Missile Programme — Set 16

Correct Answer: B. Passive guidance (no radar emission), high target discrimination, fire-and-forget

IIR (Infrared Imaging) seeker is passive — it doesn't emit any signal, making the missile difficult to detect and jam. It provides a TV-quality image of the target for high discrimination between real targets and decoys. Fire-and-forget means the operator can take cover after firing. IIR works day and night and in adverse weather.

Correct Answer: C. Shore-based (coast defence) BrahMos

The BrahMos systems supplied to the Philippines were the Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (BRAHMOS Coastal Defence Cruise Missile system). These shore-based launchers allow the Philippines to defend its coastal waters against warships. The first batch was delivered in 2023, with the full contract to be completed over three years.

Correct Answer: B. Solid rocket propulsion

Astra air-to-air missile uses solid rocket propulsion. Solid propellant gives Astra its high acceleration and speed (exceeding Mach 4). The missile uses active radar homing in terminal phase. Solid propulsion is standard for air-to-air missiles as it provides the burst of energy needed for rapid engagement.

Correct Answer: D. Rail-mobile launcher

Agni-III uses a rail-mobile launcher — it can be transported on a rail car and erected for launch from any suitable rail position. Rail mobility is particularly useful in India's extensive rail network. This mobility makes it much harder for adversaries to locate and destroy Agni-III before launch. Agni-IV also uses rail-mobile launchers.

Correct Answer: B. Having the smallest number of nuclear weapons sufficient to inflict unacceptable damage on adversaries

India's nuclear doctrine is based on Minimum Credible Deterrence (MCD) — maintaining the minimum number of nuclear weapons sufficient to inflict unacceptable damage on any adversary who attacks India with nuclear weapons. This is contrasted with the 'assured mutual destruction' strategies of the superpowers. India prioritises quality over quantity.

Correct Answer: C. 50 to 200 km (combined)

India's Phase-I BMD system provides interception from approximately 15 km (lower limit of AAD endo-atmospheric) to above 80 km (upper limit of PAD exo-atmospheric). Together, PAD + AAD provide two opportunities to intercept an incoming ballistic missile — first above the atmosphere, then within the atmosphere, covering the range approximately 15 km to 150 km altitude.

Correct Answer: B. Solid fuel (unlike Prithvi's liquid fuel)

Agni-P uses solid propellant, unlike the Prithvi series which uses liquid propellant. Solid fuel advantages include: can be stored for years without maintenance, much faster launch preparation (minutes vs hours for liquid), no need for liquid fuel handling equipment in the field. This greatly improves operational readiness.

Correct Answer: C. 2005

BrahMos was first inducted into the Indian Navy in 2005 when INS Rajput (destroyer) was fitted with the ship-launched BrahMos system. The Indian Army inducted its first BrahMos regiment in 2007. The IAF's air-launched BrahMos from Su-30 MKI was first tested successfully in 2017.

Correct Answer: C. Agni-P

Agni-P (Prime) uses advanced composite material (carbon fibre composite) for its motor casing, significantly reducing weight compared to steel casings used in earlier Agni variants. This weight reduction increases range and payload capacity. Agni-P represents the most modern design in the Agni family.

Correct Answer: C. 2008

DRDO formally closed the IGMDP in 2008, announcing that the programme's core objectives had been met. Prithvi was inducted in 1994, Agni-I and II in 2002-2004, Akash was in service induction, and Nag was under final trials. Trishul was the one IGMDP missile that was eventually cancelled. IGMDP transformed India from a missile-importing to a missile-exporting nation.