In Current Affairs for 12 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 12 March 2026
Hyderabad-Based VEM Technologies Partners with TKMS to Produce Heavyweight Torpedoes
A major step toward strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing has been taken through a partnership between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany and VEM Technologies Pvt Ltd, a defence company headquartered in Hyderabad.
The two companies have signed a teaming agreement to jointly manufacture advanced heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy. This collaboration supports India’s broader push for self-reliance under the Make in India initiative, which aims to increase domestic defence production.
The initial focus of the partnership will be the development and manufacturing of heavyweight torpedoes designed for India’s submarine fleet, particularly the Kalvari-class submarine, which is based on the Scorpene design and forms a crucial part of India’s underwater combat capability.
VEM Technologies brings strong experience in underwater defence systems and electronics. The company has previously contributed to projects involving submarine components such as sonar systems, periscopes, and other underwater subsystems, making it a suitable partner for advanced naval weapon manufacturing.
TKMS, known globally for its SeaHake heavyweight torpedo, will transfer important technological expertise to facilitate joint production in India. The SeaHake torpedo family is recognized for its long operational range, wire-guided navigation system, and capability to engage multiple targets, significantly enhancing submarine strike capabilities.
The partnership is expected to strengthen the combat effectiveness of India’s submarines operating in the Indian Ocean Region, while also helping modernize weapon systems used by older submarine classes such as Sindhughosh-class submarine and Shishumar-class submarine.
Indo-French Aerospace Collaboration for Landing Gear Manufacturing
India’s aerospace manufacturing sector received another boost with a collaboration between Bharat Forge and Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS of France.
The two companies have jointly inaugurated a modern machining facility in Pune dedicated to producing high-precision aircraft landing gear components. The new plant represents an important milestone in strengthening India’s capabilities in aerospace manufacturing.
Located in Pune’s industrial corridor, the facility will manufacture complex parts required for aircraft landing gear systems. Bharat Forge contributes extensive expertise in forging and advanced machining, while Liebherr-Aerospace provides cutting-edge aerospace technology and engineering capabilities.
The collaboration reflects the growing India–France industrial partnership in defence and aviation sectors. It also aligns with India’s strategic objective of building a strong domestic ecosystem for aerospace manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.
Executives from both companies highlighted that combining Indian manufacturing efficiency with European engineering expertise will create new opportunities for global aerospace supply chains.
Digantara Expands International Presence with Thailand Space Security Contract
Bengaluru-based space technology startup Digantara has secured an international contract from Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand.
The agreement focuses on strengthening Thailand’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities, enabling the country to monitor satellites and space debris more effectively.
As part of the collaboration, Digantara will deploy its advanced sensing network, integrating information collected from its proprietary SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) satellites with AI-driven analytics systems.
This technology will allow authorities to track objects in Earth’s orbit with greater precision and detect potential collision threats. The system processes large volumes of orbital data in real time, improving the safety and sustainability of space operations.
The project will support operations at Thailand’s National Space Data Center, strengthening the country’s capacity to manage its expanding satellite infrastructure.
This contract follows another major agreement awarded to Digantara by **Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) of Singapore in early 2026, highlighting the company’s rapidly growing role in Asia’s space security ecosystem.
Iraq Closes Oil Ports After Tanker Attacks in Territorial Waters
Security concerns in the Middle East escalated after Iraq temporarily halted operations at its oil export terminals following attacks on foreign oil tankers within its territorial waters.
According to Iraqi authorities, two tankers — Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros — were targeted near the Iraqi coast in the Persian Gulf. Explosive boats reportedly struck the vessels, leading to fires and severe damage.
At least one crew member lost their life during the incident, while several others were evacuated safely during rescue operations.
Following the attack, Iraqi authorities suspended activities at oil export terminals to evaluate security risks and protect energy infrastructure. However, other commercial ports unrelated to oil shipments continued operating normally.
Officials described the incident as a deliberate sabotage act, and investigations are currently underway to determine those responsible.
The attack occurred amid rising tensions in the region involving Iran, United States, and Israel, with several maritime incidents reported in recent weeks.
The nearby Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, carrying nearly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments. Any disruption in this area has major implications for international energy markets.
As a result of the attacks, global oil prices briefly crossed $100 per barrel, raising concerns about supply disruptions and potential economic impacts for oil-importing countries.
Indian and French Armies Hold Expert Exchange on Modern Warfare
The Indian Army and the French Army recently conducted a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Exchange programme aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and improving operational coordination.
Held on 9–10 March 2026, the interaction allowed military experts from both countries to exchange insights on modern warfare technologies and strategies.
The discussions focused on critical areas such as:
- Long-range strike systems
- Precision-guided munitions
- Modern battlefield tactics
- Operational employment of advanced weapon platforms
These technologies play an increasingly important role in contemporary conflicts because they enable accurate strikes against strategic targets while minimizing unintended damage.
The exchange also provided an opportunity for military professionals from both nations to share operational experiences, emerging doctrines, and future warfare concepts.
India and France have developed a strong defence partnership in recent years through joint exercises, equipment cooperation, and technology collaboration. Initiatives such as this SME exchange help enhance interoperability, enabling both forces to operate more effectively together during joint operations or multinational missions.
Review Questions
1. Which German defence company signed a teaming agreement with VEM Technologies to manufacture heavyweight torpedoes in India?
