Missile Programme — Set 12
Defence GK · मिसाइल कार्यक्रम · Questions 111–120 of 160
India's Pinaka MBRL (Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher) system fires rockets up to what extended range in its Mk-II version?
Correct Answer: B. 60-75 km
Pinaka Mk-II (Enhanced Range Rocket) has an extended range of approximately 60-75 km compared to Pinaka Mk-I's 40 km. Further developed variants (Pinaka Mk-III) aim for even greater range. Pinaka fires a salvo of 12 rockets in 44 seconds, saturating a target area of 4 sq km.
The SFDR (Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet) technology test was first conducted in India in:
Correct Answer: C. 2020
India's first successful SFDR (Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet) propulsion system test was conducted in May 2020. This was a breakthrough for long-range air-to-air missile development. SFDR technology will power future long-range Astra variants and other high-speed missiles requiring sustained high-speed cruise capability.
India's Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LR-SAM / Barak-8) has a range of approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 70-100 km
LR-SAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile), also known as Barak-8 or MRSAM, has a range of approximately 70-100 km. It is developed jointly by India (DRDO) and Israel (IAI). Barak-8 provides medium to long-range area air defence for both naval ships and land-based deployment.
BrahMos missile's air-launched variant, carried by Su-30 MKI, is referred to by what designation?
Correct Answer: A. BrahMos-A
The air-launched variant of BrahMos is designated BrahMos-A (where 'A' stands for Air). It is specifically adapted for carriage and launch from the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The aircraft required structural reinforcement to carry the approximately 3-tonne BrahMos missile under its fuselage.
India's strategic nuclear missiles are managed by which organisation?
Correct Answer: C. Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is responsible for the management and operational deployment of India's nuclear-capable ballistic missiles (Agni series, Prithvi, K-15, etc.) and nuclear weapons delivery systems. The SFC is under the operational command of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), which is chaired by the Prime Minister.
India's anti-satellite (ASAT) test 'Mission Shakti' was conducted on:
Correct Answer: A. March 27, 2019
Mission Shakti, India's ASAT test, was conducted on March 27, 2019. India used a modified PDV (Phase Defence Vehicle) interceptor to destroy its own micro-satellite Microsat-R in low earth orbit at approximately 300 km altitude. PM Modi announced the success live, making India the 4th country with ASAT capability.
Which Indian PSU manufactures the BrahMos missile for production (not DRDO)?
Correct Answer: C. BrahMos Aerospace (Joint Venture)
BrahMos is manufactured by BrahMos Aerospace, the India-Russia joint venture company. The final assembly is done in Nagpur at BrahMos Aerospace's facility. HAL (for aircraft integration), BEL (for electronics), and DRDO (for R&D and oversight) all contribute but production is under BrahMos Aerospace.
The Agni-V's warhead re-enters the atmosphere at what approximate speed?
Correct Answer: B. Mach 15-20
An Agni-V warhead re-enters the atmosphere at approximately Mach 15-20 (approximately 5-7 km/s), generating extreme heat from atmospheric friction. The warhead is covered with a heat shield (ablative material) to survive re-entry temperatures exceeding 2,000°C. This hypersonic re-entry speed makes interception extremely challenging.
India has refused to sign the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty). What is India's official position?
Correct Answer: C. NPT is discriminatory — it legitimises existing nuclear powers while denying right to others; India is a 'responsible nuclear power' outside NPT
India's official position is that the NPT is discriminatory because it creates a two-tier world — five recognised nuclear weapon states (USA, Russia, UK, France, China) and all others who must remain non-nuclear. India calls itself a 'responsible nuclear power' and has maintained a de facto no-first-use policy. India did not sign the NPT and is unlikely to do so.
India's Agni series follows the naming tradition after the fire deity. The scientist who led Agni's development after Dr Kalam was:
Correct Answer: D. Dr Avinash Chander
Dr Avinash Chander was the DRDO scientist who led the Agni programme after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, developing the advanced Agni-III, IV, and V variants. He served as the DRDO Chief (Director General) and later as Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister. He is credited with keeping India's missile programme on the cutting edge.