Missile Programme — Set 15
Defence GK · मिसाइल कार्यक्रम · Questions 141–150 of 160
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile uses a 'two-stage' flight profile. What happens in each stage?
Correct Answer: B. Stage 1: solid rocket boost to supersonic speed; Stage 2: ramjet sustains supersonic cruise speed
BrahMos uses a two-stage propulsion: Stage 1 — solid propellant booster that accelerates the missile to supersonic speed and altitude; Stage 2 — ramjet sustainer engine that maintains the Mach 2.8 cruise speed for the rest of the flight. The solid booster separates after burnout and the ramjet takes over.
India's Prithvi-III (naval version: Dhanush) is launched from ship decks. The range of the Dhanush is approximately:
Correct Answer: B. 350-400 km
Dhanush, the ship-launched variant of Prithvi-III, has a range of approximately 350-400 km. It is designed to be launched from INS Subhadra (a specially modified ship) and other platforms. Dhanush provides the Indian Navy with a nuclear-capable tactical ballistic missile for sea-based deterrence.
The Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) SAM system was approved for which customer?
Correct Answer: B. Indian Air Force
Akash-NG (Next Generation) was primarily approved for the Indian Air Force. The IAF requires a more capable SAM than the original Akash to intercept high-speed targets including cruise missiles, UAVs, and next-generation aircraft. Akash-NG has enhanced range, agility, and a more advanced seeker.
What is India's current approximate nuclear weapons arsenal (estimated)?
Correct Answer: B. 160-170 warheads
India's nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 160-170 nuclear warheads as of 2024 (per SIPRI and other estimates). India maintains an opacity about the exact number as a matter of strategic policy. All warheads are under the management of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) under civilian oversight.
The Nirbhay cruise missile uses which propulsion system?
Correct Answer: C. Turbofan + solid booster
Nirbhay cruise missile uses a turbofan engine (supplied by DRDO/HAL as Manik turbofan) for its sustained cruise phase, along with a solid rocket booster for initial launch. Turbofan engines are efficient for long-duration cruise flight. Nirbhay's turbofan gives it a range of 1,000-1,500 km at subsonic cruise speed.
DRDO's Pralay quasi-ballistic missile can perform mid-flight manoeuvres. Why is this significant?
Correct Answer: B. It allows it to evade ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems
Pralay's ability to manoeuvre mid-flight (quasi-ballistic trajectory with course correction) makes it extremely difficult for Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems to intercept. Traditional BMD systems compute the predictable ballistic trajectory to intercept; a maneuvering missile invalidates these calculations. Pralay is thus a BMD-evading conventional strike weapon.
India's Agni-V test in April 2012 was important because it brought which major Asian capital into its striking range?
Correct Answer: C. Beijing and Shanghai
Agni-V's 5,000+ km range brings all of China, including Beijing (approximately 4,000 km from India's eastern launch sites) and Shanghai (approximately 4,500 km), within India's nuclear strike range. Earlier Agni missiles (I, II, III) could reach parts of China but not the population centres in the east. Agni-V completed India's deterrence against China.
The Barak-8 MRSAM system for the Indian Army and Navy was developed in cooperation with:
Correct Answer: B. Israel (IAI — Israel Aerospace Industries)
Barak-8 (also called MRSAM — Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile) was developed jointly by India's DRDO and Israel's IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) with participation from BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) for Indian manufacturing. The system is deployed on Indian Navy warships (as Barak-8) and by the Indian Army (as MRSAM).
What is the role of BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited) in India's missile ecosystem?
Correct Answer: B. Production/manufacturing of missiles (Akash, NAG, Konkurs etc.)
BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited), a Hyderabad-based PSU, is India's primary manufacturer of guided missiles and allied defence equipment. BDL produces Akash missiles, Nag ATGMs, Konkurs ATGMs (Russian-designed), Astra BVR missiles, and other systems. BDL is the production agency while DRDO handles R&D and design.
India's VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence) Manpad Igla-S is a:
Correct Answer: B. Infrared heat-seeking shoulder-launched SAM
VSHORAD Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch in NATO designation) is a man-portable infrared heat-seeking surface-to-air missile (MANPAD) acquired from Russia. Infrared seekers home on the heat signature of aircraft engines. India is also developing an indigenous VSHORAD to replace Igla. The indigenous system is being developed by DRDO.