Defence Current Affairs 23 March 2026

In Current Affairs for 23 March 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

Divyanshu Pandey
March 23, 2026

In Current Affairs for 23 March 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 23 March 2026

Samtel Expands Into Space Tech & Drone Manufacturing

Indian defence avionics company Samtel is expanding into space technologies and drone manufacturing and has set aside a budget of over ₹200 crore to diversify its product line over the coming years.
The company, which already makes defence electronics and is involved in indigenous programmes like the Advanced Light Helicopter and the Light Combat Helicopter, has created new teams to develop drone and anti-drone systems, as well as low earth orbit satellites.
A new drone division has been created that will focus on indigenous platforms with proprietary intellectual property. It plans to build long-endurance drones and establish long-term maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities for unmanned systems.

Lieutenant Amit Singh Dies During Commando Training

Lieutenant Amit Singh, a member of the Madras Regiment and a graduate of the 145th course at the National Defence Academy (NDA), tragically passed away during his commando training at the Commando School in Belagavi, Karnataka. Reports suggest that the incident occurred at the Commando Wing premises in Nanawadi. While participating in a swimming exercise, Lieutenant Singh experienced sudden discomfort and collapsed. Immediate medical assistance was rendered, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The Commando School in Belagavi is renowned for its rigorous training programs and is considered one of the most prestigious institutions within the Indian Army, often referred to as the “Cradle of Infantry.” It is integral to developing the skills and capabilities of India’s elite commandos, playing a significant role in preparing them for challenges on the battlefield.
Lieutenant Singh hailed from Jhajjar, Haryana, and his untimely demise has led to an outpouring of grief and condolences from military circles and veteran communities on social media. Tributes have underscored his commitment to service, illustrating the profound impact of his loss on his family, unit, and the broader armed forces.
Messages of remembrance shared on various platforms have highlighted the sacrifices made by service members, emphasizing themes such as “Freedom is not free” and acknowledging the heavy toll exacted on a few for the nation’s security. Many have extended prayers for strength and comfort to his grieving family, recognizing the deep and irreparable void left by this tragedy.

US destroys Iran’s Qom Turbine Engine Plant

Florida: In a devastating attack by the US, Iran’s Qom Turbine Engine Production Plant, which used to produce gas turbine engines for attack drones and aircraft components, has been destroyed, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
US Central Command shared a photograph of the destroyed plant, which was taken on March 6, showing the intensity of the damage caused by the attack.
The US-Israel and Iran conflict that started with the assassination of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has entered its fourth week.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron on Monday held talks with Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Macron called for responsibility and restraint.
“The current phase calls for responsibility and restraint, in order to create the conditions for resuming dialogue, which alone can guarantee peace and security for all. At this critical juncture, the G7 and the Gulf Cooperation Council should strengthen their coordination. France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are working together in this direction.”
President Donald Trump’s threat to strike power plants in Iran, which could plunge much of the country of 90 million people into darkness, has set off widespread fear and anxiety among Iranians at home and abroad.
Threatened counterstrikes by Iranian officials on power and desalination plants in the region did not help ease jittery nerves. Many Iranians — on social media, in text messages and phone interviews — have expressed growing dread about the war rapidly escalating.
At the onset of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran last month, Trump told the Iranian people that “help” was on the way and encouraged them to rise up against the government. Now, some say, he seems to be threatening to set them back to the Stone Age.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Sets Target For Drone Self-Reliance by 2030

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has set 2030 as the deadline for making India a global hub in drone manufacturing.
In a speech at the National Defence Industries Conclave organised by the Ministry of Defence, Rajnath cited ongoing wars in Ukraine and West Asia and said these conflicts had made it clear that “drones and counter-drone technologies will play a very significant role in future warfare”.
Rajnath said, “Today, there is a need to create such a drone manufacturing ecosystem in India in which we are completely self-reliant. This self-reliance is important not only at the product level but also at the component level. That means the drone’s mould, software, engine and batteries are all made in India.”
Rajnath flagged the dependence on China and said India’s self-reliance must extend beyond assembly and include all drone components from moulds to software and batteries.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV): These are the UAVs that are designed for combat operations, such as air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. They can carry weapons such as missiles, bombs, and guns.
Examples: Shahed 129 (Iran), Ghatak (upcoming Indian UCAV), USAF Hunter-Killer (USA), etc.
Swarm drones are a fleet of UAVs that work together to achieve a specific goal.
Examples: Use by Israeli Defence forces in Gaza and by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia’s Aramco installations.
Kamikaze drones: These are drones that are loaded with explosives and crash into their targets, causing damage and destruction. They are also known as loitering munitions or suicide drones.

