In Defence Current Affairs for 03 November 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 02 November 2026
Ministry of Defence Signs ₹53,866.50 Crore Contracts for Eight Next Generation Corvettes
The Ministry of Defence has signed agreements worth ₹53,866.50 crore with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the construction of eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the Indian Navy.
Under the agreement, GRSE will build five corvettes, while GSL will be responsible for constructing the remaining three vessels.
Key Features of the Project
- The project represents an important development in India’s indigenous warship design and manufacturing capabilities.
- It is the first initiative in which the Indian Navy has undertaken the indigenous design of the ships, while construction has been assigned to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) selected through a competitive process.
- The corvettes will feature advanced missiles, weapons systems and modern sensor suites.
- These platforms will be capable of carrying out operations in the air, surface and sub-surface domains.
Strategic Importance
The induction of these warships is expected to strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to protect maritime trade routes and conduct anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. They will also support coastal security, littoral combat, maritime surveillance and presence operations.
The programme will further strengthen India’s shipbuilding industry by encouraging cooperation among DPSUs, private shipyards, Indian industrial partners and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Employment Generation
Over the next ten years, the project is expected to generate approximately:
- 72 lakh person-days of employment in shipyards.
- 460 lakh person-days of employment in ancillary industries and MSMEs.
The project is therefore expected to contribute to both national defence preparedness and domestic industrial development.
Indian Air Force Set to Acquire Six New Aerial Refuelling Tankers
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly moving closer to acquiring six aerial refuelling aircraft through a proposed agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The estimated contract value is approximately $905.7 million (around ₹8,000 crore).
The proposed arrangement involves converting Boeing 767 passenger aircraft into military tanker platforms capable of performing aerial refuelling and transport missions.
Israel Aerospace Industries Emerges as Leading Contender
According to the supplied report, IAI has emerged as the only qualifying bidder after competing proposals from Russian and European manufacturers reportedly failed to meet the required evaluation standards.
If finalised, the agreement would become one of the IAF’s significant recent acquisitions in the air mobility segment.
Boeing 767 Conversion Programme
Under the proposed arrangement, IAI would acquire six Boeing 767 aircraft and modify them into Multi-Mission Tanker Transport (MMTT) platforms.
The project is expected to support India’s Make in India initiative, with at least 30% of the work likely to be undertaken within the country.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to serve as IAI’s Indian industrial partner. Its proposed responsibilities include:
- Systems integration.
- Electrical wiring modifications.
- Structural enhancement activities.
Subject to the necessary approvals, aircraft deliveries are anticipated between 2028 and 2030.
Operational Benefits for the IAF
The proposed tankers are expected to replace or supplement the IAF’s existing Russian-origin Ilyushin Il-78 fleet, which has faced maintenance and availability challenges.
Aerial refuelling will help fighter aircraft remain airborne for longer periods and operate over greater distances. This will particularly benefit frontline platforms such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI.
Apart from refuelling, the aircraft are also expected to perform:
- Strategic airlift operations.
- Cargo transportation.
- Troop movement.
- Long-range support missions.
These capabilities would improve India’s force-projection capacity and operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region and its extended borders.
About Israel Aerospace Industries
IAI has more than four decades of experience in aerial refuelling technology. Its Bedek Aviation Group specialises in converting pre-owned commercial aircraft into military tanker and transport platforms.
The proposed conversion-based approach is considered a cost-effective alternative to purchasing newly manufactured tanker aircraft.
Important: The supplied report describes this as a proposed contract nearing award. It should not be treated as a formally signed or completed agreement.
Sarvam and Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff Join Hands to Develop Military AI Applications
Sarvam has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), an organisation under the Ministry of Defence, to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for India’s armed forces.
The collaboration will focus on meeting the operational, training and decision-support requirements of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Major Objectives of the Agreement
Under the agreement, Sarvam will work on designing, developing and deploying AI-based applications for the three Services. The company will also provide technical assistance after deployment.
The initiative will cover multiple projects across the Services, with HQ IDS facilitating coordination and implementation.
A major feature of the arrangement is the proposed use of common technological infrastructure. The three Services and joint organisations will have access to shared:
- Foundation AI models.
- Agentic infrastructure.
- Geospatial systems.
