Defence Topics for Prelims 2024

All the topics have been picked from updates by ISRO and DRDO. UPSC generally asks questions from their updates/news.

Mission Divyastra- AGNI V, MIRV

India announced successful testing of an Agni missile capable of carrying multiple warheads (MIRV) to hit multiple targets simultaneously, known as Mission Divyastra.

Test conducted from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.

MIRV Technology:

Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) allows a single missile to target multiple locations hundreds of kilometers apart.
Known possessors include the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK, with Pakistan and Israel also involved in development.
MIRVs can be launched from both land and sea, including submarines.

Advantages:

MIRVs enable multiple warheads to be released at different speeds and directions, making them more lethal than traditional single-warhead missiles.
Requires advanced technology for large missiles, small warheads, precise guidance, and a complex warhead release mechanism.

India’s Agni Missiles:

Integral to India’s nuclear deterrence, especially against China, offering counter second-strike capability.
The Agni series ranges from short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles (700-5000km), with road and rail mobility enhancing survivability.
Part of India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) initiated in 1983.

Agni Missile Family:

Agni I: Short-range (700-1200 km)
Agni II: Medium-range (2000-3500 km)
Agni III: Intermediate-range (3000-5000 km)
Agni IV: Intermediate-range (3500-4000 km)
Agni V: Inter-continental range (5500-8000 km)

31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian

US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of 31 MQ-9B Sky Guardian to India.

The MQ-9B Predator drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle. MQ-9B SeaGuardian is a maritime-focused version of the SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
The MQ-9B drones are also known as “Predators”. They are High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones that can fly for over 40 hours using a satellite.
- Out of the 31 MQ-9B Predator drones, of which the Navy will get 15 SeaGuardian drones, while the Army and the Indian Air Force will get eight each of the land version – SkyGuardian.
They can be used for offensive missions, reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence operations.

Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS):

- A fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) for countering low-altitude threats over short distances.
- Short-range, lightweight, portable surface-to-air missiles for individual or small group use.
- Indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, with other DRDO labs and Indian industry partners.
- Features:
  - Provides air defence against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
  - Range of up to 6-km.
  - Incorporates Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics.
  - Propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor.
  - Designed for portability and quick deployment in difficult terrains.

TEJAS MK2

LCA Tejas Mk2

Description: The LCA Tejas Mk2 is an advanced version of India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft, designed to carry eight Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missiles and compatible with both native and international advanced weaponry.
Enhancements over Mk1: Features increased range and mission endurance, with the Mk2’s endurance at 120 minutes compared to the Mk1’s 57 minutes.
Future Role: Intended to replace aging fleets like Jaguars, MiG-29s, and Mirage 2000s in the coming decade.
Development Status: The critical design review is complete, manufacturing has begun, with a rollout expected by 2024.
Specifications: Equipped with a 6.5-tonne weapon carrying capacity and powered by the General Electric GE-414 engine.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Program

Initiation: Launched in 1984 by the Government of India, managed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Capabilities: Designed for a wide range of missions with air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, and air to air refueling capability.

Variants of Tejas

Tejas Trainer: A two-seater version for operational conversion training of air force pilots.
LCA Navy: Includes both twin- and single-seat variants, tailored for aircraft carrier operations for the Indian Navy.

Induction of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachanda” into Indian Air Force

Unique Capability: The LCH stands out globally as the only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at 5,000 meters altitude with significant weapon and fuel load.
Stealth Features: Utilizes radar-absorbing materials to minimize radar signature, and has a robust, crash-resistant structure.
Protection: Features a pressurized cabin for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection and a countermeasure dispensing system to evade enemy radars and missile seekers.
Power: Operated by two Shakti engines of French origin, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Genesis of LCH

Kargil War Inspiration: The 1999 conflict highlighted the need for an indigenous lightweight attack helicopter for precision strikes across diverse Indian terrains, from deserts to high-altitude areas.
Legacy Helicopters: India’s existing fleet included sub 3-ton French-origin helicopters like Chetak and Cheetah, primarily utility helicopters with some armed variants like Lancer, and the heavier Russian Mi-17 series to be phased out by 2028.
Project Sanction: The Indian government approved the LCH project in October 2006, entrusting HAL with its development.

