In Defence Current Affairs for 21 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 21 September 2026
Exercise SLINEX-26
The 13th edition of the Sri Lanka–India bilateral maritime exercise, SLINEX-26, is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026. The exercise began with the Harbour Phase, which will be followed by the Sea Phase.
The Indian Navy is participating with INS Kavaratti, an indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, and INS Jyoti, a Fleet Tanker. The Sri Lanka Navy is represented by SLNS Sindurala.
SLINEX was conceptualised in 2005 and has gradually developed into an important platform for strengthening maritime cooperation between the two countries. The exercise promotes interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding between the Indian and Sri Lankan Navies.
The Harbour Phase is being conducted under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. It commenced with an opening ceremony and a reception hosted onboard INS Kavaratti for the crew of the visiting Sri Lankan naval ship.
SLINEX-26 is aligned with India’s MAHASAGAR vision and reflects India’s efforts towards creating a secure, stable and inclusive maritime environment. The exercise also contributes to strengthening the longstanding maritime partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- Exercise: SLINEX-26
- Edition: 13th
- Countries: India and Sri Lanka
- Venue: Visakhapatnam
- Dates: 17–21 September 2026
- Indian ships: INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti
- Sri Lankan ship: SLNS Sindurala
- Conceptualised: 2005
- Phases: Harbour Phase followed by Sea Phase
- Vision: MAHASAGAR
Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Takes to the Skies of Meerut
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force performed in the skies over Meerut for the first time on September 19 and 20, 2026.
The spectacular aerial display attracted more than one lakh spectators over the two days. Students, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers were among those who attended the event.
The performance had a special connection with Meerut as three members of the SKAT team, including two pilots who participated in the aerobatic display, are from Meerut.
Following the successful completion of its 2026 training season, SKAT presented its latest formation to the people of Meerut.
The team flew its distinctive formation using nine red-and-white Hawk Mk 132 aircraft. These aircraft are licence-manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Hawk Mk 132 aircraft have also received an indigenous modification involving the installation of smoke pods capable of producing coloured smoke, adding a visual element to the aerobatic performances.
About Suryakiran Aerobatic Team
The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team was established in 1996. It has the distinction, according to the provided material, of being the only nine-aircraft aerobatic team in Asia and is among a select group of such teams worldwide.
Key Facts
- Team: Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT)
- Organisation: Indian Air Force
- First Meerut display: September 19–20, 2026
- Aircraft: 9 Hawk Mk 132
- Manufacturer in India: HAL
- Spectators: Over 1 lakh
- Established: 1996
- Special modification: Indigenous coloured-smoke pods
Keel Laying of First Next Generation Missile Vessel
The keel-laying ceremony of the first ship under the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, on September 18, 2026.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Senior officials from the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited were also present.
The construction contract for the NGMVs was concluded with CSL in March 2023. The vessels are planned to be equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems to significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities.
The NGMV project is part of India’s efforts to develop a future-ready and combat-ready maritime force capable of operating effectively in the increasingly complex maritime environment of the Indian Ocean Region.
The construction of these vessels also reinforces India’s focus on developing a strong and modern Navy and strengthening domestic warship-building capabilities.
Key Facts
- Project: Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV)
- First ship keel laying: September 18, 2026
- Shipyard: Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
- Contract: March 2023
- Chief Guest: Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu
- Controller: Warship Production & Acquisition
- Purpose: Enhance Indian Navy’s combat capability
- Focus: Future-ready and combat-ready maritime force
1965 War Hero and Vir Chakra Awardee Alfred Tyrone Cooke
Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a decorated Indian Air Force veteran and recipient of the Vir Chakra, is remembered for his role in aerial combat during the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
The Vir Chakra is India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, ranking after the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra. Cooke received the award on September 7, 1965, in recognition of his courage and tactical skill during aerial combat.
During the Kalaikunda air battle in West Bengal, Cooke engaged six Pakistani Sabre jets that were attacking the airfield. According to the provided material, he successfully shot down one aircraft and damaged another.
Cooke served with No. 14 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, popularly known as the “Bulls.” He retired from the Indian Air Force in 1968 and later settled in Australia.
Even after retirement, Cooke maintained his association with his former squadron. In 2016, he donated his Vir Chakra medal to No. 14 Squadron, preserving the connection between his wartime service and the unit.
