Defence Current Affairs 2026: Latest Defence News, Military Exercises & MCQs

Defence Current Affairs 26 September 2026: Latest Defence News, Military Exercises, MCQs & Quick Revision

Defence Current Affairs are an important part of competitive examinations such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, UPSC, SSC, State PSC and other government exams. Questions are frequently asked about military exercises, defence acquisitions, missiles, aircraft, naval ships, DRDO projects, defence organisations, international defence cooperation and important appointments.

Current Status: As of 26 September 2026, India's defence sector has witnessed several important developments involving the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, DRDO and Ministry of Defence. Recent updates include major international military exercises, new defence procurement contracts, naval deployments, indigenous weapon systems, defence technology projects and initiatives related to defence preparedness.

Latest Update: Recent official updates include the 24th edition of the India-France maritime exercise VARUNA, the conclusion of SLINEX-26 and Veer Guardian-26, the commencement of Nomadic Elephant-2026, the India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 exercise, a ₹810.79 crore SAT-SAAW contract for the IAF and a ₹586 crore contract for Auxiliary Power Units for T-72 and T-90 tanks.

Defence Current Affairs: Quick Highlights

Topic	Important Update
VARUNA 2026	24th India-France bilateral maritime exercise
SLINEX-26	13th India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise
Veer Guardian 2026	India-Japan air exercise
Nomadic Elephant 2026	18th India-Mongolia joint military exercise
Yudh Abhyas 2026	22nd India-US joint military exercise
SAT-SAAW	160 weapons; ₹810.79 crore contract
Tank APUs	₹586 crore contract for T-72/T-90 tanks

1. VARUNA 2026: India-France Maritime Exercise

VARUNA 2026 is the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. The 24th edition of the exercise is being conducted with the participation of the Indian Navy's guided missile frigate INS Trishul.

INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 for the exercise. The programme includes professional engagements in harbour and at sea, cross-deck visits, operational interactions and other activities designed to improve interoperability and exchange operational experience.

Exam Point: VARUNA is associated with India and France and is a bilateral maritime/naval exercise.

2. SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise

The 13th edition of SLINEX-26, the India-Sri Lanka bilateral maritime exercise, was conducted at Visakhapatnam from 17 to 21 September 2026.

From the Indian side, INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti participated, while the Sri Lanka Navy was represented by SLNS Sindurala.

The sea phase included coordinated maritime manoeuvres, air operations, night replenishment at sea and Special Forces drills such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and slithering operations. The exercise concluded at Visakhapatnam on 21 September 2026.

Exam Point: SLINEX — India and Sri Lanka; 13th edition in 2026.

3. Veer Guardian 2026: India-Japan Air Exercise

Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 was conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The exercise was conducted from 9 to 22 September 2026. The IAF participated with Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous LCA Tejas, while the JASDF participated with the F-2A fighter aircraft.

The 14-day exercise included advanced flying missions, within-visual-range combat, coordinated multi-aircraft missions, mission planning and professional exchanges. The exercise concluded on 22 September 2026.

Exam Point: Veer Guardian — India and Japan; Air Force exercise.

4. Nomadic Elephant 2026: India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise

The 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, on 21 September 2026.

The exercise is being conducted from 21 September to 3 October 2026, with 45 personnel each from the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces.

The exercise focuses on counter-insurgency operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. Training includes cordon and search operations, room intervention drills, special heliborne operations, cyber security training and the employment of drones and counter-drone systems.

Exam Point: Nomadic Elephant — India and Mongolia; 18th edition in 2026.

5. Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US Joint Military Exercise

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced in September 2026 and is being conducted simultaneously at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.

The exercise involves approximately 600 personnel from each side and focuses on strengthening joint military capability for integrated battle groups in mountainous and semi-mountainous terrain.

Technology infusion is an important component of the exercise. Training includes drones and autonomous systems for surveillance and reconnaissance, along with discussions on emerging technologies and multi-domain warfare.

Exam Point: Yudh Abhyas — India and the United States.

6. ₹810.79 Crore Contract for 160 SAT-SAAW Weapons

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) on 23 September 2026 for procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force.

The contract is worth ₹810.79 crore and has been signed under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.

SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed by DRDO. It can be launched from platforms including Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI. The system has an indigenous content of 60%.

Delivery is scheduled between 2027-28 and 2028-29.

Exam Point: SAT-SAAW — 160 weapons; ₹810.79 crore; DRDO-developed; IAF.

7. ₹586 Crore Contract for T-72 and T-90 Tank APUs

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract for procurement of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 tanks.

The APUs are intended to support systems such as the fire-control system, firing circuit, gun stabilisation and other ancillary systems of the tanks.

The procurement is part of efforts to increase indigenous capabilities and modernise existing armoured platforms.

Exam Point: T-72 and T-90 tank APUs — ₹586 crore contract.

8. DRDO Deep-Tech Project: 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator

DRDO signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme with a startup for indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (mK) dilution refrigerator for quantum applications.

Dilution refrigerators are specialised systems capable of reaching extremely low temperatures and are important for certain quantum computing and quantum technology applications.

