Defence Technology Archives

81. ‘The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal’, a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, belongs t

‘The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal’, a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile, belongs to which one of the following countries?

[amp_mcq option1=”China” option2=”France” option3=”Russia” option4=”USA” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal is a Russian air-launched hypersonic aero-ballistic missile. It has been frequently mentioned in news related to Russia’s military capabilities and its conflict with Ukraine.

The Kinzhal is part of Russia’s suite of advanced weapons systems. Hypersonic missiles are a category of weapons capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and are difficult to intercept with current missile defence systems.

Russia is one of the leading countries developing and deploying hypersonic weapons. Other countries, including China and the USA, are also actively pursuing their own hypersonic missile programs. The Kinzhal is designed to be launched from aircraft like the MiG-31K or Tu-22M3.

82. Consider the following statements: 1. Mirage 2000 is a twin-engine f

Consider the following statements:

1. Mirage 2000 is a twin-engine fighter jet.
2. HAL Tejas is a delta-winged fighter jet.
3. Rafale is a hypersonic fighter jet.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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Statement 1 is incorrect because the Dassault Mirage 2000 is a single-engine jet fighter aircraft. Statement 2 is correct as the HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta-wing light multirole fighter aircraft. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Dassault Rafale is a twin-engine, canard delta-wing, multirole fighter aircraft capable of supersonic speeds (typically around Mach 1.8), but it is not a hypersonic fighter jet (which travels at speeds of Mach 5 or greater).

Understanding the basic characteristics of prominent military aircraft, such as the number of engines, wing configuration (like delta wing), and speed category (supersonic, hypersonic), is important for current affairs and defence-related topics.

The HAL Tejas is indigenously developed by India. The Mirage 2000 is of French origin and is part of the Indian Air Force fleet. The Rafale is also a French aircraft recently inducted into the Indian Air Force. Hypersonic aircraft and missiles are a developing area of technology, distinct from current supersonic fighter jets.

83. ‘Operation Sankalp’ was initiated and implemented by the

‘Operation Sankalp’ was initiated and implemented by the

[amp_mcq option1=”Indian Air Force” option2=”Indian Army” option3=”Indian Navy” option4=”Ministry of Home Affairs” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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The correct answer is C) Indian Navy.

‘Operation Sankalp’ is an ongoing maritime security operation initiated and implemented by the Indian Navy. It was launched in June 2019.

The operation was launched in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf to ensure the safety and security of Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region following incidents involving attacks on merchant ships. Indian naval ships and aircraft are deployed in the area to patrol and provide security escorts to Indian merchant vessels.

84. Recently, India gave a coastal radar system to which one of the follow

Recently, India gave a coastal radar system to which one of the following countries?

[amp_mcq option1=”Bangladesh” option2=”Maldives” option3=”Sri Lanka” option4=”United Arab Emirates” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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The correct answer is C) Sri Lanka.

India has been providing coastal radar systems to several friendly maritime neighbours as part of its Sagar (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and broader maritime security cooperation efforts. Sri Lanka is a prominent recipient of such assistance.

In recent years, India has gifted several coastal surveillance radar systems to Sri Lanka to enhance its maritime security and domain awareness. These systems are part of a larger network aimed at monitoring sea traffic and detecting illegal activities. Similar systems have also been provided to countries like Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

85. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following helicopters

With reference to India’s defence, consider the following helicopters :

1. Cheetah
2. Chetak
3. Rudra

Which of the above has/have turret gun, rocket system and air-to-air missile?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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We need to identify which of the listed helicopters is equipped with a turret gun, rocket system, and air-to-air missile capability.
1. Cheetah (SA 315B Lama): This is a light utility helicopter. While it can be fitted with machine guns or rockets for light support roles, it is primarily a utility/reconnaissance platform and does not have a standard turret gun or air-to-air missile capability in the context of a dedicated attack role.
2. Chetak (Alouette III): Similar to the Cheetah, this is a light utility helicopter. It can carry rockets or anti-tank missiles, but it is not typically equipped with a turret gun or air-to-air missiles for its primary role.
3. Rudra (ALH-WSI): This is the armed version of the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. It is specifically designed for attack and close air support roles. It is equipped with a 20 mm turret gun, provisions for 70 mm rocket pods, and can carry air-to-air missiles (such as the Mistral) and anti-tank missiles. This configuration matches the description provided.

– Identify the role and capabilities of each helicopter.
– Cheetah and Chetak are primarily light utility helicopters, though adaptable for light armament.
– Rudra is an armed variant of the Dhruv, designed as an attack helicopter.
– Attack helicopters are typically equipped with integrated weapon systems including turret guns, rocket launchers, and missile hardpoints (air-to-air and/or air-to-ground).

The Rudra helicopter serves the Indian Army and Air Force. It is a significant upgrade in India’s rotary-wing attack capabilities compared to relying on older, less capable armed versions of utility helicopters. India also operates more dedicated attack helicopters like the Mil Mi-25/35 and the AH-64 Apache, as well as indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’.

86. Consider the following missiles : 1. Agni-I 2. BrahMos 3. Dhanush

Consider the following missiles :

1. Agni-I
2. BrahMos
3. Dhanush

Which of the above is/are cruise missile/missiles?

