Defence Current Affairs 16 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 16 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
March 16, 2026

In Current Affairs for 16 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 16 March 2026

1. ‘Lokayan-26’ Expedition Reaches Malta

The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini recently reached the historic port city of Valletta as part of its major global expedition known as Lokayan-26. The ship docked on 12 March 2026, highlighting the strong maritime relationship between India and Malta.

Lokayan-26 is an ambitious transoceanic voyage covering nearly 22,000 nautical miles across several regions of the world. Before arriving in Malta, the vessel successfully passed through the strategically important Suez Canal and made a port visit to Alexandria.

After completing its stop in Malta, the ship is scheduled to sail toward the French coast to participate in the renowned Escale à Sète. At this international maritime gathering, the vessel will represent India alongside several famous tall ships from around the world, showcasing India’s rich naval heritage and maritime traditions.

2. Indian Navy Escorts LPG Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, the Indian Navy ensured the safe passage of two LPG carriers—Shivalik and Nanda Devi—through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Both vessels, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India and flying the Indian flag, were transporting around 85,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas destined for India. These tankers became the first India-bound LPG ships to cross the strait in nearly two weeks.

The escort was provided by an Indian Navy warship with its air defence systems fully operational during the transit. The Strait of Hormuz, only about 33 kilometres wide, is one of the most crucial maritime routes in the world, handling nearly 20% of global oil trade.

Currently, more than two dozen Indian-flagged vessels are stranded near the region due to the security situation. Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are working on merchant and offshore ships across the Gulf region, making maritime security in this area particularly important for India.

3. SVAYATT-M1: India’s AI-Enabled Loyal Wingman Drone

Indian defence technology startup Paninian India has developed an advanced autonomous combat drone known as SVAYATT-M1. The company, founded in 2020 by former scientists from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, operates a large research facility equipped with wind tunnels, simulation labs, and composite manufacturing units.

SVAYATT-M1 is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aerial Vehicle (CCAV) that can operate as a “loyal wingman” alongside manned fighter aircraft. Its purpose is to undertake high-risk missions such as surveillance, strike operations, and electronic warfare while supporting pilots in hostile environments.

The drone features a low-observable airframe that reduces radar and infrared detection. It uses an in-house turbofan engine and advanced AI-based systems for mission planning, target selection, and swarm coordination. The system also enables manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) with aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale.

Although detailed specifications such as speed and range have not been publicly released, the drone remains a promising prototype in India’s next-generation aerial warfare strategy.

4. Throttle Aerospace Delivers Tethered Drones to Indian Army

Bengaluru-based Throttle Aerospace Systems has supplied advanced tethered drone systems to the Indian Army. The delivery, completed in early March 2026, strengthens India’s surveillance capability along critical border regions.

Unlike conventional drones, tethered drones remain connected to a ground station through a cable that supplies continuous power and secure data transmission. This design allows them to remain airborne for extended durations—sometimes for hours or even days—making them ideal for persistent monitoring in sensitive areas.

The handover and operational testing took place at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Range. The initiative also supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission by promoting domestically developed defence technologies.

This development follows earlier procurement efforts, including a 2023 contract for 130 tethered drone systems worth approximately ₹250 crore from Indian defence startups.

5. Mazagon Dock’s Strong Order Book

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, one of India’s leading defence shipyards, currently holds an order book worth ₹23,758 crore. The company, established in 1934 and operating under the Ministry of Defence, plays a major role in building warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.

Based in Mumbai, the shipyard has delivered over 800 vessels since 1960, including warships, submarines, cargo ships, passenger vessels, and offshore platforms.

Major ongoing projects include the construction of P15B destroyers valued at ₹28,745 crore and P17A stealth frigates worth ₹27,254 crore. These advanced naval platforms are critical for strengthening India’s maritime security and expanding its blue-water naval capabilities.

Additionally, the shipyard is also building 21 vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, including offshore patrol vessels and fast patrol boats, which will significantly enhance coastal surveillance and maritime safety.

Review Questions

The Indian Naval Sail Training Ship that arrived at Valletta, Malta during the
Lokayan-26 expedition is:
A. INS Vikrant
B. INS Sudarshini
C. INS Nilgiri
D. INS Kolkata
ANSWER: B
The Lokayan-26 expedition undertaken by INS Sudarshini aims to cover
approximately:
A. 10,000 nautical miles
B. 15,000 nautical miles
C. 22,000 nautical miles
D. 30,000 nautical miles
ANSWER: C
The LPG carriers ‘Shivalik’ and ‘Nanda Devi’ recently crossed which
strategically important maritime passage under Indian Navy escort?
A. Strait of Malacca
B. Strait of Gibraltar
C. Strait of Hormuz
D. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
ANSWER: C
SVAYATT-M1, developed by Paninian India, is primarily designed as a:
A. Ballistic missile system
B. Autonomous underwater vehicle
C. Collaborative Combat Aerial Vehicle (loyal wingman drone)
D. Satellite surveillance platform
ANSWER: C
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is headquartered in which Indian city?
A. Chennai
B. Visakhapatnam
C. Mumbai
D. Kochi
ANSWER: C
C295 Aircraft Manufactured By
A. Boeing
B. Airbus
C. HAL
D. None
ANSWER: B
Indian Space Science Data Centre Is Located At
A. Chennai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Kochi
ANSWER: B
__Becomes Indian Army’s First Woman Sky Diver
A. Roop Rai
B. Lance Naik Manju
C. Corporal Manju
D. None
ANSWER: B
__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
The Hawker Siddeley HS 748 Is A
A. Helicopter
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Transport Aircraft
ANSWER: D
‘Swift and Sure’ Is The Motto Of
A. Army Aviation Corps
B. Sikh Regiment
C. Rajput Regiment
D. Gorkha
ANSWER: A
Which Regiment Has Motto: “Veer Bhogya Vasundhara”?
A. RAJPUTANA RIFLES
B. RAJPUT REGIMENT
C. DOGRA REGIMENT
D. SIKH REGIMENT
ANSWER: A
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
“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
Rabat Is The Capital Of
A. Morocco
B. Montenegro
C. Monaco
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A
“Without Fear or Favour” Book Written By
A. R K Narayan
B. Khushwant Singh
C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: C
Exercises B/w The India And Bangladesh Is Called:
A. GARUDA SHAKTI
B. SLINEX
C. SAMPRITI
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: C
__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
Exercises B/w India And Kyrgyzstan Is Called:
A. KHANJAR
B. SLINEX
C. NOMADIC ELEPHANT
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A
Exercises B/w India And France Is Called:
A. Varuna
B. SLINEX
C. NOMADIC ELEPHANT
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A

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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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