- Perception technologies.
This common framework is expected to help the Services share knowledge, operational experience and lessons learned from different projects.
Focus Areas of Military AI
The collaboration will concentrate on several important defence applications, including:
- Decision Support: Helping military personnel analyse information and improve decision-making.
- Target Acquisition: Supporting the identification and tracking of potential targets.
- Data Fusion: Combining information received from different sensors across the sensor-to-shooter chain.
The agreement also emphasises that human oversight will remain in place for operational decisions.
Development on Sovereign Infrastructure
The AI systems are intended to be developed in India and deployed on sovereign infrastructure, supporting the country’s objective of building indigenous military technology capabilities.
The work will be undertaken by Chanakya, Sarvam’s dedicated division focused on national security and defence.
Its AI technology stack includes foundation models such as Sarvam 105B.
The initiative reflects an effort to establish a common, India-developed AI ecosystem that can support the operational requirements of all three branches of the armed forces.
Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked Fishing Vessel Azini and Saves 20 Crew Members
The Indian Navy has successfully rescued the fishing vessel Azini from armed pirates in a coordinated maritime security operation lasting more than 48 hours. All 20 crew members were rescued safely, with no casualties or injuries reported.
The vessel had reportedly been hijacked by an armed pirate group off the north-eastern coast of Somalia earlier in the previous month.
Threat to Maritime Security
The hijacked fishing vessel posed a serious security concern because pirates could potentially use it as a mother ship to launch further attacks against merchant vessels operating in the region.
Recognising the threat, the Indian Navy deployed a mission-ready warship to intercept the vessel. A maritime reconnaissance aircraft also provided aerial support.
How the Rescue Operation Was Conducted
The operation involved coordinated surveillance and intervention by different platforms.
- The naval warship and reconnaissance aircraft located the hijacked vessel.
- Continuous surveillance was used to monitor its movements.
- Calibrated non-kinetic measures were employed to restrict its movement and prevent escape.
- Marine Commandos were subsequently reinforced through a precision airdrop conducted by an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft.
The coordinated action eventually resulted in the successful liberation of the vessel and the safe evacuation of all 20 crew members.
Significance of the Operation
The mission highlights the Indian Navy’s preparedness to respond to complex maritime security challenges, particularly in areas vulnerable to piracy.
It also demonstrates effective coordination between the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force during operations beyond India’s coastal waters.
The successful rescue reinforces India’s commitment to remaining a First Responder and Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
United States Reportedly Carries Out Limited Strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island
The United States reportedly conducted a limited military strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Strait of Hormuz. The development came amid increasing diplomatic and military tensions involving Washington, Tehran and Israel.
According to reports cited in the supplied material, the strikes were limited in nature and did not indicate the resumption of large-scale combat operations.
Why Was Qeshm Island Targeted?
US officials reportedly described the operation as defensive, with the objective of preventing Iran from gaining the freedom to attack commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway is a major route for international oil shipments and has reportedly remained largely blocked since the conflict began in late February.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the strikes, citing officials familiar with the matter. The US reportedly avoided making a public announcement to prevent the operation from being interpreted as a signal of renewed major military action.
Meanwhile, Iranian state media outlet IRNA reported that five explosions were heard in quick succession on the island. Some residents also reportedly observed two aircraft flying over the area.
Political Developments Behind the Strikes
The reported operation took place amid claims that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was urging US President Donald Trump to consider fresh military action against Iran following the US midterm elections.
However, Trump reportedly played down the possibility of renewed war and indicated that a diplomatic agreement with Tehran remained possible.
He also stated that the United States had already won its earlier conflict with Iran and suggested that the situation could be resolved through negotiations.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global energy transportation. Disruptions in this corridor had pushed international oil prices sharply higher.
However, optimism surrounding a possible end to the conflict reportedly led oil prices to fall by more than 7% on Monday.
Earlier Military Incidents
According to officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, US forces had conducted smaller-scale strikes against Iran over several weeks.
Two reported incidents included:
- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly firing a surface-to-air missile at a US fighter aircraft, which responded in self-defence.
- US forces reportedly intercepting an IRGC missile launched from Qeshm Island that was targeting commercial shipping.
