In Defence Current Affairs for 02 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 02 October 2026
IAF’s 17 Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ Completes 75 Years
The Indian Air Force’s No. 17 Squadron, popularly known as the ‘Golden Arrows’, marked 75 years of service on 1 October 2026. The squadron was established on 1 October 1951 at Air Force Station Ambala, with Flight Lieutenant D. L. Springett serving as its first commanding officer.
From Reconnaissance to Fighter Operations
No. 17 Squadron was initially formed as a tactical reconnaissance unit. It began its operations with 12 American Harvard-II B aircraft. In 1955, the squadron transitioned to the British de Havilland Vampire, one of the early jet aircraft introduced into the Indian Air Force.
Over the decades, the squadron developed a distinguished operational record and participated in several important military operations.
Role in Major Military Operations
The Golden Arrows have been associated with various significant operations and conflicts involving the Indian armed forces. Their operational history includes the Liberation of Goa in 1961, the Indo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, the Kargil conflict of 1999, the Balakot strikes, and Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Re-Raising and Rafale Operations
The squadron was number-plated in 2016 during the process of phasing out the MiG-21 aircraft.
It was subsequently re-raised on 11 September 2019 at Air Force Station Ambala. Following its re-raising, No. 17 Squadron became the first IAF unit to operate the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft.
Unit Citation
In October 2025, the squadron received a Unit Citation for its performance during Operation Sindoor, under the leadership of Group Captain Amit Gehani.
The squadron’s contribution during the Kargil conflict was also later depicted in a Netflix series released in August 2026.
Key Facts
- Squadron: No. 17 Squadron, IAF
- Nickname: Golden Arrows
- Established: 1 October 1951
- Location: Air Force Station Ambala
- First Commanding Officer: Flight Lieutenant D. L. Springett
- Initial role: Tactical reconnaissance
- Initial aircraft: Harvard-II B
- Re-raised: 11 September 2019
- First IAF Rafale unit: No. 17 Squadron
- 75th anniversary: 1 October 2026
Integrated Defence Staff Marks 25 Years of Jointness and Integration
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) observed its Silver Jubilee on 1 October 2026, marking 25 years since its establishment in New Delhi in 2001. The occasion is observed as ‘Tri-Service Day’ and highlights the institution’s contribution towards strengthening coordination among India’s three armed services.
Establishment of HQ IDS
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff was established on 1 October 2001 in New Delhi, following recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee.
The organization was created to promote greater jointness, integration and operational synergy among the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Silver Jubilee Commemoration
As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations, HQ IDS released a Silver Jubilee Book documenting its development and achievements during its first 25 years.
A film highlighting important milestones in the organization’s journey since its establishment was also released as part of the commemoration.
Role of Integrated Defence Staff
HQ IDS functions as an apex tri-service organization and works towards improving coordination and integration among the three services.
Its responsibilities are aimed at facilitating greater operational synergy and strengthening the joint functioning of the country’s defence establishment.
Leadership
HQ IDS is headed by the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
According to the provided material, the position is currently held by Air Marshal Tejinder Singh. HQ IDS works in coordination with and assists the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Composition
The organization includes representatives from India’s three armed services along with officials from various government institutions.
Its composition includes representatives from:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Indian Air Force
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Key Facts
- Organization: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
- Established: 1 October 2001
- Location: New Delhi
- Silver Jubilee: 25 years in 2026
- Occasion: Tri-Service Day
- Purpose: Jointness, integration and operational synergy
- Head: Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to CISC
- Current CISC: Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
Exercise Varuna 2026
The Indian Navy and French Navy continued their maritime cooperation through the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna in September 2026. Indian Naval Ship INS Trishul reached Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 to participate in the annual bilateral maritime exercise.
Exercise Varuna serves as an important platform for strengthening professional cooperation and maritime ties between the two navies.
INS Trishul Arrives in Toulon
INS Trishul received a ceremonial welcome from the French Navy, including a water cannon salute.
During the harbour phase, personnel from both navies participated in professional, sporting and cultural activities. These engagements were designed to strengthen professional relationships and deepen maritime cooperation.
The Commanding Officer of INS Trishul also called on Rear Admiral Mackara Ouk, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Operations (CECMED), and interacted with senior French Navy leadership.
