Defence Current Affairs 19 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 19 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
February 19, 2026
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In Current Affairs for 19 February 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 19 February 2026

India–France Relations Elevated to ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’

India and France have taken a major step forward in their diplomatic journey by upgrading their ties to a ‘Special Global Strategic Partnership’. The announcement was made jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on 17 February, reflecting a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation across strategic, economic, technological and cultural spheres.

Year of Innovation 2026

As part of this upgraded partnership, both leaders unveiled the India–France Year of Innovation 2026. The initiative aims to promote collaboration in advanced technologies, defence production, clean energy transitions, artificial intelligence, and cultural exchanges. By combining India’s growing technological capabilities with France’s research strength and industrial expertise, the two nations seek to contribute meaningfully to global innovation and sustainable development.

21 Agreements Across Key Sectors

The announcement was accompanied by the signing of 21 agreements and joint declarations. These covered areas such as:

Helicopter and missile manufacturing
Artificial intelligence applications in healthcare
Cooperation in critical minerals
Double taxation avoidance measures
Aeronautical training and skill development

The wide-ranging agreements demonstrate that the partnership now extends well beyond traditional defence purchases, encompassing emerging technologies and economic integration.

President Macron also underlined space cooperation as a promising frontier, emphasising India’s growing global stature in innovation and technology. He described India as a dynamic force shaping the global knowledge economy and cultural landscape.

Bharat Forge and VVDN Technologies Sign Strategic MoU

In the corporate sector, Bharat Forge signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VVDN Technologies to explore collaboration in technology-driven industries.

The agreement envisions joint efforts in:

Automotive engineering
Defence systems
Artificial intelligence platforms
Data centre and AI server infrastructure

This collaboration aims to develop next-generation products by leveraging Bharat Forge’s manufacturing expertise and VVDN’s technological innovation capabilities. With global industries rapidly adopting generative AI, autonomous systems, and sustainable computing solutions, the partnership positions both firms to participate actively in the evolving global AI ecosystem.

Bombay High Court Pulls Up Navy Over Construction Near INS Shikra

The Bombay High Court expressed concern over delayed action by naval authorities regarding a high-rise construction project near INS Shikra, a key naval air station in south Mumbai.

A bench comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri questioned why the construction, reportedly initiated in 2021, was not addressed earlier despite potential security implications. The court temporarily halted the construction in view of security considerations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Mumbai.

The observations underscore the judiciary’s emphasis on vigilance and timely intervention in matters affecting national security installations.

India Seeks Additional Rafale Marine Jets

India is reportedly pursuing the acquisition of 31 additional carrier-capable Dassault Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy. This move complements the broader plan to procure 114 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme.

India’s current Rafale fleet originates from a 2016 government-to-government agreement under which 36 Rafale fighters were inducted into the Air Force. In April 2025, the Navy also signed a contract for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, with deliveries expected by 2030.

A key factor behind selecting the Rafale Marine was its compatibility with India’s STOBAR-configured aircraft carriers. Trials conducted in Goa in 2022 successfully demonstrated its operational suitability for short take-offs and arrested landings.

The proposed deal, estimated at ₹3.23 lakh crore for 114 jets, is anticipated to advance during high-level diplomatic engagements between the two countries.

France to Host 2026 G7 Summit at Evian; India Invited

France will host the 52nd G7 Summit in 2026 at Evian, and President Emmanuel Macron has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate as a special guest.

Macron described 2026 as a pivotal year for bilateral momentum, with India scheduled to chair the BRICS Summit and France presiding over the G7. He emphasised translating shared commitments into concrete action and fostering collaboration among young innovators from India, France, Europe and G7 countries.

Both nations plan to hold a dedicated bilateral segment during the summit to strengthen consensus on global challenges, economic imbalances and technological advancement.

Conclusion

The elevation of India–France ties to a Special Global Strategic Partnership signals a transformative phase in bilateral relations. From defence modernisation and space cooperation to artificial intelligence, innovation, and youth engagement, the partnership reflects strategic depth and global ambition. With upcoming high-level summits and expanding industrial collaborations, India and France appear set to shape a forward-looking alliance aligned with 21st-century priorities.

Review Questions

India and France recently upgraded their bilateral ties to which of the
following levels?
A. Comprehensive Economic Partnership
B. Strategic Defence Alliance
C. Special Global Strategic Partnership
D. Indo-Pacific Security Pact
ANSWER: C
The India–France Year of Innovation is scheduled for which year?
A. 2025
B. 2026
C. 2027
D. 2028
ANSWER: B
Which aircraft has India sought additionally for its aircraft carriers from
France?
A. Mirage 2000
B. Eurofighter Typhoon
C. Dassault Rafale Marine
D. Sukhoi Su-35
ANSWER: C
The 52nd G7 Summit in 2026 will be hosted by which country?
A. Germany
B. United Kingdom
C. United States
D. France
ANSWER: D
Bharat Forge signed an MoU with which company to collaborate in AI and
defence technologies?
A. Tata Elxsi
B. VVDN Technologies
C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
D. Larsen & Toubro
ANSWER: B
Operational Range of Barak 8 Missile Is
A. 70Km
B. 80Km
C. 90Km
D. 100Km
ANSWER: A
Defence Services Staff College Is Located At
A. Wellington
B. Chennai
C. New Delhi
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Motto of DSSC Is
A. To War with Wisdom
B. Valour and Courage
C. Fight With Determination
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Commandant of Defence Services Staff College Is
A. Lt Gen Virendra Vats
B. Lt Gen Vikram Singh
C. Rear Admiral Anil Sen
D. None
ANSWER: A
Cabinet Committee on Security Is Headed By
A. PM
B. NSA
C. The President
D. COAS Indian Army
ANSWER: A
Air Marshal Rank of IAF Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of Indian Army?
A. Brigadier
B. Lt. Gen
C. Captain
D. Major General
ANSWER: B
How Many States In India Have A Coastline?
A. Seven
B. Eight
C. Nine
D. Ten
ANSWER: C
OPEC Hq Is In
A. Budapest, Hungary
B. New York, USA
C. Luanda, Angola
D. Vienna, Austria
ANSWER: D
AUKUS Stands For
A. Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, & the United States
B. Australia, the United Kingdom, & the United States
C. Australia, the United Kingdom, & Uganda
D. Argentina, the United Kingdom, & the United States
ANSWER: B
RIYADH Is The Capital Of
A. SAUDI ARABIA
B. SENEGAL
C. SERBIA
D. SEYCHELLES
ANSWER: A
“2001 Space Odyssey” Book Is Written By
A. C. Clarke
B. Abhijit Chavda
C. Hew Strachan
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: A
Captain Rank of Indian Navy Equivalent to Which rank of IAF?
A. Flying Officer
B. Flight Lieutenant
C. Group Captain
D. None
ANSWER: C
Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper) Is A
A. Helicopter
B. Machine Gun
C. UAV
D. Fighter Jet
ANSWER: C
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Hq Is At
A. London, United Kingdom
B. Vienna, Austria
C. Paris, France
D. Geneva, Switzerland
ANSWER: A
“If you win, you need not have to explain…If you lose, you should not be
there to explain!” Said By__
A. Winston Churchill
B. Adolf Hitler
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Bhagat Singh
ANSWER: A

DCA 19 Febuary 2026 Download

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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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