DRDO, HAL & Defence Orgs — Set 11

Correct Answer: B. Rs 28,000 crore

HAL's (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) revenue in FY 2023-24 was approximately Rs 28,162 crore, making it India's largest defence PSU by revenue. HAL has an order book of over Rs 94,000 crore as of 2024. Key orders include: 83 Tejas Mk1A (Rs 48,000 crore), 156 LCH Prachand, 90 Chetak helicopters, HTT-40 trainers, and various overhaul contracts. HAL's profitability has significantly improved, with net profit of Rs 7,595 crore in 2023-24. HAL's growing order book reflects India's commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing.

Correct Answer: B. Amethi, UP

The Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture between Ordnance Factory Board (now MIL/DPSU) and Russia's Rostec is manufacturing AK-203 (7.62 mm assault rifle) at a facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh — specifically at the Korwa ordnance factory. The deal for 6.01 lakh AK-203 rifles was signed in 2021. The Amethi facility produces AK-203 under technology transfer from Russia. AK-203 is replacing the INSAS rifle as the Indian Army's primary assault weapon. Amethi is part of India's UP Defence Industrial Corridor.

Correct Answer: C. BrahMos supersonic cruise missile

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is India's biggest defence research collaboration with Russia, developed through BrahMos Aerospace — a 50.5:49.5 joint venture between India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. The missile combines Indian and Russian technologies: Indian control systems, guidance, and indigenous components with Russian scramjet technology and propulsion insights. BrahMos has been developed in multiple variants — land-based (Block I/II/III), ship-launched, air-launched (from Su-30 MKI), and submarine-launched. BrahMos-NG (Next Generation, lighter) is also in development.

Correct Answer: B. HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle)

DRDO developed the HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle), which successfully tested India's indigenous scramjet engine technology in September 2020. The vehicle achieved Mach 6 (6 times speed of sound) flight. HSTDV is the basis for developing India's hypersonic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). The successful HSTDV test made India the 4th country to demonstrate scramjet-powered hypersonic flight (after USA, Russia, and China). DRDO is now developing HSTDV-derived hypersonic missiles with ranges of 1500+ km.

Correct Answer: B. Hypersonic cruise missile (Mach 5-7)

BrahMos-II is the planned hypersonic version of BrahMos, designed to fly at Mach 5-7 using scramjet propulsion. Unlike BrahMos-I (Mach 2.8, supersonic), BrahMos-II will be hypersonic, making it virtually impossible to intercept. BrahMos-II development is proceeding with Russian collaboration (NPO Mashinostroyenia). DRDO's HSTDV programme provides indigenous scramjet technology inputs. BrahMos-II will have a range of 600-1000 km and will be deployable from land, sea, and air platforms. Hypersonic weapons are the next frontier in cruise missile technology globally.

Correct Answer: B. Ghatak

Ghatak (meaning Lethal) is India's UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) stealth drone programme under ADE/DRDO. Ghatak uses a flying wing design for stealth and is designed for autonomous strike missions. The Ghatak UCAV is expected to carry internal weapons (guided bombs, missiles) and feature a low radar cross-section. Ghatak's engine is planned to use the Kaveri-Dry derivative. Ghatak is seen as a precursor to a full UCAV capability and builds on the aerodynamic research from the SWiFT (Stealth Wing Flying Testbed) technology demonstrator that flew in 2022.

Correct Answer: A. F-INSAS (Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System)

DRDO developed F-INSAS (Futuristic Infantry Soldier as a System) — a comprehensive soldier modernisation programme integrating advanced weapons, communication, protection, and navigation systems into a networked individual soldier platform. F-INSAS components include: advanced assault rifle with grenade launcher, night vision devices, GPS navigation, helmet-mounted display, body armour, and radio communication. F-INSAS equips the infantry soldier with situational awareness in the digital battlefield. India's Army is inducting F-INSAS components progressively. The concept is similar to USA's Land Warrior or France's FELIN programmes.

Correct Answer: D. Both ARDE and HEMRL

Pune is a major DRDO hub hosting both ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment) and HEMRL (High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, formerly ERDL). ARDE develops guns, rockets, artillery systems, anti-tank weapons, and small arms — its products include Pinaka MBRL, ATAGS 155 mm gun, and missile systems. HEMRL develops propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics — its products go into warheads of missiles, artillery shells, and other munitions. Together, ARDE and HEMRL make Pune the centre of India's armament and munitions technology development.

Correct Answer: C. Project 17A (Nilgiri class)

Project 17A Nilgiri-class frigates represent the latest in India's stealth frigate capability. Seven ships are under construction at MDL (Mazagon Dock) Mumbai and GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers) Kolkata. Nilgiri-class features include: advanced stealth features (low RCS design), MRSAM Barak-8 air defence missiles, BrahMos anti-ship/land attack missiles, HUMSA-NG indigenous sonar, and over 75% indigenous content. INS Nilgiri was launched in 2019. Project 17A represents India's most advanced surface combat ship with nearly full indigenisation of weapons and sensors.

Correct Answer: C. Agni-I derivative (DRDO's own scramjet test vehicle rocket)

DRDO's HSTDV (Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle) test on 7 September 2020 used an Agni rocket-based booster to carry the HSTDV to the required altitude and speed, at which point the scramjet engine ignited and the vehicle flew under its own power at Mach 6. The scramjet engine performed as designed for approximately 20 seconds. The test demonstrated critical scramjet ignition, hypersonic combustion stability, and aerodynamic control at Mach 6+. India became only the 4th nation to successfully demonstrate scramjet-powered hypersonic flight, after USA (X-43, 2004), Russia (Kholod, 1990s), and China.