Context
Recently, in light of the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India this February 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is set to convene to grant the final Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the mega-deal involving 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA). This follows the landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement signed in April 2025 for 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) jets for the Indian Navy.
1. Combat Aircraft (Fighters)
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI:Type: 4.5-Generation Multirole Air Superiority Fighter.
- Features: Twin-engine, two-seater aircraft equipped with Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC) and canards for extreme maneuverability (e.g., Pugachev’s Cobra maneuver).
- Key Weapons: BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Astra BVRAAM, and R-77 missiles.
- Dassault Rafale:Type: 4.5-Generation “Omnirole” Fighter.
- Features: Equipped with AESA Radar (RBE2), SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and “cold start” capability for high-altitude airbases.
- Key Weapons: Meteor (Long-range air-to-air), SCALP (Deep-strike cruise missile), and HAMMER (Precision-guided munitions).
- HAL Tejas (LCA):Type: Indigenous Light Multirole Fighter.
- Features: World’s smallest lightweight multi-role supersonic fighter; features a glass cockpit, Fly-By-Wire (FBW) system, and extensive use of composite materials (45% of airframe).
- Variants: Mk1 (Initial), Mk1A (Advanced radar/jammer), and Trainer.
- Mirage 2000:Type: Single-engine Multirole Fighter.
- Features: Known for its delta-wing design and high accuracy in bombing; played a pivotal role in the Kargil War and Balakot airstrikes.
- MiG-29 (UPG):Type: Twin-engine Air Superiority Fighter.
- Features: Highly agile; the UPG variant includes modern avionics, a refined radar, and mid-air refueling capabilities.
2. Transport Aircraft
- C-17 Globemaster III:Role: Strategic Heavy-lift Transport.
- Details: Can carry 77 tonnes of cargo; capable of landing on short, unpaved runways (STOL) and transporting tanks like the T-90 or Arjun.
- C-130J Super Hercules:Role: Tactical Special Operations Transport.
- Details: Ideal for landing on “Advanced Landing Grounds” (ALGs) in rough terrain like Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO).
- C-295:Role: Tactical Airlifter.
- Details: Replacing the Avro-748; features a 9-tonne capacity and rear ramp for rapid loading. It is the first military aircraft project in India involving a private-sector final assembly line (Tata-Airbus).
3. Rotary Wing (Helicopters)
- HAL Prachand (LCH):Role: Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter.
- Details: The only attack helicopter in the world capable of taking off and landing at an altitude of 5,000 meters (Siachen Glacier) with a significant weapon load.
- AH-64E Apache:Role: Multi-role Attack Helicopter.
- Details: Features “Longbow” Fire Control Radar; armed with Hellfire missiles and a 30mm chain gun slave-linked to the pilot’s helmet.
- CH-47 Chinook:Role: Heavy-lift Transport Helicopter.
- Details: Recognizable by its tandem rotors; used for transporting heavy artillery (like M777 howitzers) and troops to high-altitude zones.
4. Special Mission Aircraft
- Netra AEW&C: Details: Indigenous system developed by DRDO on an Embraer-145 platform; provides 240-degree radar coverage to detect incoming threats.
- Phalcon AWACS: Details: Israeli radar mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft; provides a 360-degree “eye in the sky” coverage over a range of 400 km.
- IL-78 MKI:Role: Mid-air Refueller (Tanker).
- Details: Extends the combat radius of fighter jets by providing fuel during flight.
Q. With reference to Indian military aircraft, consider the following statements:
I. The C-295 aircraft project is the first instance of a military aircraft being manufactured in India by a private sector consortium.
II. The HAL Prachand is currently the only attack helicopter globally capable of landing at altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters.
III. The Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system provides 360-degree radar coverage using a rotodome antenna.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II, and III
Correct Answer: (a) I and II only
Explanation
STATEMENT I CORRECT: The C-295 is being manufactured by a partnership between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems, marking the first private-sector military aircraft assembly line in India.
STATEMENT II CORRECT: The HAL Prachand (LCH) was specifically designed for high-altitude operations, making it the only attack helicopter that can operate at the Siachen Glacier heights.
STATEMENT III INCORRECT: The Netra system provides 240-degree coverage using an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar fixed on the fuselage. It is the Phalcon AWACS that provides 360-degree coverage via a rotodome.
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