In Defence Current Affairs for 28 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 28 September 2026
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur following its inaugural ceremony. The multinational air exercise is being conducted from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
The exercise carries the theme “Power in Partnership”, highlighting the importance of cooperation, exchange of expertise and interoperability among participating air forces.
Seven Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) are taking part in the exercise: Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
A wide range of foreign aircraft are participating, including the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A. Their participation brings together combat aircraft, strategic and tactical airlift platforms, and air-to-air refuelling capabilities.
Following the successful first edition held in 2024, Tarang Shakti 2026 is aimed at providing advanced joint training and facilitating the exchange of operational knowledge and professional experience.
The exercise will bring together aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel for professional interaction. Key areas of focus include interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and a better understanding of operational procedures.
The exercise also reflects India’s emphasis on constructive defence engagement and stronger military cooperation. Through shared operational experiences, participating countries seek to strengthen partnerships and contribute to peace, security and stability in the region.
Key Facts
- Exercise: Tarang Shakti 2026
- Host: Indian Air Force
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Dates: 26 September–12 October 2026
- Theme: “Power in Partnership”
- Foreign Participants: 7 countries
- Previous Edition: 2024
ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity
The Indian Navy participated in the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity (EWG-MS JCA) at Subic Bay in the Philippines.
India was represented by the frontline stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish. Their participation concluded with the closing ceremony on 25 September 2026.
The activity began on 21 September 2026 with an opening ceremony at Naval Operating Base Subic. The event was hosted by the Philippine Navy and co-chaired by Japan.
On 22 September, Indian naval personnel took part in Operational Synchronisation and a Tabletop Exercise. A Pre-Sail Conference was subsequently conducted to coordinate activities for the Sea Phase.
The programme also included a community engagement initiative at the Shepherds of the Hill Center in Zambales.
During the Sea Phase, participating forces conducted several coordinated activities, including:
- Search and Rescue operations
- Hydrographic Survey
- Casualty and Medical Evacuation
- Deck Landing Qualification
- Assistance to vessels that had run aground
These activities provided participating personnel with practical opportunities to improve maritime coordination, cooperation and interoperability.
Key Facts
- Activity: ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity
- Edition: 23rd EWG-MS JCA
- Location: Subic Bay, Philippines
- Indian Ships: INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
- Closing Ceremony: 25 September 2026
- Hosted by: Philippine Navy
- Co-Chaired by: Japan
QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
The QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission marked another initiative to strengthen maritime cooperation among the four QUAD countries—India, Australia, Japan and the United States.
As part of the mission, Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak departed from Chennai on 25 September 2026 for Perth, Australia.
Six Sea Riders embarked on board Shaunak for the mission. The group consisted of two officers each from India and Japan, and one officer each from Australia and the United States.
The Sea Riders will participate in shipboard activities and professional interactions. These engagements are intended to improve interoperability, strengthen coordination and develop greater mutual understanding among the participating maritime forces.
The initiative is aligned with the QUAD Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement of 26 May 2026 and reflects the shared commitment of the four countries towards maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.
The mission also supports India’s maritime vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Through professional exchanges and collective engagement, the initiative seeks to strengthen maritime linkages and contribute to a secure maritime environment across the Indo-Pacific.
Key Facts
- Mission: QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission
- Indian Ship: ICGS Shaunak
- Departure: Chennai
- Date: 25 September 2026
- Destination: Perth, Australia
- QUAD Members: India, Australia, Japan and the United States
- Sea Riders: 6
Operation Drishti
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) conducted the 10th Mega Eye Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti in Tangdhar, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir.
The surgical camp was conducted on 24 and 25 September 2026 at an underground operation theatre in Tangdhar, a shelling-prone area along the Line of Control (LoC).
During the camp, AFMS surgeons performed 220 sight-restoring surgeries. Most of the procedures were related to cataracts, while selected patients also underwent retinal procedures and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
The mega eye surgical camp initiative was envisaged by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. According to the source, the series of camps has so far screened more than 1.50 lakh patients and conducted over 3,500 surgeries across 10 cities.
The 11th camp in the series is scheduled to be conducted in Srinagar from 27 to 29 September 2026.
Operation Drishti demonstrates the role of the Armed Forces Medical Services in providing specialised medical support, particularly in areas facing difficult geographical and security conditions.
Key Facts
- Operation: Drishti
- Camp: 10th Mega Eye Surgical Camp
- Location: Tangdhar, Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir
- Date: 24–25 September 2026
- Surgeries: 220
- Patients screened so far: Over 1.50 lakh
- Surgeries conducted across 10 cities: Over 3,500
- 11th Camp: Srinagar, 27–29 September 2026
General Dhiraj Seth Outlines the ‘SAMARTH’ Vision
Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth outlined the ‘SAMARTH’ vision aimed at enhancing the operational readiness and capabilities of the Indian Army.
