In Defence Current Affairs for 04 August 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 04 August 2026
Vice Admiral Manish Chadha Assumes Charge as DGNO
The Indian Navy witnessed a significant leadership transition as Vice Admiral Manish Chadha assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) on 3 August 2026. A highly experienced officer, he brings decades of operational expertise in communication, electronic warfare, and naval strategy to one of the Navy’s most important operational appointments.
Background
Vice Admiral Chadha is an alumnus of the 78th Course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1991. He specialises in Communication and Electronic Warfare and has completed advanced professional courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the National Defence University, Washington, USA. Before taking over as DGNO, he served as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, where he played a key role in shaping future naval leadership.
Significance
As DGNO, Vice Admiral Chadha will oversee the planning and execution of naval operations, maritime security, and operational readiness, strengthening India’s maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
AFHQ Civilian Services Day Celebrated
The 85th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day was celebrated in New Delhi on 3 August 2026. Addressing the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the contribution of civilian personnel and highlighted the shared commitment of both civilian and military employees towards the goal of “Nation First.”
Key Highlights
- AFHQ Civilian Services Day is observed every year on 1 August.
- The AFHQ cadre was established on 1 August 1942.
- The Defence Minister urged civilian officers to become the “strategic brain” of India’s defence management system.
- Civilian officials serve alongside the Armed Forces in the Integrated Service Headquarters and other defence organisations.
Significance
The occasion recognises the indispensable contribution of civilian employees in defence administration and encourages greater coordination between military and civilian institutions.
BEL and Esri India Sign MoU for Advanced Defence Technologies
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Esri India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on defence projects involving Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Location Intelligence, and GeoAI technologies. The partnership aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities through advanced geospatial solutions.
Key Highlights
- Joint development of GIS and GeoAI-based defence applications.
- Integration of BEL’s defence electronics expertise with Esri India’s geospatial technologies.
- Training support through the Indo ArcGIS platform.
- Focus on mission-critical defence and strategic applications.
Significance
The collaboration supports India’s defence modernisation programme and strengthens indigenous capabilities in geospatial intelligence and digital battlefield management.
Pakistan Deploys Chinese SH-15 Self-Propelled Howitzers Along Indian Border
Pakistan has strengthened its artillery capability by deploying Chinese-made SH-15 self-propelled artillery guns along sectors facing India. The induction is part of Pakistan’s ongoing artillery modernisation programme.
Key Highlights
- SH-15 is a 155 mm, 52-calibre wheeled self-propelled gun.
- Manufactured by Norinco Corporation and known in China as PCL-181.
- Pakistan ordered 236 systems in 2019.
- The system can strike targets beyond 50 km using rocket-assisted projectiles.
- Pakistan has also obtained Transfer of Technology (ToT) to manufacture the system domestically.
Significance
The deployment enhances Pakistan’s long-range artillery capability and reflects the growing defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Russia Introduces ‘Volna’ Electronic Warfare System Against Starlink
Russia has unveiled a new electronic warfare system named Volna Kupol Garant, designed to interfere with Starlink satellite communications by targeting satellites instead of ground terminals. The system represents a new approach to space-based electronic warfare.
Key Highlights
- Uses high-frequency narrow-beam radio transmissions.
- Targets Starlink satellites directly rather than user terminals.
- Temporarily blocks satellites from receiving signals from ground stations.
- Does not physically damage satellites.
- Intended to counter military dependence on satellite-based communication networks.
Significance
The development highlights the increasing role of space-based communications in modern warfare and demonstrates the evolution of electronic warfare technologies targeting satellite constellations.
Exercise ROTOR CLAP III
The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully concluded Exercise ROTOR CLAP III at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on 1–2 August 2026. The exercise was designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF in tackling the growing threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Bringing together several helicopter units, the exercise focused on improving coordination, precision engagement, and rapid response against hostile drones.
Background
Exercise ROTOR CLAP III is the third edition of a specialised rotary-wing military exercise aimed at strengthening helicopter-based counter-drone operations. With drones increasingly being used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive missions, the Indian Air Force is continuously upgrading its tactics and operational readiness to effectively counter these emerging aerial threats.
Key Highlights
- Conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
- Held on 1–2 August 2026.
- Focused on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) operations.
- Included live firing of missiles and rockets to validate combat capabilities.
- Evaluated helicopter-based tactics for detecting, tracking, and neutralising drone threats.
- Improved coordination among different helicopter units during complex battlefield scenarios.
Participating Helicopter Platforms
The exercise featured a wide range of helicopters serving different operational roles, including:
- AH-64 Apache attack helicopters
- Mi-25/35 attack gunships
- HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopters
- CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
- Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters
- HAL Dhruv (ALH) Advanced Light Helicopters
These platforms demonstrated capabilities in combat support, troop transport, logistics, surveillance, and precision strike missions.
Importance of Counter-UAS Operations
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) involve technologies and operational procedures used to detect, identify, track, and neutralise hostile drones. As unmanned aerial vehicles become a major component of modern warfare, strengthening counter-drone capabilities has become a priority for armed forces worldwide. Exercises such as ROTOR CLAP III help validate operational concepts, improve battlefield coordination, and prepare forces to respond effectively to evolving aerial threats.
Significance
Exercise ROTOR CLAP III highlights the Indian Air Force’s commitment to enhancing its combat readiness and adapting to modern warfare challenges. By integrating advanced helicopter platforms with specialised counter-drone tactics, the exercise strengthens India’s air defence capabilities and improves the effectiveness of rotary-wing operations in future conflicts.
