Defence Current Affairs 10 July 2026

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

In Defence Current Affairs for 10 July 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 July 2026

India, Australia ink Defence Pacts, Fast-track Trade Deal

  • Signalling a significant deepening of bilateral ties, India and Australia on Thursday sealed a series of pacts across sectors, from defence and maritime security to energy, including one that paves the way to operationalise their 2014 Civil Nuclear Agreement that secures a stable corridor for uranium supplies to India for peaceful purposes.
  • With these pacts forming the backdrop, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described both countries as “vibrant democracies”, “multicultural societies”, and “significant ocean powers”.
  • Modi told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that they will together strengthen peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order across the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Albanese, in turn, said the two countries are focusing on deepening and diversifying their partnership. “Six years into our strategic partnership, Australia’s relationship with India has never been more consequential than it is today. Our partnership has never been stronger,” he said.
  • The strengthening of ties comes at a time when China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region has caused concern among like-minded Quad partners, while the ongoing conflict in West Asia between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has affected maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz over the past four-and-a-half months.
  • The two leaders also launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains (PACTS). The partnership targets supply chain diversification, cybersecurity, digital resilience, and joint semiconductor research.
  • A separate trilateral MoU was also signed under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) umbrella, cementing a trusted technological alliance between the three Commonwealth nations.
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Germany To Buy US Tomahawk Missiles

  • Germany has reached an agreement to buy US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and station them in the country, Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He announced the deal after returning from the two-day NATO summit in Ankara, where he said the agreement on the long-range missiles was reached earlier this week on the sidelines of the meeting.
  • Addressing the German parliament, Merz said the missiles would help fill a major gap in the country’s defence capability. “This will close an important strategic gap in our defence, and at the same time, we will work to develop our own European systems and station them in Europe,” he said.
  • The agreement with the Trump administration points to a wider export of US know-how to major European allies, whose security posture has been reshaped by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
  • On Wednesday, President Donald Trump said the US would give Ukraine a licence to make Patriot air defence systems to counter missile attacks from Russia, a step Kyiv had long sought.
  • The Tomahawk cruise missile has been part of the US military’s inventory since the 1980s. Although slow by missile standards, it flies at around 100 feet, or about 30 metres, above the ground, making it harder for defence systems to detect. It has a range of around 1,600 km and uses precision guidance, allowing it to strike targets deep inland or inside hostile territory.
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Rajnath Singh Clears Proposals Worth Over Two Lakh Crore To Augment Defence Capabilities

  • Defence Acquisition Council has cleared proposals worth two lakh 38 thousand crore rupees to augment defence capabilities. Chairing the Defence Acquisition Council meeting in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded Acceptance of Necessity for various proposals of the three Services.
  • The DAC approved 55 proposals worth six lakh 73 thousand crore rupees in 2025-26. The quantum of Acceptance of Necessity given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any given Financial Year.
  • For the Indian Army, DAC approved Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.
  • The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real-time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability, while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication.
  • The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery’s capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy.
  • For the Indian Air Force, the Acceptance of Necessity was approved for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and the overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates.
  • The Ministry added, overhaul of the Su-30 aero engine and its aggregates will increase the service life of the aircraft and fulfil the operational requirement of the Air Force. Meanwhile, Acceptance of Necessity was accorded for Heavy Duty Air Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard.
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Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Takes Over as Chief of Staff, Southern Command

  • Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, AVSM, VSM, has officially taken on the role of Chief of Staff at the Southern Command, marking a pivotal moment in leadership within one of the Indian Army’s essential operational commands. His appointment was accompanied by a ceremonial wreath-laying at the Southern Command War Memorial in Pune, an event that underscores the Army’s ongoing dedication to honoring its fallen heroes.
  • During the ceremony, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar paid homage to the brave soldiers who have demonstrated exceptional courage, valor, and sacrifice. This solemn observance not only commemorates their memory but also serves to inspire current and future generations of soldiers committed to the defense of the nation.
  • In his new capacity, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar will be instrumental in managing the operational, administrative, and strategic responsibilities of the Southern Command. His leadership is expected to enhance the Command’s operational readiness and further solidify its role in protecting national security. The transition to his leadership highlights the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and selfless service, principles that remain at the core of its mission.
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Fresh U.S. Airstrikes on Iran Intensify Gulf Crisis After Ceasefire Breakdown

