Defence Current Affairs 12 September 2026

In Defence Current Affairs for 12 September 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be...

In Defence Current Affairs for 12 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 12 September 2026

At BRICS, Putin Criticises Western Trade and Sanctions Policies

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly criticised what he described as coercive economic measures and unfair competitive practices during his address at the Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi.

Putin stated that Russia is currently facing more than 30,000 sanctions, which he claimed is more than twice the combined number of sanctions imposed on all other countries.

Criticism of Economic Pressure

According to Putin, international trade competition has increasingly taken political and geopolitical forms. He referred to measures such as restrictions on transport routes, damage to energy infrastructure, maritime interference and economic sanctions.

He particularly criticised the possibility of secondary sanctions, under which countries or entities could face penalties for maintaining economic relations with sanctioned nations.

Putin argued that such measures interfere with the economic choices of sovereign countries and prevent them from pursuing their own national interests.

Russia’s Economic Response

Despite the extensive sanctions, Putin said Russia had strengthened its economic relationships with countries it considers reliable and predictable partners.

He also highlighted Russia’s economic performance, stating that its economic growth during the previous three years had remained above the global average.

The remarks at the BRICS Business Forum highlighted broader debates over economic sovereignty, trade restrictions, sanctions and the changing global economic order.

Key Facts

  • Speaker: Vladimir Putin
  • Position: President of Russia
  • Forum: BRICS Business Forum
  • Location: New Delhi
  • Sanctions mentioned: More than 30,000 against Russia
  • Key issue: Economic coercion and sanctions
  • Concept criticised: Secondary sanctions
  • Russia’s response: Expansion of ties with reliable international partners
image 180

India Secures Agreements for 105 Russian Il-114-300 Aircraft

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has signed intent agreements and Memoranda of Understanding for supplying 105 Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft to three Indian domestic airlines.

The proposed aircraft allocation includes 50 aircraft for Pinnacle Air, up to 20 for Air Kerala and 35 for Sleek Aviation. The agreements were concluded alongside the Innoprom.India exhibition in New Delhi.

Significance for Civil Aviation

The development marks an important expansion of India-Russia cooperation into civil aviation. While Russia and India have traditionally maintained extensive defence cooperation, the aircraft agreements indicate growing possibilities in the commercial aviation sector.

The Il-114-300 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to operate from relatively short runways and serve regional routes. These characteristics make it suitable for connecting smaller cities and remote areas.

The aircraft is therefore considered relevant to India’s UDAN regional connectivity programme, which aims to improve affordable air connectivity.

Cooperation with HAL

The agreements also complement the broader partnership between UAC and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The two sides are involved in cooperation aimed at localising production of the 100-seat SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India.

Potential localisation of the Il-114-300 could further strengthen India’s domestic aircraft manufacturing ecosystem.

Importance for Regional Connectivity

India has one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing domestic aviation markets. However, airline expansion has been affected by global aircraft supply-chain constraints.

Regional turboprops such as the Il-114-300 could provide an alternative for airlines seeking aircraft for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, supporting India’s efforts to expand affordable air travel.

Key Facts

  • Aircraft: Il-114-300
  • Manufacturer: United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia
  • Total proposed aircraft: 105
  • Pinnacle Air: 50
  • Air Kerala: Up to 20
  • Sleek Aviation: 35
  • Aircraft type: Twin-engine regional turboprop
  • Indian partner in wider programme: HAL
  • Major application: Regional connectivity
  • Related government initiative: UDAN
image 179

Hydrogen-Powered UAV for the Indian Air Force

Lucknow-based aerospace start-up Kalam Labs has partnered with France-based H3 Dynamics to develop a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle for the Indian Air Force.

The proposed UAV is designed around hydrogen-electric propulsion and aims to achieve an endurance of approximately 24 hours. Such long endurance could significantly improve India’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Strategic Importance

Kalam Labs has experience in aerospace and stratospheric systems, including high-altitude UAV-related programmes. H3 Dynamics brings expertise in hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion technology.

A long-endurance UAV could potentially support persistent surveillance of border areas, maritime zones and strategically important installations.

Compared with conventional battery-powered UAVs, hydrogen fuel-cell systems can provide longer-duration power, making them attractive for missions requiring extended aerial presence.

The collaboration also aims to combine French propulsion technology with Indian development and manufacturing capabilities, supporting the broader objective of indigenisation of defence technology.

Key Facts

  • Indian company: Kalam Labs
  • Location: Lucknow
  • French partner: H3 Dynamics
  • End user: Indian Air Force
  • Technology: Hydrogen-electric propulsion
  • Target endurance: 24 hours
  • Main capability: ISR
  • Potential advantage: Long-duration aerial surveillance
image 177

North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Towards the Sea

North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan on 12 September 2026, according to South Korean military authorities.

The launches came shortly after the conclusion of a trilateral military exercise involving the United States, South Korea and Japan. North Korea considers such military drills a threat to its security.

The missile launches also followed remarks by the US President regarding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.

The US President stated that North Korea possessed 57 nuclear weapons, while South Korea has estimated that the country may possess approximately 80–120 nuclear weapons.

North Korean Reaction

Following the missile launches, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and an influential figure in the country’s leadership, criticised the security approach of South Korea and the United States.

She also described the reduction of the military drills as a consequence for Seoul’s security policies.

The developments underline continuing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, particularly over North Korea’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile development and the military cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan.

Key Facts

  • Country: North Korea
  • Date of launches: 12 September 2026
  • Missiles: More than 10 short-range ballistic missiles
  • Launch area: Pyongyang region
  • Target direction: Sea of Japan
  • Trilateral exercise: US–South Korea–Japan
  • Important figure: Kim Yo Jong
  • Major issue: North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities
image 175

IIT-Ropar to Award MTech in Defence Technology to Army Officers

The Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IIT-Ropar) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur, to provide formal MTech accreditation in Defence Technology to eligible Indian Army officers.

