DRDO, HAL & Defence Orgs — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. Chennai-Hosur-Coimbatore-Salem-Tiruchirappalli

The Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor has 5 nodes: Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). The corridor leverages Tamil Nadu's existing industrial base in auto components, electronics, and precision engineering. Over Rs 17,300 crore has been invested in the Tamil Nadu corridor. Companies like Dassault Systems, Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, and DRDO have established or expanded operations. The corridor also benefits from proximity to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Kerala for aerospace technology.

Correct Answer: B. Surface-to-air defence against aircraft and missiles

Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by DRDO under IGMDP for air defence. It can simultaneously engage multiple targets at a range of 25-45 km and altitude of 18-20 km. Akash-NG (Next Generation) has extended range to 80+ km. Akash uses a solid-fuel rocket motor and phased array radar (Rajendra). Akash is produced by BEL (electronics) and BDL (missiles). India has exported Akash to Armenia and Philippines. The Indian Air Force and Indian Army both operate Akash for air defence.

Correct Answer: A. Nasik, Maharashtra

HAL's Nashik Division in Maharashtra is a major aircraft production facility, primarily manufacturing the Su-30 MKI fighter under licence from Russia. Nashik is the largest Su-30 MKI production facility outside Russia. HAL Nashik also manufactures components for Tejas and other aircraft. HAL Koraput (Odisha) handles MiG-21 overhaul and engine testing. HAL Kanpur (UP) produces trainers and transport aircraft. HAL Hyderabad manufactures avionics. HAL Lucknow maintains and repairs helicopters for the Army.

Correct Answer: A. Combat Vehicles Research and Design Establishment

CVRDE stands for Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, a DRDO laboratory located in Chennai (Avadi), Tamil Nadu. CVRDE is India's premier lab for designing and developing combat vehicles including Main Battle Tanks (Arjun MBT), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (BMP upgrades), and future armoured fighting vehicles. CVRDE developed the Arjun MBT Mk1 and Mk1A, and is working on Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV). India's Avadi has a heavy vehicle factory where CVRDE designs are produced. CVRDE also develops hybrid electric drives for future tanks.

Correct Answer: B. Stealth features with low radar cross-section and indigenous weapons systems

P15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers (Project 15B) are India's most advanced guided-missile destroyers, designed and built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai. Key features include advanced stealth design (low radar, infra-red, and acoustic signature), indigenous weapons systems including BrahMos supersonic missiles, MRSAM (Barak-8) air defence missiles, indigenous sonars (HUMSA-NG), and anti-submarine weapons. Over 72% indigenous content. Four ships are under construction/commissioned: INS Visakhapatnam (2021), INS Mormugao (2022), INS Imphal (2023), and INS Surat (2024).

Correct Answer: B. DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)

CMERI (Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute) at Durgapur is under CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), not DRDO. DRDO labs are specifically under the Ministry of Defence. The distinction is important: DRDO focuses exclusively on defence and military technologies, while CSIR labs (like CMERI, CECRI, CSIO) focus on civilian industrial and scientific research, though they may contribute to defence applications. DRDO's budget, mandate, and security classification differ significantly from CSIR labs.

Correct Answer: B. Air-to-air training by acting as aerial targets

ABHYAS (Aerial High Speed Expendable Target) is a high-speed autonomous aerial target vehicle developed by ADE (Aeronautical Development Establishment) of DRDO and manufactured by HAL. It simulates enemy aircraft and missiles for practice by Indian Air Force and Navy weapon systems — anti-aircraft guns, SAMs, and fighter aircraft practice air-to-air missile engagements. ABHYAS reaches speeds of Mach 0.8 and can fly at 5000 m altitude. Being expendable, it is designed for one-time use as a realistic aerial target in training exercises.

Correct Answer: A. L&T

Dhanush is India's indigenously developed 155 mm/45 calibre towed artillery gun (based on the Bofors design inherited from the 1980s) developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (now Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur — part of Munitions India Limited). However, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), India's most advanced towed gun, was developed by DRDO-ARDE and is manufactured by Tata Power SED and Bharat Forge. L&T produces various defence equipment but the specific Dhanush howitzer production involves ordnance factory facilities.

Correct Answer: C. Rs 6.2 lakh crore

India's Defence Budget for 2024-25 is approximately Rs 6.21 lakh crore (about US$ 75 billion), representing about 1.9% of GDP. This is India's largest-ever defence budget. The capital procurement budget (for buying new equipment) is Rs 1.72 lakh crore, with an increasing share going to domestic procurement. India is the world's 4th largest defence spender (after USA, China, Russia). India spends about 1.9-2% of GDP on defence, which critics argue is insufficient given security challenges.

Correct Answer: B. Sonar systems and underwater acoustics

NPOL (Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory) at Kochi, Kerala, is a DRDO lab specialising in sonar systems, underwater acoustics, and ocean technology for naval applications. NPOL developed HUMSA (Hull Mounted Sonar Array) — India's first indigenous hull-mounted sonar — and USHUS (submarine sonar). NPOL's sonars are fitted on destroyers, frigates, and submarines. NPOL also develops ocean surveillance systems, underwater communications, and mine detection systems. As India expands its naval power, NPOL's role in ensuring underwater detection capability is increasingly critical.