In Defence Current Affairs for 26 June 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 26 June 2026
IAF Receives Final Operational Clearance for Indigenous Netra AEW&C System
India has achieved another milestone in strengthening its indigenous defence capabilities with the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the system has now been formally cleared for full operational deployment with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Netra AEW&C system was jointly developed through close cooperation between the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and Indian defence industries. Designed to enhance airborne surveillance, real-time situational awareness, and battlefield management, it significantly improves India’s ability to monitor aerial threats and coordinate military operations.
The project had earlier received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, and the grant of Final Operational Clearance marks the successful completion of its developmental and operational evaluation phases. The induction of Netra into active service reflects India’s growing expertise in advanced aerospace technologies and reinforces the objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
Developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), the platform is mounted on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft and is equipped with an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The radar provides nearly 240-degree surveillance coverage, enabling the aircraft to detect, track, and monitor multiple aerial targets simultaneously. The system can remain airborne for approximately five to six hours, with the possibility of extending its endurance through aerial refuelling.
As India’s first indigenously developed AEW&C platform, Netra reduces dependence on foreign surveillance systems and serves as a crucial force multiplier for the Indian Air Force. It enhances the operational effectiveness of fighter aircraft, strengthens surveillance along India’s western and northern borders, and improves command-and-control capabilities during both peace and conflict.
Keel-Laying Ceremony Held for Fourth Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) marked another important milestone in India’s naval shipbuilding programme with the keel-laying ceremony of the fourth Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being constructed for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ceremony was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra, on 25 June 2026.
The vessel is one of six Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels being built under a contract signed between the Indian Coast Guard and MDL on 20 December 2023. The project forms part of the Government’s initiative to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.
The new patrol vessel incorporates advanced machinery, modern sensors, and state-of-the-art onboard systems. It has been designed, developed, and constructed entirely in India, demonstrating the country’s expanding capabilities in naval engineering and defence production.
Senior officials from both the Indian Coast Guard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders attended the ceremony. Once commissioned, these vessels will substantially improve the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct maritime surveillance, coastal security, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling missions, and protection of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The NGOPV project is expected to enhance India’s maritime security architecture while strengthening the country’s strategic autonomy in defence manufacturing.
Indian Army Participates in Multinational Exercise Khaan Quest 2026
The 23rd edition of Exercise Khaan Quest is being conducted at the Five Hills Training Area in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, bringing together armed forces from around the world for joint peacekeeping training.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of one of the world’s leading multinational peacekeeping exercises. More than 1,000 military personnel from 18 countries are participating in the exercise.
India is represented by a contingent of 40 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the JAT Regiment, along with soldiers from other arms and services of the Indian Army.
Conducted under the framework of the United Nations peacekeeping mandate, the exercise focuses on improving interoperability, communication, coordination, and joint operational capabilities among participating nations. Troops engage in realistic peacekeeping scenarios that include humanitarian assistance, conflict management, and multinational coordination.
Exercise Khaan Quest began in 2003 as a bilateral military exercise between the United States and Mongolia. From 2006 onwards, it evolved into a multinational peacekeeping exercise and has since become an important platform for enhancing cooperation among armed forces participating in UN peacekeeping missions.
India’s participation reflects its continued commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and provides valuable operational experience in multinational military environments.
Andhra Pradesh to Develop Large-Scale Drone Delivery Network
The Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation (APDC) has entered into a partnership with Bengaluru-based aerospace startup Airbound to establish a comprehensive drone delivery network across the Amaravati Capital Region.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi by APDC Chairperson and Managing Director Geetanjali Sharma and Airbound Founder and CEO Naman Pushp, in the presence of Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
The proposed Amaravati Capital Region Drone Delivery Network (ACR-DDN) aims to connect Amaravati, Vijayawada, and Guntur, creating an integrated logistics ecosystem for healthcare services, e-commerce, and commercial deliveries.
The project will begin with pilot operations in Guntur, with an ambitious target of supporting up to 10,000 drone flights per day over the next year. If successfully implemented, it could become one of the largest commercial drone delivery networks in the world.
A key feature of the project is Airbound’s blended-wing-body tailsitter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Constructed from lightweight carbon fibre and weighing only 1.5 kilograms, the aircraft offers a superior payload-to-weight ratio and significantly reduces transportation costs. According to the company, the innovative design can lower delivery expenses by nearly twenty times compared to conventional logistics methods, with operating costs as low as 10 paise per kilometre.
The initiative supports India’s growing drone ecosystem and aligns with the government’s vision of promoting indigenous innovation, advanced aviation technologies, digital connectivity, employment generation, and economic development.
NSA Ajit Doval Meets Russian Counterpart Sergei Shoigu
- National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval held a high-level meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in New Delhi on 23 June 2026. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting, highlighting the continuing strategic engagement between India and Russia.
- Key Highlights of the Meeting
- During the discussions, both leaders reviewed the progress made in various areas of India-Russia cooperation. They emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations under the framework of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, which has been a cornerstone of the relationship for decades.
- The two sides also exchanged views on proposals aimed at enhancing cooperation within the BRICS grouping. The discussions reflected the commitment of both countries to deepen coordination on regional and global security issues while promoting a multipolar international order.
