In Defence Current Affairs for 12 October 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 October 2026
Exercise INDRA 2026
Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri reached Vladivostok, Russia, on 10 October 2026 to participate in Exercise INDRA 2026, a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Russian Federation Navy. The exercise is scheduled to take place from 13 to 18 October 2026.
The deployment provides an opportunity for personnel from both navies to exchange professional knowledge, practise coordinated maritime operations and strengthen interoperability.
Structure of the Exercise
Exercise INDRA 2026 will consist of two principal stages:
- Harbour phase: Professional discussions, interactions and other activities conducted alongside the port.
- Sea phase: Coordinated operational activities and maritime manoeuvres at sea.
The programme will also include social and cultural engagements, encouraging interaction and camaraderie between the participating personnel.
Significance for India–Russia Relations
INS Sahyadri’s participation reflects the longstanding defence and maritime partnership between India and Russia. It also aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
The deployment builds on the momentum of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, held on 4–5 December 2025, and supports continued engagement between the two countries.
Key Facts
- Exercise: INDRA 2026
- Participating navies: Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy
- Indian ship: INS Sahyadri
- Location: Vladivostok, Russia
- Exercise dates: 13–18 October 2026
- Key objective: Improve maritime cooperation and operational interoperability
- Indian maritime vision: MAHASAGAR
Exercise KONKAN 2026
The Indian Navy’s guided-missile stealth frigate INS Trishul arrived in Plymouth, United Kingdom, to participate in Exercise KONKAN-26 with the British Royal Navy.
The annual bilateral exercise is scheduled to be conducted off Plymouth from 8 to 15 October 2026. Over the years, the exercise has expanded in scale and complexity, helping both navies improve coordination and their understanding of maritime operations.
Harbour Phase: Professional and Cultural Engagement
The harbour phase includes professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, sporting activities and cultural interactions. The programme also includes an opportunity for visitors to tour the ship.
These engagements help naval personnel exchange operational experience and develop stronger professional relationships.
Sea Phase: Multi-Domain Naval Operations
The sea phase will focus on coordinated maritime activities across three operational domains:
- Air domain: Flying operations, cross-deck landings and air-defence exercises.
- Surface domain: Firing serials and complex seamanship manoeuvres.
- Sub-surface domain: Anti-submarine warfare exercises.
The activities are designed to test coordination, operational readiness and the ability of both navies to work together in demanding maritime scenarios.
Strategic Importance
Exercise KONKAN reinforces the maritime relationship between India and the United Kingdom. It also supports their shared objective of maintaining secure, open and free seas.
The exercise reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and the objectives outlined in the India–UK Vision 2035.
Key Facts
- Exercise: KONKAN-26
- Participating navies: Indian Navy and Royal Navy
- Indian ship: INS Trishul
- Location: Plymouth, United Kingdom
- Dates: 8–15 October 2026
- Sea-phase focus: Air defence, firing, seamanship and anti-submarine warfare
- Strategic framework: India–UK Vision 2035
Indian Navy Launches Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Shreyas
The Indian Navy’s Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV), Yard 3040, named Shreyas, was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata on 10 October 2026.
Mrs Reyman Kochhar performed the launch ceremony in the presence of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Senior representatives from the Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, GRSE and industry partners attended the event.
The name Shreyas comes from Sanskrit and means “Best” or “Most Excellent.”
Indigenous Construction Programme
The NGOPV programme is being undertaken concurrently at two Indian shipyards: GRSE in Kolkata and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Goa.
The vessels are designed and built in India, supporting domestic shipbuilding capabilities and the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Operational Roles of NGOPVs
The new vessels are intended to supplement the Indian Navy’s existing Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and New Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs). Their planned multi-domain roles include:
- Maritime surveillance
- Search-and-rescue operations
- Protection of offshore assets
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Anti-piracy missions
These capabilities are important for monitoring maritime areas, protecting offshore infrastructure and responding to emergencies at sea.
Significance for Naval Modernisation
The launch of Shreyas marks another milestone in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding programme. The construction of modern patrol vessels at Indian shipyards can strengthen domestic industrial expertise while supporting the Navy’s expanding operational requirements.
Key Facts
- Vessel: Shreyas
- Yard number: 3040
- Category: Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel
- Shipyard: GRSE, Kolkata
- Launch date: 10 October 2026
- Other shipyard in the programme: Goa Shipyard Limited
- Name meaning: “Best” or “Most Excellent”
- Government initiatives: Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
ICG Commissions Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit
The Indian Coast Guard commissioned its indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on 9 October 2026. Dr Sirish Choudhary, Principal Integrated Financial Advisor (Coast Guard), presided over the commissioning ceremony.
GSL had handed over the vessel to the Indian Coast Guard on 25 August 2026.
Technical Specifications
ICGS Ajit is 51.43 metres long and has a displacement of 330 tonnes. More than 65% of its content is indigenous, reflecting India’s efforts to expand domestic capability in maritime defence manufacturing.
The vessel is powered by two marine diesel engines connected to controllable-pitch propellers. According to the supplied material, this propulsion arrangement is a first for this class of Fast Patrol Vessel in India.
Its principal specifications include:
- Length: 51.43 metres
- Displacement: 330 tonnes
- Maximum speed: More than 27 knots
- Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles
- Crew: Six officers and 35 sailors
- Indigenous content: More than 65%
One knot is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour.
Base and Operational Responsibilities
ICGS Ajit will be based at Okha in Gujarat and will operate along the state’s coastline and adjoining offshore areas, including the Arabian Sea.
Its duties will include maritime surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, fisheries protection and responses to marine pollution.