  • The security situation in the Gulf region has deteriorated once again after the United States launched a new series of airstrikes against Iran. The latest military action has significantly increased tensions around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.
  • The strikes were carried out shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the temporary ceasefire arrangement with Iran had collapsed. The development marked the end of a brief period of reduced hostilities and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.According to U.S. officials, the airstrikes targeted facilities linked to Iran’s military capabilities that could threaten international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington stated that the operation was conducted to ensure the safety of commercial vessels and maintain uninterrupted navigation through the crucial waterway, which handles a significant share of global oil exports.
  • The decision to launch the strikes followed attacks on three commercial cargo ships passing through the Strait earlier in the week. The United States accused Iran of being responsible for the incidents, although Tehran has denied involvement and has not officially accepted responsibility.Military officials from the U.S. Central Command reiterated that protecting international maritime trade and safeguarding freedom of navigation remain key priorities.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most sensitive strategic chokepoints, making any disruption a matter of global economic concern.Security analysts believe that maritime incidents in the Gulf often become part of the broader geopolitical contest between Iran and Western nations. Such developments can influence ongoing diplomatic negotiations and alter the balance of regional security.
  • The renewed exchange of military action has also weakened hopes for a lasting diplomatic solution. A memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June had created expectations that both sides might gradually reduce tensions following the conflict that began on 28 February, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian targets.Instead of moving towards peace, the situation has worsened. Iran announced retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait, describing them as a response to the latest American operations.
  • These developments have increased concerns that the conflict could expand across the Gulf region, where several countries host important U.S. military bases.Why the Strait of Hormuz MattersConnects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow waterway.
  • It is a critical route for global energy exports and international trade.Any military confrontation in the region can disrupt oil supplies and increase global energy prices.Key HighlightsThe United States carried out fresh airstrikes against Iranian targets.President Donald Trump declared that the temporary ceasefire had collapsed.Washington said the operation aimed to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The strikes followed attacks on three cargo vessels in the region.Iran denied responsibility for the attacks but later announced retaliatory strikes on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.
  • Rising tensions have increased the risk of a wider conflict across the Gulf region and renewed concerns over global energy security.
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Review Questions

  1. India and Australia recently signed an agreement to operationalise which long
    pending bilateral pact?
    A) Mutual Logistics Support Agreement
    B) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
    C) Civil Nuclear Agreement (2014)
    D) Defence Technology Sharing Agreement
    Answer: C) Civil Nuclear Agreement (2014)
  2. The newly launched Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies
    and Supply Chains (PACTS) focuses on all of the following EXCEPT:
    A) Cybersecurity
    B) Supply chain diversification
    C) Digital resilience
    D) Space tourism
    Answer: D) Space tourism
  3. Germany has decided to purchase which long-range cruise missile from the United
    States?
    A) BrahMos
    B) Storm Shadow
    C) Tomahawk
    D) Kalibr
    Answer: C) Tomahawk
  4. Approximately what is the operational range of the Tomahawk cruise missile?
    A) 500 km
    B) 800 km
    C) 1,200 km
    D) 1,600 km
    Answer: D) 1,600 km
  5. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) recently approved defence proposals worth
    approximately:
    A) ₹1.25 lakh crore
    B) ₹1.75 lakh crore
    C) ₹2.38 lakh crore
    D) ₹3.50 lakh crore
    Answer: C) ₹2.38 lakh crore
  6. Which of the following systems was approved for procurement by the Indian Air
    Force?
    A) Arjun Mk-1A Tank
    B) S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
    C) Pinaka Rocket System
    D) K-9 Vajra-T
    Answer: B) S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
  7. Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar has assumed charge as the Chief of Staff of which
    Indian Army Command?
    A) Northern Command
    B) Eastern Command
    C) Southern Command
    D) Central Command
    Answer: C) Southern Command
  8. The latest U.S. airstrikes against Iran were primarily aimed at protecting which
    strategically important waterway?
    A) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
    B) Bosphorus Strait
    C) Strait of Hormuz
    D) Strait of Malacca
    Answer: C) Strait of Hormuz
  9. Which countries did Iran announce it had targeted in retaliatory strikes following
    the latest U.S. military operations?
    A) Saudi Arabia and UAE
    B) Bahrain and Kuwait
    C) Oman and Qatar
    D) Jordan and Iraq
    Answer: B) Bahrain and Kuwait
  10. Which of the following statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz is correct?
    A) It connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    B) It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
    C) It connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
    D) It connects the Bay of Bengal with the South China Sea.
    Answer: B) It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
  11. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island Is Located At
    A. A&N
    B. Ladakh
    C. J&K
    D. Puducherry
    ANSWER: A
  12. V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust Is Located In
    A. T.N
    B. M.H
    C. Goa
    D. A.P
    ANSWER: A
  13. Full-Form of ATAGS Is
    A. Adventure Towed Artillery Gun System
    B. Advanced To Artillery Gun System
    C. Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
    D. Advanced Towed Artillery Gum System
    ANSWER: C
  14. At Which Of The Following Places Is The Heavy Vehicles Factory Located?
    A. Kanpur
    B. Khadki
    C. Avadi
    D. 24 Paraganas
    ANSWER: C
  15. Sofia Is The Capital Of
    A. Brunei
    B. Qatar
    C. UAE
    D. Bulgaria
    ANSWER: D
  16. “Prashata Ranvirta” Is A Motto Of
    A. Jammu And Kashmir Rifles
    B. Gorkha Regiment
    C. Punjab Regiment
    D. None
    ANSWER: A
  17. Exercises B/w India And Bangladesh Is Called:
    A. GARUDA SHAKTI
    B. SLINEX
    C. SAMPRITI
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: C
  18. Barrett M95 Is A
    A. Sniper Rifles
    B. Helicopter
    C. ATAGS
    D. ATGM
    ANSWER: A
  19. Astra Is A
    A. Air-to-air Missile
    B. Air-to-surface Missile
    C. Air-to-sea Missile
    D. None
    ANSWER: A
  20. Where Is The Hq Of The Southern Command of The IAF?
    A. Kochi
    B. Vishakhapatnam
    C. Pune
    D. Thiruvantpuram
    ANSWER: D

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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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