In Defence Current Affairs for 22 October 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 22 October 2026
SIMBEX-2026: 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise
The 33rd edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) is being conducted at Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 October 2026. The exercise aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance operational coordination and improve interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The RSN ship RSS Supreme arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in the bilateral exercise.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of SIMBEX-2026 took place on 21 October aboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta. Senior officers from both navies attended the event, including the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command and the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy.
Historical Background
SIMBEX began in 1994 under the name Exercise Lion King. Over the years, it has developed into an important bilateral maritime engagement between India and Singapore. The exercise has progressively expanded in scope and complexity, promoting professional relationships, mutual understanding and operational cooperation between the two navies.
Two Phases of SIMBEX-2026
The exercise is being conducted in two phases:
1. Harbour Phase (21–23 October 2026)
The harbour phase includes professional interactions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-deck visits, sporting activities and planning conferences. These activities enable personnel from both navies to exchange knowledge and coordinate preparations for maritime operations.
2. Sea Phase (24–26 October 2026)
The sea phase will take place in the Bay of Bengal. It will involve maritime operations and tactical training, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare drills, seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
Significance
SIMBEX-2026 reinforces the maritime partnership between India and Singapore. Through coordinated training and professional exchanges, the exercise aims to improve the ability of both navies to operate together and respond effectively to evolving maritime challenges.
IBSAMAR IX 2026 Concludes in South Africa
The ninth edition of the India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime Exercise (IBSAMAR IX 2026) concluded at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 20 October 2026. The exercise brought together the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa to strengthen maritime cooperation and improve interoperability among the three countries.
Joint Maritime Training and Professional Exchanges
The exercise included ten days of joint activities conducted through harbour and sea phases. Naval personnel from the participating countries took part in professional discussions, operational interactions and joint maritime training.
These engagements provided opportunities to understand one another’s operational procedures, capabilities and methods of conducting maritime operations.
Objectives of IBSAMAR
The primary objectives of IBSAMAR include:
- Enhancing interoperability among the participating navies.
- Strengthening operational cooperation.
- Promoting professional exchanges and mutual understanding.
- Developing the ability to conduct coordinated maritime activities.
Significance
The successful conclusion of IBSAMAR IX 2026 highlights the shared commitment of India, Brazil and South Africa to maritime security and cooperation. The exercise supports the vision of maintaining safe, secure and open seas underpinned by a rules-based international order.
It also strengthens defence relations among the three countries through practical naval cooperation and coordinated training.
Ministry of Defence Signs ₹770 Crore Contract with BEL for Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of the Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (LLLR-I). The contract was signed in New Delhi on 21 October 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The procurement is intended to strengthen India’s air defence capabilities and improve the ability of the Army to detect and track aerial threats.
Features of the Improved LLLR-I System
The Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar has the capability to detect and track:
- Fighter-sized aerial targets.
- Mini drones.
- Micro drones.
The system also possesses an additional capability to prioritise aerial targets, helping defence personnel assess and respond to potential threats more effectively.
Countering Unmanned Aerial System Threats
The increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) presents new challenges for military air defence. The radar’s ability to detect and track both conventional aerial targets and smaller drones will strengthen the Army’s capacity to counter these threats.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The procurement supports the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and represents a step towards greater indigenisation of air defence platforms.
The contract is also expected to support India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It aligns with the broader objective of building a resilient, self-reliant and globally competitive domestic defence industry.
Significance
The ₹770 crore contract represents an important investment in India’s air surveillance and defence capabilities. By procuring an improved radar system from BEL, the Ministry of Defence aims to enhance the Army’s ability to identify aerial threats while supporting indigenous defence production.
Army Commanders’ Conference Commences in New Delhi
The Army Commanders’ Conference, the Indian Army’s apex-level biannual forum, commenced in New Delhi on 21 October 2026. The conference is scheduled to continue until 23 October 2026 and is being chaired by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
The conference brings together senior Army leadership to discuss India’s evolving security environment, operational preparedness, capability development and initiatives aimed at transforming the Army into a future-ready force.
Release of the Land Warfare Doctrine
A key highlight of the conference will be the release of the Land Warfare Doctrine by the Raksha Mantri.
The doctrine is intended to provide an overarching framework for preparing the Indian Army to address the changing nature of warfare and the challenges associated with future conflicts.
It represents an important element of the Army’s efforts to adapt its operational thinking and prepare for emerging security requirements.
Recognition of Indian Army UN Peacekeepers
The Raksha Mantri will also unveil the annual United Nations Journal and felicitate Indian Army personnel who have made notable contributions while serving as United Nations peacekeepers.
The recognition highlights their professionalism, dedication and role in supporting international peace and security under the UN banner.
Awards for Environmental Sustainability and Aviation Safety
The COAS will confer awards recognising achievements in two important areas:
- Green Military Stations: Recognising efforts towards environmental sustainability and effective resource management.
- Aviation Flight Safety: Honouring contributions towards maintaining and promoting a strong aviation safety culture.
Significance
The Army Commanders’ Conference provides a platform for senior military leaders to assess operational requirements, review strategic priorities and discuss future capability development.
The focus on land warfare doctrine, peacekeeping contributions, environmental sustainability and aviation safety reflects the Army’s broader approach to operational preparedness, institutional development and professional excellence.
