Subject: Science and Technology

Why in the news?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system had received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017.

What is Netra AEW&C?

• Netra is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed indigenously by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in collaboration with the IAF and Indian industry.
• Mounted on a modified Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
• Functions as a “flying radar”, providing airborne surveillance, early warning, command and battle management.

Key Features

• 360° situational awareness through networked surveillance.
• Detects and tracks: Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Drones/UAVs, Helicopters, and Surface targets.
• Provides: Airspace surveillance, Threat detection, Target tracking, Battle management, and Command and control support.
• Enhances interoperability with ground-based and airborne assets.

Prelims Pointers

• AEW&C: Airborne Early Warning and Control system for surveillance and battle management.
• FOC (Final Operational Clearance): Certification that a defence system is fully operational and combat-ready.
• IOC (Initial Operational Clearance): Limited operational induction after successful initial trials.
• CABS: Centre for Airborne Systems, a DRDO laboratory responsible for airborne surveillance systems.

[2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:
I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All the three

[D] None

Why in News?

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) supplied 5,700 tonnes of indigenous defence grade steel for three Indian Navy ships, INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak, commissioned on 21 June 2026. The move strengthens India’s defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

Key Highlights

• SAIL supplied 100% of the special steel requirement (5,700 tonnes) for INS Dunagiri (Stealth Frigate), INS Agray (ASW Shallow Water Craft), and INS Sanshodhak (Survey Vessel)
• Steel supplied DMR 249A grade hot rolled sheets and plates (Defence grade steel).
• Manufactured at Bokaro Steel Plant, Bhilai Steel Plant, and Rourkela Steel Plant
• Production of DMR grade plates has been expanded, especially at the Special Plate Plant, Rourkela, to meet defence needs.

What is DMR 249A Steel?

• DMR (Defence Metallurgical Research) 249A is a high strength, low alloy steel developed for naval warships.
• Features: High tensile strength, Excellent weldability, High toughness, Corrosion resistance in marine environments, and Better survivability under combat conditions.
• Other Major Naval Platforms Using SAIL Steel: INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, and INS Anjadeep

Significance

• Enhances self reliance in defence manufacturing.
• Reduces dependence on imported naval steel.
• Strengthens India’s indigenous shipbuilding capability.
• Supports strategic maritime security and blue water naval ambitions.
• Demonstrates collaboration between public sector steel manufacturing and defence production.

[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

[A] Amphibious warfare ship

[B] Nuclear-powered submarine

[C] Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

[D] Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier