In Defence Current Affairs for 13 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 13 November 2026
IISc-Incubated Startup’s Autonomous Aerostat Completes 72-Hour Continuous Trial
An Indian deep-tech startup, Thinking Balloon, has achieved a major technological milestone by successfully completing a continuous three-day trial of its autonomous tethered aerostat system. The achievement demonstrates the growing capabilities of indigenous aerospace technology, particularly in developing aerial platforms that can operate with minimal human supervision.
Incubated at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the startup has developed an automated aerostat designed to perform essential operational functions independently.
Key Features of the Autonomous Aerostat
During the three-day trial, the system successfully demonstrated several important capabilities without requiring direct human intervention:
- Autonomous Launch: The aerostat independently initiated its launch sequence.
- Position Maintenance: It maintained its position in the air during operations.
- Self-Recovery: The system autonomously recovered after completing its aerial operation.
- Automated Docking: It returned and docked with its designated ground station.
- Lift Gas Replenishment: The platform replenished its lifting gas independently.
The successful demonstration represents an important advancement towards persistent aerial systems that can remain operational for extended durations while reducing manpower requirements.
Applications and Strategic Significance
Thinking Balloon is developing this technology to establish automated aerial infrastructure for various applications, including surveillance, communication support and monitoring missions.
The startup has also received support from the Bengaluru City Police during its development and testing activities.
The project highlights the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, private technology companies and public-sector organisations in strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace ecosystem.
Important Exam Facts:
- Startup: Thinking Balloon
- Incubation institution: Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- Location: Bengaluru
- Trial duration: Three continuous days (72 hours)
- Technology: Autonomous tethered aerostat
- Applications: Surveillance, communications and monitoring
- Supporting organisation: Bengaluru City Police
Kalashnikov Expands Defence Cooperation with India Through MP-155 Shotgun Manufacturing Agreement
Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has announced a licensing arrangement for the production of its MP-155 shotgun in India, indicating a further expansion of its industrial cooperation with Indian companies.
The announcement was made by Kalashnikov Concern’s chief, Alan Lushnikov, during an interaction with journalists at Patriot Park near Moscow.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Indian manufacturing process will receive support from the Russian company. However, the Indian industrial partner, project cost, manufacturing location and production timeline have not yet been disclosed.
MP-155: Technical Overview
The MP-155 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun primarily developed for civilian hunting applications. It is available in different configurations and can use various types of ammunition.
Kalashnikov has also promoted a specialised version of the weapon for counter-drone applications.
According to the company, this variant can engage low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles at an approximate distance of 50–100 metres.
Role in Counter-Drone Defence
The MP-155 is being presented as a potential component of the final defensive layer in a broader counter-unmanned aerial system architecture.
Such a defence arrangement may combine several capabilities, including:
- Surveillance and detection sensors.
- Interceptor drones.
- Automated gun systems.
- Missile-based air defence assets.
- Close-range defensive weapons.
The purpose of this layered arrangement is to identify, track and neutralise potential aerial threats through different defensive mechanisms.
Important Clarifications
Although the licensing agreement represents an expansion of India–Russia defence-industrial cooperation, no Indian military customer or armed forces procurement order has been identified in the announcement.
It is also not yet clear which MP-155 configuration will be manufactured in India or whether specialised anti-drone ammunition will form part of the agreement.
Important Exam Facts:
- Russian company: Kalashnikov Concern
- Chief: Alan Lushnikov
- Weapon: MP-155 shotgun
- Type: Gas-operated, semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun
- Proposed Indian production: Under a licensing arrangement
- Claimed counter-drone engagement range: Approximately 50–100 metres
- Announcement venue: Patriot Park, near Moscow
Bharat Forge Subsidiary KSSL Unveils Indigenous 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System
Indian engineering major Bharat Forge, through its defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), has unveiled an indigenous 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System (RAMS). The new weapon platform is designed to provide rapid and effective indirect-fire support to highly mobile military formations.
The system has been integrated onto an agile 4×4 vehicle, allowing it to combine battlefield mobility with the firepower of a heavy mortar system.
Key Features of the Rapid Attack Mortar System
One of the most significant features of RAMS is its ability to fire directly from the vehicle. Unlike conventional arrangements that require personnel to dismount and deploy the mortar separately, this platform allows the crew to conduct firing operations while remaining inside the vehicle.
This capability offers several operational advantages:
1. Faster Deployment: The vehicle can transition rapidly from movement to firing operations, reducing the time required to engage targets.
2. Improved Crew Protection: Personnel do not need to dismount and expose themselves while preparing the mortar for firing.
