Defence Current Affairs Archives

Made in India C-295 Aircraft: Maiden Test Flight

Why in News

The first Made in India C-295 military transport aircraft successfully completed its maiden test flight on June 10, 2026, from the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat. The aircraft was assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space. This is a landmark achievement for India’s private defence manufacturing sector under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Made in India C-295: Key Facts for Prelims

IAF Procurement Details

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring 56 C-295 transport aircraft at a total cost of approximately ₹21,935 crore.
16 aircraft to be delivered directly from Airbus, Spain in flyaway condition.
40 aircraft to be assembled in India by TASL + Airbus at Vadodara.

Manufacturers

Airbus Defence and Space (Spain) — Original equipment manufacturer.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited — TASL (India) — Assembly partner under Make in India.

Assembly Location

Vadodara, Gujarat — India’s first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing facility.

Aircraft Replacing

The C-295 replaces the aging Avro-748 (HS-748) fleet of the Indian Air Force.

Aircraft Capabilities

STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capable — can operate on unpaved/dirt runways.
All-weather operational capability.
Multi-role missions: Troop transport, medical evacuation, para-dropping, maritime patrol, air-to-air refuelling.

Strategic Significance

First military aircraft to be manufactured in India by the private sector.
Strengthens Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
Reduces India’s dependence on imported military hardware.

Connected Concepts for Prelims

Concept	Details
Make in India	Launched 2014 to promote manufacturing in India
Atmanirbhar Bharat	2020 self-reliance mission; defence is a key pillar
DAP 2020	Defence Acquisition Policy — promotes indigenous procurement
iDEX	Innovations for Defence Excellence — startup ecosystem
HAL	Public sector aerospace; manufactures Tejas, ALH
TASL	Tata Advanced Systems Limited — private sector aerospace
FDI in Defence	100% FDI permitted in defence manufacturing via automatic route

Quick Revision Table

Fact	Detail
Total aircraft ordered	56 C-295
Total cost	₹21,935 crore
Assembled in India	40 aircraft (by TASL + Airbus)
Flyaway from Spain	16 aircraft (from Airbus directly)
Assembly location	Vadodara, Gujarat
Replaces	Avro-748 (HS-748) IAF fleet
Manufacturer	Airbus (Spain) + TASL (India)
Key capability	STOL, all-weather, multi-role
Significance	First private-sector military aircraft made in India

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Confusion	Correct Fact
All 56 C-295 are made in India	❌ Only 40 assembled in India; 16 flyaway from Spain
HAL is manufacturing C-295	❌ It is TASL (private sector), not HAL (public sector)
C-295 replaces MiG-21 fighters	❌ Replaces Avro-748 (HS-748) transport aircraft — not a fighter
C-295 is a fighter jet	❌ It is a medium tactical military transport aircraft
Assembly facility is in Bengaluru	❌ Final Assembly Line is in Vadodara, Gujarat
Airbus is an Indian company	❌ Airbus is a European company; TASL is the Indian partner

Practice MCQs

1. The first Made in India C-295 aircraft is manufactured by which combination?
a. HAL and Dassault Aviation
b. DRDO and Boeing
c. Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus
d. BEL and Safran

Ans: C
The C-295 is jointly manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus Defence and Space — the first private-sector military aircraft manufacturing partnership in India.

2. The Made in India C-295 aircraft replaces which aircraft in the Indian Air Force?
a. AN-32
b. MiG-21
c. IL-76
d. Avro-748 (HS-748)

Ans: D
The C-295 was procured to replace the aging Avro-748 (HS-748) transport fleet. Do not confuse it with MiG-21 which is a fighter aircraft.

3. The Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C-295 aircraft in India is located at:
a. Bengaluru, Karnataka
b. Hyderabad, Telangana
c. Vadodara, Gujarat
d. Pune, Maharashtra

Ans: C
The assembly facility is in Vadodara, Gujarat — India’s first private-sector facility for manufacturing military aircraft.