These responsibilities contribute to coastal security, the protection of maritime resources and the safety of people operating at sea.
About the Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard was established on 1 February 1977. The Coast Guard Act was enacted in 1978, providing its statutory framework.
The commissioning of ICGS Ajit strengthens the Coast Guard’s operational fleet and supports India’s efforts to improve maritime surveillance and coastal security using domestically built vessels.
Key Facts
- Vessel: ICGS Ajit
- Category: Fast Patrol Vessel
- Commissioning date: 9 October 2026
- Shipbuilder: Goa Shipyard Limited
- Base: Okha, Gujarat
- Maximum speed: Over 27 knots
- Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles
- Indian Coast Guard established: 1 February 1977
- Coast Guard Act: 1978
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to Visit Cyprus and Greece
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh is scheduled to visit Cyprus and Greece from 12 to 15 October 2026. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence relations, maritime security and cooperation in the defence industry.
The visit forms part of India’s wider engagement with strategic partners in Europe.
First Leg: Cyprus
During the Cyprus leg, scheduled for 12–13 October, the Defence Secretary is expected to meet officials from the Cypriot Ministry of Defence and call on the country’s leadership.
The visit follows the President of Cyprus’s trip to India in May 2026. The two countries’ Strategic Partnership has gained momentum, with maritime cooperation identified as an important area for further engagement.
The meetings are expected to explore ways to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen cooperation on shared security interests.
Second Leg: Greece
In Greece, Rajesh Kumar Singh is scheduled to hold discussions with senior defence and military leaders.
The visit follows the Greek Minister of National Defence’s visit to India in February 2026, during which he held talks with India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh.
These high-level exchanges reflect growing engagement between India and Greece in defence and strategic affairs.
Broader Strategic Significance
India is seeking to expand defence cooperation with European partners across areas including maritime security, defence industry and strategic coordination.
The visit also follows the signing of the India–European Union Security and Defence Partnership, providing a wider context for India’s efforts to strengthen security relationships with European countries.
Key Facts
- Visiting official: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Countries: Cyprus and Greece
- Visit dates: 12–15 October 2026
- Main areas of discussion: Maritime security and defence industrial cooperation
- Cyprus visit: 12–13 October 2026
- Greek Defence Minister’s visit to India: February 2026
- Broader context: India–EU Security and Defence Partnership
Review Questions
- Exercise INDRA 2026 is a joint military exercise between which two countries?
A. India and France
B. India and Russia
C. India and the United Kingdom
D. India and Japan
Answer: B. India and Russia - INS Sahyadri arrived at which Russian port for Exercise INDRA 2026?
A. Moscow
B. St. Petersburg
C. Vladivostok
D. Murmansk
Answer: C. Vladivostok - Exercise KONKAN 2026 is a joint naval exercise between India and which country?
A. Australia
B. United Kingdom
C. United States
D. Germany
Answer: B. United Kingdom - The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Shreyas was launched at which
shipyard?
A. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
B. Cochin Shipyard Limited
C. Goa Shipyard Limited
D. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
Answer: D. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) - What is the primary base of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Ajit?
A. Mumbai, Maharashtra
B. Kochi, Kerala
C. Okha, Gujarat
D. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. Okha, Gujarat - What is the reported maximum speed of ICGS Ajit?
A. 18 knots
B. 22 knots
C. 27 knots
D. 35 knots
Answer: C. 27 knots - Who was scheduled to visit Cyprus and Greece from 12 to 15 October 2026?
A. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
B. Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan
C. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
D. Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi
Answer: A. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh - Which initiative is associated with the development of indigenous defence
platforms such as Shreyas and ICGS Ajit?
A. Digital India
B. Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
C. Smart Cities Mission
D. PM Gati Shakti
Answer: B. Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat - _ Is Not A G7 member.
A. China
B. USA
C. UK
D. France
ANSWER: A - The Standard Meridian Of India Is
A. 82 degrees 30’ E
B. 84 degrees 30’ E
C. 72 degrees 30’ E
D. 92 degrees 30’ E
ANSWER: A - Army Medical Corps Motto Is
A. Courage and Valor
B. Sarve santu niramaya
C. Service Before Self
D. Lethal
ANSWER: B - Glock 18 Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Machine Pistol
C. Assault rifle
D. Submachine gun
ANSWER: B - Which Is The Largest Uranium-producing Country In The World?
A. USA
B. India
C. Kazakhstan
D. Uzbekistan
ANSWER: C - Kaiga Atomic Power Plant Is In
A. Karnataka
B. Gujarat
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Uttarakhand
ANSWER: A - Who established the Atomic Energy Commission of India in 1948?
A. P.K. Iyengar
B. M.R. Srinivasan
C. Vikram Sarabhai
D. Homi Bhabha
ANSWER: D - Nay Pyi Taw Is The Capital Of
A. Bhutan
B. Nepal
C. Afghanistan
D. Myanmar
ANSWER: D - “India’s Women Unsung Heroes” Book Is Written By
A. Chandrachur Ghose
B. Ruskin Bond
C. Dr. Thomas Matthew
D. Meenakshi Lekhi
ANSWER: D - Ex ‘Konkan Shakti’ conducted b/w India &
A. Qatar
B. UK
C. UAE
D. Japan
ANSWER: B - “Kartavyam Anvatma” (Duty before death) Is The Motto Of
A. RAJPUT REGIMENT
B. DOGRA REGIMENT
C. SIKH REGIMENT
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - Which Country Isn’t the member of NSG?
A. USA
B. China
C. Pakistan
D. France
ANSWER: C
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