In Defence Current Affairs for 09 September 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 September 2026
IAF Dronathon 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is organising Dronathon-2026, an initiative aimed at providing Indian defence manufacturers, start-ups and innovators with a platform to showcase their capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS).
The event is designed to bring industry and defence stakeholders together to observe emerging drone and counter-drone technologies through static displays as well as live operational demonstrations.
Venue and Dates
Dronathon-2026 is scheduled to be conducted at the Pokhran Range in Jaisalmer from 14 to 16 September 2026.
The demonstrations will enable the IAF and other stakeholders to examine contemporary technological solutions and assess their potential combat effectiveness.
Major Areas of Focus
The event will particularly focus on emerging capabilities such as:
- Surveillance and reconnaissance
- Autonomous operations
- Swarm technologies
- Electronic warfare
- Counter-drone technologies
Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
Dronathon-2026 is aligned with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and seeks to strengthen India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.
By bringing together established defence companies, start-ups, industry experts and innovators, the initiative can facilitate technological exchange and encourage the development of locally designed solutions.
Significance
The growing use of drones in modern warfare has increased the importance of both unmanned systems and technologies capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones.
Through initiatives such as Dronathon-2026, the IAF aims to build a technologically advanced, indigenous and future-ready force capable of responding to evolving security challenges.
Quick Revision
- Event: IAF Dronathon-2026
- Organiser: Indian Air Force
- Venue: Pokhran Range, Jaisalmer
- Dates: 14–16 September 2026
- Focus: UAS and CUAS
- Key technologies: Surveillance, autonomy, swarms and electronic warfare
- Core vision: Atmanirbhar Bharat
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) are set to conduct the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The exercise is scheduled from 9 September to 22 September 2026 and will provide both air forces an opportunity to enhance operational coordination and exchange professional expertise.
Aircraft Participating
The Indian Air Force will participate with a combination of frontline combat aircraft, including:
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
- Su-30MKI
- Rafale
The JASDF will participate with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
Training and Professional Interaction
During the 14-day exercise, personnel from both air forces will undertake advanced operational missions while participating in extensive professional exchanges.
The programme includes:
- Mission-planning conferences
- Subject-matter expert exchanges
- Engineering-related interactions
- Aerospace safety discussions
- Professional exchanges between air warriors
These activities are intended to improve operational understanding and develop greater synergy between the two air forces.
Strategic Importance
Veer Guardian-2026 reflects the strengthening India-Japan strategic partnership. Beyond flying and combat training, the exercise promotes professional interaction, tactical proficiency and greater understanding of aerospace operations.
The exercise therefore contributes to the longstanding defence and strategic cooperation between India and Japan.
Quick Revision
- Exercise: Veer Guardian-2026
- Participants: IAF and JASDF
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Dates: 9–22 September 2026
- IAF aircraft: LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale
- JASDF aircraft: F-2A
- Duration: 14 days
- Objective: Operational synergy and professional cooperation
Chief of Naval Staff to Visit Australia and New Zealand
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), is undertaking an official visit to Australia and New Zealand beginning 9 September 2026.
The visit is aimed at further strengthening India’s maritime and defence cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).
India-Australia Defence Cooperation
The visit to Australia comes amid increasing momentum in bilateral relations. It follows the Third India-Australia Annual Summit held in July 2026 and the Second India-Australia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue held in June 2026.
India and Australia have been expanding cooperation in areas including defence, maritime security and regional cooperation.
Engagements with Australian Defence Leadership
During his visit, the CNS will hold discussions with senior leadership of the Royal Australian Navy and engage with senior Australian defence officials.
The discussions will provide an opportunity to review existing naval cooperation and identify new avenues for:
- Operational interaction
- Interoperability
- Information sharing
- Training
- Professional exchanges
The CNS will also visit important operational and training establishments and interact with RAN personnel.
Emerging Technologies and Maritime Capabilities
The engagements are expected to cover areas such as maritime capabilities, emerging technologies and professional military education.
This reflects the expanding nature of naval cooperation between India and Australia.
Importance for the Indo-Pacific
The visit also highlights India’s growing maritime engagement with Australia and New Zealand.
