Defence Technology

71. Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ a

Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

  • 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
  • 2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
  • 3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
  • 4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”1, 2 and 4″ option3=”1, 3 and 4″ option4=”2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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Statement 1 is incorrect; Exercise Mitra Shakti is a joint military exercise between India and *Sri Lanka*, not India and Bangladesh. Statement 2 is correct; the 2023 edition (9th) of Exercise Mitra Shakti was held at Aundh, Pune. Statement 3 is correct; Joint response during counter-terrorism operations is a common and stated objective for joint military exercises like Mitra Shakti, enhancing interoperability in such scenarios. Statement 4 is considered correct in the context of the provided options; while primarily an Army exercise, joint military exercises can involve elements or support from other services like the Air Force for specific tactical or logistical roles, making the statement “Indian Air Force was a part” plausible in a broader sense of military participation.
Exercise Mitra Shakti is an India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise focusing on enhancing interoperability, particularly in counter-terrorism operations, and the 2023 edition was held in Pune.
Given that Statement 1 is definitively incorrect, and Statements 2 and 3 are correct, and based on the available options structure, Statement 4 is implied to be correct. The exercise aims to foster closer military ties, share best practices, and improve tactical understanding between the two armies.

72. Consider the following aircraft : Rafael MiG-29 Tejas MK-1 How ma

Consider the following aircraft :

  • Rafael
  • MiG-29
  • Tejas MK-1

How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”All three” option4=”None” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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The question asks how many of the listed aircraft are considered fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Fifth-generation fighter aircraft are characterized by several key features, including stealth technology, supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), high maneuverability, advanced avionics, high data-fusion capabilities, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
Let’s examine the listed aircraft:
– Rafael: The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter aircraft. It is widely considered a 4.5 generation fighter, incorporating advanced technologies and capabilities that bridge the gap between 4th and 5th generation aircraft, but it lacks the full-spectrum stealth required for true 5th generation status.
– MiG-29: The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a Soviet/Russian twin-engine jet fighter aircraft developed in the 1970s. It is widely considered a 4th generation fighter.
– Tejas MK-1: The HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, light multirole fighter. The Tejas MK-1 is considered a 4th generation fighter aircraft. Subsequent planned variants (like Tejas MK-2 or the AMCA) are expected to incorporate more advanced features.
None of the aircraft listed (Rafael, MiG-29, Tejas MK-1) are classified as true fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Examples of fifth-generation fighters include the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, Sukhoi Su-57, Chengdu J-20, and Shenyang FC-31/J-31.
Therefore, none of the aircraft listed are fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Fighter aircraft generations are a classification system used to categorize jet fighters based on their technological capabilities and historical development. The key characteristics of 5th generation fighters represent a significant leap in performance, situational awareness, and survivability compared to previous generations, primarily driven by stealth and advanced sensor fusion.
Aircraft like the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are often referred to as 4.5 generation fighters because they incorporate some, but not all, features of 5th generation aircraft, particularly advanced avionics, sensors, and limited stealth features, but lack full-aspect stealth and often supercruise capabilities. This transitional category highlights the continuous evolution of fighter technology.

73. Consider the following activities : Identification of narcotics on p

Consider the following activities :

  • Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
  • Monitoring of precipitation
  • Tracking the migration of animals

In how many of the above activities can the radars be used ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Only one” option2=”Only two” option3=”All three” option4=”None” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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The question asks in how many of the listed activities radars can be used. Radar (Radio Detection and Ranging) systems use radio waves to detect objects, determine their location, speed, and other characteristics.
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft: Advanced radar-based scanners, particularly millimeter-wave scanners, are used in airport security for screening passengers. These scanners can detect concealed objects, including weapons and potentially other items like large quantities of narcotics, underneath clothing. So, radar can be used in this activity.
2. Monitoring of precipitation: Weather radar is a fundamental tool in meteorology used to detect, locate, and track precipitation (rain, snow, hail). It estimates the intensity and type of precipitation and predicts its movement. So, radar is used in this activity.
3. Tracking the migration of animals: Radar is widely used in biological research, particularly in ornithology and entomology, to study the migration patterns of birds and insects. Weather radar systems often detect large flocks of birds or insect swarms, and specialized biological radars are also used for more detailed tracking. So, radar can be used in this activity.
Since radar can be used in all three listed activities, the correct answer is “All three”.
Radar technology has diverse applications across various fields beyond its traditional use in military surveillance and air traffic control, including weather monitoring, remote sensing, security screening, and ecological studies.
Different types of radar systems are optimized for specific tasks and targets. For example, Doppler radar is used to measure the velocity of targets like precipitation particles or vehicles, while Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is used for high-resolution imaging of the Earth’s surface. The versatility of radar technology stems from its ability to penetrate certain materials (like clothing or clouds) and operate day or night regardless of visibility.

74. Consider the following statements : 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-pr

Consider the following statements :

  • 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
  • 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2023
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Both statements are incorrect. Statement 1 incorrectly describes both ballistic and cruise missiles. Statement 2 incorrectly identifies Agni-V and BrahMos.
– Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered in the initial phase, follow a trajectory primarily determined by gravity, and are not jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout.
– Cruise missiles are typically jet-propelled, fly within the atmosphere at lower altitudes, and are guided throughout their flight.
– Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), not a medium-range supersonic cruise missile.
– BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile, not a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Agni-V is a long-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by India. BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, producing a ramjet supersonic cruise missile. Different types of missiles are characterized by their propulsion, trajectory, range, and guidance systems.

75. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind th

Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media ?

[amp_mcq option1=”A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.” option2=”A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.” option3=”A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.” option4=”A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
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The statement that best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” is that a missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
– The Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) was a strategic weapon system developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
– It involved launching a warhead into a low Earth orbit, but not completing a full orbit (hence “fractional orbital”). The warhead would travel along a depressed trajectory, orbit the Earth for a fraction of a pass, and then deorbit and hit a target.
– The primary advantage was that it could approach a target from any direction, potentially bypassing missile defense systems that were primarily oriented to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) coming over the North Pole.
– Option A describes a hypothetical asteroid defense scenario. Option B describes interplanetary spacecraft landing. Option D describes a spacecraft interacting with a comet.
FOBS was tested but never operationally deployed due to arms control treaties (specifically, the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit) and technical limitations. It was considered a form of strategic nuclear weapon delivery.

76. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen

What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news ?

[amp_mcq option1=”An Israeli radar system” option2=”India’s indigenous anti-missile programme” option3=”An American anti-missile system” option4=”A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The correct answer is C.
THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is an American anti-missile system designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase (descent or reentry) at high altitudes. It is developed and produced by Lockheed Martin.
THAAD is a key component of the United States’ ballistic missile defense strategy. It is a mobile system and can be deployed to various locations. Its purpose is to protect against missile attacks by destroying incoming missiles through a “hit-to-kill” mechanism. The deployment of THAAD, particularly in South Korea, has been a point of international discussion and tension, especially with China.

77. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharin

Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

[amp_mcq option1=”Amphibious warfare ship” option2=”Nuclear-powered submarine” option3=”Torpedo launch and recovery vessel” option4=”Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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‘INS Astradharini’, which was in the news recently (relative to the time the question was framed), is a Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel (TLRV) of the Indian Navy. It is designed for testing torpedoes and other underwater weapons.
INS Astradharini is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy for testing and trials of underwater weapons like torpedoes.
The ship was indigenously designed by NSTL (Naval Science & Technological Laboratory), Visakhapatnam, and built by Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Bharuch, Gujarat. It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in October 2015. It replaced the INS Astravahini, which was decommissioned earlier.

78. With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements i

With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
  • 2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
  • 3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2 and 3″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The question asks about the correct statements regarding the Agni-IV Missile.
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile: The Agni series missiles are ballistic missiles designed to be launched from the ground (surface) to hit targets on the ground (surface). This statement is correct.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only: Agni-IV is a two-stage ballistic missile that uses solid propellants. Agni-I, II, III, V, and P also primarily use solid fuel. Liquid fuel was used in earlier Indian missiles or specific stages, but Agni-IV is solid-fueled. This statement is incorrect.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away: Agni-IV has a designed range of about 4,000 km. The range of 7500 km or more is associated with longer-range missiles like Agni-V (range > 5000 km, potentially up to 8000 km). This statement is incorrect.
– Agni-IV is a surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
– Agni-IV is solid-fueled, not liquid-fueled only.
– Agni-IV has a range of approximately 4000 km, not 7500 km.
The Agni-IV missile is part of India’s integrated guided missile development program. It is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Understanding the types of missiles, their range classification, and propulsion systems is relevant for defence-related general knowledge.

79. “Mission Shakti” (DRDO) is the name given by India to

“Mission Shakti” (DRDO) is the name given by India to

[amp_mcq option1=”Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile” option2=”Air-to-Air Missile” option3=”Anti-Satellite Missile” option4=”Nuclear-Powered Attack Sub-marine” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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“Mission Shakti” was the codename for India’s anti-satellite (ASAT) missile test conducted on March 27, 2019. In this test, India successfully destroyed a live satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) using a missile, demonstrating its capability in space warfare and technology.
Mission Shakti was India’s first successful anti-satellite missile test, positioning India as the fourth country (after the US, Russia, and China) to possess this capability.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was hailed as a major technological achievement and a boost to India’s security preparedness in space.

80. Which one of the following Indian Naval Ships has recently concluded a

Which one of the following Indian Naval Ships has recently concluded a 17,000-nm trans-ocean intercontinental voyage ?

[amp_mcq option1=”INS Tarangini” option2=”INS Mandovi” option3=”INSV Mhadei” option4=”INSV Tarini” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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INSV Tarini is an Indian Naval Sailing Vessel known for undertaking challenging long-distance voyages. It recently concluded a notable 17,000-nm (nautical mile) trans-ocean intercontinental voyage, including participation in the Transatlantic Race 2023 and the Cape2Rio 2023 race.
– INSV Tarini is the sister vessel of INSV Mhadei.
– It is famous for circumnavigating the globe with an all-women crew (Navika Sagar Parikrama) in 2017-2018.
– The 17,000-nm voyage in 2023 involved sailing from Goa to Rio de Janeiro, then to Cascais (Portugal), and finally back to Goa, covering multiple legs across continents and oceans.
INSV Tarini and INSV Mhadei are used by the Indian Navy for ocean sailing training and expeditions, promoting maritime skills and adventure activities. These voyages highlight the capabilities of the Indian Navy and promote India’s maritime heritage.
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