UPSC Prelims 2025 Q84: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
Consider the following pairs:
Aircraft type : Description
I. Dornier - 228 : Maritime patrol aircraft
II. IL - 76 : Supersonic combat aircraft
III. C - 17 Globemaster III : Military transport aircraft
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation
Indian Military Aircraft — Types and Descriptions
| Aircraft | Description Given | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dornier-228 | Maritime patrol aircraft | TRUE | The Dornier 228 is operated by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard specifically for maritime patrol, surveillance, and coastal monitoring. This is its primary role in Indian service. |
| IL-76 | Supersonic combat aircraft | FALSE | The Ilyushin IL-76 is a large four-engine military transport aircraft designed by the Soviet Union. It carries troops, heavy equipment, and supplies. It is subsonic (not supersonic) and NOT a combat aircraft. India's IL-76s are operated by IAF as strategic airlifters. |
| C-17 Globemaster III | Military transport aircraft | TRUE | The C-17 Globemaster III (Boeing) is one of the world's largest military strategic transport aircraft. India operates 11 C-17s, used for troop transport, humanitarian aid, and heavy cargo. |
Correct: I and III → Answer: Only two
Indian Military Airlift Fleet:
| Aircraft | Role | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| C-17 Globemaster III | Heavy strategic transport | IAF |
| IL-76 Candid | Medium-heavy strategic transport | IAF |
| C-130J Super Hercules | Tactical transport | IAF |
| Dornier-228 | Maritime patrol / coastal surveillance | Indian Navy + Coast Guard |
| P-8I Poseidon | Long-range maritime patrol | Indian Navy |
Answer: (b) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' would mean either Dornier-228 (maritime patrol) or C-17 (military transport) is incorrect. Both are correctly described.
- (b) CORRECT. Dornier-228 = maritime patrol (TRUE) and C-17 Globemaster III = military transport (TRUE). IL-76 = large transport aircraft, NOT supersonic, NOT combat — Statement II is false.
- (c) Incorrect. 'All three' would require IL-76 to be a supersonic combat aircraft — IL-76 is a heavy subsonic TRANSPORT aircraft, never a combat platform.
- (d) Incorrect. 'None' would mean Dornier-228 is not used for maritime patrol and C-17 is not a transport aircraft — both are clearly correct.
Key point
IL-76 = heavy transport (subsonic), NOT supersonic combat. Dornier-228 = maritime patrol (Navy/Coast Guard). C-17 Globemaster = strategic heavy transport (IAF).
Remember
IL-76 = heavy subsonic military transport, NOT supersonic combat. Dornier-228 = maritime patrol (Navy/Coast Guard). C-17 = strategic heavy transport. Only Dornier-228 and C-17 are correctly described.
Common mistakes
- Confusing IL-76 (transport) with supersonic fighters — IL-76 is slow, large, and meant for cargo/troop transport, not combat.
- Not knowing Dornier-228's maritime patrol role in India — while the base aircraft is a utility transport, India's naval variant is specifically a maritime patrol platform.
- Mixing up C-17 Globemaster (transport) with C-130J Hercules (tactical transport) — both are transport aircraft but C-17 is much larger and strategic.
Exam tip
Supersonic combat aircraft in India's IAF: Rafale, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Su-30MKI. IL-76 = heavy transport — think of it as a large truck of the sky. Dornier = maritime eyes for Navy and Coast Guard along India's coastline.
Sources
- Indian Air Force — Aircraft: Ilyushin Il-76 (Gajraj) strategic airlifter
- Indian Navy — Maritime Patrol Aircraft (Dornier, P-8I)