The project is part of efforts to develop indigenous capabilities in strategically important deep technologies.

Exam Point: 20 mK dilution refrigerator — quantum applications; DRDO TDF project.

9. CORE Programme 2026

The Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme 2026 concluded at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 18 September 2026.

The five-day programme was organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and conducted by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS).

The programme brought together senior officers from the three Services and officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Discussions covered jointness, integration, ongoing conflicts, modern warfare, non-kinetic aspects of national security, defence production and capability development.

Exam Point: CORE 2026 — HQ IDS and CENJOWS; Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.

10. Defence Acquisition Council Approves Proposals Worth About ₹1.10 Lakh Crore

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to various defence acquisition proposals estimated at approximately ₹1,10,000 crore in September 2026.

For the Indian Army, the proposals included CBRN Recce Vehicles, High Mobility Vehicles, Self-Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers, Advanced Light Helicopters, Trawl Tanks and Sarvatra Bridge System.

Acceptance of Necessity is an in-principle administrative approval in the defence acquisition process.

Exam Point: DAC — about ₹1.10 lakh crore in acquisition proposals.

11. RAKSHA: Defence Diplomacy Document

In September 2026, the Raksha Mantri unveiled RAKSHA, a defence diplomacy document outlining India's strategic roadmap and vision for global defence partnerships over the next 10 years.

The document highlights areas such as strategic partnerships, capacity building, joint military exercises, training programmes and sharing of best practices with friendly countries.

Exam Point: RAKSHA — defence diplomacy document with a 10-year strategic roadmap.

12. IAF Dronathon 2026

IAF Dronathon 2026 was conducted at Pokhran, Jaisalmer, with participation from defence companies, startups, MSMEs, DPSUs and innovators.

The event focused on unmanned aerial systems and counter-unmanned aerial systems, surveillance and reconnaissance, autonomous operations, swarm technology and electronic warfare-related capabilities.

Exam Point: Dronathon 2026 — focus on drones, counter-drone systems, autonomy and emerging aerospace technologies.

13. Indian Navy: INS Trishul's International Deployment

Indian Navy's guided missile frigate INS Trishul made a port call at Alexandria, Egypt, from 14 to 17 September 2026 as part of its deployment.

During the visit, INS Trishul conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Navy Ship ENS Bernees. The activity included coordinated manoeuvring, communication exercises and approaches for replenishment at sea.

After the Egypt port call, INS Trishul proceeded to Toulon, France, for the 24th edition of VARUNA.

Exam Point: INS Trishul — Indian Navy guided missile frigate.

14. Next Generation Missile Vessel Programme

The Indian Navy's shipbuilding programme also witnessed progress on the Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) project, with the keel laying of the first vessel at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.

The NGMV programme is associated with the development of modern missile vessels for the Indian Navy and reflects the ongoing expansion of indigenous naval shipbuilding capabilities.

Exam Point: First NGMV keel laying — Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.

15. Defence Current Affairs One-Liners

VARUNA 2026: India-France bilateral maritime exercise.
VARUNA 2026: 24th edition.
SLINEX-26: India-Sri Lanka maritime exercise.
SLINEX-26: 13th edition.
Veer Guardian 2026: India-Japan bilateral air exercise.
Veer Guardian 2026: IAF used Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Tejas; JASDF used F-2A.
Nomadic Elephant 2026: India-Mongolia joint military exercise.
Nomadic Elephant: 18th edition in 2026.
Yudh Abhyas 2026: India-US joint military exercise.
Yudh Abhyas: 22nd edition in 2026.
SAT-SAAW: 160 weapons contracted for the IAF.
SAT-SAAW contract: ₹810.79 crore.
SAT-SAAW: Developed by DRDO.
Tank APUs: ₹586 crore contract for T-72 and T-90 tanks.
CORE 2026: Organised by HQ Integrated Defence Staff and conducted by CENJOWS.
DAC: Cleared acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore.
RAKSHA: Defence diplomacy document with a 10-year strategic roadmap.
Dronathon 2026: Focused on unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies.

16. Military Exercises: Quick Revision

Exercise	Countries	Type
VARUNA	India-France	Maritime
SLINEX	India-Sri Lanka	Maritime
Veer Guardian	India-Japan	Air
Nomadic Elephant	India-Mongolia	Army
Yudh Abhyas	India-US	Army

17. Defence Current Affairs MCQs

Q1. Which two countries participate in Exercise VARUNA?

A. India and USA
B. India and France
C. India and Japan
D. India and Russia

Answer: B. India and France

Q2. Which country participates with India in Exercise SLINEX?

A. Sri Lanka
B. Singapore
C. Spain
D. South Korea

Answer: A. Sri Lanka

Q3. Veer Guardian 2026 was conducted between the Indian Air Force and which force?

A. Royal Australian Air Force
B. Japan Air Self-Defense Force
C. US Air Force
D. French Air and Space Force

Answer: B. Japan Air Self-Defense Force

Q4. Which aircraft did the JASDF deploy during Veer Guardian 2026?