A. Rheinmetall
B. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems
C. Airbus Defence
D. BAE Systems
✅ Answer: B. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems
Explanation: TKMS partnered with VEM Technologies Pvt Ltd to jointly manufacture heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy under India’s defence indigenisation efforts.
2. VEM Technologies, which partnered with TKMS, is headquartered in which city?
A. Bengaluru
B. Pune
C. Hyderabad
D. Chennai
✅ Answer: C. Hyderabad
Explanation: VEM Technologies is a defence electronics and underwater systems company based in Hyderabad.
3. The torpedoes planned under the TKMS–VEM partnership are primarily intended for which submarine class?
A. Arihant-class
B. Kalvari-class
C. Akula-class
D. Delta-class
✅ Answer: B. Kalvari-class submarine
Explanation: The Kalvari-class submarines (Scorpene design) are key conventional submarines of the Indian Navy.
4. Which heavyweight torpedo series developed by TKMS may be produced under this collaboration?
A. Black Shark
B. Spearfish
C. SeaHake
D. Varunastra
✅ Answer: C. SeaHake heavyweight torpedo
Explanation: The SeaHake torpedo is known for long-range capability, wire-guided precision, and multi-target engagement.
5. The initiative to boost indigenous defence manufacturing in India is primarily associated with which programme?
A. Digital India
B. Startup India
C. Make in India
D. Skill India
✅ Answer: C. Make in India
Explanation: The Make in India initiative promotes domestic manufacturing, including defence production.
6. Bharat Forge collaborated with which French company to establish a landing gear manufacturing facility in India?
A. Dassault Aviation
B. Thales
C. Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS
D. Safran
✅ Answer: C. Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS
Explanation: The partnership aims to manufacture high-precision landing gear components in India.
7. The new aerospace machining facility established by Bharat Forge and Liebherr is located in which Indian city?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Pune
D. Nagpur
✅ Answer: C. Pune
Explanation: The facility in Pune will produce aircraft landing gear components.
8. Which Indian startup secured a contract with Thailand’s space agency to enhance space situational awareness?
A. Skyroot Aerospace
B. Agnikul Cosmos
C. Digantara
D. Bellatrix Aerospace
✅ Answer: C. Digantara
Explanation: Digantara specializes in space situational awareness (SSA) and satellite monitoring technologies.
9. Digantara signed a contract with which Thai organization?
A. Thailand Space Agency
B. Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency
C. Royal Thai Space Council
D. Thai Satellite Authority
✅ Answer: B. Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)
Explanation: GISTDA manages Thailand’s satellite and space data programs.
10. Digantara uses which proprietary satellite system for tracking objects in space?
A. ASTRA
B. SCOT
C. INSAT
D. NAVIC
✅ Answer: B. SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) satellites
Explanation: SCOT satellites help track space debris and satellites in orbit.
11. Iraq shut down its oil ports after attacks on tankers in which water body?
A. Red Sea
B. Arabian Sea
C. Persian Gulf
D. Mediterranean Sea
✅ Answer: C. Persian Gulf
Explanation: The attacks occurred near Iraq’s coast in the Persian Gulf.
12. Which of the following oil tankers was attacked near Iraqi waters?
A. Ocean Pride
B. Safesea Vishnu
C. Blue Horizon
D. Pacific Star
✅ Answer: B. Safesea Vishnu
Explanation: Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros were the two tankers attacked.
13. Which strategic maritime chokepoint near Iraq carries nearly 20% of global oil trade?
A. Bab-el-Mandeb
B. Strait of Malacca
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Suez Canal
✅ Answer: C. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: This narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is vital for global oil transport.
14. The Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchange was conducted between the armies of which two countries?
A. India and Russia
B. India and United States
C. India and France
D. India and Japan
✅ Answer: C. India and France
Explanation: The exchange was conducted between the Indian Army and the French Army.
15. The SME exchange between India and France took place in which year?
A. 2024
B. 2025
C. 2026
D. 2027
✅ Answer: C. 2026
Explanation: The programme was conducted in March 2026.
16. What was the main objective of the SME exchange between India and France?
A. Missile testing
B. Nuclear cooperation
C. Professional military knowledge exchange
D. Trade negotiations
✅ Answer: C. Professional military knowledge exchange
Explanation: The exchange focused on sharing operational knowledge and improving interoperability.
17. Which type of weapons were a major focus during the India–France SME discussions?
A. Ballistic missiles
B. Precision-guided munitions
C. Nuclear warheads
D. Anti-satellite weapons
✅ Answer: Precision-guided munitions
Explanation: Experts discussed the operational use of PGMs and long-range strike capabilities.
18. The collaboration between Bharat Forge and Liebherr primarily relates to which sector?
A. Shipbuilding
B. Aerospace manufacturing
C. Nuclear energy
D. Railways
✅ Answer: Aerospace manufacturing
Explanation: The partnership focuses on aircraft landing gear components.
19. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) primarily deals with:
A. Monitoring climate change
B. Tracking satellites and space debris
C. Studying planetary atmospheres
D. Launching rockets
✅ Answer: Tracking satellites and space debris
Explanation: SSA ensures safe satellite operations by monitoring objects in space.
20. Modern torpedoes like SeaHake are usually guided using which method?
A. Laser guidance
B. Wire-guided system
C. Infrared guidance
D. GPS guidance
✅ Answer: Wire-guided system
Explanation: Wire guidance allows operators to control torpedo trajectory after launch.
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