Indian Navy warship Nilgiri joins Exercise KAKADU 2026 in Australia

The Indian Navy continues to expand its global maritime presence with the deployment of its advanced warship INS Nilgiri in the multinational naval exercise Exercise Kakadu 2026, hosted by Australia. This participation highlights India’s growing role in ensuring security and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.
Participation in Exercise Kakadu 2026INS Nilgiri is currently engaged in the sea phase of Exercise Kakadu 2026 as part of its operational deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. The exercise is one of the largest multilateral maritime drills conducted by Australia, bringing together naval forces from several Indo-Pacific nations.
The Indian Navy shared that the primary objective of the exercise is to enhance coordination among participating navies. It focuses on improving interoperability, joint operations, and maritime understanding, which are crucial for maintaining stability in the region.
Significance of the ExerciseExercise Kakadu serves as an important platform for strengthening defence ties and promoting collaboration among friendly nations. By participating in such exercises, India reinforces its commitment to:
Maritime security in the Indo-PacificStrengthening international naval partnershipsEnhancing joint operational capabilitiesThe exercise also allows participating navies to conduct complex maritime operations, share best practices, and improve tactical coordination.
INS Nilgiri: A Modern Stealth Warship
INS Nilgiri is a state-of-the-art guided-missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, developed under Project 17A. Commissioned in 2025, the warship represents India’s advancement in indigenous defence manufacturing and modern naval technology.
Equipped with advanced stealth features, modern sensors, and combat systems, the ship is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including:Anti-submarine warfareSurface and air defence Maritime surveillance and patrolIts participation in international exercises like Kakadu demonstrates India’s operational readiness and technological capability.India’s Growing Naval PresenceIndia’s involvement in Exercise Kakadu 2026 reflects its broader strategic vision of being an active and responsible maritime power. The Indian Navy has been consistently engaging in joint exercises and overseas deployments to strengthen regional stability and cooperation.
Such initiatives also align with India’s focus on “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)”, emphasizing peaceful collaboration and collective security in the Indo-Pacific.

Review Questions

Samtel has planned to invest over ₹200 crore primarily to expand into which
sectors?
A. Nuclear technology and robotics
B. Space technology and drone manufacturing
C. Cybersecurity and AI software
D. Shipbuilding and submarines
ANSWER: B
By which year has Defence Minister Rajnath Singh set the target for India to
become a global hub in drone manufacturing?
A. 2025
B. 2028
C. 2030
D. 2035
ANSWER: C
INS Nilgiri is participating in Exercise Kakadu 2026, which is hosted by:
A. HAL
B. DRDO
C. Rayonix Tech
D. Bharat Electronics Limited
ANSWER: C
INS Taragri Manufactured By
A. MDL
B. CSL
C. GRSE
D. NASA
ANSWER: A
Mission Shakti Was Launched In The Year Of
A. 2019
B. 2020
C. 2021
D. 2022
ANSWER: A
Who is the chairman of the National Command Authority of India?
A. PM
B. NSA
C. Cabinet Secretary
D. Defence Minister
ANSWER: A
Which is the longest-range missile in India?
A. Agni III
B. Agni I
C. Agni V
D. None of these
ANSWER: C
A hypersonic speed cruise missile would travel at least ______the speed of
sound.
A. four times
B. five times
C. Three times
D. None of these
ANSWER: B
‘No First Use Policy of Nuclear’ Is Related To Which Nation Policy?
A. USA
B. India
C. UK
D. Pakistan
ANSWER: B
Annual Hydrographic Conference Held At
A. Dehradun
B. Ranikhet
C. Jaipur
D. None of the above
ANSWER: A
How Many Countries Are In BRICS?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
ANSWER: C
‘Ex KOMODO’ Hosted By
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. UAE
D. Indonesia
ANSWER: D
Hiroshima Day Observed Every Year
A. 4 August
B. 5 August
C. 6 August
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C
India Meteorological Department Comes Under The Ministry Of__.
A. MHA
B. Ministry of Earth Sciences
C. Ministry of I&T
D. MOD
ANSWER: B
INS Kumbhir Is A
A. Destroyer
B. OPV
C. Submarine
D. Landing Ship Tank
ANSWER: D
Operational Range of Rudram-1 Is
A. 150 km
B. 250 km
C. 350 km
D. 450 km
ANSWER: B
Which One Of The Following Countries Does Not Border With Lithuania?
A. Latvia
B. Belarus
C. Poland
D. Ukraine
ANSWER: D
“Tiger of Drass: Capt. Anuj Nayyar, 23, Kargil Hero” Book Is Written By
A. Rajesh Talwar
B. Roger Faligot
C. Mithilesh Tiwari
D. Meena Nayyar & Himmat Singh Shekhawat
ANSWER: D
Army Air Defence College Is In
A. Gopalpur, Odisha
B. Pune, M.H.
C. Chennai, T.N.
D. None
ANSWER: A
Joint Exercises B/w The India And UK Is Called:
A. Yama
B. Indradhanush
C. Indra
D. Yudha Abhyas
ANSWER: B

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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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