Regular professional and operational interaction between the navies can contribute to stronger maritime cooperation and support broader efforts towards peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quick Revision
- CNS: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
- Countries visited: Australia and New Zealand
- Visit begins: 9 September 2026
- Australian Navy: Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
- New Zealand Navy: Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN)
- Focus: Maritime security, interoperability, information sharing and training
- Region: Indo-Pacific
Tata Advanced Systems Emerges as L1 Bidder for ₹20,000-Crore Project Zorawar
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the defence ministry’s competition to develop a next-generation light battle tank under Project Zorawar.
The project is valued at approximately ₹20,000 crore and is aimed at strengthening India’s armoured capabilities for challenging operational environments.
Three-Year Evaluation
The Ministry of Defence selected TASL after a detailed evaluation of the technical and commercial bids submitted by five competing entities over a period of around three years.
Although TASL had emerged as the lowest bidder earlier, the formal production order was delayed after another competitor raised objections concerning the selection process.
Following a review by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Defence, the objections were dismissed, allowing the programme to move forward.
Make-I Framework
The Armoured Fighting Vehicle–Indian Light Tank (AFV-ILT) programme is being implemented under the Ministry of Defence’s Make-I acquisition category.
The Make-I framework is intended to encourage indigenous defence development by providing 70% government funding for the design and development stages of major projects.
As the L1 bidder, TASL is required to develop and demonstrate two operational tank prototypes within 130 weeks.
Mahindra Defence Systems, which emerged as the second-lowest bidder (L2), will also be invited to develop a prototype. This approach is intended to maintain competition and support a resilient domestic supply chain.
Why Project Zorawar?
Project Zorawar is named after the renowned 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh Kahlon, who is associated with military campaigns in Ladakh.
The project addresses the limitations of heavy main battle tanks such as the T-72 and T-90 in difficult high-altitude environments, where restricted mobility and low oxygen levels create additional operational challenges.
The proposed light tank is designed primarily for high-altitude warfare in the Himalayas, while also being suitable for desert and marshy terrain.
Expected Capabilities
The proposed platform is expected to have a weight of approximately 25 tonnes, supporting better mobility through restricted mountain routes and facilitating air transport.
Its expected technology package includes:
- Indigenous turret technology
- Artificial intelligence-enabled capabilities
- Active protection systems
- Integration with tactical surveillance drones
- Loitering munitions for extended hunter-killer capability
Strategic Significance
Project Zorawar represents an important effort to develop a lighter and more mobile armoured platform suited to India’s diverse operational environments.
The programme also supports the broader objective of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance.
Quick Revision
- Project: Zorawar
- Programme: AFV-ILT
- L1 bidder: Tata Advanced Systems Limited
- Approximate project value: ₹20,000 crore
- Competing entities: 5
- Make category: Make-I
- Government funding: 70%
- Prototype deadline: 130 weeks
- L2 bidder: Mahindra Defence Systems
- Expected weight: Approximately 25 tonnes
- Primary operational environment: High-altitude warfare
Astrogate Labs to Develop India’s Indigenous Optical Inter-Satellite Link
Bengaluru-based deep-tech company Astrogate Labs is developing an indigenous Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) terminal, marking a significant step towards advanced optical communication capabilities for India’s space sector.
The company has targeted 2027 for flight readiness of the new system.
Announcement at Bangalore Space Expo 2026
The capability was unveiled at the Bangalore Space Expo 2026, where Astrogate Labs also demonstrated AstroLink Micro, a laser communication terminal capable of supporting data rates of up to 10 Gbps.
The development represents a move from conventional satellite-to-ground optical communication towards satellite-to-satellite connectivity.
Experience with ISRO
Astrogate Labs has previously supplied space-to-ground laser communication terminals to ISRO.
According to the supplied material, the company’s space-to-ground terminals have achieved Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL-8), indicating that the technology has reached an advanced stage of flight qualification.
The company has also carried out cross-compatibility testing with the TeraNet mobile optical ground station of the University of Western Australia, demonstrating interoperability with international infrastructure.
Why Optical Inter-Satellite Links Matter
Optical communication uses laser technology to transmit large volumes of data between space-based platforms.
An inter-satellite optical link can enable satellites to communicate directly with one another, potentially supporting faster and more efficient data transfer across orbital networks.
The development of an indigenous OISL capability could therefore contribute to India’s ability to build and operate sophisticated space-based communication networks.
