DRDO, HAL & Defence Orgs — Set 8

Correct Answer: A. Astra (Indian)

Tejas is certified to carry the Astra Mk1 BVR (Beyond Visual Range) air-to-air missile, which is India's indigenously developed AAM. Astra Mk1 has a range of 80+ km, making Tejas a genuine BVR-capable combat aircraft. Astra Mk2 with 160+ km range is in development. This certification makes Tejas comparable to international fighters in BVR capability. DRDO developed Astra and BDL manufactures it. Integration of Astra on Tejas marked a major milestone — both the aircraft and its primary air-to-air missile are indigenously developed.

Correct Answer: C. USA

The Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) is a bilateral platform between India and the USA for defence technology cooperation. DTTI was established in 2012 and re-energised in 2015. Under DTTI, joint working groups were formed for aircraft carriers, jet engines, infantry, and intelligence systems. Key outcomes include co-development of GSED (Global Sensor Employment Decision) systems, Raven mini-UAV technology transfer, and F414 engine co-production discussions for AMCA. DTTI represents a shift from India just buying US equipment to joint development and production.

Correct Answer: C. Bangalore

BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) is headquartered in Bangalore (Bengaluru), Karnataka. It was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Defence. BEL is a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking. BEL has 9 manufacturing units at Bangalore, Ghaziabad, Panchkula, Kotdwara, Navi Mumbai, Machilipatnam, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. BEL manufactures radars, sonars, communication systems, electronic warfare equipment, optoelectronics, weapon systems, and civilian products like electronic voting machines (EVMs). BEL's revenue exceeded Rs 19,000 crore in 2023-24.

Correct Answer: C. Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance

DRDO awards the Agni Award for Excellence in Self-Reliance to DRDO scientists and technologists for outstanding contributions to defence technology and self-reliance. Named after the Agni missile, it is the highest internal DRDO award. DRDO also gives Performance Excellence Awards and Young Scientist Awards. Many DRDO scientists have received national civilian honours (Padma awards), and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam received the Bharat Ratna in 1997. The Agni Award celebrates contributions to India's technological sovereignty in defence.

Correct Answer: B. Potential development of easier-to-operate, more automated weapons systems

The Agnipath scheme, which recruits Agniveers for 4-year military service, has implications for defence technology development. With shorter-service soldiers, weapons systems need to be more automated, easier to operate, require less training time, and be maintainable with shorter skill development periods. This drives DRDO toward developing AI-enabled, autonomous, and highly digitalised weapon platforms. It also accelerates demand for simulation-based training systems. DRDO's future weapon systems for infantry, armoured corps, and air defence will increasingly incorporate automation and reduced operator training requirements.

Correct Answer: C. Multiple BEL facilities including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Panchkula

BEL manufactures Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines at its multiple facilities including Bangalore (primary), Hyderabad, and Panchkula. EVMs are a civilian government product manufactured by BEL (and ECIL — Electronics Corporation of India Limited, another PSU). BEL has supplied over 4 million EVMs to the Election Commission of India, making it one of the world's largest democracy technology suppliers. EVM manufacturing is a significant revenue and brand-building activity for BEL beyond its core defence mandate.

Correct Answer: C. 36

India signed a government-to-government deal with France in September 2016 for 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets at a cost of approximately €7.87 billion (about Rs 59,000 crore). The aircraft are manufactured by Dassault Aviation. All 36 Rafale aircraft have been delivered to India (final delivery in December 2021), with 30 for the Air Force and 6 for the Navy (2 Rafale Marine trainers). Rafale is equipped with SCALP cruise missiles, MICA air-to-air missiles, and the AESA RBE2 radar. A further deal for 26 Rafale Marine for the Navy (for INS Vikrant) was signed in April 2024.

Correct Answer: B. Chemical weapon detection, protection, and decontamination

DRDE (Defence Research and Development Establishment) at Gwalior is DRDO's premier laboratory for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence. The lab focuses on chemical agent detection (developing sensors for nerve agents, blister agents), personal protection (NBC suits, respirators), collective protection systems (HVAC filters for vehicles and bunkers), and decontamination. DRDE has also contributed to India's COVID-19 response with PPE kits, hand sanitisers, and ventilators. Gwalior's location in North-Central India makes it strategically accessible to both eastern and western frontiers.

Correct Answer: C. Both PSLV and GSLV as well as Gaganyaan human spacecraft

HAL manufactures critical components for ISRO's launch vehicles including PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) — specifically the solid rocket boosters, liquid stage airframes, and payload fairings. For India's human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan, HAL is manufacturing the Crew Module and Service Module. HAL also manufactures the space suit components, crew escape systems, and spacecraft structural elements. HAL's Bangalore facility has a dedicated Aerospace division for space manufacturing, contributing to India's self-reliance in space technology.

Correct Answer: C. Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP) 2020

The Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) was replaced by the Defence Acquisition Policy (DAP) 2020, approved in September 2020. DAP 2020 introduced major reforms: highest priority to IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, revised offset policies, increased indigenous content mandates, Strategic Partnership (SP) model, and simplified procurement timelines. DAP 2020 also mandated that the services develop indigenously before looking for foreign acquisition. The overall goal is to make India a net exporter of defence equipment rather than the world's largest importer.