Qeshm Island is strategically significant because it is located near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. It is also home to an underground missile installation, a naval base and a major desalination facility.
US Military Position
The US Department of Defence reportedly referred requests for comments to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations in the Middle East.
CENTCOM did not respond to the requests, according to the supplied report. The report also stated that preparations for broader military strikes had reportedly included the movement of additional missile defence systems and ammunition into the region.
CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper reportedly visited the White House to brief President Trump on the conflict.
Important: This article reflects the reports and official statements described in the supplied material. The reported military developments and claims have not been independently verified here.
Review Questions
- The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹53,866.50 crore for the
construction of how many Next Generation Corvettes?
(A) 6
(B) 8
(C) 10
(D) 12
Answer: (B) 8 - Which shipyard will construct five of the eight Next Generation Corvettes for the
Indian Navy?
(A) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
(B) Goa Shipyard Limited
(C) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited
(D) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Answer: (C) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) - Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is reportedly associated with the proposed supply of
six aerial refuelling tankers to the IAF based on which aircraft?
(A) Boeing 737
(B) Boeing 767
(C) Airbus A330
(D) Boeing 777
Answer: (B) Boeing 767 - Which Indian company is expected to partner with Israel Aerospace Industries in the
proposed aerial tanker project?
(A) Bharat Electronics Limited
(B) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(C) Bharat Dynamics Limited
(D) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Answer: (B) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) - Sarvam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with which organisation to
develop AI applications for India’s armed forces?
(A) DRDO
(B) Defence Intelligence Agency
(C) Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
(D) National Security Council Secretariat
Answer: (C) Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) - Which AI foundation model was specifically mentioned in connection with Sarvam’s
defence-focused division, Chanakya?
(A) Sarvam 105B
(B) Bharat AI 50B
(C) Chanakya 70B
(D) India GPT 100B
Answer: (A) Sarvam 105B - What was the name of the hijacked fishing vessel successfully rescued by the Indian
Navy?
(A) Al Noor
(B) Azini
(C) Al Rahman
(D) Sea Guardian
Answer: (B) Azini - How many crew members were safely rescued during the Indian Navy’s operation to
liberate fishing vessel Azini?
(A) 15
(B) 18
(C) 20
(D) 25
Answer: (C) 20 - Which Indian Air Force aircraft was used to carry out the precision airdrop of Marine
Commandos during the Azini rescue operation?
(A) C-130J
(B) C-17
(C) IL-76
(D) AN-32
Answer: (B) C-17 - Qeshm Island, which was reportedly targeted in limited US strikes, is located near
which strategically important waterway?
(A) Strait of Malacca
(B) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(C) Strait of Hormuz
(D) Bosporus Strait
Answer: (C) Strait of Hormuz - Army Medical Corps Motto Is
A. Courage and Valor
B. Sarve santu niramaya
C. Service Before Self
D. Lethal
ANSWER: B - Glock 18 Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Machine Pistol
C. Assault rifle
D. Submachine gun
ANSWER: B - Which Is the Largest Uranium-producing Country In the World?
A. USA
B. India
C. Kazakhstan
D. Uzbekistan
ANSWER: C - Kaiga Atomic Power Plant Is In
A. Karnataka
B. Gujarat
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Uttarakhand
ANSWER: A - Who established the Atomic Energy Commission of India in 1948?
A. P.K. Iyengar
B. M.R. Srinivasan
C. Vikram Sarabhai
D. Homi Bhabha
ANSWER: D - Nay Pyi Taw Is the Capital Of
A. Bhutan
B. Nepal
C. Afghanistan
D. Myanmar
ANSWER: D - “India’s Women Unsung Heroes” Book Is Written By
A. Chandrachur Ghose
B. Ruskin Bond
C. Dr. Thomas Matthew
D. Meenakshi Lekhi
ANSWER: D - Ex ‘Konkan Shakti’ conducted b/w India &
A. Qatar
B. UK
C. UAE
D. Japan
ANSWER: B - “Kartavyam Anvatma” (Duty before death) Is the Motto Of
A. RAJPUT REGIMENT
B. DOGRA REGIMENT
C. SIKH REGIMENT
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - Which Country Isn’t the member of NSG?
A. USA
B. China
C. Pakistan
D. France
ANSWER: C
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