Official UPSC Format

Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India ?
1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets
2. T-90 MK-III Tanks
3. Akula Class Submarine
Select the answer using the code given below :

1. Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets

2. T-90 MK-III Tanks

3. Akula Class Submarine

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

India produces significant defence hardware domestically under technology transfer agreements. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the Su-30 MKI, while Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited produces the T-90 tank. Conversely, Akula class submarines are built in Russia.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option A
Based on Ministry of Defence (MoD) production records and technology transfer agreements, here is the manufacturing status of the listed hardware:
  • Statement 1 is Correct: The Su-30 MKI Fighter Jets are produced domestically. Under a massive technology-transfer agreement with Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures these jets at its Nashik facility, recently incorporating over 60% indigenous components.

  • Statement 2 is Correct: The T-90 MK-III Tanks (Bhishma) are also manufactured in India. The state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) produces them at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, operating under a Russian production license.

  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Akula Class Submarine is a Russian-designed and Russian-built nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). India does not manufacture them; instead, the Indian Navy has historically utilized strategic leases (such as the INS Chakra) directly from Russia to train personnel and temporarily augment underwater deterrence.
    • Conclusion: Because only the fighter jets and tanks are manufactured within Indian territory, Option A (1 and 2) is correct.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner leverages the strong association of all three platforms with Russia. Candidates who only memorize 'Russia' might incorrectly assume India manufactures all of them under tech-transfer, missing the nuance of the Akula lease agreements.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    Where are the T-90 MK-III (Bhishma) main battle tanks manufactured in India?

    At the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Tamil Nadu, by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL).

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Su-30 MKI
    Manufactured By
    Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
    T-90 MK-III Tanks
    Manufactured By
    Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
    Akula Class Submarine
    Built In
    Russia

    Logic Quest

    "Why does India lease Akula-class submarines instead of building them?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Defence Indigenization and Tech-Transfer through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Science & Technology questions for your upcoming Prelims.