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Defence Current Affairs 08 January 2026

In Current Affairs for 08 January 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 08 January 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 08 January 2026

Indian Armed Forces Accelerate Modernisation Across Air, Land and Sea

India’s armed forces are undergoing a rapid transformation to address emerging threats and future warfare requirements. From unmanned combat formations and advanced missiles to naval expansion and indigenous upgrades, recent developments highlight a decisive shift towards technology-driven military strength.

Indian Army to Raise Shaktibaan Regiments for Drone Warfare

In a significant move to strengthen unmanned combat capabilities, the Indian Army is in the process of raising 15 to 20 specialised “Shaktibaan” regiments dedicated to drone-based warfare. These new formations will be equipped with swarm drones, loitering munitions, and long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of engaging targets ranging from 5 kilometres to nearly 500 kilometres.

These regiments will function under the Regiment of Artillery, with some initial units already operational. The restructuring plan, conceptualised under the leadership of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, reflects the Army’s transition towards modern, network-centric warfare.

For long-range precision strikes beyond 400 kilometres, the Artillery already operates BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and is inducting extended-range Pinaka rocket systems with a reach of 120 kilometres.

To equip the first Shaktibaan regiment, the Army is preparing to issue a fast-track procurement tender for around 850 loitering munitions, along with associated launch systems. The estimated project cost is about ₹2,000 crore, with Indian defence firms such as Solar Defence and Aerospace, AdDefence, and RapheM expected to compete.

Additionally, the Artillery will also raise 35–40 “Divyastra” drone batteries, integrated within artillery divisions, to deliver lethal precision strikes using multiple drone types. Loitering munitions like Nagastra, SkyStriker, Harpy, and Harop have already demonstrated their effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, where enemy infrastructure and bases were successfully neutralised.

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Indian Navy to Commission a Record 19 Warships in 2026

The year 2026 is set to become historic for the Indian Navy, with plans to commission 19 warships in a single year, the highest induction ever achieved. This milestone reflects the rapid growth of India’s indigenous shipbuilding ecosystem and its ambition to emerge as a formidable blue-water navy.

Among the most prominent additions will be the Nilgiri-class stealth frigates, displacing approximately 7,400 tonnes. These warships incorporate advanced stealth design, reduced radar signatures, and integrated sensors, significantly improving survivability in contested maritime environments. Their induction will substantially enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface combat capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

These inductions also align with the Navy’s long-term objective of operating around 200 warships by 2035, including three indigenous aircraft carriers and six nuclear-powered submarines. Projects such as Project 75I for next-generation submarines and Next Generation Missile Vessels will further drive force expansion. The entry of private players, including Adani’s proposed shipyard at Kochi, is expected to diversify and strengthen shipbuilding capacity.

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L&T Secures Indian Army Contract to Upgrade Pinaka Rocket Systems

Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has received a key order from the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army for the upgrade, overhaul, and obsolescence management of the indigenous Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launcher System.

The project focuses on replacing outdated components, modernising critical subsystems, and providing long-term technical assistance to Army Base Workshops. This collaboration marks a major step in strengthening life-cycle support for Made-in-India artillery systems through a robust public-private partnership model.

Initially, L&T will carry out a pilot overhaul of the Pinaka launcher and Battery Command Post in partnership with 510 Army Base Workshop (ABW). Once the pilot phase is completed successfully, further upgrades will be undertaken by 510 ABW, with L&T continuing to supply key spares, technical expertise, and quality supervision.

image 120

Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron to Deploy to Southeast Asia

The Indian Navy is preparing to deploy its First Training Squadron (1TS) on a long-range training mission to Southeast Asia, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation and regional engagement.

The deployment will include INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, along with the Indian Coast Guard ship Sarathi. This mission forms part of the training programme for officers undergoing the 110th Integrated Officers’ Training Course (IOTC).

Beyond professional training, the Long Range Training Deployment (LRTD) aims to promote maritime diplomacy, goodwill, and collaborative security efforts with partner nations in the region, reflecting India’s cooperative approach to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.

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DRDO Cleared to Develop BM-04 Short-Range Ballistic Missile

India’s missile capabilities are set to expand further with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) receiving approval to develop the BM-04 short-range ballistic missile (SRBM). Following the grant of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), the programme is expected to move swiftly towards development and testing.

The BM-04 fills a critical gap between existing systems. While Pinaka rockets serve tactical roles up to 90 kilometres and Agni missiles cater to long-range strategic deterrence, the BM-04 will provide precision strike capability in the 400 to 1,500 kilometre range.

Designed for conventional precision warfare, the missile can neutralise high-value targets such as command centres, airbases, and logistics hubs without resorting to nuclear payloads, thereby reinforcing India’s graduated response and conventional deterrence doctrine.

Technically, the BM-04 weighs around 11.5 tonnes, measures 10.2 metres in length, and carries a 500-kg conventional warhead. Powered by a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, it offers rapid launch readiness and mobility. Advanced guidance using inertial navigation, GPS, and NavIC ensures resistance to electronic jamming, with a CEP of under 30 metres. Control fins and aerodynamic surfaces allow mid-course manoeuvring to evade enemy air defences.

