Defence Technology
Defence technology for UPSC — missile types, IGMDP, BrahMos, missile defence, hypersonics, the nuclear triad, ASAT test and indigenisation policy.
SyllabusGS III · Achievements of Indians in science and technology; indigenisation of technology
Defence technology is where the syllabus line “indigenisation of technology” becomes concrete. Prelims asks about the systems themselves — which missile is surface-to-air, what makes BrahMos supersonic, what MIRV or scramjet means, which export-control regimes India belongs to. Mains GS III asks why India remains a large arms importer, what policies have pushed domestic production and exports, and how technology shapes deterrence.
Key sub-topics in this chapter
| Sub-topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Missile basics | Ballistic vs cruise; range classes; subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic |
| India’s missiles | IGMDP (Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, Nag), BrahMos, Astra, Nirbhay |
| Strategic systems | Ballistic missile defence, Agni-V MIRV (2024), ASAT test (2019), nuclear triad |
| Platforms | Tejas, INS Vikrant, Arihant-class submarines, Prachand helicopter |
| Indigenisation policy | DAP 2020, positive indigenisation lists, iDEX, defence corridors, FDI |
| Export controls | MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement, Australia Group |
Read the topic note first, then revise and practise.