In Current Affairs for 17 January 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 17 January 2026
Bharat Forge Strengthens Indigenous Drone Capabilities
Bharat Forge Limited (BFL), a leading diversified industrial group, has secured drone supply contracts valued at nearly ₹300 crore through its aerospace division. These contracts, awarded by the Indian Army and Navy, involve the supply of domestically developed unmanned systems, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and loitering munitions.
The drone systems—Omega One, Omega Nine, Bayonet, and Cleaver—have been designed to address urgent operational needs across varied terrains and mission requirements. According to Bharat Forge, the programmes are supported by enhanced domestic production capacity, enabling fast delivery while maintaining high standards of reliability and scalability. Company leadership emphasised that the successful execution of these contracts reflects a strong commitment to defence indigenisation and operational readiness.
Bhairav Battalion to Feature in Republic Day Parade
The Indian Army will showcase its newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion for the first time during the Republic Day Parade on January 26. The parade will feature a phased battle array formation, displaying indigenous platforms alongside trained personnel rolling down Kartavya Path.
The ceremonial flypast will include frontline aircraft and helicopters such as Rafale, Su-30 MKI, P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, MiG-29, Apache and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and Mi-17. Transport aircraft including the C-130 and C-295 will also participate. Officials stated that the 77th Republic Day celebrations will feature several new elements, with the theme centred on the sesquicentenary of ‘Vande Mataram’, honouring its composer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee through artistic and cultural displays.
Adani Group’s Ambitious Defence Investment Plan
Adani Group has outlined plans to invest ₹1.8 lakh crore in defence manufacturing by 2026, signalling one of the largest private-sector commitments to India’s military industrial base. The focus will be on unmanned and autonomous platforms, advanced guided weapons, sensors, electronics, and AI-enabled multi-domain warfare systems.
Adani Defence & Aerospace has already shifted from extended planning to faster deployment cycles, with some of its equipment reportedly operational in recent military missions. The upcoming investments will also strengthen maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure and simulator-based training facilities. With capabilities spanning aerial and underwater drones, counter-UAS systems, loitering munitions, small arms, and AWACS platforms, the company has emerged as a major integrated defence manufacturer in the private sector.
Dassault’s Rafale Production Plans in India
French aerospace major Dassault Aviation is preparing to scale up Rafale fighter jet production at its upcoming manufacturing facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 24 aircraft annually. Located in the MIHAN special economic zone, the facility is scheduled to begin assembly operations by 2027–28.
This initiative aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ programme and builds on the 2016 inter-governmental agreement for 36 Rafale jets. Indian private firms such as Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Defence Systems, and Dynamatic Technologies will play a significant role in the supply chain, manufacturing key components including airframes, avionics assemblies, hydraulic systems, and landing gear. Local value addition is expected to exceed 70 per cent, strengthening India’s aerospace ecosystem and potentially enabling future exports.
MIDHANI’s Strategic Role in Defence Indigenisation
Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) is emerging as a critical enabler of India’s self-reliance efforts in defence, space, and aerospace sectors. As the country’s only producer of titanium alloys, MIDHANI holds a unique strategic position. Titanium and advanced alloys are essential for high-performance applications in fighter jets, missiles, submarines, and space launch vehicles.
The company’s expertise in superalloys, ultra-high-strength steels, and specialised metals has resulted in strong order inflows and long-term revenue visibility. Organisations such as DRDO, ISRO, HAL, and naval programs rely heavily on MIDHANI’s materials. Its monopoly in titanium alloy production provides a significant competitive advantage while supporting key national programmes like Tejas Mk-2 and Gaganyaan.
Conclusion
Together, these developments underline India’s determined push towards defence self-sufficiency. With rising private-sector participation, expanding global collaborations, and strengthening public-sector capabilities, India is steadily building a robust and future-ready defence industrial ecosystem capable of meeting both domestic and strategic global demands.
Review Questions
- Bharat Forge recently secured defence contracts worth approximately ₹300
crore for supplying which of the following systems?
A. Main battle tanks
B. Fighter jet components
C. Indigenous unmanned drone platforms
D. Naval missile destroyers
ANSWER: C - The newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion will make its first
appearance during which national event?
A. Independence Day Parade
B. Army Day Parade
C. Republic Day Parade
D. Beating Retreat Ceremony
ANSWER: C - Adani Group’s planned defence investment of ₹1.8 lakh crore by 2026
primarily focuses on which of the following areas?
A. Nuclear submarine construction
B. Unmanned and autonomous systems and guided weapons
C. Import of foreign fighter aircraft
D. Expansion of civilian aviation infrastructure
ANSWER: B - The upcoming Rafale manufacturing facility in India by Dassault Aviation is
located in which city?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Pune
D. Nagpur
ANSWER: D - Which organisation holds the distinction of being India’s only domestic
producer of titanium alloys for defence and aerospace applications?
A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
B. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
C. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
D. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
ANSWER: C - Garuda Shakti Exercise Held B/W India And___?
A. Mangolia
B. Indonesia
C. Sri Lanka
D. Singapore
ANSWER: B - CISF Hq Is In
A. Punjab
B. Rajasthan
C. New Delhi
D. J&K
ANSWER: C - HAL Dhruv Is A
A. Missile
B. UAV
C. Utility Helicopter
D. Aerial Refueling Aircraft
ANSWER: C - Project Yojak Launched By
A. CRPF
B. BSF
C. BRO
D. None of the Above
ANSWER: C - Motto Of Army Air Defence Regiment
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Akashe Shatrun Jahi
C. Yudhaya Krit Nishchaya
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: B - Republic Of Djibouti, Is A Country Located In The
A. Horn of Africa
B. North America
C. South America
D. Asia
ANSWER: A - Range of Shaurya Missile Is
A. 700 – 1,900 km
B. 500 – 15,00 km
C. 1,500 – 2,000 km
D. 2,500 – 3,200 km
ANSWER: A - Yudh Abhyas Exercise Held B/W India And___?
A. China
B. USA
C. Russia
D. Singapore
ANSWER: B - HADR Stands For
A. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
B. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Reload
C. Humanitarian Assist and Disaster Relief
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A - War Cry of ASSAM REGIMENT
A. Parakramo Vijayate
B. Rhino Charge
C. Jai Bajrangbali
D. Duty, Honour, courage
ANSWER: B - M4 carbine Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Helicopter
C. Assault rifle
D. Submachine gun
ANSWER: C - “Conquest of Self” Book Is Written By
A. Rabindranath Tagore
B. Mulk Raj Anand
C. Rabindranath Tagore
D. Mahatma Gandhi
ANSWER: D - Parakram Diwas Celebrated On
A. December 1
B. October 8
C. January 23
D. March 10
ANSWER: C - Republic of Seychelles Is A Country Located In The
A. Pacific Ocean
B. Indian Ocean
C. South China Sea
D. Japan Sea
ANSWER: B - Defence Space Agency Hq At
A. New Delhi
B. Bengaluru
C. Chennai
D. Noida
ANSWER: B
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