In Defence Current Affairs for 11 September 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 September 2026
Lokayan 2026: INS Sudarshini Reaches Italy
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini reached Livorno, Italy, on September 9, 2026, as part of the ongoing transoceanic expedition Lokayan 2026.
During the deployment, the ship has covered more than 17,400 nautical miles and visited 10 countries. The expedition highlights India’s longstanding maritime traditions while promoting friendship and cooperation with partner nations.
Before reaching Livorno, INS Sudarshini conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy’s sail training ship ITS Palinuro in the Mediterranean Sea.
The exercise included coordinated manoeuvring and sail-handling activities. It also allowed personnel from both navies to interact, share professional knowledge and gain experience in sailing operations.
Livorno is home to the prestigious Italian Naval Academy (Accademia Navale). During the port visit, Indian trainees and Italian cadets are scheduled to participate in cross-deck visits and professional interactions. The ship will also be open to visitors.
Lokayan 2026 reflects India’s efforts to deepen maritime cooperation and advance the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Key Facts
- Expedition: Lokayan 2026
- Indian ship: INS Sudarshini
- Arrived at: Livorno, Italy
- Date: September 9, 2026
- Distance covered: Over 17,400 nautical miles
- Countries covered: 10
- Italian sail training ship: ITS Palinuro
- Key vision: MAHASAGAR
Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2026
The Indian Navy’s INS Mysore arrived at Lumut, Malaysia, on September 9, 2026, to participate in the 4th edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana.
The bilateral maritime exercise is conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy and forms part of India’s operational deployment in the region.
The exercise includes activities both at harbour and at sea. These include cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements, providing personnel from both navies with opportunities to exchange professional experience.
Such engagements are designed to improve interoperability, mutual understanding and operational cooperation between the two maritime forces.
The exercise builds on the momentum created by recent bilateral defence engagements, including the 12th India-Malaysia Sub Committee Meeting held on July 1, 2026.
Exercise Samudra Laksamana also supports India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision and is aligned with the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026.
Key Facts
- Exercise: Samudra Laksamana
- Edition: 4th
- Participants: Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy
- Indian ship: INS Mysore
- Location: Lumut, Malaysia
- Arrival: September 9, 2026
- Activities: Harbour and sea-based professional engagements
- Theme/vision: MAHASAGAR
India Estimated to Have Around 190 Nuclear Warheads
A new assessment by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that India may have assembled approximately 190 nuclear warheads, including more than 160 associated with operational delivery systems.
The assessment was published in an article titled “India’s Nuclear Weapons – 2026” by Hans Kristensen, director of the FAS Nuclear Information Project. The estimates were developed using open-source information, government-originated data and commercial satellite imagery.
FAS estimates that India may have produced enough military plutonium for approximately 140–225 nuclear warheads, with as many as 190 potentially assembled.
The organisation also noted that India’s nuclear stockpile could increase as additional nuclear-capable delivery systems are developed.
The assessment cited estimates that India had produced approximately 730 kg ± 170 kg of weapon-grade plutonium by the beginning of 2026. However, the report highlighted uncertainties regarding warhead designs and how much plutonium has actually been converted into assembled weapons.
The 100-MW Dhruva reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre complex near Mumbai was identified as India’s principal source of weapons-grade plutonium. The report noted that the CIRUS reactor served this purpose until 2010.
The assessment also discussed the 500-MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam as a potential future source of additional fissile material. The reactor achieved first criticality on April 6, 2026, according to the Department of Atomic Energy, and forms part of the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
Key Facts
- Estimated Indian nuclear warheads: Around 190
- Source of estimate: Federation of American Scientists
- Estimated military plutonium capacity: 140–225 warheads
- Estimated weapon-grade plutonium: About 730 kg ± 170 kg
- Dhruva reactor capacity: 100 MW
- PFBR capacity: 500 MW
- PFBR location: Kalpakkam
- PFBR first criticality: April 6, 2026
Note: The warhead figures are estimates rather than officially disclosed numbers.
Canada Announces C$350 Million Air Defence Package for Ukraine
Canada has announced a C$350 million assistance package for Ukraine to help Kyiv acquire air-defence interceptors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the support after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The assistance comes at a time when Ukraine is facing increased pressure on its air-defence capabilities amid intensified Russian aerial attacks.
