Missile Programme — Set 1
Defence GK · मिसाइल कार्यक्रम · Questions 1–10 of 160
What does IGMDP stand for in India's missile development context?
Correct Answer: B. Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
IGMDP stands for Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It was launched in 1983 under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The programme aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology by developing five missiles: Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Nag, and Trishul.
Who is known as the father of India's missile programme and led the IGMDP?
Correct Answer: C. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the 'Missile Man of India,' led the IGMDP from its inception in 1983. He was the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and later became the Chairman of DRDO. He received the Bharat Ratna in 1997 and went on to serve as President of India from 2002 to 2007.
The IGMDP of 1983 aimed to develop five missiles. Which of the following is NOT one of the five IGMDP missiles?
Correct Answer: C. BrahMos
BrahMos is NOT one of the five IGMDP missiles. The five IGMDP missiles are: Prithvi (surface-to-surface), Agni (ballistic), Akash (surface-to-air), Nag (anti-tank), and Trishul (short-range surface-to-air). BrahMos is a separate joint venture between India and Russia, launched in 1998.
Agni-I ballistic missile has an approximate range of:
Correct Answer: B. 700 km
Agni-I is a medium-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 700 km. It uses solid propellant and can carry a payload of 1,000 kg (nuclear or conventional). Agni-I was first tested in 2002 and is now fully operational with the Indian Army's Strategic Forces Command.
Agni-II ballistic missile has a range of approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 2000 km
The correct answer is '2000 km'. Agni-II is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a range of approximately 2,000-3,000 km. It is solid-fuelled for quick deployment. Agni-II was first tested in April 1999 and is deployed with India's Strategic Forces Command as a key element of nuclear deterrence.
Agni-III ballistic missile has a range of approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 3500 km
The correct answer is '3500 km'. Agni-III is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of approximately 3,500 km. It was first tested in July 2006 and can carry a nuclear warhead of approximately 1,500 kg. It provides India with the capability to target locations across Asia.
Agni-IV ballistic missile has a range of approximately:
Correct Answer: C. 4000 km
The correct answer is '4000 km'. Agni-IV is an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 4,000 km. It was first tested in November 2011. Agni-IV uses two-stage solid propulsion and is launched from a rail-mobile launcher, making it harder to detect and destroy.
Agni-V is considered India's first ICBM-range ballistic missile. What is its approximate range?
Correct Answer: B. 5000 km+
The correct answer is '5000 km+'. Agni-V has a range of over 5,000 km (some estimates put it at 5,500-8,000 km), bringing it into ICBM range (5,500 km+). It was first tested on April 19, 2012 from Wheeler Island. Agni-V is canisterised (stored and launched from a sealed cannister) making it ready for rapid deployment.
What does 'canisterised' mean in the context of the Agni-V missile?
Correct Answer: B. The missile is stored and transported in a sealed cannister, enabling faster deployment
Canisterisation means the missile is stored, transported, and launched from a sealed cylindrical cannister. This protects the missile from environmental degradation and enables rapid deployment. The Agni-V's canisterisation significantly reduces its launch preparation time compared to non-canisterised missiles.
Agni-VI is India's under-development ballistic missile. What special capability is it expected to have?
Correct Answer: B. MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles)
Agni-VI is an under-development ICBM expected to incorporate MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles) capability. MIRV allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads that can strike different targets. Its expected range is 8,000-10,000 km, making it India's longest-range missile.