BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Export to the Philippines
India is poised to commence the export of ground systems for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in the next 10 days, according to Dr. Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The missiles are expected to reach the Philippines by March this year, marking DRDO’s largest-ever defense contract with a foreign nation, valued at USD 375 million.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the value of the defense contract between India and the Philippines for the BrahMos missile systems?
- a) USD 200 million
- b) USD 375 million
- c) USD 500 million
- d) USD 600 million
- When is the first set of BrahMos missile systems expected to reach the Philippines?
- a) February
- b) March
- c) April
- d) May
DRDO’s Defense Contracts and Inductions
DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, highlighted the diverse defense projects currently in progress. He mentioned the induction of various products, including LCA Mk-1A, Arjun Mk-1A, QRSAM, and expansion of Akash squadrons. The total worth of DRDO-developed products either inducted or approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is approximately Rs 4.94 lakh Crores.
MCQs:
- What percentage of the inducted DRDO-developed products has been in the last 5-7 years?
- a) 40-50%
- b) 50-60%
- c) 60-70%
- d) 70-80%
- What is the estimated value of the DRDO-developed products inducted or approved by DAC?
- a) Rs 2.5 lakh Crores
- b) Rs 3.5 lakh Crores
- c) Rs 4.5 lakh Crores
- d) Rs 5.5 lakh Crores
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) Order
DRDO anticipates finalizing a mega order for the ATAGS howitzers by the end of March. These guns, developed by DRDO and produced by private sector players like Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, are expected to be confirmed by the conclusion of this financial year (March 31, 2024).
MCQs:
- What does ATAGS stand for?
- a) Advanced Tactical Attack Gun System
- b) Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
- c) Artillery Targeting and Guidance System
- d) Artillery Tactical Assault Gun System
- Which private sector industry players are involved in the production of ATAGS?
- a) DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- b) Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems
- c) HAL and Tata Motors
- d) Bharat Electronics Limited and DRDO
Future Plans and Collaborations
DRDO is actively engaged in discussions with Safran for developing the engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Plans for the LCA Mark 2 are underway, targeting completion by 2028.
MCQs:
- What is the target completion date for the LCA Mark 2?
- a) 2024
- b) 2026
- c) 2028
- d) 2030
- With which company is DRDO in discussions for developing the engine for AMCA?
- a) Boeing
- b) Lockheed Martin
- c) Safran
- d) Rolls-Royce
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Overview
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is renowned as one of the most successful missile programs globally. Acknowledged for its precision and speed, BRAHMOS has significantly enhanced India’s deterrence capabilities.
MCQs:
- When was the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile joint venture established?
- a) 2000
- b) 2005
- c) 2010
- d) 2015
- What is the key characteristic that BRAHMOS is known for globally?
- a) Long-range
- b) Precision-guided and swift
- c) Stealth capabilities
- d) Submarine-launched