DRDO, HAL & Defence Orgs — Set 10

Correct Answer: B. Defence across all domains (air, land, naval)

India's first Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) was announced in August 2020 by the Ministry of Defence, covering 101 defence items across all domains (air, land, and naval) that cannot be imported. Subsequently, PILs 2, 3, 4, and 5 expanded the list to 310+ items by 2023, including helicopters, tanks, guns, submarines, and complex electronics. The PILs cover both the Ministry of Defence's procurement and items for paramilitary forces like CISF and BSF. PILs create captive demand for Indian manufacturers and incentivise indigenous development.

Correct Answer: C. Chandigarh

TBRL (Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory) is a DRDO laboratory located in Chandigarh. It specialises in terminal ballistics research — the science of what happens when a projectile hits its target. TBRL studies penetration mechanics, blast effects, fragmentation, armour development, and warhead characterisation. TBRL tests and evaluates armour materials, develops protection standards for military vehicles and personnel, and validates weapons effectiveness. TBRL's work is crucial for developing survivable armoured vehicles and effective weapons systems. It also provides expertise for forensic ballistics in criminal investigations.

Correct Answer: B. DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE)

DRDO has signed MoUs with multiple IITs and national institutes to establish DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). These centres work on advanced defence technologies in areas like AI, quantum computing, cyber defence, hypersonics, and materials science. Similar centres have been established with IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, NIT, and IISC Bangalore. The DIA-CoE model brings together DRDO research expertise, academic innovation, and industry manufacturing capabilities, accelerating the translation of basic research into deployable defence systems.

Correct Answer: B. Partner with a single Indian private company (SP) for long-term licensed production of complex weapons

The Strategic Partnership (SP) model, introduced in DPP 2016 and refined in DAP 2020, identifies a single Indian private sector company (Strategic Partner) to exclusively produce a complex weapon system in partnership with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This creates long-term production capacity, technology transfer, and self-reliance. SP model is being used for: Naval utility helicopters (NUH), advanced multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA), conventional submarines (P75I), and private fighter jets. SP creates dedicated Indian supply chains and maintenance ecosystems for critical weapons.

Correct Answer: B. Explosives, ammunition, and ordnance for all armed forces

Munitions India Limited (MIL), one of the 7 DPSUs carved out from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in 2021, is responsible for producing explosives, ammunition, and ordnance for all Indian armed forces. MIL covers bullets, shells, bombs, rockets, and explosive materials. The other 6 DPSUs cover armoured vehicles (AL), advanced weapons (AEL), Yantra (general stores, Yantra India), troop comfort items (TRKL), gliders and paramilitary equipment (GLIDERS), and optical instruments (India Optel). These 7 companies corporatised what were 41 Ordnance Factories employing over 80,000 workers.

Correct Answer: A. HUMSA (Hull Mounted Sonar Array)

NPOL (Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory) at Kochi developed HUMSA (Hull Mounted Sonar Array), India's first indigenous hull-mounted sonar system for naval ships. HUMSA is a medium-frequency hull-mounted sonar providing 360° underwater surveillance. NPOL also developed USHUS — an integrated submarine sonar system. Later variants include HUMSA-NG (Next Generation) fitted on P17A frigates and P15B destroyers. NPOL's sonar systems have significantly reduced India's dependence on imported underwater detection systems and now provide world-class underwater surveillance capability.

Correct Answer: B. Chetak and Cheetah light helicopters

HAL's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is designed to replace the aging Chetak (Aerospatiale Alouette III) and Cheetah (Aerospatiale Lama) light helicopters in Indian Army and Air Force service. LUH is a 3-tonne class helicopter powered by Shakti engine (HAL-developed from Turbomeca TM 333). LUH received developmental clearance in 2022. The Indian Army and Air Force together operate over 200 Chetak/Cheetah helicopters needing replacement. HAL is targeting a production order of 187 LUH aircraft, which would be a major boost for indigenous helicopter manufacturing.

Correct Answer: D. Both Dhruv and LCH

The Shakti engine (HAL TM 333-2C2) powers both the Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) and the LCH (Light Combat Helicopter Prachand). Shakti is a turboshaft engine developed by HAL's Engine Division in Bangalore in collaboration with Turbomeca (now Safran Helicopter Engines, France). Shakti produces 1000 kW power and is rated for high-altitude operations. HAL manufactures Shakti at its Engine Division in Koraput, Odisha. The Shakti engine is a significant step towards indigenous aero-engine development. HAL is also developing an even more powerful engine for the planned Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).

Correct Answer: B. Fire safety standards for military equipment and NBC decontamination

CFEES (Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety), a DRDO lab in Delhi, develops fire protection standards and technologies for military platforms (tanks, aircraft, ships), manages safety standards for explosive storage, and develops environment-friendly munitions. CFEES is also responsible for developing fire safety norms for military installations and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) decontamination procedures. CFEES works on fire suppressant systems for military vehicles, blast-proof containers, and safety certification of explosive-laden military systems. CFEES plays an important role in reducing accidental hazards in the armed forces.

Correct Answer: D. Tata Advanced Systems

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Group, is one of India's largest private defence companies. TASL manufactures Apache helicopter fuselages for Boeing (India's largest defence manufacturing MoU with a foreign company), Sikorsky S-92 components, C-130J Hercules fuselage components, Pinaka rocket system components, ATAGS artillery gun, and Drishti UAV components. TASL has formed JVs with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Sikorsky. Tata Group's entry into defence manufacturing represents a major private sector investment in India's defence industrial base. Adani Defence is also rapidly expanding.