07 Sep Prelims Bits: Varuna Exercise and Agni Missiles.
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and details the Prelims Bits: Varuna Exercise and Agni Missiles.
Syllabus mapping:
GS-3: Science and Technology: Recent advancement in Defence Technology.
For Prelims:
What is Varuna Exercise? What is the Agni Missile series and its features?
Why in the News?
INS Tabar took part in the 22nd Indo-French VARUNA naval exercise held in the Mediterranean Sea.
The successful launch of the Agni-4, an intermediate-range ballistic missile, was carried out in Odisha.
VARUNA Exercise:
RECENT CONTEXT:
INS Tabar Participates in 22nd India-France Bilateral Exercise VARUNA
The Indian Navy’s frontline warship INS Tabar recently took part in the 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA, held in the Mediterranean Sea. This year’s exercise featured a diverse array of naval assets from both nations: the Indian Navy was represented by the shipborne helicopter and the Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I, while the French contingent included the FS Provence, submarine Suffren, Aircraft F20, Atlantique 2, fighters MB339, and helicopters NH90 and Dauphin.
KEY FACTS:
The VARUNA exercise commenced in 2001.
It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
It is an annual exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy.
Edition: 22nd.
Location: Mediterranean Sea.
Navy: INS Tabar.
Significance:
Evolution Since 2001: VARUNA has been a key element in strengthening India-France naval relations and enhancing interoperability.
Operational Reach: Demonstrates the Indian Navy’s capability to operate effectively far beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Commitment to Collaboration: Highlights the ongoing dedication of both navies to enhance maritime security through joint efforts and shared best practices.
Strengthened Bilateral Ties: The exercise underscores the deepening maritime collaboration between India and France.
Agni-4 Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile
RECENT CONTEXT:
A successful test launch of the Agni-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile was conducted today from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. According to the Defence Ministry, the launch successfully confirmed all operational and technical parameters. The test was carried out under the supervision of the Strategic Forces Command.
Key Features of Agni-IV:
Missile Name and Classification:
Type: Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
Designer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Limited
Technological Advancements:
Lightweight Design: Enhanced maneuverability and efficiency.
Two-Stage Solid Propulsion: Utilizes a Composite Rocket Motor for improved performance.
Re-Entry Heat Shield: Protects the missile during re-entry into the atmosphere.
Range and Capability:
Range: Approximately 4,000 km
Target Reach: Capable of striking much of mainland China from northeastern India.
Development Highlights:
Rocket Engine: Two-Stage Design: Powered by solid propellant
Composite Rocket Motor: Demonstrates high-performance
Avionics:
Modern and Compact: Includes redundancy for high reliability
Indigenous Ring Laser Gyroscope: Provides precise guidance
Micro Inertial Navigation System (MINGS): Complements the guidance system for enhanced accuracy
Significance of Agni 4 Missile:
1. Strategic Deterrence: The Agni-4 enhances India’s ability to target significant portions of mainland China and other adversaries, reinforcing India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities with its capacity to carry both conventional and strategic nuclear warheads.
2. Technological Advancements: Featuring advanced technologies such as composite rocket motors and a sophisticated guidance system, Agni-4 ensures high accuracy with a Circular Error probability (CEP) of less than 100 meters.
3. Operational Flexibility: The missile’s ability to be launched from both road-mobile and rail-mobile platforms provides India with strategic mobility and a balanced range of capabilities between shorter-range and longer-range missiles.
4. Indigenous Development: Developed by DRDO, the Agni-4 showcases India’s self-reliance in missile technology and enhances national pride and confidence in the country’s defense capabilities.
Difference Between Agni and Brahmos Missiles:
| Feature | Agni Missiles | BrahMos Missile |
| Type | Ballistic Missile | Supersonic Cruise Missile |
| Range | Up to 5,000 km (varies by model) | Up to 400 km (land) / 300 km (sea) |
| Flight Profile | Ballistic (high altitude) | Supersonic (low altitude) |
| Warhead | Conventional, thermobaric, strategic nuclear | Conventional (high-explosive, fragmentation) |
| Warhead Weight | Varies (e.g., 800 kg for Agni-IV) | ~200 kg |
| Guidance System | Ring laser gyro inertial navigation with redundant systems | Active Radar Homing (ARH) and Infrared Homing (IR) |
| Accuracy | <100 m CEP | ~1-3 meters CEP |
| Launch Platforms | Road-mobile, rail-mobile | Ship-based, mobile, air-launched |
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Prelims Questions:
Q.With reference to the Agni missiles series, Consider the following statement:
1. The Agni missiles projects aim to demonstrate the indigenization of defense technology
2. The Agni-4 missile is a three-stage supersonic missile powered by a solid propellant.
3. The Agni missiles are long-range missiles developed with the help of Russia.
How many of the above-given statements are correct?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. All three
D. None
ANSWER: A
Q.2. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT with respect to the recently concluded Varuna Exercise?
A. The Varuna exercise is an annual exercise between India and France.
B. The Varuna exercise is an annual exercise that commenced in 2001.
C. The Indian Navy and the French Navy participate in this annual exercise.
D. The recently concluded edition was held in the Arabian Sea.
ANSWER: D
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