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Security & Defence Current Affairs 2026

Military exercises, defence deals, new missiles and internal security. Exercise names, partner countries and locations, which come up often.

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Security & DefenceUPSCDefence

India-US 10-Year Defence Framework: Progress Review for Strategic Convergence, Tech Sharing & Co-Production

The 10-year India-US Defence Framework Agreement, signed in October 2025, aims to bolster bilateral defence partnership through strategic convergence, critical technology sharing, and co-production of military hardware. The review of its progress underscores its role as a cornerstone for a free and open Indo-Pacific region, building upon India's status as a 'Major Defence Partner'.

28 October 2026, The Hindu

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Defence Reforms: Seven-Year Stalemate on Military Theatre Commands and Need for Jointness
UPSCDefence
28 October 2026
3
India-China Border Security: ITBP Proposes 20 New Battalions, Modern Equipment and Drone Surveillance
UPSCDefence
26 October 2026
4
Defence Ministry Approves ₹2.12 Lakh Crore Military Procurement, 82% from Indian Industry
UPSCSSCDefence
26 October 2026

Security & Defence quiz

Questions from recent security & defence stories. One attempt per question.

Q1
Which senior-most military position was created in 2019 and is central to the current debate on theatre commands?
Explanation: The article mentions that the government directed the 'newly minted Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)' in 2019 to restructure military commands. The CDS is the head of the Department of Military Affairs and is the principal military advisor to the government on tri-service matters.
Q2
Which ministry is the nodal body in India for the 10-year defence framework pact with the United States?
Explanation: The news article discusses a defence framework pact, and the meeting was between the Defence Minister of India and the US Secretary of War. Defence cooperation falls squarely under the mandate of the Ministry of Defence.
Q3
Under which Union Ministry does the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) function?
Explanation: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India. All CAPFs, including ITBP, function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Indian Army, which is different, functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Q4
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which approved the ₹2.12 lakh crore procurement, functions under which Union Ministry?
Explanation: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body for capital acquisitions in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It is chaired by the Defence Minister.
Q5
Consider the following statements regarding the debate on theatre commands in India:
1. 1.The Indian Air Force's primary objection is based on its doctrine of 'centralised control and decentralised execution'.
2. 2.The Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 is a British legislation that established true jointness in its military.
3. 3.India currently has 17 geographically dispersed single-service military commands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states the IAF doctrine is a key point of contention. Statement 2 is incorrect; the Goldwater-Nichols Act is a United States law, not British. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions 'India’s archaic structure of 17 geographically dispersed single-service military commands'.
Q6
Consider the following statements regarding India-US defence cooperation:
1. 1.The 10-year defence framework agreement between India and the US was signed in October 2024.
2. 2.The COMCASA agreement allows the militaries of India and the US to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment.
3. 3.India was designated as a 'Major Defence Partner' by the United States around 11 years prior to 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: The article says the framework was signed in October 2025 (not 2024) and that LEMOA—not COMCASA—allows use of each other’s bases; only statement 3 (Major Defence Partner ~11 years ago) is supported.
Q7
Consider the following statements regarding the recent news on Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP):
1. 1.ITBP has proposed raising 20 additional battalions to enhance its strength along the India-China border.
2. 2.The proposal includes plans to acquire modern equipment and drone surveillance systems to improve operational capabilities.
3. 3.The ITBP is primarily responsible for guarding India's maritime borders with neighbouring countries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as per the article which states ITBP needs 20 additional battalions. Statement 2 is correct as the article mentions focus on modern equipment and drones. Statement 3 is incorrect because ITBP guards the India-China land border in the Himalayas, not maritime borders. The Indian Coast Guard is responsible for maritime borders.
Q8
Consider the following statements regarding the recent Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approvals:
1. 1.The total value of the approved procurement is ₹2.12 lakh crore.
2. 2.Approximately 75% of the procurement will be sourced from Indian industries.
3. 3.The approvals include equipment like kamikaze drones and light multi-role helicopters for the Indian Army.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as per the article (₹2.12 lakh crore). Statement 2 is incorrect; the domestic procurement target is 82%, not 75%. Statement 3 is correct as the article mentions kamikaze drones and light multi-role helicopters for the Indian Army. Hence, option C is correct.
Q9
As per the article, how many single-service military commands does India currently have?
Explanation: The article explicitly states: 'India’s archaic structure of 17 geographically dispersed single-service military commands...'. This is a key data point highlighting the need for integration into fewer, unified theatre commands.
Q10
In which year was the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) between India and the United States signed?
Explanation: The article explicitly states: 'In October 2020, the two sides sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement)'. The other years correspond to different agreements: 2016 for LEMOA and 2018 for COMCASA.

Security & Defence current affairs: questions and answers

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