In Defence Current Affairs for 16 September 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 September 2026
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026
The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas, the India–United States Joint Military Exercise, commenced with an opening ceremony at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The exercise is being conducted simultaneously at Auli in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.
The participating contingents include approximately 600 personnel from each country. The opening ceremony was addressed by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding, 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, US Army.
Objective of the Exercise
Yudh Abhyas 2026 focuses on improving the ability of the Indian and US armies to conduct joint operations involving Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain. The exercise places particular emphasis on infantry-dominated operations.
A major component of this edition is the integration of modern technology into military operations. The training programme includes the use of drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance.
At the Mahajan Field Firing Range, participating forces will also demonstrate and train with contemporary weapon systems.
Key Facts
- Exercise: Yudh Abhyas 2026
- Edition: 22nd
- Countries: India and the United States
- Indian location: Auli, Uttarakhand
- Other location: Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan
- Personnel: About 600 from each side
- Major focus: Integrated Battle Groups
- Terrain: Mountainous and semi-mountainous
- Technology focus: Drones and autonomous systems
- Core objective: Enhancing joint operational capability
Western Air Command Station MWO’s Seminar 2026
The Western Air Command (WAC) of the Indian Air Force organised a seminar for Station Master Warrant Officers (MWOs) at Headquarters Western Air Command on 14 September 2026.
The seminar was chaired by Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command. Station MWOs representing different areas under the Command participated in the programme.
Purpose of the Seminar
The event provided a common forum for Station MWOs to share best practices, exchange ideas and discuss areas requiring improvement.
Discussions focused on improving the working environment at Air Force stations, resolving common organisational challenges and strengthening welfare measures for Air Warriors and their families.
Air Marshal George Thomas highlighted the important role played by Station MWOs in maintaining effective communication and professional standards. He also stressed the importance of adopting a welfare-oriented approach to create a positive and supportive environment across Air Force stations.
Key Facts
- Event: Western Air Command Station MWO’s Seminar 2026
- Date: 14 September 2026
- Venue: HQ Western Air Command
- Presided by: Air Marshal George Thomas
- Participants: Station Master Warrant Officers
- Focus: Best practices, communication, professionalism and welfare
‘VIMARSH’ DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled several policy initiatives during ‘VIMARSH’, a DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet, held in New Delhi on 15 September 2026.
The initiatives are aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and India’s domestic defence industry, particularly MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups.
Support for MSMEs and Start-ups
A comprehensive framework was introduced to reduce technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups.
The framework provides for:
- Direct funding support
- Incubation assistance
- Dedicated access to DRDO testing facilitie
These measures are intended to encourage greater participation of smaller companies and technology-driven start-ups in defence research and development.
Secure Software Source-Code Framework
A standardised and secure mechanism for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries was also launched.
The initiative is intended to accelerate the development of software-defined defence capabilities and help address issues related to technological obsolescence.
Technology Transfer Agreements
During the event, nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners.
These agreements are designed to facilitate the commercial production of advanced defence systems by Indian industry.
Industry Outreach
Strategic Memoranda of Understanding were also exchanged with:
- Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM)
- Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB)
The partnerships are intended to expand DRDO’s industrial outreach and encourage greater participation at the grassroots level.
SAMAR 2.0
DRDO also signed an agreement with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR) Version 2.0.
The system will help benchmark the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises.
Focus on Future Technologies
The policy measures announced at VIMARSH emphasised industry-led research and development, funding and mentorship for start-ups and MSMEs, and stronger academia–industry collaboration.
Emerging technologies highlighted included:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Quantum Computing
- Hypersonic technologies
- Directed-energy technologies
Key Facts
- Event: VIMARSH – DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet
- Date: 15 September 2026
- Venue: New Delhi
- Defence Minister: Rajnath Singh
- LAToTs: 9
- Manufacturing partners: 13
- SAMAR: System for Advance Manufacturing Assessment and Rating
- Partner organisations: SIDM and LUB
- Emerging technologies: AI, quantum computing, hypersonics and directed energy
Defence Accounts Department Achieves 100% Normalisation of Air Force and Navy Pension Cases
The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) has achieved 100% normalisation of discrepant pension cases relating to the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy on SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha).
The achievement came through a focused, mission-mode drive involving close monitoring, detailed examination of cases and coordinated action by the concerned offices.
Air Force and Navy Cases
A total of 1,45,182 discrepant cases related to the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy were successfully normalised.
The breakdown is:
| Service | Discrepant Cases Normalised | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Air Force | 1,12,638 | 100% |
| Indian Navy | 32,544 | 100% |
| Total | 1,45,182 | 100% |
Progress in Army Cases
The Department has also made substantial progress in resolving discrepant pension cases concerning the Indian Army.
Out of 3,94,779 cases, 3,90,336 cases, or approximately 98.8%, had been normalised on SPARSH.
The initiative reflects the coordinated efforts of the Defence Accounts Department, particularly the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) and the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) [PCDA (Pension)].