Global Context
The supplied material notes that SpaceX has already demonstrated optical inter-satellite networking at large scale through its Starlink constellation, with its 2025 progress report citing more than 13,000 bidirectional laser links operating as an optical mesh in orbit.
Astrogate Labs aims to develop and indigenise similar capabilities for India’s space ecosystem.
Significance for India
The development of indigenous optical inter-satellite technology can strengthen India’s capabilities in high-speed space communications, reduce dependence on foreign technologies and support the evolution of advanced orbital networks.
Quick Revision
- Company: Astrogate Labs
- Location: Bengaluru
- Technology: Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL)
- Target flight readiness: 2027
- Demonstrated terminal: AstroLink Micro
- Data rate: 10 Gbps
- Previous capability: Space-to-ground laser communication
- ISRO connection: Supplied space-to-ground laser communication terminals
- Technology readiness: TRL-8 for its space-to-ground terminals
Review Questions
- Where is IAF Dronathon-2026 scheduled to be held?
A. Pokhran Range, Jaisalmer
B. Air Force Station Jodhpur
C. Deolali Range, Maharashtra
D. Chandipur, Odisha
Answer: A. Pokhran Range, Jaisalmer - Which of the following is a major focus area of Dronathon-2026?
A. Nuclear propulsion
B. Swarm technologies
C. Underwater warfare
D. Aircraft carrier operations
Answer: B. Swarm technologies - Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 is being conducted between the Indian Air Force and
which country’s air force?
A. France
B. Australia
C. Japan
D. South Korea
Answer: C. Japan - Which fighter aircraft is being deployed by the Japan Air Self-Defence Force
(JASDF) in Exercise Veer Guardian-2026?
A. F-15J
B. F-2A
C. F-35A
D. F-16
Answer: B. F-2A - Under which acquisition category is the AFV-Indian Light Tank programme being
executed?
A. Make-II
B. Buy (Global)
C. Make-I
D. Buy & Make
Answer: C. Make-I - What is the approximate expected weight of the light tank being developed under
Project Zorawar?
A. 15 tonnes
B. 20 tonnes
C. 25 tonnes
D. 35 tonnes
Answer: C. 25 tonnes - Astrogate Labs is developing an indigenous terminal for which technology?
A. Optical Inter-Satellite Link
B. Quantum Radar
C. Satellite Navigation
D. Synthetic Aperture Radar
Answer: A. Optical Inter-Satellite Link - What is the targeted flight-readiness year for Astrogate Labs’ indigenous Optical
Inter-Satellite Link terminal?
A. 2026
B. 2027
C. 2028
D. 2030
Answer: B. 2027 - Cho La Incident Was Done In
A. 1967
B. 1988
C. 1998
D. 1980
ANSWER: A - VL-SRSAM Is A Quick Reaction Surface-to-air Missile Developed By
A. NASA
B. BEL
C. DRDO
D. ISRO
ANSWER: C - Wartime Gallantry Award Is/Are
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Maha Vir Chakra
C. Vir Chakra
D. All of the above
ANSWER: D - WNC Hq Is In
A. Mumbai
B. Kochi
C. Chennai
D. Panaji
ANSWER: A - Mitra Shakti Ex Held B/w India &
A. Sri Lanka
B. USA
C. UK
D. Nepal
ANSWER: A - SLNS Sayurala Is A Ship Of
A. Oman
B. Qatar
C. Sri Lanka
D. Maldives
ANSWER: C - “The Blue Book: A Writer’s Journal” Book Is Written By
A. Amitava Kumar
B. Vikas Kumar Jha
C. Usha Uthup
D. Richa Mishra
ANSWER: A - CONAKRY Is The Capital Of
A. GUINEA
B. GUATEMALA
C. GRENADA
D. GREECE
ANSWER: A - IRBM Stands For
A. Intermediate Resource Ballistic Missile
B. Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
C. Intermediate Range of Ballistic Missile
D. Intermediated Range Ballistic Missile
ANSWER: B - BEL HQ Is In
A. Bengaluru
B. Noida
C. New Delhi
D. Chennai
ANSWER: A - Major Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of The Indian Navy?
A. Captain
B. Inspector
C. Lt Commander
D. Vice-admiral
ANSWER: C - War Cry of ASSAM REGIMENT
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Rhino Charge
C. Jai Bajrangbali
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: B
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