India has successfully test fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from which Indian Air Force fighter aircraft for the first time?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sukhoi 30 MKI

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, and its integration with various launch platforms is a significant milestone for Indian defence capability. A landmark event was the first successful test firing of BrahMos from a frontline Indian Air Force fighter aircraft. This question asks which specific Sukhoi fighter variant was used for that first air launched test, a fact highlighted in defence and current affairs news.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.
  • The test firing mentioned was from an Indian Air Force fighter aircraft.
  • Options list several Sukhoi variants: Sukhoi 29 MKI, Sukhoi 32 MKI, Sukhoi 31 MKI and Sukhoi 30 MKI.
  • We assume familiarity with the standard fighter aircraft in IAF service.


Concept / Approach:
The Indian Air Force operates the Sukhoi Su 30 MKI as a major multirole fighter. The integration of BrahMos with Su 30 MKI, creating the air launched BrahMos capability, was widely reported. There are no Sukhoi 29 MKI, Sukhoi 31 MKI or Sukhoi 32 MKI variants in IAF service; these labels appear only as distractors. Recognising the actual aircraft type used by the IAF makes the answer straightforward.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall general knowledge that Su 30 MKI is one of the primary air superiority and strike fighters in the Indian Air Force. Step 2: Remember defence news about the first successful test firing of air launched BrahMos from a modified Su 30 MKI platform. Step 3: Note that the other model numbers (29, 31, 32) are not standard official designations for Indian Sukhoi fighters, which reinforces that they are confusing options. Step 4: Therefore, the only realistic and correct variant in the list is Sukhoi 30 MKI. Step 5: Mark Sukhoi 30 MKI as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is easy by thinking of how the event is described in exam capsules: "India successfully test fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force". This wording appears repeatedly and directly supports the selection of the Sukhoi 30 MKI option.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sukhoi 29 MKI: This is not a recognised variant operated by the IAF, and there was no major news of BrahMos integration with such a model.
Sukhoi 32 MKI and Sukhoi 31 MKI: These labels do not correspond to actual IAF fighter designations in mainstream sources and are included only to confuse candidates who do not recall the correct Su 30 MKI name.


Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to get confused by the numbers and pick a random sounding variant. Some candidates may also misremember the exact designation and think that any Sukhoi with similar numbering is acceptable. The key is to know the standard IAF fighters: Su 30 MKI, MiG 29, Mirage 2000 and others, and link BrahMos to the Su 30 MKI specifically.


Final Answer:
India successfully test fired the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force for the first time.

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