Missile Programme — Set 14

Correct Answer: C. 5-10 metres

In its sea-skimming (low-altitude) mode, BrahMos can cruise at an extremely low altitude of approximately 5-10 metres above sea level. This makes it virtually invisible to ship-based radar. The missile can fly at high altitude for most of its trajectory and then dive to sea-skimming mode in the terminal phase for maximum lethality.

Correct Answer: C. This is not a real DRDO project name

LSPIV is not a standard DRDO project designation. DRDO uses various internal project codenames. The key strategic long-range precision weapons include Nirbhay (subsonic cruise missile), Pralay (quasi-ballistic), and BrahMos-ER. Students should focus on the verified DRDO missile projects for exam purposes.

Correct Answer: B. Solid rocket motor technology from SLV-3

Solid rocket motor technology from ISRO's SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle — successfully tested in 1980) was adapted for the early Agni ballistic missile. The Agni Technology Demonstrator used an SLV-3 solid rocket motor as its first stage. This dual-use nature of space launch technology and ballistic missile technology is well-established.

Correct Answer: C. Nirbhay (SLCM variant)

India is developing a submarine-launched variant of the Nirbhay cruise missile (SLCM). This would give India the ability to launch long-range (1,000+ km) cruise missile strikes from submarines. Combined with K-15 and K-4 SLBMs, it would provide Indian submarines with multiple categories of offensive weapons.

Correct Answer: C. 3

The BrahMos shore-based launcher system typically fires 3 missiles in a single mobile launcher unit, as part of the BrahMos Regiment. Multiple Mobile Autonomous Launchers (MAL) can fire simultaneously for saturated attacks. In practice, regiment-level operations can launch 6-12 missiles near-simultaneously against a target group.

Correct Answer: B. India follows No First Use (NFU); Pakistan does NOT have NFU (First Use retained)

India's nuclear doctrine includes a No First Use (NFU) policy — India will not use nuclear weapons first. Pakistan explicitly does NOT have a No First Use policy and has stated it may use nuclear weapons first if it perceives an existential threat (including conventional military defeat). This asymmetric doctrine is a key India-Pakistan strategic difference.

Correct Answer: B. BMD (Ballistic Missile Defence) long-range tracking radar

Swordfish is India's DRDO-developed Long Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) used for the Ballistic Missile Defence programme. It is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that can detect and track ballistic missiles at very long ranges. Swordfish was tested and evaluated for integration with the PAD/AAD interceptor system.

Correct Answer: B. Agni-P is a new-generation canisterised MRBM, more accurate and mobile than earlier Agnis

Agni-P (Prime) is a new-generation medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) that represents a technological leap over earlier Agni missiles. It is canisterised (stored/transported/launched from a sealed cylinder), road-mobile, features composite motor casings for reduced weight, and has MIRV-ready design. First tested in June 2021.

Correct Answer: B. 5-7 km

Helina (Helicopter-launched NAg) has an effective range of approximately 5-7 km in lock-on after launch mode and about 7 km in lock-on before launch mode. It uses a dual-waveband IIR (Infrared Imaging Seeker) for terminal guidance. Helina is designed to destroy modern tanks including those with explosive reactive armour.

Correct Answer: B. Rajiv Gandhi

The IGMDP was approved and launched in 1983 during PM Indira Gandhi's government — not Rajiv Gandhi's. The programme was initiated with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam as its chief. However, Rajiv Gandhi's government continued and funded the programme. The first tests of IGMDP missiles began in the late 1980s during Rajiv Gandhi's tenure.