Defence Current Affairs 20 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 20 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
February 20, 2026
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In Current Affairs for 20 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 20 February 2026

Airbus Expands India Footprint as Regional Aviation Demand Rises

Global aerospace leader Airbus is strengthening its presence in India with the launch of a new helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL), aimed at meeting growing regional demand. The company estimates that India’s civilian helicopter market alone could require more than 1,000 helicopters in the coming years, in addition to significant procurement needs from the armed forces.

The helicopter manufacturing initiative is being established in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even stated that the collaboration reflects Airbus’ long-term commitment to India. Beyond local production, the project includes plans for skill development, technology transfer, and the creation of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure. The first helicopter assembled in India is expected to roll out in early 2027.

The facility was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. At the assembly site, key dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu attended the ceremony.

The first “Made-in-India” H125 helicopter is scheduled for delivery in 2027. The FAL will cater not only to domestic requirements but also to export markets in the region. Airbus has positioned the H125M as a suitable replacement for the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters currently operated by the Indian armed forces. These legacy platforms were originally produced through collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), marking a decades-long industrial partnership between India and France.

Iran’s Nuclear Talks Under Pressure Amid Rising Military Tensions

The diplomatic space for resolving tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme appears to be narrowing amid an expanding US military presence in the Middle East. According to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urgent progress is required to avoid further escalation.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi indicated that discussions have been held with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding inspection of nuclear facilities reportedly damaged during previous strikes. However, uncertainties remain about whether inspection arrangements can be finalized swiftly.

For over eight months, IAEA inspectors have not been able to verify the status of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium or fully assess the extent of damage to enrichment infrastructure. Prior to the escalation, Iran had accumulated enough near weapons-grade material that could potentially be converted into multiple warheads, should a political decision be taken.

At the center of the dispute is uranium enrichment — a sensitive process that can serve civilian nuclear energy needs but also be adapted for military purposes. The United States and Israel demand a halt to enrichment activities and dismantling of facilities, while Iran maintains that it retains the right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.

During his earlier presidency, Donald Trump withdrew from a multilateral nuclear agreement that had imposed restrictions on Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the withdrawal, Tehran expanded its programme significantly.

UK Restricts US Use of RAF Bases Amid Iran Crisis

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly denied permission for the United States to use Royal Air Force bases for potential strikes against Iran. The decision comes amid increasing strain between Washington and Tehran over stalled nuclear negotiations.

Reports suggest that the refusal may have affected diplomatic coordination between London and Washington. The United States has reportedly deployed long-range bombers and refuelling aircraft to the Middle East as part of contingency planning.

One strategic location under discussion is the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands — a British overseas territory slated for transfer to Mauritius. The region has witnessed heightened military readiness, marking one of the most significant US build-ups since the early 2000s.

Despite military preparations, President Donald Trump has indicated that negotiations with Iran are progressing, while insisting that any agreement must meet substantial conditions.

Exercise MILAN Highlights Maritime Cooperation in Vizag

India hosted Exercise MILAN in Visakhapatnam, bringing together naval chiefs and representatives from 74 countries. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for collective action to address evolving maritime challenges.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Singh noted that conventional security threats now coexist with non-traditional challenges such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking, cyber risks, and disruptions to global supply chains. He also pointed to climate change as a factor increasing the frequency of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The minister underscored the importance of strengthening the global maritime legal order under the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), advocating deeper naval cooperation and coordination.

India–Israel MoU Strengthens Defence Cooperation

India and Israel have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen defence collaboration ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel.

The agreement was facilitated by Israel’s International Defence Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), operating under the Ministry of Defense. The initiative brought together leading defence industries from both nations through seminars and business-to-business engagements, conducted in coordination with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and India’s Ministry of Defence.

The upcoming visit is expected to further consolidate strategic ties, with discussions likely to cover defence technology, regional security, and broader bilateral cooperation.

Review Questions

Airbus’ new helicopter Final Assembly Line in India is being set up in
partnership with which Indian company?
A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
B. Mahindra Defence
C. Tata Advanced Systems Limited
D. Larsen & Toubro
ANSWER: C
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is primarily concerned with
which issue regarding Iran?
A. Missile testing programme
B. Uranium enrichment and nuclear inspections
C. Oil exports
D. Cyber warfare activities
ANSWER: B
Which UK Prime Minister reportedly blocked the use of RAF bases for
potential US strikes on Iran?
A. Boris Johnson
B. Rishi Sunak
C. Keir Starmer
D. Theresa May
ANSWER: C
Exercise MILAN, recently hosted by India, is related to which field?
A. Air Force combat drills
B. Naval and maritime cooperation
C. Army counter-terror exercises
D. Space defence collaboration
ANSWER: B
MoU signed ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit aims to strengthen India’s
defence ties with which country?
A. France
B. United States
C. Russia
D. Israel
ANSWER: D
India’s First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Is
A. INS Virat
B. INS Vikrant
C. INS Vikrmaditya
D. INS Samudragupta
ANSWER: B
INS Vikrant Is Manufactured By
A. GRSE
B. CSL
C. BHEL
D. DRDO
ANSWER: B
Hq Of Cochin Shipyard Ltd Is At
A. Kochi
B. Chennai
C. Mumbai
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Which Is Not The Commissioned Ranks In The Army Service?
A. Brigadier
B. Colonel
C. General
D. Commander
ANSWER: D
Armaments Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) Is Located In
A. Pune, Maharashtra
B. Bengaluru, Karnataka
C. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Motto Of Integrated Defence Staff
A. Victory Through Jointness
B. Victory Everywhere
C. Always Ahead
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
First Made In India Passenger Aircraft Is___
A. Dornier 228
B. Chetak
C. Cheetah
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
Saab AB Is An Aerospace Company of
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. China
ANSWER: B
Joint Ex B/w India And Singapore Is Called:
A. Bold Kurukshetra
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: A
Neptune Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Tank
C. Anti-Ship Missile
D. Machine Gun
ANSWER: C
KINGSTON Is The Capital Of
A. JAMAICA
B. JAPAN
C. JORDAN
D. Maldives
ANSWER: A
Which of the following Country Is Not The Member Of ASEAN?
A. Brunei
B. Laos
C. Vietnam
D. China
ANSWER: D
Hq of 15/Chinar Corps of Indian Army Is In
A. Srinagar
B. Jaipur
C. Kochi
D. Baramulla
ANSWER: A
The Cartosat Is A
A. Air to Air missile
B. Sniper Rifle
C. Anti-tank Guided missile
D. Earth Observation Satellite
ANSWER: D
Where Is The Hq Of The SAC Of The IAF?
A. Kochi
B. Vishakhapatnam
C. Shillong
D. Thiruvananthapuram
ANSWER: D

DCA 20 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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