- Focus on Strategic Cooperation
- The meeting covered a broad range of strategic issues, including:
- Review of ongoing India-Russia bilateral cooperation.
- Strengthening collaboration under the BRICS framework.
- Enhancing security and strategic dialogue between the two nations.
- Reaffirming commitment to the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
- Exploring new proposals for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
- Both leaders agreed that sustained dialogue at the highest levels remains essential for addressing emerging geopolitical challenges and ensuring regional stability.
- India-Russia Strategic Partnership
- India and Russia share a long-standing relationship based on mutual trust and strategic cooperation. Their partnership extends across several sectors, including:
- Defence and military cooperation.
- Energy and nuclear collaboration.
- Space research and technology.
- Trade and investment.
- Counter-terrorism and security.
- Science, education, and cultural exchanges.
- Regular interactions between the two countries’ national security establishments have contributed significantly to expanding cooperation in these fields.
- Importance of the BRICS Platform
- The meeting was held alongside the BRICS National Security Advisers’ gathering, which provides member countries with an opportunity to discuss common security concerns and strengthen coordination on international issues.
- BRICS has increasingly become an important platform for cooperation in areas such as:
- Counter-terrorism.
- Cybersecurity.
- Global governance reforms.
- Economic cooperation.
- Regional peace and security.
- Emerging technologies.
- India’s participation reflects its commitment to promoting dialogue, stability, and multilateral cooperation among emerging economies.
- Significance
- The Doval-Shoigu meeting underscores the enduring strength of India-Russia relations despite changing global geopolitical dynamics. By reaffirming their strategic partnership and expanding cooperation under BRICS, both countries aim to enhance regional security, strengthen diplomatic coordination, and contribute to a more balanced global order.
- Key Facts
- Indian Representative: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
- Russian Representative: Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
- Venue: New Delhi.
- Occasion: 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ Meeting.
- Major Focus: Bilateral strategic cooperation, BRICS collaboration, and regional and global security.
Review Questions
- Which organisation developed the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and
Control (AEW&C) system?
A) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
B) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
C) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
D) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Answer: B) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) - The Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard
are being constructed by which shipyard?
A) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
B) Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
C) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
D) Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
Answer: C) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) - Exercise Khaan Quest 2026 is being conducted in which country?
A) Kazakhstan
B) Mongolia
C) South Korea
D) Uzbekistan
Answer: B) Mongolia - Exercise Khaan Quest is primarily organised to improve cooperation in which type
of operations?
A) Naval Warfare
B) Counter-Piracy Missions
C) United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
D) Missile Defence Operations
Answer: C) United Nations Peacekeeping Operations - Which organisation signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh Drone Corporation
(APDC) to establish a large-scale drone delivery network?
A) IdeaForge Technology
B) Garuda Aerospace
C) Airbound
D) Adani Defence
Answer: C) Airbound - The indigenous Netra AEW&C system is mounted on which aircraft platform?
A) Airbus A320
B) Dornier Do-228
C) Embraer EMB-145
D) Boeing P-8I
Answer: C) Embraer EMB-145 - Garuda Shakti Ex Held B/w India &
A. Sri Lanka
B. USA
C. Indonesia
D. Nepal
ANSWER: C - Warsaw Is The Capital Of
A. Poland
B. Ukraine
C. Germany
D. Oman
ANSWER: A - War Cry Of MECHANISED INFANTRY REGIMENT Is
A. Bol Bajrang Bali Ki jai
B. Raja Ramachandra ki jai
C. Bolo Bharat Mata ki jai
D. None of the above
ANSWER: C - CRPF Motto Is
A. Service Before Self
B. Service and Loyalty
C. We Protect
D. Touch the sky with glory
ANSWER: B - ICGS Saksham Is A
A. Destroyer
B. Aircraft Carrier
C. OPV
D. Refueling Ship
ANSWER: C - “Nuclearization of Asia” Book Written By
A. Rene Naba
B. VR Chaudhari
C. Gen Parvez Musharraf
D. APJ Abdul Kalam
ANSWER: A - Indian Coast Guard Formed On
A. August 18, 1978
B. September 18, 1978
C. March 18, 1976
D. April 18, 1976
ANSWER: A - ‘MBT Bhishma’ Is The Name Of :
A. Fighter aircraft
B. Tank
C. Armoured vehicles
D. Infantry regiments
ANSWER: B - Barak Is A
A. Surface-to-air Missile
B. Surface-to-Surface Missile
C. Air-to-air Missile
D. Surface-to-Sea Missile
ANSWER: A - INS Valsura Located At
A. Jamnagar, Gujrat
B. Mumbai, M.H
C. Kochi, Kerala
D. A & NC
ANSWER: A - Exercise Maitree Conducted B/w India &
A. Thailand
B. Nepal
C. Bangladesh
D. Bhutan
ANSWER: A - Infantry School Of Indian Army Is At
A. Mhow
B. Bhopal
C. Gwalior
D. Jammu
ANSWER: A - Officers Training Academy Is At
A. Chennai
B. Bhopal
C. Gaya
D. Both A & C
ANSWER: D - The IAI Heron UAV Developed By
A. USA
B. South Korea
C. Israel
D. China
ANSWER: C
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