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General Studies 2021 GS Paper III 10 marks 150 words Compulsory How

GS Paper III — Q5

How is S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world? (Answer in 150 words)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

S-400 हवाई रक्षा प्रणाली, विश्व में इस समय उपलब्ध अन्य किसी प्रणाली की तुलना में किस प्रकार से तकनीकी रूप से श्रेष्ठ है ? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

Q5 of the 2021 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper III, as printed
The question as printed in the 2021 General Studies paper
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Model answer

Written by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key.

The Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system is technically superior due to its integrated, layered architecture employing four distinct missile types: the ultra-long-range 40N6E (400 km), long-range 48N6E3 (250 km), medium-range 9M96E2 (120 km), and short-range 9M96E (40 km), protecting across a complete 40–400 km range spectrum.

Its sensor suite—incorporating the 91N6E panoramic radar, 96L6E acquisition radar, and 92N6E fire-control radar—delivers potent anti-stealth capabilities, tracking over 300 targets simultaneously and engaging 36 targets with 72 missiles. Mounted on road-mobile Transporter-Erector-Launchers, it achieves full combat deployment in five minutes with seamless network-centric warfare integration. These parameters give the S-400 a decisive edge in range, reaction time, and saturation handling over contemporary systems like the US Patriot PAC-3 and Chinese HQ-9.

For India, its deployment along the China and Pakistan borders provides critical deterrence despite CAATSA scrutiny, effectively securing airspace until indigenous layered systems like Project Kusha operationalize.

What "How" is asking you to do

Set out the route by which the outcome comes about, step by step. Many how stems ask how one thing affects another, and there the channel of transmission is precisely what is being marked.

Structure that answers it

Starting condition → step → step → outcome reached → the conditions the route depends on

Where marks are lost

Answering why it happens instead of how, the commonest single misread in the paper. An answer full of causes and significance that never traces the mechanism has answered a different question.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical comparison with specific capabilities (range, radar, missiles)

Key points expected

  • Multi-layered engagement (short, medium, long range)
  • Simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets
  • Active radar guidance (fire-and-forget capability)
  • Counter-stealth and anti-cruise missile capability

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

  1. The answer Technical features distinguishing S-400 from other air defence systems 10 marks · 150 words

    explain— definition/context → points in order → small example → short close

    Must cover

    • Multi-layered engagement (short, medium, long range)
    • Simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple targets
    • Active radar guidance (fire-and-forget capability)
    • Counter-stealth and anti-cruise missile capability

    Loses marks

    • Vague generalities without technical specifics
    • Focusing on geopolitical context over technical specs
    • Listing features without explaining superiority

    Earns more

    • Mention of specific radar range (e.g., 600km)
    • Comparison with S-300 or Patriot systems
    • Reference to 48N6E2 missile capability

    Extra mark

    • Specific engagement range figures (e.g., 400km)
    • Mention of specific missile types (40N6, 9M96)

Practice this exact question

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