According to the announcement, the new package is intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to protect its population and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.
Canada has remained a major supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. It has committed more than C$25.5 billion in overall assistance, including approximately C$8.5 billion in military support.
Prime Minister Carney also announced plans to significantly expand Canada’s drone manufacturing capacity, with an ambition to produce millions of drones within two years. He stated that approximately one-third of the planned production would be supplied to Ukraine.
Canada also has a large Ukrainian-origin population, estimated at around 1.3–1.4 million people, making it home to one of the world’s significant Ukrainian diasporas.
Key Facts
- Country providing assistance: Canada
- Recipient: Ukraine
- New package: C$350 million
- Main purpose: Air-defence interceptors
- Canadian PM: Mark Carney
- Ukrainian President: Volodymyr Zelenskiy
- Total Canadian assistance since 2022: Over C$25.5 billion
- Military assistance: About C$8.5 billion
- Planned drone production: Millions within two years
ISRO Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine at 220 kN Thrust
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful flight-acceptance hot test of its indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine at an enhanced thrust level of 220 kN on September 9, 2026.
The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The engine is intended for the upgraded C32 upper stage of an upcoming LVM3 mission.
The CE20 is a cryogenic upper-stage engine developed by ISRO for the LVM3 launch vehicle. It uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants, which are stored at extremely low temperatures.
India’s LVM3 is a heavy-lift launch vehicle designed for major satellite missions and applications associated with human spaceflight. The upgraded 220-kN configuration is intended to improve the vehicle’s payload-carrying capability.
During the test, ISRO also demonstrated the Liquid Oxygen Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM), which is designed for the C32 stages associated with the Gaganyaan missions.
The latest test followed an earlier sea-level hot test of the CE20 engine conducted on March 10, 2026. That test lasted 165 seconds and involved a 22-tonne thrust configuration along with an advanced Nozzle Protection System.
Key Facts
- Organisation: ISRO
- Engine: CE20
- Type: Cryogenic engine
- Tested thrust: 220 kN
- Test centre: ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri
- State: Tamil Nadu
- Launch vehicle: LVM3
- Upper stage: C32
- Propellants: Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen
- Associated programme: Gaganyaan
Review Questions
- Which Indian Navy sail training ship is participating in the transoceanic expedition
Lokayan 2026?
A. INS Tarangini
B. INS Sudarshini
C. INS Mysore
D. INS Shardul
Answer: B. INS Sudarshini - INS Sudarshini arrived at which Italian port during Lokayan 2026?
A. Naples
B. Venice
C. Livorno
D. Genoa
Answer: C. Livorno - Which Italian Navy sail training ship conducted a Passage Exercise with INS
Sudarshini?
A. ITS Amerigo Vespucci
B. ITS Palinuro
C. ITS Cavour
D. ITS San Marco
Answer: B. ITS Palinuro - The 4th edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana is being conducted between India
and which country?
A. Indonesia
B. Thailand
C. Malaysia
D. Singapore
Answer: C. Malaysia - Which Indian naval ship participated in Exercise Samudra Laksamana 2026?
A. INS Vikrant
B. INS Chennai
C. INS Mysore
D. INS Kolkata
Answer: C. INS Mysore - According to the Federation of American Scientists’ 2026 assessment, India is
estimated to have assembled approximately how many nuclear warheads?
A. 120
B. 150
C. 190
D. 250
Answer: C. 190 - Which country announced a C$350 million air-defence package for Ukraine?
A. United Kingdom
B. Canada
C. Germany
D. France
Answer: B. Canada - Who announced Canada’s C$350 million air-defence assistance package for
Ukraine?
A. Justin Trudeau
B. Mark Carney
C. Volodymyr Zelenskiy
D. Emmanuel Macron
Answer: B. Mark Carney - At what thrust level did ISRO test the CE20 cryogenic engine on September 9,
2026?
A. 180 kN
B. 200 kN
C. 220 kN
D. 250 kN
Answer: C. 220 kN - The CE20 cryogenic engine is associated with which launch vehicle?
A. PSLV
B. SSLV
C. LVM3
D. GSLV-F17
Answer: C. LVM3
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