Key Facts
- Department: Defence Accounts Department (DAD)
- Pension platform: SPARSH
- Air Force cases: 1,12,638 – 100% normalised
- Navy cases: 32,544 – 100% normalised
- Air Force + Navy: 1,45,182 – 100%
- Army cases: 3,90,336 of 3,94,779
- Army progress: 98.8%
- CGDA: Controller General of Defence Accounts
Sanjukta Parasor Becomes First Woman Inspector General of CoBRA
IPS officer Sanjukta Parasor has been appointed as the Inspector General (IG) of the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), becoming the first woman officer to hold this position.
Parasor is a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. She succeeds 1996-batch IPS officer Danesh Rana as the IG of CoBRA.
About CoBRA
The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialised force of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trained for operations in challenging jungle environments.
CoBRA was raised during 2008–09 primarily to counter Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in several parts of India. Its operational responsibilities have also included tackling insurgency in certain northeastern states.
The force specialises in jungle warfare, intelligence-based operations and guerrilla warfare.
Sanjukta Parasor’s Service
Before taking charge as CoBRA IG, Sanjukta Parasor served in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and also held responsibilities in her cadre state of Assam.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for women officers within the specialised operational structure of the CRPF.
The CRPF has also deployed CoBRA units in Manipur in response to armed violence.
Key Facts
- Officer: Sanjukta Parasor
- Service: Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Batch: 2006
- Cadre: Assam-Meghalaya
- New post: Inspector General, CoBRA
- Organisation: CRPF
- Significance: First woman IG of CoBRA
- CoBRA full form: Commando Battalion for Resolute Action
- Raised: 2008–09
- Primary operational role: Jungle warfare and counter-LWE operations
Exam Point
Sanjukta Parasor → First Woman Inspector General of CoBRA (CRPF)
Review Questions
- The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is being conducted jointly by India
and:
A. France
B. Russia
C. United States
D. United Kingdom
Answer: C. United States - Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 is being conducted simultaneously at Auli and:
A. Pokhran Field Firing Range
B. Mahajan Field Firing Range
C. Deolali Field Firing Range
D. Babina Field Firing Range
Answer: B. Mahajan Field Firing Range - What is a major technological focus of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026?
A. Aircraft carrier operations
B. Cyber warfare only
C. Drones and autonomous systems
D. Submarine warfare
Answer: C. Drones and autonomous systems - The Western Air Command Station MWO’s Seminar 2026 was held at:
A. Air Force Station Ambala
B. Air Force Station Jodhpur
C. HQ Western Air Command
D. Air Force Station Pune
Answer: C. HQ Western Air Command - Which initiative was launched during the ‘VIMARSH’ DRDO–Industry Synergy
Meet to benchmark the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises?
A. SPARSH 2.0
B. SAMAR 2.0
C. VIKAS 2.0
D. Raksha Udyog 2.0
Answer: B. SAMAR 2.0 - How many Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) were
handed over during VIMARSH 2026?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 9
D. 13
Answer: C. 9 - The Defence Accounts Department achieved 100% normalisation of discrepant
SPARSH pension cases relating to which two services?
A. Indian Army and Indian Navy
B. Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
C. Indian Army and Indian Air Force
D. Indian Army and Coast Guard
Answer: B. Indian Navy and Indian Air Force - Sanjukta Parasor became the first woman to be appointed as Inspector General of
which CRPF unit?
A. RAF
B. CoBRA
C. NDRF
D. STF
Answer: B. CoBRA - Commander-in-Chief Of All Three-Armed Forces Is
A. The President
B. The PM
C. CJI
D. NSA
ANSWER: A - South-Western Air Command Hq Is In
A. Gandhinagar
B. New Delhi
C. Prayagraj
D. Nagpur
ANSWER: A - IAI Harop Developed By
A. Iran
B. India
C. Israel
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: C - Operation Poomalai Was Conducted By IAF In
A. 1984
B. 1987
C. 1991
D. 1999
ANSWER: B - CHM Full Form Is
A. Company Havildar Major
B. Company Havildar Monitor
C. Company Havildar Mega
D. None
ANSWER: A - GOC In Indian Army Stands For
A. General Officer Command
B. General Officer Commanding
C. General Offer Commanding
D. None of the above
ANSWER: B - UNCED Stands For
A. UN Conference on Essential and Development
B. UN Control on Environment and Development
C. UN Conference on Environment and Development
D. UN Conference on Environment and Developed
ANSWER: C - “An Introduction to Dreamland” Book Is Written
A. Bhagat Singh
B. Raja Ram
C. Leo Tolstoy
D. George Bernard Shaw
ANSWER: A - Wassenaar Arrangement Works on Transfer Of
A. conventional weapons and dual-use goods and technologies
B. Wheat and Rice
C. Space Technology
D. High yielding seeds
ANSWER: A - United Nations Environnement Programme (UNEP) Hq Is In
A. Nairobi, Kenya
B. New York City, USA
C. Rome, Italy
D. Washington, DC, USA
ANSWER: A - Joint Exercises B/w The India and UK Is Called:
A. KONKAN
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A - CISF Comes Under Which Ministry?
A. MHA
B. MOD
C. MEA
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
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