Cultural and Sporting Engagements
INS Trishul hosted a cultural interaction onboard the ship. The event was attended by Vice Admiral (Retd) Laurent Isnard, Deputy Mayor of Toulon, French Navy officers and civil dignitaries.
A friendly volleyball match was also organized, providing an opportunity for personnel from both navies to build camaraderie.
Exposure to French Naval Platforms
The crew of INS Trishul visited French Navy ships including:
- Charles de Gaulle
- Forbin
- La Fayette
The visits provided Indian naval personnel with an opportunity to gain insights into aircraft-carrier operations, aviation facilities and onboard practices.
Sea Phase
During the sea phase of Exercise Varuna 2026, INS Trishul conducted exercises alongside several French naval platforms.
These included:
- FDA Forbin
- FLF La Fayette
- SNA Suffren
- NH90 helicopters
- Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft
The exercise strengthened operational interaction and interoperability between the Indian and French navies.
Key Facts
- Exercise: Varuna 2026
- Edition: 24th
- Participating navies: Indian Navy and French Navy
- Indian ship: INS Trishul
- Location: Toulon, France
- INS Trishul arrival: 22 September 2026
- Nature: Annual bilateral maritime exercise
Indian Army Conducts Exercise Jai Se Vijay in Rajasthan
The Indian Army conducted Exercise Jai Se Vijay on 29 September 2026 near the India-Pakistan International Border in Rajasthan. The exercise demonstrated the use of existing road infrastructure for military aviation operations.
A section of National Highway-911 near Dantour was used as a temporary military runway for helicopter operations.
Exercise Location
The drill was conducted on NH-911, a road corridor located close to the international border in Rajasthan.
The area near Dantour falls within a strategically sensitive sector under the Indian Army’s South Western Command, also known as the Sapta Shakti Command.
Highway as a Military Runway
One of the key aspects of Exercise Jai Se Vijay was the use of a national highway as a temporary runway.
Such infrastructure can serve a dual-use purpose, allowing roads to support military aviation activities when required. This capability can be particularly relevant in border areas where fixed airfields may not always be available for rapid deployment.
Helicopters Participating in the Exercise
Helicopters from the Army Aviation Corps participated in the exercise.
The platforms involved were:
- Rudra
- Dhruv
- Chetak
The helicopters demonstrated precision take-offs and landings on the highway.
Rudra is the armed version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), while Dhruv is India’s indigenous ALH. Chetak is the Indian licence-built version of the Aérospatiale Alouette III.
These helicopters support a range of military tasks, including reconnaissance, transportation, casualty evacuation and other operational support missions.
Strategic Significance
The India-Pakistan International Border is among India’s strategically sensitive land borders and passes through Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat.
The exercise also coincided with the anniversary period of the 2016 surgical strikes, which took place on 28–29 September 2016 across the Line of Control.
Key Facts
- Exercise: Jai Se Vijay
- Date: 29 September 2026
- Location: Near Dantour, Rajasthan
- Infrastructure used: NH-911
- Command: South Western Command / Sapta Shakti Command
- Participating helicopters: Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak
- Main demonstration: Highway-based helicopter operations
Embraer and Mahindra Identify Nagpur for Potential C-390 Assembly Line in India
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Indian conglomerate Mahindra have identified Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the proposed location for a potential final assembly line for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft in India.
The proposed facility is linked to India’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme and would depend on the C-390 being selected under the programme.
Proposed Nagpur Facility
According to Embraer, the proposed facility in Nagpur could undertake several activities associated with the C-390 programme.
These include:
- Final aircraft assembly
- System integration
- Manufacturing engineering
- Development of a local supply chain
The companies are working with the Government of Maharashtra on the infrastructure required for the proposed project.
Conditional on Programme Selection
The establishment of the assembly line is conditional on the C-390 Millennium being selected for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme.
If the programme is awarded to the partnership, Embraer and Mahindra intend to progressively bring Indian aerospace companies into the wider C-390 ecosystem.
This could involve greater participation of domestic companies in manufacturing, engineering and supply-chain activities related to the aircraft.
C-390 Millennium
The C-390 Millennium is a military transport aircraft developed by Embraer.