4. Out of 56 C-295 aircraft ordered by India, how many will be assembled domestically?
a. 16
b. 56
c. 40
d. 30

Ans: C
40 aircraft are to be assembled in India by TASL + Airbus; the remaining 16 will be delivered in flyaway condition directly from Airbus, Spain.

5. The C-295 programme is significant for India primarily because it:
a. Is the first jet fighter made by a private company in India
b. Is the first military aircraft manufactured in India by the private sector
c. Is the first aircraft manufactured by HAL under Make in India
d. Is the first combat drone operational in the Indian Air Force

Ans: B
The C-295 programme marks the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by the private sector — specifically by Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

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SIPRI Report 2026: India 5th Largest Military Spender | UPSC

SIPRI Report 2026: India 5th Largest Military Spender

The SIPRI Report 2026 (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Yearbook), released on June 8, 2026, has ranked India as the 5th largest military spender globally with an expenditure of USD 92.1 billion in 2025 — an 8.9% increase over the previous year. The SIPRI Report 2026 also reveals India holds approximately 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, surpassing Pakistan’s ~170.

Key Facts for Prelims

SIPRI = Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (HQ: Stockholm, Sweden)
India’s military spending (2025): USD 92.1 billion → Rank: 5th globally
India’s nuclear warheads (Jan 2026): ~190
Pakistan’s nuclear warheads (Jan 2026): ~170
India’s nuclear modernisation increasingly focuses on long-range missiles capable of reaching China
Total global nuclear weapons (Jan 2026): ~12,187
Of these, 9,745 are in military stockpiles (potentially operationally available)
9 nuclear-armed states: USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel
Germany entered the Top 4 military spenders — a significant shift in European defence spending

Global Military Spending — Top 5 (2025)

Rank	Country	Expenditure (2025)	Note
1st	USA	USD 954 billion	33% of global total; 7.5% lower than 2024
2nd	China	USD 336 billion	—
3rd	Russia	USD 190 billion	—
4th	Germany	~USD 88+ billion	Newly entered top 5
5th	India	USD 92.1 billion	8.9% increase over 2024

India’s Nuclear Doctrine — Static Linkage

No First Use (NFU): India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons.
Credible Minimum Deterrence: Maintain only the minimum arsenal needed for deterrence.
Massive Retaliation: If attacked with nuclear weapons, India will respond with overwhelming force.
India is NOT a signatory to the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty).
India’s nuclear triad: Land (Agni series) + Sea (INS Arihant — SSBN) + Air (aircraft-delivered).
India is a member of MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group; NOT yet a full NSG member.

Quick Revision Table

Topic	Key Fact
India’s military spending rank	5th globally (USD 92.1 billion, 2025)
India’s nuclear warheads	~190 (January 2026)
Pakistan’s nuclear warheads	~170 (January 2026)
Largest military spender	USA (USD 954 billion — 33% of global total)
2nd largest military spender	China (USD 336 billion)
4th largest military spender	Germany (newly entered top 5)
Total global nuclear weapons	~12,187 (of which 9,745 in military stockpiles)
Number of nuclear-armed states	9 states
India’s nuclear doctrine	No First Use + Credible Minimum Deterrence
SIPRI headquarters	Stockholm, Sweden

Trap / Confusing Points

Common Misconception	Correct Fact
India is the 4th largest military spender	Germany is 4th; India is 5th as per SIPRI Report 2026
All 12,187 nuclear weapons are operational	Only 9,745 are in military stockpiles; not all deployed
India follows a First-Use nuclear policy	India follows “No First Use” (NFU) policy
SIPRI is a UN body	SIPRI is an independent institute, not affiliated with the UN
India is a member of the NSG	India’s NSG bid is ongoing since 2016; NOT yet a member
Iran is a nuclear-armed state per SIPRI	SIPRI lists 9 nuclear states; Iran is NOT among them

Practice MCQs

1. According to SIPRI Report 2026, which country was the largest military spender in 2025?

a. China
b. Russia
c. USA
d. India

Ans: C

The USA remained the largest military spender with USD 954 billion in 2025, accounting for 33% of total global military expenditure.