A. F-16
B. F-35
C. F-2A
D. F-15E

Answer: C. F-2A

Q5. Nomadic Elephant is a joint military exercise between India and which country?

A. Mongolia
B. Vietnam
C. Indonesia
D. Kazakhstan

Answer: A. Mongolia

Q6. Yudh Abhyas is conducted between India and which country?

A. France
B. Japan
C. United States
D. Germany

Answer: C. United States

Q7. How much is the contract signed for 160 SAT-SAAW weapons?

A. ₹586 crore
B. ₹810.79 crore
C. ₹1,100 crore
D. ₹2,000 crore

Answer: B. ₹810.79 crore

Q8. SAT-SAAW was developed by which organisation?

A. ISRO
B. DRDO
C. HAL
D. BHEL

Answer: B. DRDO

Q9. The ₹586 crore contract mentioned in recent defence current affairs relates to APUs for which tanks?

A. Arjun and T-90
B. T-72 and T-90
C. T-55 and T-72
D. Arjun and T-72

Answer: B. T-72 and T-90

Q10. CORE Programme 2026 was conducted by which organisation?

A. CENJOWS
B. HAL
C. DRDO
D. BEL

Answer: A. CENJOWS

Q11. Where was Nomadic Elephant 2026 commenced?

A. Jaipur
B. Pithoragarh
C. Leh
D. Jodhpur

Answer: B. Pithoragarh

Q12. Which organisation signed the SAT-SAAW contract with the Ministry of Defence?

A. Bharat Electronics Limited
B. Bharat Dynamics Limited
C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
D. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

Answer: B. Bharat Dynamics Limited

18. Quick Revision: Important Defence Facts

Fact	Answer
VARUNA	India-France
SLINEX	India-Sri Lanka
Veer Guardian	India-Japan
Nomadic Elephant	India-Mongolia
Yudh Abhyas	India-USA
SAT-SAAW	160 weapons; ₹810.79 crore
Tank APUs	T-72/T-90; ₹586 crore
DAC	About ₹1.10 lakh crore proposals

19. Important Defence Terms for Exams

DAC: Defence Acquisition Council.
DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation.
IAF: Indian Air Force.
INS: Indian Naval Ship.
JASDF: Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
TDF: Technology Development Fund.
VBSS: Visit, Board, Search and Seizure.
CBRN: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.
PASSEX: Passage Exercise.
HQ IDS: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
CENJOWS: Centre for Joint Warfare Studies.
SAT-SAAW: Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon.

20. Why Defence Current Affairs Matter for Competitive Exams

Defence-related current affairs are particularly relevant for exams such as NDA, CDS, AFCAT, CAPF, UPSC and State PSC examinations. Questions can be asked directly about military exercises, participating countries, locations, defence systems, organisations, contracts and military technology.

For effective revision, candidates should remember the exercise name, participating countries, service involved, location, edition number and main objective. For defence procurement, focus on the system, quantity, value, organisation and category wherever officially provided.

21. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the major Defence Current Affairs for September 2026?

Major developments include VARUNA 2026, SLINEX-26, Veer Guardian 2026, Nomadic Elephant 2026, Yudh Abhyas 2026, SAT-SAAW procurement, tank APUs, DRDO deep-tech projects and recent defence acquisition decisions.

Q2. What is Exercise VARUNA?

VARUNA is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.

Q3. Which countries participate in SLINEX?

SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka.

Q4. Which countries participate in Veer Guardian?

Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Q5. Which countries participate in Nomadic Elephant?

Nomadic Elephant is a joint military exercise between India and Mongolia.

Q6. What is the value of the SAT-SAAW contract?

The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹810.79 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for 160 SAT-SAAW weapons and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force.

Q7. Which tanks are covered by the recent APU contract?

The ₹586 crore contract covers Auxiliary Power Units for T-72 and T-90 tanks.

Q8. What is the CORE Programme 2026?

CORE stands for Combined Operational Review and Evaluation. The 2026 programme was organised by HQ Integrated Defence Staff and conducted by CENJOWS.

Q9. What is RAKSHA?

RAKSHA is a defence diplomacy document outlining India's strategic roadmap and vision for global defence partnerships over the next 10 years.

Final Takeaway

The most important Defence Current Affairs for September 2026 include VARUNA, SLINEX, Veer Guardian, Nomadic Elephant, Yudh Abhyas, SAT-SAAW procurement, T-72/T-90 tank APUs, DRDO's quantum-related deep-tech project, CORE Programme 2026 and major Defence Acquisition Council proposals.

For defence examinations, candidates should revise these developments along with the participating countries, military services, locations, exercise editions, defence systems, contract values and organisations involved.

Important Note

Defence current affairs can change as new exercises, procurement decisions, military technology developments and official announcements are released. Candidates should verify time-sensitive information from the latest official Ministry of Defence, PIB, DRDO, Indian Army, Indian Navy or Indian Air Force source before an examination.

Disclaimer

This article is prepared for educational and competitive-examination preparation purposes. Information has been compiled from official government and institutional updates available for the stated period. Readers should verify any time-sensitive information from the concerned official source before relying on it.