Missile Programme — Set 11
Defence GK · मिसाइल कार्यक्रम · Questions 101–110 of 160
Agni-III was India's first missile to have strap-on booster configuration. What does this mean?
Correct Answer: B. Additional solid rocket boosters strapped to the first stage
Agni-III's design includes additional solid rocket strap-on boosters attached to the main first stage. These strap-ons provide additional thrust at launch. This design allows Agni-III to achieve greater range (3,500 km) while managing the overall missile diameter and transportability.
What type of guidance does Agni missiles use in their terminal phase for greater accuracy?
Correct Answer: C. Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) Inertial Navigation + Terminal Active Radar Homing
Agni missiles use Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG)-based Inertial Navigation Systems combined with terminal-phase active radar homing (in some variants) for high accuracy. This gives a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 40 metres. The RLG INS provides precise navigation throughout the flight trajectory.
India's Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM) programme aims to develop an indigenous long-range anti-ship missile for:
Correct Answer: B. Aircraft (air-launched)
India's NASM-MR (Naval Anti-Ship Missile — Medium Range) is being developed for air-launch from maritime patrol aircraft and naval fighters. It is intended to complement and eventually supplement BrahMos in the anti-ship role. DRDO is developing NASM-MR specifically for the Indian Navy's P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The Phase-II BMD development aims to intercept ICBMs with range exceeding:
Correct Answer: C. 5,000 km
Phase-II of India's BMD programme aims to develop capability against ICBMs with ranges exceeding 5,000 km. This would provide defence against China's long-range missiles targeting India. Phase-I focused on IRBM (2,000 km class) interception; Phase-II represents a significant leap in technical capability.
Which DRDO laboratory specifically works on Electronic Warfare and EW systems (not missiles)?
Correct Answer: C. DLRL Hyderabad
DLRL (Defence Electronics Research Laboratory) in Hyderabad is the DRDO laboratory that specialises in Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, EW suites for aircraft and ships, radar warning receivers, and jamming systems. DRDL (also in Hyderabad) focuses on missiles. DRDE (Defence Research and Development Establishment) Gwalior handles chemical and biological defence.
India's '5th generation' missile is expected to be hypersonic. What speed threshold defines 'hypersonic'?
Correct Answer: C. Above Mach 5
Hypersonic speed is defined as Mach 5 or above — i.e., 5 times the speed of sound. BrahMos at Mach 2.8 is supersonic but not hypersonic. BrahMos-II (under development) aims for Mach 5-7. India's HSTDV demonstrated Mach 6 in 2020. Hypersonic missiles are particularly challenging to intercept.
Which Indian missile is India's most exported defence product as of 2022?
Correct Answer: C. BrahMos
BrahMos is India's most high-value defence export. The Philippines deal in January 2022 for shore-based BrahMos systems was worth USD 375 million. India is negotiating BrahMos deals with several other countries including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and others. BrahMos represents India's most capable defence export product.
The Agni missile programme formally started when India's 'Technology Demonstrator' called SLV-3 proved:
Correct Answer: B. India had rocket technology transferable to ballistic missiles
India's SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle) project, led by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, demonstrated critical rocket propulsion technology that was transferable to ballistic missiles. After SLV-3 success in 1980, the Agni Technology Demonstrator (Agni-TD) was developed using SLV-3's first stage. This led to the full Agni programme.
The IGMDP formal cost (initial budget) was approximately:
Correct Answer: A. Rs 388 crore
The IGMDP was initially approved with a budget of approximately Rs 388 crore (in 1983 prices) — a modest sum for developing five sophisticated missile systems. Over time, the budget was revised upward. The programme delivered exceptional value, developing missiles that would have cost far more if purchased internationally.
K-15 Sagarika SLBM — what does 'SLBM' stand for?
Correct Answer: B. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile
SLBM stands for Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile. K-15 Sagarika is India's first indigenously developed SLBM with a range of approximately 750 km. 'Sagarika' means 'oceanic' in Sanskrit — apt for a submarine-launched weapon. It is launched vertically from underwater from the INS Arihant SSBN.