regarding India’s future fighter aircraft development.
The engine issue affects several important indigenous programmes, including:
- Tejas Mk-2
- Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF)
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)
In this backdrop, Russia has proposed the Su-57E, the export version of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, as a possible solution.
Features of Russia’s Proposal
Russia has offered:
- Co-development with India
- Local manufacturing through Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Integration of Indian radar, avionics, electronic warfare systems, and indigenous weapons
- Technology transfer for future upgrades
The proposal aims to utilise existing Su-30MKI manufacturing infrastructure, reducing production costs and accelerating induction.
Strategic Significance
The proposal comes at a time when:
- China already operates fifth-generation J-20 fighters.
- Pakistan is expected to induct the Chinese J-35 stealth fighter in the coming years.
- India seeks to maintain regional air superiority while indigenous fifth-generation aircraft continue development.
Potential Advantages
If implemented, the Su-57E partnership could provide:
- Faster induction of fifth-generation capability
- Greater defence manufacturing within India
- Improved strategic autonomy
- Efficient use of HAL’s existing infrastructure
- Stronger India-Russia defence cooperation
- Enhanced credibility of the Su-57 programme in international markets
The proposal is expected to remain a significant topic in India’s future defence modernisation discussions as policymakers evaluate operational requirements, indigenous development timelines, and long-term strategic priorities.
Review Questions
- Which Indian Navy project aims to construct four next-generation guided
missile destroyers at an estimated cost of around ₹50,000 crore?
A. Project-17B
B. Project-18A
C. Project-15C
D. Project-75(I)
ANSWER: C - Indian Army’s Inter Formation Drone Proficiency Competition held in July 2026
was organised by which Corps?
A. White Knight Corps
B. Fire & Fury Corps
C. Trishakti Corps
D. Gajraj Corps
ANSWER: B - Bangladesh has entrusted the development of the Mongla Port Economic Zone
to which country’s company?
A. Japan
B. South Korea
C. China
D. Singapore
ANSWER: C - Russia has proposed which fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft to India as a
potential interim capability?
A. MiG-35
B. Su-35S
C. Su-57E
D. MiG-29K
ANSWER: C - Which country signed 14 strategic agreements with India, including deals to
procure BrahMos and Astra missile systems?
A. Malaysia
B. Thailand
C. Vietnam
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: D - Where will South Asia’s largest private sector integrated missile manufacturing
plant be established by Adani Defence and Aerospace
A. Guna
B. Jabalpur
C. Shivpuri
D. Pithampur
ANSWER: C - Which INS training ship represented India at the United States International
Naval Review 250 and Sail4th 250 celebrations in New York?
A. INS Tarangini
B. INS Vikrant
C. INS Sudarshini
D. INS Shardul
ANSWER: C - What is the name of India’s humanitarian relief mission launched to assist
Venezuela after the devastating earthquake?
A. Operation Maitri
B. Operation Sahayata
C. Operation Karuna
D. Operation Amistad
ANSWER: D - Elizabeth II was Queen Of The
A. USA
B. UK
C. Israel
D. China
ANSWER: B - Ex HARIMAU SHAKTI Conducted b/w India &
A. Malaysia
B. Maldives
C. Mongolia
D. Myanmar
ANSWER: A - INS Darshak Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Hydrographic Survey Ship
ANSWER: D - Pangong Tso lake Is Located In
A. Kashmir
B. Ladakh
C. Odisha
D. Kochi
ANSWER: B - INS Khukri Is A Type Of
A. Frigate
B. Submarine
C. Destroyer
D. Missile Corvette
ANSWER: D - Pangong Tso lake Is Located In
A. Kashmir
B. Ladakh
C. Odisha
D. Kochi
ANSWER: B - Priyadarshini Is A Fast Patrol Vessel Of
A. ICG
B. IAF
C. Indian Navy
D. BSF
ANSWER: A - Which Port Is Located In the Western Coast of India?
A. Kandla
B. Kolkata
C. Mangalore
D. Visakhapatnam
ANSWER: A - AAI Stands For
A. Airport Author of India
B. Air Authority of India
C. Airport Authority of India
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - India Purchased Boeing 737 from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - Indian Army Flag Consist Colours of___ Colours.
A. Gold, Red And Black
B. Gold, Red And Blue
C. Gold, Rose Black And Black
D. Green, Red And Black
ANSWER: A - Operation Talwar Was Conducted In
A. 1978
B. 1988
C. 1998
D. 1999
ANSWER: D
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