Key Facts
- Name: Alfred Tyrone Cooke
- Rank: Flight Lieutenant
- Force: Indian Air Force
- Award: Vir Chakra
- Award date: September 7, 1965
- War: 1965 India-Pakistan War
- Air battle: Kalaikunda
- Aircraft: Hawker Hunter
- Squadron: No. 14 Squadron – “Bulls”
- Retirement: 1968
- Vir Chakra donated to squadron: 2016
IAF Chief Leads ‘Eagle One’ Tejas Formation Flight
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led a formation flight of the indigenously produced Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) during the India-Japan joint air exercise Veer Guardian 26.
According to the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, the IAF Chief flew the Tejas as “Eagle One”. The Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) also participated in the flight, operating the twin-seater version of the aircraft.
The two senior military leaders visited Air Force Station Jodhpur as part of Exercise Veer Guardian 26 and flew the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
The 14-day exercise began with the arrival of Japanese F-2 fighter aircraft in India on September 8, 2026. During the exercise, personnel from both air forces are undertaking advanced operational missions and professional interactions.
The LCA Tejas is described in the source material as a 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is designed to undertake various missions, including offensive air support, close combat and ground-attack operations, as well as ground and maritime missions.
Exercise Veer Guardian 26 provides an opportunity for the Indian Air Force and JASDF to conduct advanced fighter training and improve their operational understanding. It also contributes to strengthening defence cooperation between India and Japan.
Key Facts
- IAF Chief: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
- Call sign during formation: Eagle One
- Aircraft: Tejas LCA
- Exercise: Veer Guardian 26
- Partner: Japan Air Self-Defense Force
- JASDF aircraft: F-2
- Exercise began: September 8, 2026
- Exercise duration: 14 days
- Tejas: 4.5-generation, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft
- Location mentioned: Air Force Station Jodhpur
Review Questions
- SLINEX-26 is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and which country?
A. Bangladesh
B. Sri Lanka
C. Maldives
D. Indonesia
Answer: B. Sri Lanka - Where is the 13th edition of SLINEX-26 being conducted?
A. Kochi
B. Mumbai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Chennai
Answer: C. Visakhapatnam - Which Indian Navy ship participating in SLINEX-26 is an indigenous Anti-Submarine
Warfare Corvette?
A. INS Jyoti
B. INS Kavaratti
C. INS Vikrant
D. INS Chennai
Answer: B. INS Kavaratti - The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) primarily operates which aircraft for its
aerobatic displays?
A. Tejas
B. Hawk Mk 132
C. Su-30MKI
D. MiG-29
Answer: B. Hawk Mk 132 - The keel-laying ceremony of the first Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) was
held at:
A. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
B. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai
C. Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
D. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
Answer: C. Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi - Alfred Tyrone Cooke received the Vir Chakra for his role in which war?
A. 1947–48 India-Pakistan War
B. 1962 India-China War
C. 1965 India-Pakistan War
D. 1971 India-Pakistan War
Answer: C. 1965 India-Pakistan War - During Exercise Veer Guardian 26, who led the Tejas formation flight as “Eagle
One”?
A. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
B. Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh
C. General Takehiro Morita
D. Air Chief Marshal R. K. S. Bhadauria
Answer: A. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh - Exercise Veer Guardian 26 is being conducted between the Indian Air Force and
which country’s air force?
A. France
B. Japan
C. Australia
D. United Kingdom
Answer: B. Japan - SCALP Missile Is Developed By
A. UK
B. France
C. Israel
D. USA
ANSWER: B - Range of Sagarika Missile Is
A. 500 km
B. 600 km
C. 700 km
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - India Purchased Jaguar Fighter Aircraft from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - At Which of The Following Places Is The Headquarters Of A Naval Command
NOT Located?
A. Mumbai
B. Goa
C. Kochi
D. Visakhapatnam
ANSWER: B - M61 Vulcan Is A
A. Six- barrelled Gatling gun
B. Heavy machine gun
C. Pistol
D. Rocket
ANSWER: A - Hq Of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Is At
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. Austria
ANSWER: D - Lusaka Is the Capital Of
A. Zambia
B. Venezuela
C. United Kingdom
D. Uganda
ANSWER: A - “’My Life, My Mission'” Book Is Written By
A. Baba Ramdev
B. Venkaiah Naidu
C. Meenakshi Lekhi
D. Dr. Bibek Debroy
ANSWER: A - Rashtriya Raksha University Is In
A. Gandhinagar
B. Mumbai
C. New Delhi
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A - The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Is A Project Of
A. Brazil
B. Russia
C. China
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - Which Is Not A Member Of SAARC?
A. Afghanistan
B. Bangladesh
C. Bhutan
D. Madagascar
ANSWER: D - THAAD System Designed and Manufactured By
A. Lockheed Martin
B. Almaz – Antey
C. Raytheon
D. MBDA/ Eurosam
ANSWER: A
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