2. As per SIPRI Report 2026, India’s nuclear warhead count as of January 2026 was approximately:

a. 170
b. 180
c. 190
d. 200

Ans: C

India holds ~190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, compared to Pakistan’s estimated 170.

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the nine nuclear-armed states identified by SIPRI?

a. North Korea
b. Israel
c. Iran
d. Pakistan

Ans: C

SIPRI identifies nine nuclear states: USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Iran is NOT in this list.

4. What does SIPRI stand for?

a. Stockholm Institute for Peace Research and Intelligence
b. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
c. Strategic International Policy Research Initiative
d. Security and International Peace Research Institution

Ans: B

SIPRI = Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

5. Which correctly describes India’s nuclear doctrine?

a. First Use + Massive Retaliation
b. No First Use + Credible Minimum Deterrence
c. Launch on Warning + Maximum Deterrence
d. Flexible Response + No First Use

Ans: B

India’s doctrine: “No First Use” (NFU) + “Credible Minimum Deterrence.” India will not initiate a nuclear strike but assures massive retaliation if attacked.

The SIPRI Report 2026 highlights the shifting global security landscape, with India’s rising defence expenditure reflecting its strategic priorities. For UPSC aspirants, the SIPRI Report 2026 is a recurring source of questions on military spending, nuclear arsenals, and international security.

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Rudram II Missile successfully testfired

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Defence Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in News?

DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted flight tests of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile.

The RudraM-II Missile Test 2026 demonstrated the missile’s capability to engage enemy targets from long stand-off distances. The indigenous weapon system is designed to strengthen India’s suppression of enemy air defence capabilities.

What is RudraM-II Missile?

RudraM-II is an indigenous air-to-surface anti-radiation missile developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force.

Key features include:

Designed to detect and destroy enemy radar emissions.
Capable of striking targets at distances of 300–350 km.
Travels at hypersonic speeds up to Mach 5.5.
Can carry warheads weighing up to 200 kg.
Launched from fighter aircraft against high-value enemy assets.

What is an Anti-Radiation Missile?

An anti-radiation missile (ARM) is a precision-guided weapon designed to locate and destroy enemy radar systems, air defence networks, communication stations and electronic emitters.

Such missiles play a crucial role in Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions by neutralizing radar-guided threats before air operations.

Quick Revision Points-RudraM-II Missile

Topic	Fact
Missile Name	RudraM-II
Developed By	DRDO
Service User	Indian Air Force (IAF)
Missile Type	Air-to-Surface Anti-Radiation Missile
Maximum Speed	Mach 5.5
Strike Range	300–350 km
Payload Capacity	Up to 200 kg
Primary Role	Destruction of enemy radar systems
Warfare Domain	Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD)

Practice MCQs on Rudram II missile:

Q1. RudraM-II is classified as which type of missile?

a) Surface-to-air missile
b) Ballistic missile
c) Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
d) Anti-tank missile

Answer: (c) Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile — It is designed to destroy radar-emitting targets.

Q2. What is the approximate strike range of RudraM-II?

a) 100 km
b) 200 km
c) 300–350 km
d) 500 km

Answer: (c) 300–350 km — The missile can engage targets from stand-off distances.

Q3. RudraM-II has been developed by which organisation?

a) HAL
b) ISRO
c) BEL
d) DRDO

Answer: (d) DRDO — The missile is an indigenous DRDO-developed weapon system.

Q4. The primary purpose of an anti-radiation missile is to destroy:

a) Tanks
b) Aircraft carriers
c) Radar and electronic emitters
d) Submarines

Answer: (c) Radar and electronic emitters — Anti-radiation missiles target radar signals and air defence systems.

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Update: AMCA defence hub at Puttaparthi

Leave a Comment / Daily Current Affairs, Andhra Pradesh Current Affairs, Defence Current Affairs / PSC Chronicles Team

Why in news?

India has laid the foundation stone for the AMCA Defence Hub 2026 at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh. The project is part of India’s push toward indigenous defence manufacturing and fifth-generation stealth fighter capability. The new Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex will become the central facility for testing and certification of India’s upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

What is AMCA?

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is India’s proposed indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft being developed to enhance self-reliance in advanced military aviation technology. The aircraft is expected to possess stealth features, internal weapon bays, advanced avionics and supercruise capability.

Major Defence Projects in AP

Defence Project in Andhra Pradesh	Location
AMCA Aircraft Integration Complex	Puttaparthi
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) missile plant	Donakonda, Prakasam district
Kalyani Strategic Systems unit	Madakasira, Anantapur district
Sagar Defence Engineering	Juvvaladinne, Nellore district
HFCL defence manufacturing unit	Sri Sathya Sai district

Quick Revision Points

AMCA project foundation stone laid at Puttaparthi
Total project value: ₹15,803 crore
Facility spread across 650 acres
Located in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh
Focus on fifth-generation stealth fighter development
Expected direct jobs: 7,500
BDL missile plant coming up at Donakonda
AMCA Defence Hub 2026 linked to Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Practice MCQs

Q1. The AMCA Aircraft Integration and Flight Testing Complex is being established in:
a) Visakhapatnam
b) Donakonda
c) Puttaparthi
d) Tirupati

Answer: (c) — The facility is being established at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district.

Q2. The AMCA project is primarily related to:
a) Missile defence systems
b) Naval submarines
c) Stealth fighter aircraft
d) Space launch vehicles

Answer: (c) — AMCA is India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter programme.

Q3. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is establishing a missile manufacturing plant at:
a) Nellore
b) Donakonda
c) Madakasira
d) Kurnool

Answer: (b) — BDL’s missile manufacturing facility is coming up at Donakonda in Prakasam district.

Q4. The AMCA Defence Hub 2026 project is expected to create approximately:
a) 2,500 jobs
b) 5,000 jobs
c) 7,500 jobs
d) 10,000 jobs

Answer: (c) — The project is expected to generate around 7,500 direct high-skilled jobs.

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Why are BrahMos Missile Talks 2026 Significant?

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Why in News?

BrahMos Missile Talks 2026 came into focus during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam to India. The Indian government officially confirmed that discussions are underway regarding the possible sale of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system to Vietnam.

Key Facts About BrahMos Missile Talks 2026

Aspect	Details
Missile Name	BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Developed By	DRDO (India) and NPO Mashinostroyenia (Russia)
Missile Type	Medium-range supersonic cruise missile
Speed	Mach 2.8–3.0
Current Talks	India and Vietnam discussing possible export deal
First Foreign Buyer	Philippines in 2024
Launch Platforms	Land, sea, submarine, and air
Name Origin	Brahmaputra River + Moskva River

Key Features of BrahMos Missile

Feature	Description
Propulsion	Two-stage propulsion system
First Stage	Solid propellant booster
Second Stage	Liquid-fuel ramjet engine
Original Range	290 km
Extended Range Versions	450 km, 500 km, and 800+ km
Guidance	Precision-guided strike capability

Significance of BrahMos Missile Talks 2026

The proposed BrahMos deal would strengthen Vietnam’s maritime deterrence capability in the South China Sea region. It also enhances India’s image as a reliable supplier of advanced military technology.

Quick Revision Points

BrahMos Missile Talks 2026 involve India and Vietnam.
BrahMos developed jointly by DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia.
Missile speed: Mach 2.8–3.0.
Original BrahMos range limited to 290 km.
Extended-range variants exceed 800 km.
Philippines became first foreign buyer in 2024.
BrahMos named after Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile system.

Practice MCQs

Q1. BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and which country?
a) France
b) Russia
c) Israel
d) USA

Answer: (b) Russia — BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia.