3. Enhanced Mobility: The 4×4 platform allows forces to move quickly across operational areas.
4. Shoot-and-Scoot Capability: After firing, the vehicle can rapidly relocate to another position, reducing its vulnerability to enemy counter-fire.
5. Reduced Response Time: The system aims to shorten the sensor-to-shooter cycle, enabling faster responses to identified battlefield targets.
Significance for the Indian Armed Forces
Modern battlefields are increasingly influenced by persistent surveillance, rapid target acquisition and precision-guided weapons. In such an environment, mobility and the ability to change firing positions quickly are critical for the survivability of artillery units.
The indigenous RAMS platform is designed to address these requirements by combining mobility, rapid firing capability and crew protection.
The development also reflects the growing contribution of Indian private-sector companies to indigenous defence manufacturing under the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Important Exam Facts:
- Company: Bharat Forge
- Defence subsidiary: Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL)
- Weapon system: 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System
- Abbreviation: RAMS
- Platform: 4×4 vehicle
- Main capability: Direct firing from the vehicle
- Key operational concept: Shoot-and-scoot
Raksha Rajya Mantri Launches Revamped Gallantry Awards Portal
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched the redesigned Gallantry Awards Portal in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. The upgraded digital platform aims to recognise the bravery and sacrifices of India’s gallantry award recipients while preserving their contributions for future generations.
The portal, available at https://gallantryawards.gov.in, has been developed with an improved interface to make information about India’s military heroes more accessible to citizens.
Major Features of the Revamped Portal
The redesigned website incorporates an enhanced User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), featuring easier navigation, responsive design and improved accessibility.
Its major sections include:
- Events: Information about important gallantry-related events.
- Memorials and Museums: Details about sites commemorating military heroes.
- Warpedia: A dedicated section for information relating to wars and military history.
- Awardees: Information about recipients of gallantry awards.
- Gallantrypedia: Articles highlighting stories of courage and sacrifice.
- Media: Photographs and other multimedia resources.
- Tribute Section: An interactive space where citizens can pay homage to India’s bravehearts.
Veer Gatha: Connecting Students with Military Heroes
The revamped portal also provides a dedicated digital section for Project Veer Gatha.
It brings together information relating to different editions of the initiative, including:
- Introduction and themes.
- Important dates and timelines.
- Evaluation criteria.
- Rewards and learning resources.
- Results and felicitation ceremonies.
- Media galleries and student activities.
Through Veer Gatha, students get an opportunity to learn about the extraordinary courage and sacrifices of gallantry award recipients and express their understanding through creative submissions.
Significance
The initiative seeks to strengthen awareness about India’s military history and inspire younger generations through the stories of decorated soldiers.
It also uses digital technology to make information about gallantry awardees and their contributions accessible to a wider audience.
Important Exam Facts:
- Launched by: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth
- Launch date: 12 November 2026
- Location: New Delhi
- Portal: Gallantry Awards Portal
- Official website: gallantryawards.gov.in
- Important initiative: Veer Gatha
- Key sections: Awardees, Warpedia, Gallantrypedia, Memorials and Museums
Air Force Commanders’ Conference 2026: Rajnath Singh Calls for Strengthening India’s Operational Preparedness
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon India’s defence forces to strengthen their ability to create and counter the element of surprise in modern warfare. He emphasised that maintaining operational preparedness requires both offensive and defensive capabilities to address conventional as well as emerging security challenges.
Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi on 12 November 2026, the Defence Minister highlighted the growing importance of technological advancements, intelligence capabilities and integrated military operations.
Importance of the Element of Surprise
Rajnath Singh emphasised that India’s defence forces must develop operational capabilities that prevent adversaries from gaining sufficient time to respond or recover during military engagements.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of ensuring that Indian forces remain prepared to counter unexpected enemy actions.
He highlighted the need to:
- Strengthen intelligence and surveillance capabilities.
- Improve integration between different military systems.
- Identify potential threats before they develop into major challenges.
- Enhance preparedness against conventional and emerging threats.
- Develop operational methods that reduce the adversary’s response time.
Changing Nature of Modern Warfare
The Defence Minister observed that contemporary conflicts are no longer restricted to conventional battlefields. Modern military operations increasingly involve non-contact warfare, where missiles, drones and advanced weapon systems play an important role.
These developments require armed forces to adapt their strategies, operational concepts and technological capabilities.
Focus on Emerging Domains of Warfare
Rajnath Singh called upon the Indian Air Force (IAF) to develop dedicated doctrines and operational architectures for emerging domains of warfare, particularly:
- Electronic Warfare: Operations involving the use and disruption of electromagnetic capabilities.
