UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — China’s ability to launch direct missile strikes on Australia ‘growing’: report

Question 1

As per the Lowy Institute's June 2026 report 'Understanding the Chinese Military Threat to Australia', which single missile system is identified as the principal driver of China's growing capacity to launch direct ballistic missile strikes on Australia from the Chinese mainland?

Accepted Answer

DF-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile

Answer

DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missile

Answer

DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile

Answer

DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile

Question 2

In the context of the Lowy Institute's classification of the DF-27, the term 'Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)' precisely refers to a ballistic missile whose range falls in which one of the following bands, as per the standard international classification?

Accepted Answer

3,000–5,500 km

Answer

1,000–3,000 km

Answer

5,500–8,000 km

Answer

Above 10,000 km

Question 3

With reference to the AUKUS security partnership, which is repeatedly invoked in current Indo-Pacific commentary on the Chinese missile threat to Australia, consider the following countries:
1. Australia
2. India
3. United Kingdom
4. Japan
Which of the above are correctly identified as member countries of AUKUS?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 3 and 4 only

Question 4

Consider the following statements comparing AUKUS with the Quad, both of which are frequently cited in the context of countering the growing Chinese missile threat to Australia:
1. AUKUS is a trilateral grouping, whereas the Quad is a quadrilateral grouping.
2. Unlike the Quad, AUKUS includes an explicit pillar of cooperation on conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
3. Both AUKUS and the Quad have Japan as a full member.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Question 5

With reference to the eight advanced capability areas formally identified under AUKUS Pillar 2, consider the following:
1. Hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities
2. Quantum technologies
3. Manned long-range strategic bombers
4. Undersea capabilities
Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified as an AUKUS Pillar 2 capability area?

Accepted Answer

3 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

2 and 4 only

Answer

1, 2 and 4 only

UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — China’s ability to launch direct missile strikes on Australia ‘growing’: report

Q1. As per the Lowy Institute's June 2026 report 'Understanding the Chinese Military Threat to Australia', which single missile system is identified as the principal driver of China's growing capacity to launch direct ballistic missile strikes on Australia from the Chinese mainland?

Q2. In the context of the Lowy Institute's classification of the DF-27, the term 'Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM)' precisely refers to a ballistic missile whose range falls in which one of the following bands, as per the standard international classification?