DRDO, HAL & Defence Orgs — Set 9

Correct Answer: B. Larger airframe, more powerful engine (GE F414), and extended range

Tejas Mk2 (Medium Weight Fighter) is a significantly upgraded aircraft compared to Mk1/Mk1A: larger airframe (~17% increase in length), more powerful GE F414 engine (98 kN vs 85 kN thrust), higher MTOW (17.5 tonne vs 13.5 tonne), longer range, and greater weapons payload. Mk2 will feature a more capable AESA radar, advanced avionics, and possibly conformal fuel tanks. Mk2 is designed to bridge the gap between Tejas Mk1A and the 5th gen AMCA. HAL expects to fly the first Mk2 prototype by 2026 with IAF induction around 2030.

Correct Answer: B. CECRI, Karaikudi

CECRI (Central Electrochemical Research Institute) at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, is a CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) laboratory under the Ministry of Science and Technology — NOT a DRDO lab. DRDO labs include DRDL (missiles, Hyderabad), CAIR (AI/robotics, Bangalore), INMAS (nuclear medicine, Delhi), DMRL (materials, Hyderabad), SAG (cryptography, Delhi), ARDE (armaments, Pune), and many others. CSIR and DRDO are entirely separate government research organisations with different mandates, funding, and security classifications.

Correct Answer: C. Rs 21,083 crore

India's defence exports reached an all-time high of approximately Rs 21,083 crore (about US$ 2.63 billion) in FY 2023-24. This represents a massive increase from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17. India now exports to over 85 countries. Major exports include Brahmos missiles (Philippines), Dornier aircraft, Dhruv helicopters, Akash missiles, Pinaka rockets, ammunition, and optoelectronics. India's target is to achieve Rs 35,000 crore (US$ 5 billion) in defence exports by 2025. India has transformed from the world's largest arms importer to an emerging defence exporter.

Correct Answer: C. Bangalore

ADA (Aeronautical Development Agency) is located in Bangalore, Karnataka. It is the programme management agency under DRDO responsible for designing and developing India's combat aircraft — Tejas LCA and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft). ADA was established in 1984 specifically for the LCA programme. ADA coordinates over 100 Indian companies and research organisations for Tejas and AMCA development. ADA's chief designer oversees the aircraft design while HAL handles production. ADA is India's equivalent of USA's Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for aviation.

Correct Answer: B. 2001

India's Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) was established in November 2001 following the Kargil Review Committee's recommendations for improving defence management. IDS integrates planning and coordination among the three services (Army, Navy, Air Force). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post, created in December 2019, heads the IDS. The first CDS was General Bipin Rawat. IDS oversees the creation of joint/theatre commands and defence acquisition coordination. IDS was the precursor to the eventual creation of tri-service joint theatre commands for China and Pakistan fronts.

Correct Answer: C. 70%

India's stated target is to achieve at least 70% domestic procurement in defence by 2025-26 (revised as an ongoing policy goal rather than a fixed year target). India's defence budget allocates an increasing share to domestic procurement — the capital procurement budget has a dedicated Indian vendors' pool. India's defence imports have been declining as domestic production increases. India went from being world's largest arms importer to now being the 3rd largest importer, with domestic production filling the gap. The government aims to reduce import dependence while increasing exports.

Correct Answer: B. MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance)

Rustom-II (TAPAS-BH-201: Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance) is a MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV developed by ADE, DRDO. It can fly at altitudes up to 30,000 feet (9,000 m) for a duration of 24+ hours. Rustom-II will be used for maritime surveillance, intelligence gathering, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) by all three services. It is India's counterpart to Israel's Heron and USA's Predator UAV systems. Rustom-II has undergone extensive flight tests and is undergoing certification for induction into the armed forces.

Correct Answer: B. Higher lift at supersonic speeds and structural strength with reduced weight

Tejas uses a tailless compound delta wing configuration developed with advanced composite materials (CFRP — Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer). Delta wings provide: higher lift coefficient at supersonic speeds, structural efficiency with a single large wing surface, simple high-lift devices, and reduced wave drag at high speeds. The tailless design (no horizontal tail) reduces weight and radar cross-section. However, delta wings have higher landing speeds requiring longer runways. The compound delta of Tejas has an ogival (curved) leading edge for improved low-speed handling, making it more manoeuvrable than simple delta designs.

Correct Answer: B. Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister (SA to RM)

The Director General of DRDO (DG DRDO) also holds the ex-officio position of Scientific Adviser to the Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) — SA to RM. This dual role ensures direct access to the Defence Minister for scientific and technological advice. The DRDO Chief chairs the Defence Research Advisory Committee (DRAC). Notable DG DRDO/SA to RM include Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam (1992-1999), who is the most celebrated, Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Dr. Avinash Chander, Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy, and Dr. Samir V. Kamat (current).

Correct Answer: C. 2022

INS Vikrant (IAC-1, Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-1) was commissioned on 2 September 2022 by PM Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, Kerala. It is India's largest warship with a displacement of 45,000 tonnes and a flight deck of 262 metres. INS Vikrant carries MiG-29K fighter jets and Kamov Ka-31 helicopters. Over 76% indigenous content. The name Vikrant is inherited from INS Vikrant (R11), India's first aircraft carrier (1961-1997). INS Vikrant's commissioning marked India as one of a few nations capable of designing and building an aircraft carrier indigenously.