Speaking at the NDTV Defence Summit, General Seth emphasised the importance of developing a force capable of sustaining itself during prolonged conflicts while using technology to make soldiers more efficient, faster and better informed.
He highlighted the need for the Army to continuously adapt and upgrade its capabilities in response to changing threats. According to the vision, modernisation and preparedness are essential for remaining mission-ready in an era described as “transformative wars.”
The term SAMARTH represents key elements of military preparedness:
- S – Sustainability: The capacity to endure long-drawn conflicts.
- A – Adaptation: The ability to adjust to changing threats and circumstances.
- M – Modernisation: Upgrading capabilities to remain mission-ready.
The broader vision focuses on building a capable force with endurance, adaptability and modern capabilities while maintaining operational readiness.
Key Facts
- Army Chief: General Dhiraj Seth
- Vision: SAMARTH
- S: Sustainability
- A: Adaptation
- M: Modernisation
- Focus: Operational readiness, endurance, adaptation and modernisation
- Forum: NDTV Defence Summit
Review Questions
- What is the theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
A. Strength Through Unity
B. Power in Partnership
C. Partnership for Peace
D. Together for Security
Answer: B. Power in Partnership - Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at which Indian Air Force station?
A. Air Force Station Ambala
B. Air Force Station Pune
C. Air Force Station Jodhpur
D. Air Force Station Gwalior
Answer: C. Air Force Station Jodhpur - Which two Indian Navy ships participated in the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security
Joint Cooperation Activity at Subic Bay?
A. INS Vikrant and INS Chennai
B. INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish
C. INS Kolkata and INS Shivalik
D. INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti
Answer: B. INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish - Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for which destination under
the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission?
A. Tokyo, Japan
B. Darwin, Australia
C. Perth, Australia
D. Singapore
Answer: C. Perth, Australia - How many sight-restoring surgeries were performed during the 10th Mega Eye
Surgical Camp under Operation Drishti?
A. 120
B. 180
C. 220
D. 250
Answer: C. 220 - Operation Drishti’s 10th Mega Eye Surgical Camp was conducted at which
location?
A. Srinagar
B. Tangdhar, Kupwara
C. Leh
D. Poonch
Answer: B. Tangdhar, Kupwara - In General Dhiraj Seth’s ‘SAMARTH’ vision, what does the letter ‘S’ represent?
A. Security
B. Strategy
C. Sustainability
D. Strength
Answer: C. Sustainability - Which of the following correctly represents the first three components of the
‘SAMARTH’ vision?
A. Security, Adaptation, Modernisation
B. Sustainability, Adaptation, Modernisation
C. Sustainability, Agility, Management
D. Strategy, Adaptation, Mission-readiness
Answer: B. Sustainability, Adaptation, Modernisation - Ex GARUDA SHAKTI, IND-INDO CORPAT, IND-INDO BILAT Conducted b/w India
&
A. Qatar
B. Sri Lanka
C. Indonesia
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C - SIMBEX Series Of Exercises Began In 1994 And Were Initially Known As
A. Exercise Lion King
B. Exercise Asia King
C. Exercise Jungle King
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - WNC Hq Is In
A. Mumbai
B. Kochi
C. Chennai
D. Panaji
ANSWER: A - Northrop Grumman Is The Defence Manufacturing Company Of Which
Nation?
A. USA
B. UK
C. Israel
D. Russia
ANSWER: A - The Unending Game Book Is Written By
A. Vikram Sood
B. Shivshankar Menon
C. Ravi Shastri
D. Salman Rushdie
ANSWER: A - What Is The Capital Of Andorra?
A. Maseru
B. Andorra la Vella
C. Yamoussoukro
D. Addis Ababa
ANSWER: B - “The School for Good Mothers ” Book Is Written By
A. Jessamine Chan
B. Beatrice Hitchman
C. Hew Strachan
D. Nikki May
ANSWER: A - Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Is In
A. H.P
B. U.P
C. U.K
D. M.H
ANSWER: C - “Discipline and united action are the real sources of strength for the nation.”
Said By
A. Gandhi Ji
B. Lal Bahadur Shastri
C. Pt. Nehru
D. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
ANSWER: B - PVSM Stands For
A. Param Vishisht Seva Medal
B. Param Vishisht Sainik Medal
C. Param Vishishthtm Seva Medal
D. None
ANSWER: A - Commodore Rank Of Indian Navy Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of IAF?
A. Air Commodore
B. Air Marshal
C. Wing Commander
D. Major
ANSWER: A - The Wings of Fire Book Is Written By
A. APJ Kalam
B. Shivshankar Menon
C. Ravi Shastri
D. Salman Rushdie
ANSWER: A
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