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?

1 and 2
2 only
1 and 3
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2022
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’.