Induction of Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems

Contract Details: On February 13, 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Hyderabad for 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems, including associated equipment/accessories for the Indian Navy.
Indigenously Developed: The Shakti EW System is a product of indigenous design, development, and manufacturing efforts.
Capabilities: Designed to accurately intercept electronic emissions and execute countermeasures in dense electromagnetic environments.
Deployment: These systems will be installed on-board the capital warships of the Indian Navy, enhancing their electronic warfare capabilities.

ABHYAS: High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)

Development: Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
Purpose: Provides a realistic threat scenario for weapon system practice and is crucial for validating equipment for Armed Forces requiring aerial engagement.

Key Features

Autonomous Flight: Equipped with an indigenously developed autopilot for autonomous operation.
Enhanced Target Simulation: Features radar cross-section, visual, and infrared systems for effective weapon practice.
Control and Analysis: Utilizes a laptop-based Ground Control System for integration, pre-flight checks, in-flight data recording, post-flight replays, and analysis.

Ugram Assault Rifle

Development: ‘Ugram’ is an indigenous state-of-the-art assault rifle, developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO unit, with a private industry partner.
Timeframe: Developed in less than 100 days, considering the army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

Features:

Calibre: Utilizes 7.62 mm rounds, offering higher lethality compared to the 5.62 mm rounds used in rifles like INSAS.
Range: Effective up to 500 metres.
Weight: Less than four kilograms, enhancing mobility and handling.
Ammunition: Equipped with a 20-round magazine capable of robust and full-auto firing.

Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile System

Origin: Barak 8 is an Indo-Israeli joint development between India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Purpose: Designed to counter a wide range of airborne threats including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, UAVs, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and combat jets.
Variants: The system has both maritime and land-based versions, enhancing its adaptability to different operational requirements.

BrahMos Missile

Type: Supersonic cruise missile.
Joint Venture: Developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPOM.
Naming: Named after the Brahmaputra river in India and the Moskva river in Russia.

Features

Stages: Two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster and a liquid ramjet second stage.
Variants: Designed for Anti-Ship and Land-Attack roles.
Speed: Mach 2.8, making it one of the fastest operational cruise missiles.
Launch Weight: Ranges from 2,200 to 3,000 kg.
Guidance: Operates on “Fire and Forget” principle with varied flight paths to the target.
Stealth: Equipped with stealth technology to reduce radar visibility.
Navigation: Uses an inertial navigation system (INS) for ship targets and a combination of INS and Global Positioning System (GPS) for land targets.

Multispan Mobile Bridging System (SARVATRA)

Indigenous #SARVATRA Bridge Systems designed and developed by R&D(E) Pune based laboratory of DRDO and produced by BEML.

Sarvatra is a multi-span mobile bridge with a high mobility launch platform & multi-span capability up to 75 m with individual spans of 15 m.

Akash Missile

The Akash missile, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
With capabilities to target a variety of aerial threats, it plays a crucial role in India’s integrated air defense network.
Surveillance Components: Developed by Bharat Electronics (BEL), Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division, and Larsen & Toubro.

Operational Capabilities

Target Range: The Akash missile system can target aircraft up to 45 km away.
Versatility: Capable of neutralizing fighter jets, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Service: Currently in operational service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Bellatrix Aerospace’s Eco-Friendly Propulsion System for Small Satellites

Development Highlights

Innovation: India’s first high-performance green propulsion system for small satellites, developed by Bellatrix Aerospace.
Collaboration: A joint effort between industry and academia, guided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Support: Facilitated by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF), aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance in cutting-edge technology.

Benefits of the Green Propulsion System

Environmental Impact: Offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional hydrazine-based fuels, addressing global concerns about environmental sustainability and space debris.
Cost Efficiency: Aims to reduce the overall cost of satellite launches and operations, potentially encouraging wider participation in space activities.
Fuel Efficiency: Provides better fuel efficiency compared to conventional propellants, allowing for smaller fuel tanks and lighter satellite designs.
Enhanced Satellite Capabilities: Improves control and manoeuvrability of small satellites, enabling more complex missions and data collection.

LCA Tejas Test-Fires ASTRA Missile

Event: LCA Tejas LSP-7 successfully test-fired the ASTRA Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the Goa coast on August 23, 2023.
Significance: Indigenous Astra BVR firing from Tejas marks a significant step towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) in defense technology.

