In Defence Current Affairs for 09 October 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 09 October 2026
Indian Coast Guard Conducts 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX-2026
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise, SAREX-2026, off the coast of Paradip, Odisha, on 8 October 2026. The exercise was organised under the guidance of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Board (NMSARB).
The exercise focused on the theme “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety.” It brought together maritime and aviation agencies to demonstrate their readiness to respond to emergencies at sea, particularly incidents involving mass rescue operations.
Participation and Leadership
The exercise was reviewed by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard. Participants included the Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Shipping Corporation of India, Directorate General of Shipping, Fisheries Department, Customs, Marine Police, Paradip Port Authority and Odisha state authorities.
An international dimension was added through the participation of 32 observers from 30 countries, highlighting the importance of cooperation in maritime search and rescue operations.
Assets Deployed
The exercise involved a broad range of naval, aerial and support assets, including:
- 15 Indian Coast Guard ships
- Three Dornier aircraft
- Three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)
- One Chetak helicopter
- Indian Air Force C-130J and Mi-17 aircraft
- Two Indian Navy ships
- Civilian and state resources, along with shore-based support units
Significance
SAREX-2026 demonstrated the importance of technology, coordination and interoperability in responding to maritime emergencies. It reinforced India’s commitment to developing a rapid and integrated search-and-rescue framework in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
Key Facts
- Exercise: SAREX-2026
- Edition: 12th
- Date: 8 October 2026
- Location: Off Paradip, Odisha
- Organising agency: Indian Coast Guard
- Board: National Maritime Search and Rescue Board
- Theme: Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety
- International observers: 32 from 30 countries
- Key vision: SAGAR and MAHASAGAR
INS Kulish Arrives in Singapore During Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Deployment
The Indian Navy’s warship INS Kulish arrived at Tuas Terminal, Singapore, on 6 October 2026 for an Operational Turnaround (OTR). The port call is part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing Eastern Fleet Operational Deployment.
The visit reflects the continuing maritime engagement between India and Singapore and provides an opportunity to strengthen bilateral naval relations through professional interaction and diplomatic engagement.
Planned Activities
During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Kulish is scheduled to call on the High Commissioner of India to Singapore. The Commanding Officer will also lay a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, recognising the historical links between the two countries.
These engagements combine diplomatic outreach with remembrance of shared historical experiences.
Strategic Significance
Singapore occupies an important position in regional maritime connectivity. Port calls such as this provide opportunities for naval personnel to interact, strengthen mutual understanding and support cooperation on maritime security.
INS Kulish’s visit also reflects India’s broader commitment to a maritime environment that is safe, secure and inclusive. Such engagements contribute to regional stability and stronger partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Facts
- Warship: INS Kulish
- Country visited: Singapore
- Arrival date: 6 October 2026
- Port: Tuas Terminal
- Purpose: Operational Turnaround
- Deployment: Eastern Fleet Operational Deployment
- Memorial visit: Kranji War Memorial
- Major objective: Strengthening India-Singapore maritime relations
ISRO Plans Human Space Analog Habitat at Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), through its Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), has issued a tender for the design and establishment of a Human Space Analog System (HSAS) at its Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
The proposed facility is intended to simulate the isolated, confined and resource-limited conditions that astronauts may encounter during long-duration space missions. It represents an important step in India’s preparations for future human spaceflight missions under the Gaganyaan programme.
Purpose of the Analog Habitat
Indian astronauts, including Gaganyaatri Shubhanshu Shukla, have undergone specialised training in Russia because India has lacked a comparable facility for this type of simulation.
The new habitat is planned for the Simulator Hall of the training complex. It will enable researchers to conduct simulated missions lasting up to 60 days and study crew performance, psychological well-being, human factors, scientific experiments, systems integration and mission operations.
Proposed Design and Facilities
The habitat will contain separate areas for work, daily activities, exercise and crew accommodation.
Lower level:
- Three crew workstations
- Equipment racks
- Payload rack
Upper level:
- Galley and dining area
- Avionics dashboard
- Treadmill
- Cycle ergometer
- Strength-training equipment
A separate crew accommodation module is planned to include two-storey sleeping bunks, a vacuum toilet, a mist shower and a waterless washing machine. These facilities will help simulate living conditions during extended missions.
Environmental Monitoring and Life-Support Conditions
A major feature of the habitat will be its closed-loop habitability system, designed to support a crew of four while maintaining controlled environmental conditions.
