Defence Current Affairs 10 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 10 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 10 February 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 10 February 2026

IIT Madras and BEL Unveil Indigenous 80 mm Helicopter Rocket

India has taken a major step forward in indigenous defence technology with the successful development of an 80 mm rocket system by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Designed specifically for deployment from helicopters, this new rocket significantly strengthens India’s aerial strike capabilities.

The rocket has an operational range of nearly 10–12 kilometres, making it suitable for precision strikes while maintaining safe stand-off distances. Developed at IIT Madras’ Sudha Murty Centre for Electronic Systems and Instrumentation, the project draws on advanced research in aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and high-strength materials. Although classified as an unguided munition, the rocket demonstrates exceptional accuracy, reflecting improvements in design and stabilization technologies.

BEL played a crucial role in scaling up production and integrating the system with existing helicopter platforms. Indigenous helicopters such as the HAL Dhruv and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand are expected to be key beneficiaries. The 80 mm calibre allows multiple rockets to be fired in salvos without affecting flight stability. Performance trials conducted at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga confirmed sub-10-metre impact accuracy under simulated battlefield conditions. The project aligns strongly with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by reducing dependence on imported munitions.

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Project KUSHA Achieves Progress With M1 Interceptor Trials

India’s ambition to build a robust, long-range air defence shield received a boost with positive developments under Project KUSHA, a DRDO-led initiative. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh recently acknowledged that early trials under the programme have delivered encouraging outcomes, marking a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.

Project KUSHA aims to develop a multi-layered long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system capable of countering diverse aerial threats, potentially rivaling advanced foreign systems such as Russia’s S-400. The architecture of the system includes three interceptor variants. The M1 interceptor is designed for targets up to 150 km away, the M2 extends coverage to around 250 km, and the M3 variant provides long-range protection up to approximately 350 km.

These interceptors are intended to neutralize fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and high-speed manoeuvring threats. Together, they will form a layered air defence network capable of protecting vital national assets and airspace. The progress of Project KUSHA highlights India’s strategic shift toward self-reliant defence solutions.

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Russia Commissions Nuclear Submarine Khabarovsk

Russia has launched its latest nuclear-powered submarine, Khabarovsk, further strengthening its undersea strategic capabilities. Built under Project 09851, the submarine is designed to deploy the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone, an autonomous system capable of carrying nuclear warheads over intercontinental distances.

The launch took place at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk and reflects Moscow’s continued focus on modernising its naval deterrence forces. The Poseidon drone, also referred to as Status-6, is powered by a compact nuclear reactor, enabling it to travel at very high speeds and dive to extreme depths, making interception extremely difficult.

Khabarovsk reportedly displaces close to 20,000 tonnes when submerged and is equipped with advanced stealth and acoustic-reduction technologies. Its reinforced hull allows deep-sea operations, positioning it among the most advanced submarines in Russia’s fleet and adding complexity to global strategic stability calculations.

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GRSE and HSL Partner for Major Shipbuilding Programme

India’s public sector shipbuilders Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) have entered into a strategic agreement to jointly undertake a large-scale national shipbuilding programme. The consortium aims to build advanced maritime platforms to enhance India’s naval and maritime infrastructure.

Officials noted that the collaboration will combine the technical expertise and production capacities of both shipyards. The initiative is expected to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, promote technology development, and support long-term operational readiness of the Indian maritime sector. The agreement also supports the broader national goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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India–Seychelles Joint Vision Strengthens Strategic Partnership

India and Seychelles have reaffirmed their close and people-centric partnership during the State Visit of Seychelles President Dr. Patrick Herminie to India from 5–10 February 2026. The visit coincides with two historic milestones: 50 years of Seychelles’ independence and five decades of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of cooperation in ensuring peace and stability in the Western Indian Ocean Region. Seychelles was reaffirmed as a key partner in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on mutual security and growth across regions. Emphasis was placed on strengthening people-to-people ties and cooperation in development, healthcare, and security.

India announced a Special Economic Package worth USD 175 million for Seychelles, comprising a rupee-denominated Line of Credit of USD 125 million and grant assistance of USD 50 million. The package will support development projects, capacity building, maritime security, and training initiatives.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in public health, mental health training, cybersecurity, financial intelligence, MSME promotion, and customised training programmes for Seychellois civil servants through Indian institutions. The agreements underline a shared commitment to inclusive growth and regional stability.

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Review Questions

Q1. The 80 mm helicopter-launched rocket system was jointly developed by which institutions?
A. DRDO and HAL
B. IIT Bombay and BDL
C. IIT Madras and Bharat Electronics Limited
D. ISRO and BEL

Answer: C


Q2. The newly developed 80 mm rocket has an operational range of approximately:
A. 3–5 km
B. 6–8 km
C. 10–12 km
D. 15–20 km

Answer: C


Q3. The research work on the 80 mm rocket at IIT Madras was carried out at:
A. National Aerospace Laboratories
B. Sudha Murty Centre for Electronic Systems and Instrumentation
C. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
D. Defence Research Complex

Answer: B


Q4. Which helicopters are expected to deploy the indigenous 80 mm rocket?
A. Apache and Chinook
B. Mi-17 and Kamov
C. HAL Dhruv and LCH Prachand
D. Tejas and Jaguar

Answer: C


Q5. Project KUSHA is primarily aimed at developing:
A. Ballistic missiles
B. Long-range surface-to-air missile system
C. Anti-submarine warfare platforms
D. Hypersonic cruise missiles

Answer: B


Q6. Under Project KUSHA, the interceptor with an engagement range of about 150 km is:
A. M3
B. M2
C. M1
D. LRSAM

Answer: C


Q7. Which of the following threats is Project KUSHA designed to counter?
A. Only ballistic missiles
B. Only drones
C. Aircraft, cruise missiles and manoeuvring targets
D. Naval warships

Answer: C


Q8. Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine Khabarovsk is designed to deploy which weapon system?
A. Kalibr cruise missiles
B. Zircon hypersonic missile
C. Poseidon nuclear underwater drone
D. Sarmat ICBM

Answer: C


Q9. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) partnered with which PSU for a major shipbuilding programme?
A. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
B. Cochin Shipyard Limited
C. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
D. Goa Shipyard Limited

Answer: C


Q10. India announced a Special Economic Package of USD 175 million for which country?
A. Maldives
B. Mauritius
C. Seychelles
D. Sri Lanka

Answer: C

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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.