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Conclusion

These developments collectively underline India’s focused push towards self-reliance, technological superiority, and joint-force integration. Whether through unmanned combat units, naval expansion, missile innovation, or indigenous system upgrades, the Indian Armed Forces are steadily evolving to meet the demands of future conflicts.

Review Questions

  1. The primary role of the Shaktibaan Regiments being raised by the Indian Army
    is to:
    A. Operate nuclear-capable ballistic missiles
    B. Conduct armoured warfare operations
    C. Carry out unmanned and drone-based combat missions
    D. Provide air defence cover to infantry units
    ANSWER: C
  2. Which of the following weapon systems is already used by the Indian Army for
    long-range strikes beyond 400 km?
    A. Pralay missile
    B. BrahMos cruise missile
    C. Akash surface-to-air missile
    D. Nagastra loitering munition
    ANSWER: B
  3. The commissioning of 19 warships by the Indian Navy in 2026 is significant
    because it:
    A. Marks the first induction of nuclear submarines
    B. Represents the largest single-year naval induction in India’s history
    C. Completes Project 75I submarine programme
    D. Signals the retirement of older destroyers
    ANSWER: B
  4. The BM-04 ballistic missile is best described as:
    A. An intercontinental nuclear missile
    B. A tactical rocket system with 90 km range
    C. A conventional precision-strike missile with 400–1,500 km range
    D. An air-launched cruise missile
    ANSWER: C
  5. Larsen & Toubro’s contract with the Indian Army primarily focuses on:
    A. Manufacturing new Pinaka rocket launchers
    B. Exporting Pinaka systems to foreign countries
    C. Overhauling and upgrading existing Pinaka launcher systems
    D. Integrating Pinaka with BrahMos units
    ANSWER: C
  6. Madagascar Is Located In
    A. Indian Ocean
    B. Arabian Sea
    C. South China Sea
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: A
  7. World Report on Health of Refugee and Migrants is released by which of the
    following organisation?
    A. World Economic Forum
    B. United Nations Human Rights Commission
    C. World Bank
    D. World Health Organisation
    ANSWER: D
  8. Who is known as India’s missile woman?
    A. Dr. Aditi Pant
    B. Dr. Indira Hinduja
    C. Dr. Tessy Thomas
    D. Koneru Humpy
    ANSWER: C
  9. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the
    ‘Ten Degree Channel’?
    A. Andaman and Nicobar
    B. Nicobar and Sumatra
    C. Maldives and Lakshadweep
    D. Sumatra and Java
    ANSWER: A
  10. SEPECAT Jaguar Is A
    A. Fighter Jet
    B. Ship
    C. Tank
    D. None
    ANSWER: A
  11. Transport Aircraft of IAF Is
    A. C-17 Globemaster
    B. Tejas
    C. Apache
    D. Illyushin 78
    ANSWER: A
  12. War Cry Of RAJPUTANA RIFLES Is
    A. Garud ka hun bol pyare
    B. Everywhere
    C. Raja Ramachandra ki jai
    D. Charge and Attack
    ANSWER: C
  13. Joint Exercises B/w The India And USA Is Called:
    A. Surya Kiran
    B. Vajra Prahar
    C. Yudha Abhyas
    D. Both B & C
    ANSWER: D
  14. LEMOA Stands For
    A. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
    B. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Appeal
    C. Logistics Extra Memorandum of Agreement
    D. All are correct.
    ANSWER: A
  15. Captain Rank of Indian Navy Equivalent to Which rank of IAF?
    A. Flying Officer
    B. Flight Lieutenant
    C. Group Captain
    D. None
    ANSWER: C
  16. Heron TP Drone Is Made By
    A. Brazil
    B. India
    C. Israel
    D. USA
    ANSWER: C
  17. Kampala Is The Capital Of
    A. Uganda
    B. Qatar
    C. UAE
    D. Tuvalu
    ANSWER: A
  18. “The Battle of Belonging” Book Is Written By
    A. Shashi Tharoor
    B. Sitaram Yechuri
    C. Hew Strachan
    D. APJ Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: A
  19. Joint Exercises B/w The India And Oman Is Called:
    A. Yama
    B. SLINEX
    C. Indra
    D. AL NAGAH
    ANSWER: D
  20. “Naam Namak Nishaan” Is The Motto Of
    A. THE GRENADIERS
    B. Rajputana Rifles
    C. Gorkha
    D. None
    ANSWER: A
DCA 08 January 2026Download

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Divyanshu Pandey

Senior Lecturer General Studies, SSBCrackExams, Cleared CDS 4 times, NDA 2 times, Ex- N.C.C. cadet, SSB Expert. Passionate Teacher, Trained defence aspirants for their SSB Interview, BSc in PCM expertise in Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs and Defence affairs. Writing Article and Travelling solo.

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