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Securing India's vast borders and asserting its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region requires a well-equipped and modernized defence force.
This year's UPSC Prelims is likely to focus on recent developments in defence acquisitions that reflect India's evolving security priorities.
This article highlights a few key defence items that were procured and have been in the news. It is crucial for aspirants appearing in the 2024 UPSC prelims.
Pralay Missile
WHY IMPORTANT?
150-500 km Short-Range Surface-to-surface Missile by DRDO.
- Pralay is a canister-based tactical, surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile.
- It is a part of the Prahaar missile program.
- With an ability of striking 150 to 500 kilometers far, Pralay is the longest-range surface-to-surface missile with the Indian Armylongest-range surface-to-surface missile, capable of striking 150 to 500 kilometers far.
- It is a quasi-ballistic trajectory based solid propellant rocket-powered missile.
TAPAS BH 201
WHY IMPORTANT?
Previously known as Rustom-II, it is an indigenously developed Medium Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
- It can operate at altitudes of up to 28,000 feet with endurance of over 18 hours.
- The maximum speed is 225 kmph and maximum payload it can carry is 350 kgs.
- It is capable of fulfilling the army's Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, Tracking, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) requirements.
Spike NLOS
WHY IMPORTANT?
The 6th Generation lightweight, fire-and-forget tactical precision-guided Spike Non Line of Sight (NLOS) Anti-tank Guided Missile from Israel will be integrated with Russian Mi-17V5 helicopters.
- It is a fire-and-forget anti-tank missile with a high-explosive warhead.
- Its variants include man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched and can hit targets from distances of up to 30 km.
- Reliance on electro-optical seeker for clear vision of targets makes it effective unlike traditional missiles reliant on radar or infrared guidance.
MQ 9B Reaper
WHY IMPORTANT?
It can fly over the horizon for real-time situational awareness and has maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
- MQ 9B has two variants, the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian.
- The drone can operate at over 40,000 feet giving advantage in the high-altitude Himalayan border areas.
- These drones have advanced features like automatic take-off and landing, anti-spoofing GPS and encrypted communication links.
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Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter
WHY IMPORTANT?
It is for both civil and military roles developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
- The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.
- It was exported to countries like Bolivia, Myanmar, Israel, Maldives, and Nepal.
- Dhruv Mk-IV is also called ALH Rudra and can carry air-to-air missiles.
- Radar and missile detectors, infrared jammers and chaff and flare dispensers are some of its countermeasures.
Light Combat Helicopter Prachand
WHY IMPORTANT?
It is a multi-role combat helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
- It is India’s first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter specializing in deserts and mountain operations.
- It can fly at a maximum speed of 288 kmph with activities like Combat Search and Rescue, operations against Remotely Piloted Aircraft and high-altitude bunker busting operations.
- It will be equipped with Helina missiles, the air force version of which is called Dhruvastra.
- The helicopter is equipped with new-generation Shakti engine and is the only helicopter with capability to operate at altitudes above 6,000 meters while carrying a substantial payload.
INS Imphal
WHY IMPORTANT?
It is the third of four indigenous Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers under Project 15-Bravo.
- INS Imphal or the Pennant D68 is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam class stealth-guided missile destroyers.
- The ship is equipped to fight Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare.
- Armaments include Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface cruise missiles, torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rocket launchers.
After the success of Kolkata class (Project 15A), the 15B (Visakhapatnam Class) has four warships: Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, and Surat.
Neerakshi
WHY IMPORTANT?
It is the first of its kind Autonomous Underwater Vehicle by India for mine detection.
- Neerakshi means “Eyes in the Water”.
- Its functions include mine detection, mine disposal and underwater survey.
- With an endurance of around 4 hours, it is capable of operating up to a depth of 300m.
Varunastra
WHY IMPORTANT?
It is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo.
- It is an electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo capable of targeting stealth submarines in deep and shallow waters.
- The torpedo’s guidance system uses active-passive acoustics, wire guidance and GPS/NavIC satellite guidance.
- The conformal array transducers installed in it allows for a wide angle view than other torpedoes.
- It can be fired from all Anti-submarine warfare ships.
Project Sanjay
WHY IMPORTANT?
The Indian army under ‘Project Sanjay’ is working on creating multiple battlefield surveillance centres.
- The aim is to have a future-ready, technology-driven, lethal and agile force.
- It is the ability to obtain real or near-real time all time pictures of battle areas.
- It is multi-pronged and includes human intelligence, technology-related imagery intelligence and communication intelligence.
- It helps detect changes for pre-emptive action.