The planned operating parameters include:
- Temperature: 20°C to 25°C
- Normal carbon dioxide concentration: Below 1,000 ppm
- Experimental carbon dioxide concentration: Up to 5,000 ppm
- Mission simulation duration: Up to 60 days
- Crew capacity: Four people
The ability to increase carbon dioxide concentrations during experimental trials will allow researchers to study crew performance and physiological responses under conditions outside normal operating limits.
More than 200 sensors will monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, noise, lighting and water quality.
The facility will also feature adjustable circadian lighting using LEDs with colour temperatures ranging from 2,700 K to 6,500 K. This system is intended to reproduce day-night lighting cycles and help assess their effects on crew health and performance.
Significance for Gaganyaan
The proposed analog habitat will provide an Indian facility for studying the physical, psychological and operational challenges of living in confined environments for extended periods. It is expected to support astronaut training and the assessment of future Gaganyatris for longer-duration missions.
Key Facts
- Organisation: ISRO
- Centre responsible: Human Space Flight Centre
- Project: Human Space Analog System
- Location: Astronaut Training Facility, Bengaluru
- Programme: Gaganyaan
- Maximum simulated mission duration: 60 days
- Planned crew capacity: Four
- Environmental sensors: More than 200
- Purpose: Simulating conditions of extended human spaceflight
Brazil-India Space Partnership: Concert Technologies Signs MoU with Skyroot Aerospace
Brazilian company Concert Technologies, associated with Brazil’s Brazilian Micro-Launcher (MLBR) programme, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian private aerospace company Skyroot Aerospace to explore the joint development of a new launch vehicle.
The agreement was signed during the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. The proposed rocket is intended to place payloads weighing at least 100 kg into low Earth orbit (LEO).
Objective of the Partnership
The collaboration aims to combine technological expertise and industrial capabilities developed through Brazil’s MLBR programme with Skyroot Aerospace’s experience in launch-vehicle development.
The proposed vehicle is intended to fill a payload-capacity gap between Brazil’s MLBR launcher, designed for payloads of up to 40 kg, and Skyroot Aerospace’s larger Vikram family of launch vehicles.
Focus on Dedicated Satellite Launches
The partnership seeks to respond to increasing global demand for dedicated satellite-launch services. Such services allow satellite operators to arrange launches suited to their particular payloads and orbital requirements.
The companies have also identified missions targeting equatorial orbits as an area of interest, where launch-site geography can offer operational and performance advantages.
Significance
The initiative represents a step towards closer Brazil-India cooperation in the commercial space sector. By combining capabilities from both countries, the proposed project could broaden launch options for smaller satellite payloads.
The agreement concerns the proposed joint development of the vehicle; the source material does not specify a launch date or a completed rocket design.
Key Facts
- Brazilian company: Concert Technologies
- Indian company: Skyroot Aerospace
- Agreement: Memorandum of Understanding
- Event: International Astronautical Congress 2026
- Venue: Antalya, Türkiye
- Target payload capacity: At least 100 kg
- Target orbit: Low Earth orbit
- MLBR payload capacity: Up to 40 kg
- Objective: Joint launch-vehicle development and dedicated satellite-launch services
Greece Agrees to Arms Deal Worth Up to $4 Billion with the United States
Greece has agreed to spend up to $4 billion on upgrading additional F-16 fighter aircraft and procuring advanced weapons from the United States, according to information attributed to two senior sources by Reuters on 8 October 2026.
The development forms part of Greece’s broader effort to modernise its armed forces. It follows a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Major Elements of the Deal
The proposed agreement includes advanced missiles and bombs for Greece’s F-16 Viper and F-35 fighter aircraft, as well as weapons for Black Hawk helicopters. It also covers upgrading older F-16 aircraft to the Viper configuration.
Greece has already committed to a broader military modernisation programme involving approximately €28 billion by 2036. This programme includes the acquisition of US-made fighter aircraft and helicopters and the development of the Achilles Shield, a multilayer air-defence and anti-ballistic system incorporating Israeli-made weapons.
F-16 Viper Upgrades
Greece agreed in 2024 to purchase 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets and 35 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
The country has also been upgrading approximately 82 F-16 aircraft to the Viper standard. In addition, it wants to modernise another 37 Block 50 F-16s, with the cost of that additional upgrade programme estimated at around $1 billion.