Key Facts for Exams
- Exercise: ROTOR CLAP III
- Conducted By: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Venue: Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Dates: 1–2 August 2026
- Theme: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS)
- Major Helicopters: AH-64 Apache, Mi-25/35, HAL Prachand, Chinook, Mi-17, HAL Dhruv
- Objective: Enhance helicopter-based capabilities to detect, track, and neutralise drone threats.
Review Questions
- Who assumed charge as the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) of the
Indian Navy on 3 August 2026?
A) Vice Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi
B) Vice Admiral Sanjay J. Singh
C) Vice Admiral Manish Chadha
D) Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Answer: C) Vice Admiral Manish Chadha
Explanation: Vice Admiral Manish Chadha assumed charge as the Director General
Naval Operations (DGNO) on 3 August 2026. He is a Communication and Electronic
Warfare Specialist and a former Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy. - AFHQ Civilian Services Day is observed every year on:
A) 15 January
B) 26 January
C) 3 August
D) 1 August
Answer: D) 1 August
Explanation: AFHQ Civilian Services Day is celebrated annually on 1 August to
recognise the contribution of civilian personnel serving alongside the Armed Forces
in defence establishments. - Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU with Esri India primarily to
collaborate in which field?
A) Missile manufacturing
B) Naval shipbuilding
C) GIS, Location Intelligence and GeoAI for defence projects
D) Space launch technology
Answer: C) GIS, Location Intelligence and GeoAI for defence projects
Explanation: BEL and Esri India signed an MoU to jointly develop defence solutions
using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Location Intelligence, and GeoAI
technologies. - The SH-15 self-propelled artillery gun deployed by Pakistan is manufactured by:
A) Rostec
B) Bharat Forge
C) BAE Systems
D) Norinco Corporation
Answer: D) Norinco Corporation
Explanation: The 155 mm, 52-calibre SH-15 (PCL-181) artillery system is
manufactured by China’s Norinco Corporation and has been inducted into Pakistan’s
artillery forces. - Russia’s newly unveiled ‘Volna Kupol Garant’ system is designed to:
A) Destroy enemy fighter aircraft
B) Intercept ballistic missiles
C) Disrupt Starlink satellite communications through electronic warfare
D) Detect underwater submarines
Answer: C) Disrupt Starlink satellite communications through electronic warfare
Explanation: The Volna Kupol Garant system uses narrow-beam high-frequency radio
transmissions to interfere with Starlink satellites, temporarily preventing them from
serving ground terminals. - Before becoming the Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), Vice Admiral
Manish Chadha served as the:
A) Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet
B) Chief of Personnel
C) Commandant, Indian Naval Academy
D) Vice Chief of the Naval Staff
Answer: C) Commandant, Indian Naval Academy
Explanation: Prior to his appointment as DGNO, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha served
as the Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy, where he was responsible for
developing future naval leaders. - Exercise ROTOR CLAP III, conducted by the Indian Air Force, primarily focused on:
A) Maritime Anti-Submarine Warfare
B) High-Altitude Logistics Operations
C) Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) Operations
D) Air-to-Air Refuelling Operations
Answer: C) Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (Counter-UAS) Operations
Explanation: Exercise ROTOR CLAP III was conducted to enhance the Indian Air
Force’s capability to detect, track, and neutralise unmanned aerial threats (drones)
using rotary-wing platforms. - Which of the following helicopters participated in Exercise ROTOR CLAP III? 1. AH-64 Apache, 2. HAL Prachand, 3. CH-47 Chinook, 4. HAL Tejas
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Exercise ROTOR CLAP III featured AH-64 Apache, Mi-25/35, HAL
Prachand, Chinook, Mi-17, and HAL Dhruv helicopters. HAL Tejas is a fighter aircraft
and did not participate in this rotary-wing exercise. - IRST Stands For
A. Infra-Red Search and Terrorist System
B. Infra-Red Search and Tokyo System
C. Infra-Red Search and Track System
D. None
ANSWER: C - India Sold Brahmos Missile To
A. Philippines
B. Vietnam
C. Thailand
D. Japan
ANSWER: A - Agni-V Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. IRBM
D. ICBM
ANSWER: D - Which is Not Correctly Matched:
A. IAF Day: 8 Oct
B. Indian Navy Day: 4 Dec
C. Indian Coast Guard: 26 Jan
D. BSF Day: 1 Dec
ANSWER: C - “Sarvatra” (Everywhere) Is the Motto Of
A. JKRIF
B. RR
C. CORPS OF ENGINEERS
D. Madras Regiment
ANSWER: C - IAF Was Formed On
A. 8 October 1932
B. 8 October 1922
C. 8 October 1942
D. 8 October 1952
ANSWER: A - SLBM Stands For
A. Submarine-launched Ballistic Misery
B. Submarine-launched Ballistic Missile
C. Submarine-launched Ballet Missile
D. Solar-launched Ballistic Missile
ANSWER: B - Lima Is the Capital Of
A. Poland
B. Qatar
C. UAE
D. Peru
ANSWER: D - “The Epic Battle of Longewala” Book Written By
A. Arun Kumar
B. Ashish Ghatak
C. Ramesh Kandula
D. Air Marshal Retd Bharat Kumar
ANSWER: D - Joint Exercises B/w The India and UK Is Called:
A. Yama
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Konkan Shakti
ANSWER: D - Where Is the Hq of The Southwestern Command of The Indian Army?
A. Jaipur
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Pune
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A - Merkava Mk.4 Is the Tank Of
A. Germany
B. Israel
C. USA
D. India
ANSWER: B
ALSO READ:
- Latest Daily Current Affairs and Defence Updates
- Latest Daily Current Affairs July 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs June 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs May 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs April 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs March 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs February 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs January 2026[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs November 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs October 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs August 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
- Latest Daily Current Affairs July 2025[DOWNLOAD PDF]
