Defence Current Affairs 15 May 2026

In Defence Current Affairs for 15 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be...

In Defence Current Affairs for 15 May 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 15 May 2026

HFCL to Set Up ₹230 Crore Defence Manufacturing Facility in Andhra Pradesh

India’s defence manufacturing sector is witnessing rapid growth as private companies increasingly participate in the country’s push for self-reliance in military production. In a major development, HFCL has announced an investment of nearly ₹230 crore to establish a new defence manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh.

The upcoming facility will be located in the Sri Sathya Sai District, an area that is gradually emerging as an important centre for aerospace and defence industries. The project highlights India’s broader strategy of strengthening indigenous defence production under the “Make in India” initiative.

According to the company, the new plant will focus on the manufacturing of Multi Mode Hand Grenades (MMHG) and other advanced defence systems. HFCL’s Board of Directors has formally approved the establishment of the facility, which is expected to become operational by December 2027.

The investment will be financed through a mix of internal company resources, debt financing, and funds raised through convertible warrants. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities in the region while also enhancing India’s domestic capability in defence equipment manufacturing.

The announcement reflects the growing role of private-sector firms in India’s strategic defence ecosystem. Over the past decade, the government has encouraged domestic production of military hardware to reduce dependence on imports and improve long-term national security preparedness.

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India Condemns Attack on Indian-Flagged Vessel Near Oman

India has strongly condemned a recent attack on an Indian-flagged commercial vessel near the coast of Oman amid rising tensions in West Asia. The government described the incident as unacceptable and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of civilian maritime activity and freedom of navigation.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that attacks on commercial shipping threaten international maritime stability and security. He emphasized that civilian vessels and seafarers should never become targets during regional conflicts.

Indian authorities confirmed that all Indian crew members aboard the vessel were safely rescued with the assistance of Omani authorities. India expressed appreciation to Oman for its quick response and rescue efforts.

The incident comes at a time when maritime security in the Gulf region has become increasingly fragile. Strategic shipping lanes near the Gulf are vital for global trade and energy supplies, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations had also reported another maritime security incident involving the alleged seizure of a vessel near the coast of the United Arab Emirates. These developments underline the growing instability in regional waters.

India continues to monitor the situation closely, especially because thousands of Indian seafarers work aboard commercial vessels operating in international shipping routes across the Gulf region.

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Pakistan Conducts Training Launch of Fatah-4 Missile

Pakistan has reportedly carried out another training launch under its Fatah missile programme, further strengthening its tactical missile capabilities. The Fatah-4 missile is believed to have a strike range of nearly 750 kilometres, making it one of the more advanced systems in Pakistan’s missile inventory.

The latest launch follows earlier tests conducted in September 2025. Pakistan has been steadily conducting missile trials in recent years as part of efforts to modernize its strategic and tactical weapons systems.

Earlier in May 2025, Pakistan also tested a surface-to-surface missile with a range of around 120 kilometres during a period of heightened tensions with India.

Defence analysts believe that such missile developments are aimed at improving battlefield flexibility and strategic deterrence capabilities in the region. The continued testing of missile systems by both India and Pakistan reflects the ongoing military modernization race in South Asia.

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K-5 SLBM Clears Important Underwater Ejection Trial

India has achieved another milestone in its strategic weapons programme with the successful completion of the underwater “pop-up” ejection trial of the K-5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).

The test reportedly took place during the final week of March and marks a critical step in strengthening the maritime component of India’s nuclear triad. The successful ejection trial demonstrates progress toward operational deployment of one of India’s most advanced underwater nuclear deterrent systems.

The K-5 missile is expected to weigh around 20 tonnes and is being designed as a long-range submarine-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying strategic payloads. It is considered the underwater equivalent of the land-based Agni-V missile system.

The development of advanced SLBMs is central to India’s strategy of maintaining a credible second-strike capability. A survivable sea-based deterrent ensures that India can respond effectively even in the event of a first strike by an adversary.

The K-5 missile is expected to eventually be deployed aboard India’s future S-5 class nuclear-powered submarines, which are projected to enter service around 2032. Once inducted, the missile will significantly strengthen India’s long-range strategic deterrence architecture.

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NIA Charge Sheet Reveals Details in Red Fort Blast Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a massive charge sheet in connection with the 2025 Red Fort blast case, revealing the alleged use of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) in the vehicle-borne improvised explosive device used during the attack.

According to investigators, the explosive material was allegedly manufactured secretly by the accused after acquiring necessary materials and conducting experiments. The blast resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left several others injured.

The 7,500-page charge sheet names several accused individuals, including doctors and alleged co-conspirators linked to extremist activities. Charges have been filed under multiple laws, including the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The NIA stated that the accused were allegedly associated with Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), an extremist outfit linked to al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). The organisation was officially designated as a terrorist group by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs in 2018.

AGuH was formed in 2017 by Zakir Musa after separating from Hizbul Mujahideen. However, continuous counterterrorism operations by Indian security forces weakened the group considerably, and it reportedly became inactive following Musa’s death in 2019.

The investigation highlights ongoing security challenges related to radicalisation and extremist networks in the region.