The agreement was signed by Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT-Ropar, and Lt Gen Amit Rao, Commandant of the Army Air Defence College.

MTech Programme for Army Officers

Under the agreement, officers undergoing the Long Air Defence Course will receive formal academic accreditation through the MTech programme at IIT-Ropar.

Faculty members from IIT-Ropar will act as mentors and assist officers with their dissertations and research projects.

The officers will also be able to access IIT-Ropar’s laboratories and infrastructure, subject to approval. They will additionally benefit from academic seminars and lectures delivered by institute faculty through online and offline modes.

Strengthening Defence Research

The collaboration is part of a wider academic relationship between IIT-Ropar and the Indian Army.

It builds upon an Academic and Research Cooperation MoU signed in December 2022 between the Army Training Command, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army), and IIT-Ropar.

Both institutions will also work together to develop technological knowledge in areas of mutual interest.

The initiative aims to strengthen the connection between military training, higher education, technological research and defence innovation.

Key Facts

  • Institute: IIT-Ropar
  • Army institution: Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur
  • Degree: MTech in Defence Technology
  • Beneficiaries: Indian Army officers
  • Course: Long Air Defence Course
  • Earlier MoU: December 2022
  • Key areas: Research, technology and defence education
  • Purpose: Strengthen academic and technological cooperation between IIT-Ropar and the Indian Army
image 170

Review Questions

  1. At the BRICS Business Forum, who criticised the use of economic coercion and
    “secondary sanctions”?
    A. Xi Jinping
    B. Vladimir Putin
    C. Emmanuel Macron
    D. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
    Answer: B. Vladimir Putin
  2. According to Vladimir Putin, approximately how many sanctions have been
    imposed on Russia?
    A. Over 10,000
    B. Over 20,000
    C. Over 30,000
    D. Over 40,000
    Answer: C. Over 30,000
  3. Which Russian aircraft is covered under the agreements for supplying 105 regional
    aircraft to Indian airlines?
    A. SJ-100
    B. Il-114-300
    C. MC-21
    D. Tu-204
    Answer: B. Il-114-300
  4. Which Indian company is involved in the wider co-production and localisation
    partnership with Russia’s UAC for the SJ-100 programme?
    A. Bharat Electronics Limited
    B. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
    C. Bharat Dynamics Limited
    D. Cochin Shipyard Limited
    Answer: B. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  5. Kalam Labs has partnered with which French company to develop a hydrogen
    powered UAV for the Indian Air Force?
    A. Dassault Aviation
    B. Airbus Defence and Space
    C. H3 Dynamics
    D. Safran
    Answer: C. H3 Dynamics
  6. What is the targeted endurance of the hydrogen-electric UAV being developed for
    the Indian Air Force?
    A. 12 hours
    B. 18 hours
    C. 24 hours
    D. 36 hours
    Answer: C. 24 hours
  7. North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards which
    sea on September 12, 2026?
    A. Yellow Sea
    B. East China Sea
    C. South China Sea
    D. Sea of Japan
    Answer: D. Sea of Japan
  8. Which trilateral military exercise had ended shortly before North Korea’s missile
    launches?
    A. US–Japan–Australia
    B. US–South Korea–Japan
    C. China–Russia–North Korea
    D. South Korea–Japan–Australia
    Answer: B. US–South Korea–Japan
  9. IIT-Ropar signed a Memorandum of Agreement with which institution to award
    MTech degrees in Defence Technology to Army officers?
    A. Indian Military Academy
    B. Army War College
    C. Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur
    D. Officers Training Academy
    Answer: C. Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur
  10. The IIT-Ropar–Indian Army academic cooperation builds upon an earlier MoU
    signed in which year?
    A. 2020
    B. 2021
    C. 2022
    D. 2024
    Answer: C. 2022
  11. The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Is A
    A. Helicopter
    B. Machine Gun
    C. UAV
    D. Transport Aircraft
    ANSWER: D
  12. ‘Swift and Sure’ Is The Motto Of
    A. Army Aviation Corps
    B. Sikh Regiment
    C. Rajput Regiment
    D. Gorkha
    ANSWER: A
  13. Which Regiment Has Motto: “Veer Bhogya Vasundhara”?
    A. RAJPUTANA RIFLES
    B. RAJPUT REGIMENT
    C. DOGRA REGIMENT
    D. SIKH REGIMENT
    ANSWER: A
  14. ICMF Stands For
    A. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility
    B. Integrated Cry Engine Manufacturing Facility
    C. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Make Facility
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  15. “Bolo Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai” Is The War Cry Of
    A. Maratha Light Infantry Regiment
    B. Grenadiers
    C. Punjab Regiment
    D. Parachute Regiment
    ANSWER: A
  16. Rabat Is The Capital Of
    A. Morocco
    B. Montenegro
    C. Monaco
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: A
  17. “Without Fear or Favour” Book Written By
    A. R K Narayan
    B. Khushwant Singh
    C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
    D. APJ Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: C
  18. Exercises B/w The India And Bangladesh Is Called:
    A. GARUDA SHAKTI
    B. SLINEX
    C. SAMPRITI
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: C
  19. __Is The Legal Branch Of The Indian Army.
    A. Army Court
    B. Supreme Court
    C. Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Department
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
  20. Exercises B/w India And Kyrgyzstan Is Called:
    A. KHANJAR
    B. SLINEX
    C. NOMADIC ELEPHANT
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: A

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.

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