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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Cruise missiles are guided missiles that fly at relatively low altitudes within the atmosphere using jet propulsion and wings (or lifting body design) to achieve lift. They navigate towards a target using guidance systems and follow a non-ballistic trajectory.
1. Agni-I: This is a short-range ballistic missile. Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled missiles that follow a high-arc parabolic trajectory and spend most of their flight time outside the atmosphere before re-entering to hit the target.
2. BrahMos: This is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. It is powered by a ramjet engine and flies within the atmosphere at high speeds, typically at low altitudes.
3. Dhanush: This is a naval variant of India’s Prithvi short-range ballistic missile. It is a ballistic missile launched from ships.
Based on these classifications, only BrahMos is a cruise missile.

– Cruise missiles fly within the atmosphere using aerodynamic lift and typically jet engines.
– Ballistic missiles are rocket-propelled and follow a parabolic trajectory outside the dense atmosphere.
– Agni-I and Dhanush are ballistic missiles.
– BrahMos is a cruise missile.

India’s missile arsenal includes various types of missiles. Agni series (Agni-I to Agni-V and Agni Prime) are ballistic missiles covering different ranges. BrahMos is a prominent cruise missile. Prithvi series and Dhanush are also ballistic missiles. Other missile types include anti-tank missiles (e.g., Nag, Helina), air-to-air missiles (e.g., Astra), surface-to-air missiles (e.g., Akash, Trishul, Barak 8), etc.

87. The technology known as ‘Electro-magnetic Air Lift System’ is sometime

The technology known as ‘Electro-magnetic Air Lift System’ is sometimes talked about in reference to

[amp_mcq option1=”launching guided missiles from silos” option2=”launching aircraft from warships” option3=”navigation of nuclear-powered submarines” option4=”development of reusable rockets” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2022

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The term ‘Electro-magnetic Air Lift System’ is strongly suggestive of a technology used for launching objects, particularly in a way that involves electromagnetic force to lift or propel. In the context of defense and aerospace, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) are modern catapult systems used on aircraft carriers to launch aircraft. This technology uses linear induction motors to accelerate the aircraft along a track, effectively “lifting” or propelling it into the air at high speed. The term “Air Lift System” might be a slightly less precise or alternative phrasing for an electromagnetic launch system designed for aerial vehicles from a surface.

– ‘Electro-magnetic’ indicates the use of magnetic forces.
– ‘Air Lift System’ suggests a mechanism for launching or propelling something into the air.
– EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System) is a key modern technology used for launching aircraft from warships (aircraft carriers).

EMALS is being implemented on the latest generation of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers (like the Ford class) as a replacement for older steam catapult systems. It offers advantages in terms of energy efficiency, reduced stress on aircraft, and better control over the launch sequence. While electromagnetic forces could potentially be used in other listed applications (e.g., for initial acceleration in some reusable rocket concepts), the most direct and well-known application matching the description in a defense context is aircraft launch from warships.

88. Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sajag’, which was commissio

Indian Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Sajag’, which was commissioned in May 2021, was constructed by

[amp_mcq option1=”M/s Bharati Shipyard Limited” option2=”M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited” option3=”M/s Hindustan Shipyard Limited” option4=”M/s Goa Shipyard Limited” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2021

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Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sajag, the third in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), which was commissioned in May 2021, was constructed by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Goa Shipyard Limited is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence and is a major contributor to the construction of vessels for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

The Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) are designed for performing duties such as coastal surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and search and rescue missions. The other four ships in this series built by GSL are ICGS Sachet, ICGS Sujeet, ICGS Sarthak, and ICGS Saksham.

89. Heron drones, inducted by Indian forces for enhancing their surveillan

Heron drones, inducted by Indian forces for enhancing their surveillance capabilities, are acquired from

[amp_mcq option1=”USA” option2=”Russia” option3=”Israel” option4=”Japan” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2021

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The Heron drones, which are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used by Indian forces for surveillance and reconnaissance, are acquired from Israel. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the manufacturer of these drones.

Heron drones are medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs. India operates a fleet of Heron drones.

India has been acquiring defence equipment from Israel for several years, including surveillance platforms, missiles, and radar systems. The Heron drones are a significant part of India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, particularly along borders.

90. Which one among the following is the equivalent rank of ‘Wing Commande

Which one among the following is the equivalent rank of ‘Wing Commander’ of Indian Air Force in Indian Army ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Lieutenant” option2=”Captain” option3=”Lieutenant Colonel” option4=”Colonel” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2020

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The equivalent rank of ‘Wing Commander’ of the Indian Air Force in the Indian Army is ‘Lieutenant Colonel’.

The officer ranks in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force have established equivalencies. The progression in the Army from Major is Lieutenant Colonel, and then Colonel. In the Air Force, the progression from Squadron Leader is Wing Commander, and then Group Captain. Major is equivalent to Squadron Leader, Lieutenant Colonel to Wing Commander, and Colonel to Group Captain.

Understanding rank equivalencies is important for inter-service cooperation and protocol within the Indian Armed Forces.