The company views India as an important strategic market as it seeks to expand international sales of the aircraft. The source material indicates that India could potentially order 60 to 80 aircraft.
Embraer-Mahindra Partnership
Embraer and Mahindra entered into a partnership in 2025 to pursue the development and production of the C-390 Millennium in India.
The proposed Nagpur facility would therefore form part of the broader effort to establish an Indian industrial ecosystem around the aircraft, subject to the programme award.
Competition
The C-390 Millennium is positioned as a major competitor to Lockheed Martin’s C-130 Hercules in the military transport aircraft segment.
Key Facts
- Aircraft: C-390 Millennium
- Manufacturer: Embraer
- Indian partner: Mahindra
- Proposed assembly location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Programme: Indian Air Force Medium Transport Aircraft programme
- Potential Indian requirement: 60–80 aircraft
- Partnership: Embraer and Mahindra, 2025
- Major competitor: Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules
Review Questions
- The Indian Air Force’s No. 17 Squadron is popularly known by which name?
A) Black Panthers
B) Golden Arrows
C) Flying Daggers
D) Falcons
Answer: B) Golden Arrows - No. 17 Squadron of the IAF was raised on which date?
A) 15 August 1947
B) 26 January 1950
C) 1 October 1951
D) 11 September 1955
Answer: C) 1 October 1951 - No. 17 Squadron became the first IAF unit to operate which fighter aircraft
after being re-raised in 2019?
A) MiG-29
B) Su-30MKI
C) Tejas
D) Dassault Rafale
Answer: D) Dassault Rafale - Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) was established in which
year?
A) 1999
B) 2000
C) 2001
D) 2005
Answer: C) 2001 - HQ Integrated Defence Staff marked its Silver Jubilee in 2026 after
completing how many years?
A) 20 years
B) 25 years
C) 30 years
D) 35 years
Answer: B) 25 years - Exercise Varuna is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and which
country?
A) Germany
B) Italy
C) France
D) Spain
Answer: C) France - Which Indian Naval Ship participated in Exercise Varuna 2026 at Toulon,
France?
A) INS Vikrant
B) INS Chennai
C) INS Trishul
D) INS Kolkata
Answer: C) INS Trishul - Exercise Jai Se Vijay conducted by the Indian Army in Rajasthan involved the
use of which infrastructure as a temporary military runway?
A) Railway track
B) National Highway-911
C) Jaipur Airport
D) Indira Gandhi Canal
Answer: B) National Highway-911 - Which of the following helicopters participated in Exercise Jai Se Vijay?
A) Apache, Chinook and Mi-17
B) Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak
C) ALH, Apache and LCH only
D) Chetak, Chinook and Apache
Answer: B) Rudra, Dhruv and Chetak - Embraer and Mahindra have identified which city as the potential location
for a C-390 Millennium final assembly line in India?
A) Bengaluru
B) Hyderabad
C) Pune
D) Nagpur
Answer: D) Nagpur - ICMF Stands For
A. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility
B. Integrated Cry Engine Manufacturing Facility
C. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Make Facility
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - “Bolo Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai” Is The War Cry Of
A. Maratha Light Infantry Regiment
B. Grenadiers
C. Punjab Regiment
D. Parachute Regiment
ANSWER: A - Rabat Is The Capital Of
A. Morocco
B. Montenegro
C. Monaco
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A - “Without Fear or Favour” Book Written By
A. R K Narayan
B. Khushwant Singh
C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: C - Exercises B/w The India And Bangladesh Is Called:
A. GARUDA SHAKTI
B. SLINEX
C. SAMPRITI
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: C - __Is The Legal Branch Of The Indian Army.
A. Army Court
B. Supreme Court
C. Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Department
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - Hq of REGIMENTS UNDER CORPS OF ENGINEERS Is In
A. New Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Jabalpur
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - Predator C Avenger Is A
A. Air to Air missile
B. Sniper Rifle
C. Anti-tank Guided missile
D. Drone
ANSWER: D - INS Vikrant Is Manufactured By
A. CSL
B. MDL
C. HSL
D. GRSE
ANSWER: A - Indian Army Corps of Engineers HQ Is In
A. Mumbai
B. Noida
C. Chennai
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: D
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