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Kaal Bhairava Combat Aircraft to Be Manufactured in Europe

Indian defence startup Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace has announced the establishment of its first international manufacturing facility in Portugal for its AI-powered autonomous combat aircraft named Kaal Bhairava.

The project will be developed in partnership with SKETCHPIXEL LDA, a European technology firm known for advanced fighter aircraft simulation systems, including those designed for the F-16 fighter jet.

Kaal Bhairava is being presented as India’s first AI-enabled autonomous combat aircraft. Under the agreement, the Portuguese facility will focus on manufacturing and integrating advanced systems, while the Indian company will retain intellectual property rights over the aircraft’s autonomous technologies and airframe design.

The overseas facility is also part of a broader strategic initiative called Operation 777, introduced by FWDA founder Suhas Tejaskanda. The programme aims to establish manufacturing and deployment partnerships for Indian-origin autonomous warfare systems across 77 countries and seven continents.

The collaboration marks an important step for India’s growing defence technology industry and reflects the increasing global interest in AI-driven military systems and autonomous combat platforms.

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Review Questions

  1. Which company announced a ₹230 crore investment for a new defence
    manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh?
    A) BEL
    B) HAL
    C) HFCL
    D) DRDO
    Answer: C) HFCL
    Explanation: HFCL announced the establishment of a defence manufacturing facility in
    Andhra Pradesh with an investment of approximately ₹230 crore.
  2. The new HFCL defence manufacturing plant will be located in which district of
    Andhra Pradesh?
    A) Chittoor
    B) Sri Sathya Sai District
    C) Visakhapatnam
    D) Kurnool
    Answer: B) Sri Sathya Sai District
    Explanation: HFCL’s upcoming defence manufacturing facility will be established in the
    Sri Sathya Sai District.
  3. The K-5 missile recently cleared which important stage of testing?
    A) Air launch trial
    B) Hypersonic test
    C) Underwater ejection trial
    D) Satellite guidance test
    Answer: C) Underwater ejection trial
    Explanation: India successfully completed the “pop-up” underwater ejection trial of
    the K-5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
  4. The K-5 missile is considered the underwater counterpart of which Indian
    missile system?
    A) BrahMos
    B) Agni-V
    C) Prithvi-II
    D) Akash
    Answer: B) Agni-V
    Explanation: The K-5 SLBM is strategically positioned as the underwater equivalent of
    the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile.
  5. Which country partnered with Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace for
    manufacturing the Kaal Bhairava combat aircraft?
    A) France
    B) Germany
    C) Portugal
    D) Israel
    Answer: C) Portugal
    Explanation: FWDA announced its first international manufacturing node in Portugal
    for the Kaal Bhairava autonomous combat aircraft.
  6. C295 Aircraft Manufactured By
    A. Boeing
    B. Airbus
    C. HAL
    D. None
    ANSWER: B
  7. Indian Space Science Data Centre Is Located At
    A. Chennai
    B. Bengaluru
    C. New Delhi
    D. Kochi
    ANSWER: B
  8. __Becomes Indian Army’s First Woman Sky Diver
    A. Roop Rai
    B. Lance Naik Manju
    C. Corporal Manju
    D. None
    ANSWER: B
  9. __Plans To Establish The National Government Cloud To Store Sensitive Data.
    A. MOD
    B. MEA
    C. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
  10. The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Is A
    A. Helicopter
    B. Machine Gun
    C. UAV
    D. Transport Aircraft
    ANSWER: D
  11. ‘Swift and Sure’ Is The Motto Of
    A. Army Aviation Corps
    B. Sikh Regiment
    C. Rajput Regiment
    D. Gorkha
    ANSWER: A
  12. Which Regiment Has Motto: “Veer Bhogya Vasundhara”?
    A. RAJPUTANA RIFLES
    B. RAJPUT REGIMENT
    C. DOGRA REGIMENT
    D. SIKH REGIMENT
    ANSWER: A
  13. ICMF Stands For
    A. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility
    B. Integrated Cry Engine Manufacturing Facility
    C. Integrated Cryogenic Engine Make Facility
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  14. “Bolo Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki jai” Is The War Cry Of
    A. Maratha Light Infantry Regiment
    B. Grenadiers
    C. Punjab Regiment
    D. Parachute Regiment
    ANSWER: A
  15. Rabat Is The Capital Of
    A. Morocco
    B. Montenegro
    C. Monaco
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: A
  16. “Without Fear or Favour” Book Written By
    A. R K Narayan
    B. Khushwant Singh
    C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
    D. APJ Abdul Kalam
    ANSWER: C
  17. Exercises B/w The India And Bangladesh Is Called:
    A. GARUDA SHAKTI
    B. SLINEX
    C. SAMPRITI
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: C
  18. __Is The Legal Branch Of The Indian Army.
    A. Army Court
    B. Supreme Court
    C. Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Department
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: C
  19. Exercises B/w India And Kyrgyzstan Is Called:
    A. KHANJAR
    B. SLINEX
    C. NOMADIC ELEPHANT
    D. Yudha Abhyas
    ANSWER: A
  20. What Is SARVATRA In The Context Of The Indian Army’s Defence Capabilities?
    A. Special Operations Force
    B. Tactical Reconnaissance System
    C. Rapid Deployment Platform
    D. Mobile Bridging System
    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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