Defence Current Affairs 09 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 09 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
March 9, 2026

In Current Affairs for 09 March 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 09 March 2026

India’s Crystal Maze-2 (ROCKS) Missile

India has made significant progress in advanced missile technology with the induction of Crystal Maze-2, an upgraded long-range precision strike missile. Also known operationally as ROCKS, this missile has an extended strike range of nearly 250 km (160 miles), allowing aircraft to hit high-value targets from a safe distance.

The system is inspired by advanced Israeli missile technology developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missile concept evolved from Israel’s Blue Sparrow system, which was initially designed as a target missile for testing the Arrow Missile Defense System. Over time, this technology was modified into a powerful air-launched weapon capable of conducting high-precision strikes.

Weighing around 1,900 kg, the missile retains the original booster, propulsion system, and airframe used in the Blue Sparrow platform. In its combat configuration, the missile can strike deeply buried or fortified targets, even in situations where GPS signals are unavailable or jammed. This makes it particularly useful for targeting underground bunkers, command centers, and critical military infrastructure.

India’s version, Crystal Maze-2, strengthens the country’s capability to conduct stand-off precision strikes, enhancing its strategic deterrence and operational flexibility.

Iran Claims Drone Strike on U.S. Base in the UAE

Iranian state media has claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out a drone attack on Al Dhafra Air Base, a major American military installation in the Gulf region.

According to reports from the Iranian news outlet Tasnim News Agency, the alleged strike targeted satellite communication systems and early-warning radar infrastructure used by United States forces stationed at the base.

Al Dhafra Air Base is a key hub for American military operations in the Middle East. The facility hosts advanced aircraft, intelligence systems, and surveillance platforms that support missions across the Gulf region. It also plays an important role in coalition operations and logistical support.

The reported attack comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States following several confrontations involving U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria. Analysts believe the incident reflects the growing role of drones in modern warfare, particularly by Iran, which has invested heavily in unmanned aerial systems.

Such developments highlight the vulnerability of even heavily protected bases and raise concerns about a possible escalation of conflict in the Gulf region.

Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader

Iranian state television has announced that Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

The decision was reportedly made by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s Supreme Leader. The assembly stated that Mojtaba Khamenei received strong support during the voting process and called on citizens to unite behind the new leadership.

Mojtaba Khamenei had long been viewed as a possible successor, despite never holding a formal government office. Known for maintaining a low public profile, the 56-year-old cleric now becomes the highest authority in Iran’s political and religious system.

As Supreme Leader, he will act as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, oversee the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and wield significant influence over Iran’s nuclear program and national policies.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran has entered its tenth day, with missile exchanges continuing across the region. The intensifying conflict has triggered economic concerns worldwide, pushing global oil prices above $100 per barrel and causing declines in several Asian stock markets.

Solar Group Invests $1.4 Billion in Deep-Tech Defence Manufacturing

India’s defence manufacturing sector received a major boost as the Solar Industries India Limited (SDAL) announced a $1.4 billion investment in deep-technology defence manufacturing.

The project will establish a large robotics and UAV manufacturing ecosystem at the MIHAN Special Economic Zone. According to company chairman Satyanarayan Nuwal, the investment is aimed at strengthening India’s defence capabilities by integrating advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation.

The facility is expected to produce:

10,000 military drones annually
1,000 defence robots every year

The first prototype robot is expected to be ready within one year. The manufacturing ecosystem will operate as an AI-powered Industry 5.0 facility, combining robotics, automation, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

This initiative reflects India’s increasing focus on indigenous defence production and advanced military technologies.

Kerala Firm Supplies ‘Peregrine’ Drones to the Indian Army

A Kerala-based defence technology company, Axl Drone, has supplied 30 indigenously developed drones to the Indian Army, marking an important step in India’s push for domestic defence manufacturing.

The drones, named “Axl Peregrine”, are inspired by the Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird in the world. These UAVs are designed specifically for military surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The drones were formally handed over at the company’s research and development centre located in KINFRA Park.

Key features of the Peregrine UAV include:

Top speed: 54 km/h
Flight endurance: 45 minutes
Hover capability: Up to 50 minutes
Camera system: 4K infrared thermal imaging
Optical zoom: Up to 6×

These advanced capabilities enable the drones to capture high-resolution images even in low-light or difficult weather conditions, making them highly effective for border surveillance, intelligence gathering, and battlefield monitoring.

The development and delivery of these drones highlight the growing role of Indian startups and regional technology firms in strengthening the country’s defence ecosystem.

Review Questions

Crystal Maze-2 (ROCKS) missile used by India is primarily designed for:
(a) Anti-submarine warfare
(b) Precision strikes on deeply buried targets
(c) Air-to-air combat operations
(d) Coastal surveillance
Answer: (b) Precision strikes on deeply buried targets
Crystal Maze-2 missile technology is associated with which defence company?
(a) Lockheed Martin
(b) Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
(c) Northrop Grumman
(d) BAE Systems
Answer: (b) Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Iran reportedly claimed a drone strike on which U.S. military base in the UAE?
(a) Al Udeid Air Base
(b) Al Dhafra Air Base
(c) Incirlik Air Base
(d) Prince Sultan Air Base
Answer: (b) Al Dhafra Air Base
The Indian company planning a $1.4 billion investment in deep-tech defence
manufacturing at MIHAN SEZ is:
(a) Tata Advanced Systems
(b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(c) Solar Industries India Limited
(d) Bharat Electronics Limited
Answer: (c) Solar Industries India Limited
The indigenous ‘Peregrine’ drones supplied to the Indian Army were developed by
which company?
(a) ideaForge
(b) Axl Drone
(c) Paras Defence
(d) Garuda Aerospace
Answer: (b) Axl Drone
Chairman Of The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) Is
A. PM
B. NSA
C. CDS
D. Home Minister
ANSWER: A
CBI Hq Is In
A. New Delhi
B. Mumbai
C. Hyderabad
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A
__ Is The Largest Defense Contractors in the World.
A. Lockheed Martin
B. Boeing
C. Raytheon Technologies
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
“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
ANSWER: D
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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

DCA 09 March 2026 Download

ALSO READ:

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.

Defence Current Affairs 21 February 2026

Defence Current Affairs 23 January 2026

Defence Current Affairs 15 January 2026

Defence Current Affairs 10 January 2026

India and Germany Near Historic $8 Billion Submarine Deal

Defence Current Affairs 09 January 2026