Q120. What does VLSRSAM stand for?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims, 25 October 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Vehicle Launch Small Range Surface Air Missile
(B) Very Large Satellite Range System
(C) Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
(D) Vertical Low Speed Rocket System
Answer: (C) Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Explanation: VLSRSAM is a naval air-defence missile launched vertically from a vessel. Vertical launch permits flexible engagement directions and helps warships defend against aircraft, missiles and other airborne threats approaching from different bearings.
Q119. In which city did DRDO establish an Advanced Quantum Technology Research Centre in May 2025?
[OSSSC CRE Prelims, 10 October 2025, Shift 2]
(A) New Delhi
(B) Mumbai
(C) Hyderabad
(D) Chandigarh
Answer: (A) New Delhi
Explanation: The Quantum Technology Research Centre was established in New Delhi. Defence quantum research can include secure communication, sensing and precise measurement, though individual technologies require extensive development before operational field use. Its technical work is coordinated with the armed forces and defence manufacturers so that laboratory advances can undergo field evaluation.
Q118. For which indigenous naval missile did DRDO conduct flight trials in February 2025?
[DSSSB ASO, 21 August 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Pralay
(B) NASM-SR
(C) Varunastra
(D) BrahMos-NG
Answer: (B) NASM-SR
Explanation: NASM-SR is the Naval Anti-Ship Missile–Short Range. The programme aims to provide an indigenous precision weapon against maritime targets. Testing evaluates aerodynamic performance, guidance and the reliability of critical subsystems. Its technical work is coordinated with the armed forces and defence manufacturers so that laboratory advances can undergo field evaluation.
Q117. Which missile system was named in reports of a prospective Indian export deal with the Philippines worth over $200 million?
[RRB NTPC Graduate CBT I, 17 June 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Akash surface-to-air missile
(B) Prithvi ballistic missile
(C) BrahMos supersonic missile
(D) Nag anti-tank missile
Answer: (A) Akash surface-to-air missile
Explanation: The question referred to prospective exports of the Akash air-defence missile system. Akash is an indigenous surface-to-air weapon designed to intercept aircraft and related aerial threats; discussions do not themselves confirm completion of a sale.
Q116. In which state was DRDO’s indigenous Stratospheric Airship Platform tested on 3 May 2025?
[RRB Group D, 1 December 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Gujarat
(D) Andhra Pradesh
Answer: (A) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The platform underwent a test in Madhya Pradesh. A stratospheric airship is designed for sustained flight at high altitude and may support surveillance, communications or other payload missions after technology validation. Its technical work is coordinated with the armed forces and defence manufacturers so that laboratory advances can undergo field evaluation.
Q115. Which Indian Army command conducted a BrahMos combat launch in December 2025?
[RRB Group D, 29 December 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Western Command
(B) Eastern Command
(C) Southern Command
(D) Northern Command
Answer: (C) Southern Command
Explanation: The archive credits the Southern Command with the combat launch. Such exercises evaluate operator readiness and the capability of an operational missile unit to execute prescribed launch procedures under test conditions. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q114. Consider statements:
1. BrahMos is an India–Russia DRDO–NPOM joint venture.
2. India is not an MTCR member.
Which is correct?
[AFCAT, 10 August 2024, Shift 2, memory-based]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: BrahMos is jointly developed by India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM. India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2016. Thus the first statement is accurate, while the second is incorrect. Cruise missiles remain powered through most of their guided flight, which distinguishes their operating principle from ballistic missiles.
Q113. Which indigenous aircraft carrier undertook its maiden sea trials in August 2021?
[SSC CHSL Tier I, 9 July 2024, Shift 2]
(A) INS Vayudooth
(B) INS Kranti
(C) INS Swades
(D) INS Vikrant
Answer: (D) INS Vikrant
Explanation: INS Vikrant, built at Cochin Shipyard, undertook sea trials in 2021 and was commissioned in September 2022. It is India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, a major milestone in naval shipbuilding. Aircraft-carrier design involves aviation facilities, power generation, sensors and complex safety procedures for launching and recovering aircraft.
Q112. Which is India’s first indigenously developed long-range cruise missile?
[MPTET Varg 3, 16 November 2024, Shift 1]
(A) Nirbhay
(B) Shaurya
(C) Akash
(D) Sagarika
Answer: (A) Nirbhay
Explanation: Nirbhay is an Indian long-range subsonic land-attack cruise-missile programme. A cruise missile uses sustained powered flight through much of its journey, unlike a ballistic missile that follows a largely ballistic trajectory. Cruise-missile navigation and propulsion must sustain controlled flight over long distances, often at comparatively low altitude.
Q111. Which organisations were cleared to produce 200 Astra missiles in August 2024?
[RPF SI CBT I, 13 December 2024, Shift 2]
(A) DRDO and HAL
(B) DRDO and ISRO
(C) BDL and HAL
(D) DRDO and BDL
Answer: (D) DRDO and BDL
Explanation: The reported clearance named DRDO and Bharat Dynamics Limited. DRDO is responsible for indigenous missile development; BDL manufactures weapon systems. Astra is an air-to-air missile for beyond-visual-range engagements. Beyond-visual-range engagement combines aircraft sensors, launch guidance and terminal target tracking rather than relying solely on the pilot’s unaided eyesight.
