Defence Current Affairs 29 December 2025

In Current Affairs for 29 December 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial...

In Current Affairs for 29 December 2025, 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 29 December 2025

Lockheed Martin Pushes C-130J for IAF Tactical Airlift Role

Lockheed Martin has strongly projected its C-130J Super Hercules as a leading contender for the Indian Air Force’s upcoming tactical transport aircraft requirement. The IAF is expected to procure nearly 80 medium military transport aircraft to enhance its operational mobility across diverse terrains. Highlighting the aircraft’s adaptability, reliability and combat-proven performance, the US-based aerospace firm has positioned the C-130J as a force multiplier for India, particularly in the context of cooperation within the Quad grouping.

A key highlight of Lockheed Martin’s proposal is its offer to establish the first-ever global production facility for the C-130J outside the United States, should India select the aircraft. This initiative would significantly strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and align with the government’s “Make in India” vision. Globally, more than 560 C-130J aircraft are in service across 23 countries, having accumulated over three million flight hours. The IAF already operates 12 C-130J aircraft, gaining operational experience in challenging environments such as high-altitude and special operations missions.

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BEL Advances Indigenous ‘Anant Shastra’ Air Defence System

In a major boost to indigenous defence capabilities, the Indian Army has floated a high-value tender worth around ₹30,000 crore to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the acquisition of five to six regiments of the Anant Shastra surface-to-air missile system. The system, developed by DRDO, was earlier known as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) and is designed to counter aerial threats along sensitive borders with Pakistan and China.

Anant Shastra is a highly mobile air defence solution capable of detecting, tracking and engaging targets while on the move or during short operational halts. The missile uses a solid-propellant motor and is guided by an inertial navigation system with a two-way data link during mid-course flight, followed by an active radar seeker operating in Ku and X bands for terminal guidance. With an effective range of about 30 km, it complements systems such as Akash and MR-SAM. Each launcher carries six missiles and can engage multiple targets simultaneously, while advanced electronic counter-countermeasure features ensure resistance against jamming.

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Indian Coast Guard Partners with L&T for Advanced Naval Systems

Strengthening maritime aviation operations, the Indian Coast Guard has signed a contract with L&T Precision Engineering & Systems for the supply of six Rail-Less Helo Traversing Systems (RLHTS). These systems will be installed on the Coast Guard’s indigenously built Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs). The agreement was signed at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi and supports India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Unlike traditional rail-based helicopter handling systems, RLHTS does not require precise deck alignment, enhancing operational flexibility and reliability during rough sea conditions. The NGOPVs are powered by twin diesel engines, capable of achieving speeds of 23 knots and an endurance of up to 5,000 nautical miles. L&T has been a long-term partner of the Coast Guard, having earlier constructed several offshore patrol vessels at its Kattupalli shipyard.

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Indian Army Seeks 20 Tactical UAVs for ISR Enhancement

To improve battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for procuring 20 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft. These UAVs will have a maximum take-off weight of up to 800 kg and will be supported by dedicated ground control and logistics equipment.

The planned procurement includes 10 UAVs tailored for operations in plains and deserts, and 10 designed for high-altitude and mountainous regions, including areas near the Line of Actual Control. The initiative aims to finalise operational requirements, determine the appropriate procurement category—likely Buy (Indian-IDDM)—and identify capable domestic manufacturers, reinforcing India’s focus on self-reliance in defence technology.

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China Launches ‘Justice Mission 2025’ Military Exercise

China has announced the commencement of a large-scale joint military exercise named “Justice Mission 2025” in areas surrounding Taiwan. The drill underscores Beijing’s assertion over Taiwan, which it considers an integral part of its territory. According to official Chinese sources, the exercise involves coordinated participation from the People’s Liberation Army’s ground forces, air force, navy, missile units and other branches.

The exercise includes air and maritime patrols, simulated precision strikes, blockade operations targeting critical ports, and deterrence missions around the battlefield periphery. As stated by the PLA Eastern Theatre Command, the primary objective of Justice Mission 2025 is to evaluate joint combat readiness and integrated operational capabilities across multiple service branches.

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Review Questions

  1. Lockheed Martin has positioned which aircraft as the top choice for the Indian
    Air Force’s tactical airlift requirement?
    A. C-17 Globemaster III
    B. C-295W
    C. C-130J Super Hercules
    D. AN-32
    ANSWER: C
  2. If India selects the C-130J Super Hercules, what major step has Lockheed
    Martin proposed?
    A. Leasing aircraft to the IAF
    B. Setting up a maintenance-only facility
    C. Establishing the first global C-130J production hub outside the US
    D. Joint development of a new transport aircraft
    ANSWER: C
  3. The ‘Anant Shastra’ surface-to-air missile system was earlier known as which
    DRDO project?
    A. Akash-NG
    B. Trishul
    C. MR-SAM
    D. Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM)
    ANSWER: D
  4. What is the approximate operational range of the Anant Shastra missile
    system?
    A. 15 km
    B. 20 km
    C. 30 km
    D. 50 km
    ANSWER: C
  5. China’s large-scale joint military exercise launched around Taiwan in 2025 is
    codenamed:
    A. Eastern Shield
    B. Red Dragon
    C. Strait Guardian
    D. Justice Mission 2025
    ANSWER: D
  6. Marine Engineering Training Establishment of the Indian Navy located at
    A. Noida
    B. Kochi
    C. Pune
    D. Wayanad
    ANSWER: C
  7. RIMPAC Stands For
    A. Rim of the Pacific Exercise
    B. Rim of the Perfect Exercise
    C. Rim of the Pacific Economy
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  8. Which is a UAV?
    A. INS Hansa
    B. INS Parundu
    C. Chetak
    D. Rustom
    ANSWER: C
  9. INS Ranjit Is A
    A. Destroyer
    B. OPV
    C. Submarine
    D. Tank
    ANSWER: A
  10. Which Country Is Not The Member Of G-7?
    A. Germany
    B. France
    C. Russia
    D. USA
    ANSWER: A
  11. Berlin Is The Capital Of
    A. France
    B. Qatar
    C. Germany
    D. Maldives
    ANSWER: C
  12. “Not Just A Nightwatchman: My Innings in the BCCI” Book Is Written By
    A. Shashi Tharoor
    B. Sitaram Yechuri
    C. Vinod Rai
    D. Anurag Thakur
    ANSWER: C
  13. Where Is The Hq Of The Southern Western Command of The Indian Army?
    A. Jaipur
    B. Jabalpur
    C. Pune
    D. Mumbai
    ANSWER: A
  14. Sea Dragon Exercise Hosted By
    A. USA
    B. Sweden
    C. France
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  15. India Purchased C 130 J from
    A. USA
    B. Sweden
    C. France
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  16. Ex KHANJAR Conducted B/W India &
    A. Qatar
    B. Oman
    C. Kazakhstan
    D. Kyrgyzstan
    ANSWER: D
  17. OPEC Hq Is In
    A. Vienna
    B. New York
    C. Chennai
    D. Abu Dhabi
    ANSWER: A
  18. Gangtok Is The Capital Of
    A. Sikkim
    B. Tamil Nadu
    C. Telangana
    D. Tripura
    ANSWER: A
  19. What Is The Full Form Of JCB?
    A. Joseph Cyril Bamford
    B. Joseph Cyrus Bamford
    C. Joseph Cyril Bofors
    D. None of the above
    ANSWER: A
  20. Lt Gen. Rank Of Indian Army Is Equivalent To Which Rank Of IAF?
    A. Vice Admiral
    B. Air Commodore
    C. Commodore
    D. Air Marshal
    ANSWER: D

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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.