- Cyber Warfare: Protecting military networks and countering cyber threats.
- Space Warfare: Developing capabilities to operate and safeguard critical space-based military assets.
Defence Reforms and Military Transformation
The Defence Minister also highlighted the transformation taking place within India’s armed forces.
The ongoing reforms cover several important areas, including organisational restructuring, jointness and integration among the three services, and the development of modern operational concepts.
The conference provided an important platform to discuss the future requirements of the Indian Air Force and its preparedness for an increasingly technology-driven security environment.
Review Questions
- Which IISc-incubated Indian startup successfully completed a three-day continuous
trial of its autonomous tethered aerostat system?
A) Skyroot Aerospace
B) Thinking Balloon
C) Agnikul Cosmos
D) NewSpace Research
Correct Answer: B) Thinking Balloon - The autonomous aerostat developed by Thinking Balloon is primarily designed for
which of the following applications?
A) Satellite launching and navigation
B) Surveillance, communications and monitoring
C) Underwater surveillance
D) Space exploration
Correct Answer: B) Surveillance, communications and monitoring - Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has announced a licensing agreement with India for
manufacturing which weapon?
A) AK-203 Rifle
B) MP-155 Shotgun
C) Dragunov Sniper Rifle
D) PKM Machine Gun
Correct Answer: B) MP-155 Shotgun - According to Kalashnikov Concern, the specialised anti-drone variant of the MP-155
can engage low-flying UAVs at approximately what distance?
A) 10–20 metres
B) 25–40 metres
C) 50–100 metres
D) 150–200 metres
Correct Answer: C) 50–100 metres - Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, has unveiled
which indigenous weapon system?
A) 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
B) 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System
C) Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
D) Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
Correct Answer: B) 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System - Which operational capability of the indigenous 120mm Rapid Attack Mortar System
(RAMS) helps improve battlefield survivability?
A) Underwater firing capability
B) Shoot-and-scoot capability
C) Satellite-based missile interception
D) Autonomous aerial refuelling
Correct Answer: B) Shoot-and-scoot capability - Who launched the revamped Gallantry Awards Portal in New Delhi on 12 November
2026?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Narendra Modi
C) Sanjay Seth
D) Ajay Bhatt
Correct Answer: C) Sanjay Seth - During the Air Force Commanders’ Conference on 12 November 2026, Defence
Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised developing dedicated doctrines for which
emerging domains of warfare?
A) Land, Sea and Air
B) Nuclear, Biological and Chemical
C) Electronic, Cyber and Space
D) Mountain, Desert and Jungle
Correct Answer: C) Electronic, Cyber and Space - “If you win, you need not have to explain…If you lose, you should not be there
to explain!” Said By__
A. Winston Churchill
B. Adolf Hitler
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Bhagat Singh
ANSWER: B - Air Marshal Rank of IAF Is Equivalent to Which Rank of Indian Army?
A. Brigadier
B. Lt. Gen
C. Captain
D. Major General
ANSWER: B - Current Secretary-General of NATO Is__.
A. Jens Stoltenberg
B. Admiral Rob Bauer
C. General Tod D. Wolters
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - “It Is Our Duty To Pay For Our Liberty With Our Own Blood.” Said By__
A. Pandit Nehru
B. Mahatma Gandhi
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Bhagat Singh
ANSWER: C - ‘The Communist Manifesto’ Book Written By__.
A. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
B. Alexis
C. Thomas Paine
D. Niccolo Machiavelli
ANSWER: A - OPEC Hq Is In
A. Budapest, Hungary
B. New York, USA
C. Luanda, Angola
D. Vienna, Austria
ANSWER: D - IPCC Was Created By
A. WMO & UNEP
B. IMO& UNESCO
C. IMF& WTO
D. UNO& UNFCCC
ANSWER: A - Madagascar Is In
A. Pacific Ocean
B. Indian Ocean
C. Black Sea
D. Arctic Ocean
ANSWER: B - Which Is Not The Member Of SAARC?
A. Bangladesh
B. Myanmar
C. India
D. Pakistan
ANSWER: B - With reference to MILAN Exercise, consider the following statements: 1. It is a multilateral Naval Exercise conducted by the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). 2. MILAN 2026 conducted in the East China Sea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWER: D - Mitra Shakti Ex Conducts B/W
A. India & Indonesia
B. India & UK
C. India & Sri Lanka
D. India & Thailand
ANSWER: C - Varuna Ex Conducts B/W
A. India & Indonesia
B. India & UK
C. India & France
D. India & Thailand
ANSWER: C
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