by Q. With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
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 pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation:
Pair I: Dornier-228 — Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The Dornier-228 is a twin-turboprop utility aircraft extensively used by the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. It performs multiple roles such as maritime surveillance, coastal patrol, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and limited transport duties. Its short take-off and landing capability and endurance make it ideal for coastal and island operations.
Conclusion for Pair I:
The description “Maritime patrol aircraft” is accurate. Correctly matched
Pair II: IL-76 — Supersonic Combat Aircraft
The Ilyushin Il-76 is a four-engine turbofan strategic military transport aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. It is designed for heavy-lift transport of troops, vehicles, and cargo over long distances and can operate from semi-prepared or unpaved runways.
A supersonic combat aircraft, on the other hand, refers to fighter or bomber aircraft capable of air-to-air or air-to-ground combat at speeds exceeding Mach 1. The IL-76 neither performs combat roles nor is it supersonic.
Conclusion for Pair II:
The description “Supersonic combat aircraft” is incorrect. Incorrectly matched
Pair III: C-17 Globemaster III — Military Transport Aircraft
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic military transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force for long-range airlift missions. It can carry tanks, armoured vehicles, troops, and humanitarian aid, and can operate from short and austere airstrips, making it critical for rapid deployment and disaster relief operations.
Conclusion for Pair III:
The description “Military transport aircraft” is accurate. Correctly matched
Summary of Matching
| Pair | Aircraft | Given Description | Actual Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Dornier-228 | Maritime patrol aircraft | Maritime surveillance & patrol | Correct |
| II | IL-76 | Supersonic combat aircraft | Heavy military transport | Incorrect |
| III | C-17 Globemaster III | Military transport aircraft | Strategic airlift | Correct |
Out of the three pairs, Pair I and Pair III are correctly matched.
Therefore, there are two correctly matched pairs.
Quick Revision: Indian Defence Aircraft Types
| Aircraft Type | Primary Role | Indian Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Aircraft | Air combat (fighter/bomber), often supersonic | Su-30 MKI, Tejas |
| Maritime Patrol Aircraft | Coastal surveillance, ASW, SAR | Dornier-228, P-8I |
| Military Transport Aircraft | Troop and cargo transport (tactical/strategic) | IL-76, C-17, C-130J |
| Trainer Aircraft | Pilot training | Hawk AJT, Kiran |
| Helicopters | Transport, attack, reconnaissance, SAR | ALH Dhruv, Apache, Mi-17 |
Answer: (b) Only two
