Defence Current Affairs 21 February 2026

In Current Affairs for 21 February 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
February 21, 2026
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In Current Affairs for 21 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 21 February 2026

India Joins Pax Silica: Strengthening the Silicon Age Alliance

India formally became a member of the Pax Silica coalition during the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, marking a major development in India–United States strategic technology cooperation. The move reflects a shared vision to safeguard the entire technological ecosystem that will drive the future artificial intelligence-based global economy.

Pax Silica is designed as a coalition of trusted nations committed to securing what is often described as the “silicon stack.” This includes everything from critical mineral supply and semiconductor manufacturing to advanced AI development and deployment infrastructure. The initiative aims to prevent excessive dependence on a few countries in global supply chains and to reduce the risks of economic coercion in strategic technologies.

Launched in December 2025 at a summit in Washington, D.C., the US-led alliance includes countries such as Australia, Greece, Israel, Japan, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. The term “Pax” (Latin for peace) reflects the goal of maintaining global stability through trusted technological partnerships, while “Silica” refers to the mineral foundation of semiconductors and AI hardware.

India’s inclusion is significant due to its large pool of skilled technology professionals and its largely underexplored reserves of critical minerals. Participation in Pax Silica could also help India diversify its rare earth imports, reducing its current heavy dependence on China.

Indian Army Chief’s Visit to Canberra

India and Australia have taken further steps to deepen defence ties during the official visit of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi to Canberra. The visit featured high-level military discussions aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and strategic coordination.

General Dwivedi met Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Force, at the Joint Operations Command. Interestingly, both military leaders are alumni of the United States Army War College (Class of 2015), creating a shared professional connection that enhances mutual understanding.

The visit also included a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Russell Offices, symbolising the growing strategic partnership between the two Indo-Pacific nations.

India to Acquire French HELMA-P Laser System

India has signed a significant agreement with French defence company CILAS for the acquisition of the HELMA-P directed-energy laser system. The agreement, signed on 2 November 2025 and supported by MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defence, is aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities against hostile drone threats.

The HELMA-P system uses a high-energy laser beam to disable drones by targeting their essential components, such as sensors and electronic systems. Unlike traditional missile-based defence systems, it does not rely on ammunition and instead requires only electrical power and cooling systems, making it highly cost-effective per engagement.

France has successfully tested HELMA-P in operational environments, including maritime deployment aboard the frigate French frigate Forbin and trials at the DGA Biscarrosse test range. This acquisition builds upon the strong defence relationship between India and France, which already includes procurement of Dassault Rafale jets and Scorpene-class submarine platforms.

US and Iran Move Closer to Confrontation

Tensions between United States and Iran are rising as diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear programme face growing uncertainty. Officials and regional observers indicate that the possibility of military confrontation is increasing amid stalled negotiations.

Regional players, including Israel and several Gulf nations, are closely monitoring developments. Reports suggest that military preparations are being reviewed, although no formal decision regarding direct action has been announced.

The situation has raised concerns among oil-producing Gulf states about potential disruptions and instability in the Middle East, particularly if tensions escalate beyond diplomatic control.

Israel Developing Arrow-4 Air Defence System

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is advancing the development of the Arrow-4 anti-ballistic missile defence system, which is expected to significantly enhance Israel’s interception capabilities against emerging missile threats.

Arrow-4 is designed to eventually replace the ageing Arrow-2 interceptor, which entered service in 1998. It will work alongside the already operational Arrow-3 system, creating a more advanced and layered defence architecture.

The Arrow-3 system, operational since 2017, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in space (exo-atmospheric intercepts), while Arrow-2 targets threats in the upper atmosphere. Arrow-4 is being engineered with upgraded sensors, propulsion, and guidance systems to counter sophisticated threats, including missiles equipped with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).

The development reflects Israel’s continued investment in multi-layered missile defence to address evolving security challenges.

Review Questions

Pax Silica is primarily focused on securing global supply chains related to:
A. Oil and Gas
B. Steel Production
C. Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductors
D. Agricultural Products
ANSWER: C
Pax Silica was officially launched in December 2025 at a summit held in:
A. London
B. Tokyo
C. Washington, D.C.
D. Canberra
ANSWER: C
India signed an agreement with which French company for the HELMA-P
directed-energy laser system?
A. Dassault Aviation
B. Thales Group
C. CILAS
D. Naval Group
ANSWER: C
The Arrow-4 missile defence system is being developed by:
A. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
B. Israel Aerospace Industries
C. Elbit Systems
D. Lockheed Martin
ANSWER: B
General Upendra Dwivedi, during his visit to Australia, met which official at
the Joint Operations Command?
A. Admiral David Johnston
B. Vice Admiral Justin Jones
C. General Angus Campbell
D. Air Marshal Robert Chipman
ANSWER: B
European ASRAAM Stands For
A. Advanced Short Range Air Missile
B. Advanced Short Ring Air-to-Air Missile
C. Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile
D. None
ANSWER: C
Marine Engineering Training Establishment of the Indian Navy located at
A. Noida
B. Kochi
C. Pune
D. Wayanad
ANSWER: C
Where Is The Hq Of The Southern Western Command of The Indian Army?
A. Jaipur
B. Jabalpur
C. Pune
D. Mumbai
ANSWER: A
Sea Dragon Exercise Hosted By
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
India Purchased C 130 J from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
College of Military Engineering (CME) Is Located At
A. Pune
B. Kamptee
C. Mumbai
D. Noida
ANSWER: A
Which Country Ranked Third Highest In The World Defence Expenditure?
A. Australia
B. USA
C. France
D. Bharat
ANSWER: D
Regimental Center Of PUNJAB REGIMENT Is In
A. Balasore, Odisha
B. Chennai, T.N.
C. Trombay, M.H.
D. Ramgarh Cantonment, Jharkhand
ANSWER: D
India Purchased IAI Searcher UAV from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. Israel
ANSWER: D
KHARTOUM Is The Capital Of
A. Spain
B. Sri Lanka
C. Suriname
D. Sudan
ANSWER: D
“A Promised Land” Book Is Written By
A. Barack Obama
B. Meena Iyer
C. Amish Tripathi
D. PS Sreedharan Pillai
ANSWER: A
HELINA Missile Has A Maximum Range Of
A. 7 kilometres
B. 8 kilometres
C. 9 kilometres
D. 10 kilometres
ANSWER: A
“We Protect“ Is The Motto Of
A. ICG
B. IAF
C. Indian Army
D. BSF
ANSWER: A
Joint Exercises B/w The India And France Is Called:
A. Yama
B. SLINEX
C. Indra
D. GARUDA
ANSWER: D
India Purchased MiG-21 from
A. USA
B. Sweden
C. France
D. Russia
ANSWER: D

DCA 21 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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