The F-16 Viper configuration is part of Greece’s effort to improve the capability of its existing combat-aircraft fleet while acquiring newer platforms and advanced weapons.
Strategic Significance
The proposed arms package reflects Greece’s continuing investment in combat aircraft, precision weapons and air-defence capabilities. By combining aircraft upgrades with the purchase of newer platforms, Greece aims to strengthen the readiness and technological capabilities of its armed forces.
Key Facts
- Country: Greece
- Defence partner: United States
- Reported deal value: Up to $4 billion
- Aircraft: F-16 Viper and F-35
- Helicopter: Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk
- F-35 order: 20 aircraft
- Black Hawk order: 35 helicopters
- Additional F-16 Block 50 upgrades sought: 37
- Broader modernisation plan: Approximately €28 billion by 2036
- Air-defence initiative: Achilles Shield
Review Questions
- Where was the 12th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2026)
conducted?
A. Kochi, Kerala
B. Paradip, Odisha
C. Mumbai, Maharashtra
D. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Paradip, Odisha - What was the theme of SAREX-2026?
A. Securing the Indian Ocean Region
B. Maritime Cooperation for Global Peace
C. Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime Safety
D. Building a Stronger Blue Economy
Answer: C. Leveraging Technology to Strengthen SAR Preparedness and Maritime
Safety - INS Kulish arrived at which terminal in Singapore on 6 October 2026?
A. Changi Terminal
B. Tuas Terminal
C. Jurong Terminal
D. Keppel Terminal
Answer: B. Tuas Terminal - Which ISRO centre is responsible for the proposed Human Space Analog System
project?
A. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
B. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
C. Human Space Flight Centre
D. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
Answer: C. Human Space Flight Centre - The proposed Human Space Analog System is designed to simulate missions
lasting up to how many days?
A. 30 days
B. 45 days
C. 60 days
D. 90 days
Answer: C. 60 days - Which Indian private aerospace company signed an MoU with Brazil’s Concert
Technologies for joint launch-vehicle development?
A. Agnikul Cosmos
B. Skyroot Aerospace
C. Pixxel
D. Dhruva Space
Answer: B. Skyroot Aerospace - What is the targeted minimum payload capacity of the proposed Brazil-India
launch vehicle for low Earth orbit?
A. 40 kg
B. 60 kg
C. 80 kg
D. 100 kg
Answer: D. 100 kg - Which air-defence initiative is part of Greece’s broader military modernisation
programme?
A. Iron Dome
B. Achilles Shield
C. David’s Sling
D. Patriot Shield
Answer: B. Achilles Shield - NAVIC Stands For
A. India Regional Navigation Satellite System
B. Indian Regional Navigator Satellite System
C. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite Source
D. Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System
ANSWER: D - Major Rank Of the Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of The Indian
Navy?
A. Captain
B. Inspector
C. Lt Commander
D. Vice-admiral
ANSWER: C - Training Command of IAF is located at
A. New Delhi
B. Bangalore
C. Gurugram
D. Lucknow
ANSWER: B - Captain Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Rank Of IAF Is
A. Wing Commander
B. Squadron Leader
C. Flight Lt.
D. Air Chief Marshal
ANSWER: C - Colonel Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Rank Of Indian Navy Is
A. Commander
B. Captain
C. Group Captain
D. Lieutenant
ANSWER: B - Warsaw Is The Capital Of
A. Oman
B. Germany
C. Ukraine
D. Poland
ANSWER: D - “Indian Fiscal Federalism” Book Is Written By
A. Dr. Bibek Debroy
B. Dr. Krishna Saksena
C. Dr. Y.V. Reddy
D. Jairam Ramesh
ANSWER: C - Tangail Airdrop Was Done At Which War
A. 1948
B. 1962
C. 1965
D. 1971
ANSWER: D - War Cry of NAGA REGIMENT
A. Bharat Mata ki Jai
B. Ki ki so so Lhargyalo
C. Jai Durga Naga
D. Durga Mata Ki Jai
ANSWER: C - Sankalp-class OPV Designed And Built By
A. Goa Shipyard Limited
B. GRSE
C. MDL
D. CSL
ANSWER: A - Which State of India Has The Longest Coastline?
A. Gujarat
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Kerala
ANSWER: A - Mitra Shakti Ex Held B/w India &
A. Sri Lanka
B. USA
C. UK
D. Nepal
ANSWER: A
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