UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 93 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Defence Hardware Made in India

Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India?

1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets

2. T-90 MK-III Tanks

3. Akula Class Submarine

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 1 and 3
  3. 1 only
  4. 2 only
Show answer

Answer: A. 1 and 2

Analysis

India has increasingly emphasized domestic defence manufacturing through technology transfer agreements and strategic collaborations with partner countries, particularly Russia. Public sector undertakings such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and defence manufacturing units have played a major role in indigenous production of advanced military systems. While several fighter aircraft and armoured vehicles are manufactured in India, certain highly sensitive strategic technologies, such as nuclear-powered attack submarines, have not been fully developed domestically and have instead been obtained through leasing arrangements.

Items 1 and 2 are manufactured in India, so the answer is Option (a).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is correct: Su-30 MKI multirole air superiority fighter aircraft are manufactured in India under a licensed production arrangement by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Statement 2 is correct: T-90 main battle tanks, commonly referred to as Bhishma tanks, are produced in India at the Heavy Vehicles Factory in Avadi under a technology transfer and licensed manufacturing agreement with Russia.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Akula-class nuclear-powered submarines have not been manufactured in India. These submarines have been leased from Russia and operated by the Indian Navy under the name INS Chakra.

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