ASTRA

Astra is a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile with a range of over 100 km designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets. It is designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other DRDO laboratories.

India’s First Indigenous UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’

Acquisition by the Indian Navy

Event: Indian Navy received the first indigenously made UAV ‘Drishti 10 Starliner’ from Adani Defence and Aerospace.

Supply: Four medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drones to be supplied, with two each for the Indian Navy and Indian Army over the coming months.

Drishti 10 Starliner Features

Role: Advanced surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
Endurance: Capable of 36 hours of continuous operation.
Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 450 kg.
Weather Compatibility: The only all-weather military platform with NATO STANAG 4671 certification, ensuring airworthiness of the UAV system.

SARK

Indian Navy successfully undertook the maiden test drop of an indigenous Search and Rescue Kit (SARK). The Indian Navy tested the Made-in-India SARK from the Boeing P-8I long-range patrol aircraft. The SAR kit has been developed by Agra-based Defence Research and Development Organisation’s laboratory, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).

PRALAY Missile

Indian Defence Ministry approved buying Pralay tactical ballistic missiles.
Quasi-ballistic, surface-to-surface missile with 150-500 km range.
Can carry 350-700 kg of high-grade explosives, developed by DRDO.
Features solid propellant rocket motor, advanced navigation, and avionics.
Capable of mid-air path changes after covering a certain range.

Israel’s Spike NLOS Anti-tank Guided Missile

Indian Air Force received Israel’s Spike NLOS anti-tank guided missiles.
Fire-and-forget missile with a tandem-charge warhead, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Available in man-portable, vehicle, and helicopter variants, used by Israel and 38 other countries.
Range up to 30 km, weighs 71 kg, and uses electro-optical seeker for target clarity.
Datalink allows in-flight missile control for target adjustment or strike abortion.
Versatile warheads for tanks, air defenses, or urban combat.

TAPAS UAV

TACTICAL AIRBORNE PLATFORM FOR AERIAL SURVEILLANCE-BEYOND HORIZON- 201 (TAPAS BH-201)
MALE drone being developed by DRDO’s ADE.
Capable of flying up to 28,000 feet with over 18-hour endurance.
Features a 20.6-meter wingspan, 225 kmph max speed, and can carry up to 350 kg payloads.
Can be remotely controlled or autonomously execute pre-programmed flights.
Serves ISTAR needs for tri-services, operates in day/night, and can be armed if required.

Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator

Features a complex arrowhead wing design made from lightweight carbon prepreg composite material, demonstrating self-reliance in aerospace technology.
Includes a health-monitoring composite structure and autonomous landing capability, eliminating the need for ground infrastructure or pilots, allowing operation from any surveyed runway.

INS IMPHAL

INS Imphal: Third of the Vishakhapatnam class guided missile destroyers, part of Project 15 Bravo, with INS Surat being the fourth.
Launched on April 20, 2019, it’s among the most advanced destroyers globally.
Length: 163m, Breadth: 17m, Displacement: 7,400 tonnes, showcasing significant Indian warship building capability.
Powered by four gas turbines for speeds over 30 knots, capable of launching BrahMos missiles.
Equipped for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical warfare, armed with advanced weapons, sensors, and electronic warfare systems.

Neerkashi

“Neerakshi”: India’s autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for mine detection, named “Eyes in the Water.”
Collaboration between GRSE Ltd and AEPL, set for trials with Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Army.
Part of GRSE’s vision for autonomous sea vehicles and green propulsion technologies.
Versatile in function: mine detection, disposal, and underwater survey.
Specs: 2.1m long, 1 foot diameter, 45kg weight, 4-hour endurance, operable up to 300m depth.

Varunastra

Indian Navy to induct “Varunastra,” a 95% indigenously developed heavyweight torpedo, joining a select group of eight countries with such capabilities.
Features: Maximum speed of 40 knots and a maximum operating depth of 600 m, has a long range with multi-manoeuvering capabilities.
Varunastra is ship-launched, electrically propelled, with advanced automatic and remote-controlled guidance, capable of targeting stealth submarines.
Jointly developed by the Naval Science and Technology Laboratory (NTSL) in Visakhapatnam and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad.

Project Seabird

The largest naval infrastructure project for India, it involves creation of a naval base at Karwar, Karnataka, on the west coast of India.

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