Department of Military Affairs Reviews Over 2.46 Lakh Files Under Special Campaign 6.0
The Department of Military Affairs (DMA), Ministry of Defence, is implementing Special Campaign 6.0 from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign focuses on improving cleanliness, workplace management and administrative efficiency across defence establishments.
During the first two weeks of the campaign, more than 2.46 lakh files had been reviewed, demonstrating the scale of the administrative exercise.
Key Achievements
The campaign has reported the following progress during its first two weeks:
- Files reviewed: More than 2.46 lakh.
- Cleanliness campaign sites covered: 3,553.
- Rules reviewed and simplified: 158.
- Revenue generated through scrap disposal: ₹50.60 lakh.
These activities are aimed at improving the use of office space, reducing unnecessary records and promoting cleaner working environments.
Major Focus Areas
Special Campaign 6.0 includes several administrative and workplace improvement measures:
1. Cleanliness Drives: Defence establishments are undertaking cleanliness activities to improve workplaces and their surroundings.
2. Space Management: Available office space is being organised and utilised more efficiently.
3. Disposal of Scrap: Unused and obsolete materials are being disposed of, generating revenue and freeing up valuable space.
4. Review of Records: Files are being examined and unnecessary records weeded out to improve administrative efficiency.
5. Simplification of Rules: Existing rules and procedures are being reviewed to identify opportunities for simplification.
Reducing Administrative Pendency
An important objective of the campaign is to reduce pending public grievances and improve the handling of references received from Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and State Governments.
The progress of the campaign is being monitored daily to ensure that established targets are achieved. Defence forces and establishments across the country are actively participating in the initiative.
Significance
Special Campaign 6.0 highlights the Department of Military Affairs’ efforts to improve administrative efficiency, workplace cleanliness and resource utilisation. The review of files, simplification of rules and disposal of scrap are intended to promote more efficient and accountable functioning across defence organisations.
The campaign will continue until 31 October 2026, with an emphasis on meeting its targets and reducing administrative pendency.
Review Questions
- The 33rd edition of SIMBEX-2026 is being conducted between India and which
country?
A) Indonesia
B) Singapore
C) Thailand
D) Vietnam
Answer: B) Singapore - What was the original name of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise
(SIMBEX)?
A) Exercise Malabar
B) Exercise Lion King
C) Exercise Sea Dragon
D) Exercise Milan
Answer: B) Exercise Lion King - IBSAMAR IX 2026 brought together the navies of which three countries?
A) India, Brazil and South Africa
B) India, Australia and South Africa
C) India, Brazil and Argentina
D) India, France and South Africa
Answer: A) India, Brazil and South Africa - The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately ₹770 crore with
which company for the Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (LLLR-I)?
A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
B) Bharat Dynamics Limited
C) Bharat Electronics Limited
D) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Answer: C) Bharat Electronics Limited - What is a key capability of the Improved Low-Level Light-Weight Radar (LLLR-I)?
A) Detecting underwater submarines
B) Detecting and tracking fighter-sized targets and mini/micro drones
C) Tracking deep-space satellites
D) Detecting underground tunnels
Answer: B) Detecting and tracking fighter-sized targets and mini/micro drones - Where was the Army Commanders’ Conference held from 21 to 23 October 2026?
A) Pune
B) Jaipur
C) New Delhi
D) Lucknow
Answer: C) New Delhi - Who will release the Land Warfare Doctrine at the Army Commanders’
Conference, according to the provided information?
A) Chief of the Army Staff
B) Defence Secretary
C) Raksha Mantri
D) National Security Adviser
Answer: C) Raksha Mantri - How much revenue was generated through scrap disposal during the first two
weeks of Special Campaign 6.0 by the Department of Military Affairs?
A) ₹25.60 lakh
B) ₹40.50 lakh
C) ₹50.60 lakh
D) ₹75.60 lakh
Answer: C) ₹50.60 lakh - Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi Is The GOC In Chief Of
A. Northern Command
B. Western Command
C. Southern Command
D. Central Command
ANSWER: A - Wartime Distinguished Service Medal Is
A. PVC
B. MVC
C. VSM
D. YSM
ANSWER: D - Colonel Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Rank Of Indian Navy Is
A. Commander
B. Captain
C. Group Captain
D. Lieutenant
ANSWER: B - Maitree Exercise Held B/W India And___?
A. Thailand
B. USA
C. Qatar
D. Singapore
ANSWER: A - Tangail Airdrop Was Done At Which War
A. 1948
B. 1962
C. 1965
D. 1971
ANSWER: D - War Cry of NAGA REGIMENT
A. Bharat Mata ki Jai
B. Ki ki so so Lhargyalo
C. Jai Durga Naga
D. Durga Mata Ki Jai
ANSWER: C - Kamov Ka-31 Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
C. Helicopter
D. Submachine gun
ANSWER: C - High Altitude Warfare School Is At
A. Wellington
B. Gulmarg
C. Shimla
D. Dehradun
ANSWER: B - War Cry of THE MAHAR REGIMENT
A. Bharat Mata ki Jai
B. Bolo Hindustan Ki Jay
C. Jai Hind
D. Durga Mata Ki Jai
ANSWER: B - Southwestern Air Command of IAF Is In
A. Prayagraj
B. Gandhinagar
C. Shillong
D. New Delhi
ANSWER: B - Bagram Air Base Located In
A. Pakistan
B. Iraq
C. Afghanistan
D. Qatar
ANSWER: C - Dassault Aviation Is A Company Of
A. Thailand
B. USA
C. Qatar
D. France
ANSWER: D
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