Q2. What is the approximate speed of the BrahMos missile?
a) Mach 0.8
b) Mach 1.2
c) Mach 2.8–3.0
d) Mach 5.0

Answer: (c) Mach 2.8–3.0 — BrahMos is among the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles.

Q3. Which country became the first foreign customer of BrahMos in 2024?
a) Vietnam
b) Indonesia
c) Philippines
d) Japan

Answer: (c) Philippines — The Philippines purchased the shore-based BrahMos variant.

Q4. The name BrahMos is derived from which rivers?
a) Ganga and Volga
b) Brahmaputra and Moskva
c) Indus and Danube
d) Yamuna and Neva

Answer: (b) Brahmaputra and Moskva — The missile’s name combines rivers from India and Russia.

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Prajna Satellite System: AI-Based Security Boost

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Why in News?

The Government of India has introduced an advanced satellite imaging system named Prajna to strengthen internal security

What is Prajna?

Prajna is an AI-powered satellite imaging and analytics system.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Specifically designed to assist the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in monitoring and security operations.
Key Function: Provides real-time satellite imagery with advanced AI analytics for quick decision-making.
Purpose: Primarily enhances surveillance, border management, and security operations.

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Russia Clears R-37M Missile for India

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Why in News?

Russia has given approval to export the advanced R-37M (RVV-BD) air-to-air missile to India. This missile significantly enhances the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) long-range combat capability, especially against high-value airborne targets.

What is R-37M Missile?

The R-37M (RVV-BD) is an ultra-long-range air-to-air missile (AAM) developed by Russia.
It is designed to engage and destroy targets at extremely long distances.
Range: 300–400 km (one of the longest in the world)
Speed: Exceeds Mach 6 (hypersonic category).
The missile will be deployed on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.
This significantly boosts the IAF’s Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat strength.

Concept: Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)

An Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) is a guided weapon launched from an aircraft to destroy enemy aircraft.

Types of AAM:

Within Visual Range (WVRAAM)
- Range: Less than 30 km
- Guidance: Infrared (heat-seeking)
Beyond Visual Range (BVRAAM)
- Range: More than 37 km
- Guidance: Radar-guided
- Examples:
  - Astra Mark I
  - Astra Mark II

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Defence ministry clears ₹39,000 Cr Ghatak Stealth Drone Project

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Why in News?

India has taken a major step in strengthening its defence capabilities by approving a ₹39,000 crore project to develop advanced stealth drones. These drones, known as Ghatak, will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike capabilities using indigenous technology.

What is the Ghatak Project?

The Ghatak is an unmanned stealth combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).
It is also referred to as the Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft (RPSA) programme.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Designed mainly for deep penetration strike missions in hostile territories.

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3 ships – Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray – handed over to Navy

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Why in News?

In a significant boost to India’s maritime strength, Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) handed over three advanced naval platforms — Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray — to the Indian Navy.

1. INS Dunagiri (Project 17A)

Type: Stealth Frigate
Class: Nilgiri Class
Project: Project 17A
Position: Fifth ship in the series

2. INS Agray (Arnala Class ASW SWC)

Type: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
Class: Arnala Class
Position: Fourth of eight vessels

INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel Large)

Type: Survey Vessel (Large)
Position: Final ship in SVL Project

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FOURTH SURVEY VESSEL (LARGE) ‘SANSHODHAK’ DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY AT GRSE KOLKATA

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Why in News:

The Indian Navy has completed its Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) Project with the induction of INS Sanshodhak, the fourth and final ship in the series

What is INS Sanshodhak?

INS Sanshodhak is a Survey Vessel (Large)
It is the fourth and final ship under the SVL project
Designed for:
- Hydrographic surveys
- Mapping sea floors
- Supporting navigation safety

Survey Vessel (Large) Project

The SVL Project consists of four ships:

INS Sandhayak
INS Nirdeshak
INS Ikshak
INS Sanshodhak (final vessel)

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