Missile Programme — Set 8

Correct Answer: B. PANTA

The five IGMDP missiles — Prithvi, Agni, Nag, Trishul, and Akash — together form the acronym PANTA (though sometimes cited as PAANT or other variations). Dr APJ Abdul Kalam's vision was to create all five categories of missile systems (surface-to-surface, ballistic, SAM, anti-tank, and short-range SAM) to achieve self-reliance.

Correct Answer: C. 1983

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was formally launched in 1983 under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. The programme was approved by the Government of India with the objective of achieving self-reliance in missile technology. It ran until 2008 when DRDO announced that IGMDP's objectives had been met.

Correct Answer: A. Pune

The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune is DRDO's specialized laboratory for energetic materials, propellants, and explosives for missiles. HEMRL develops the solid propellant motors for Agni and Akash missiles. DRDL in Hyderabad handles overall missile systems integration.

Correct Answer: B. Delhi and Mumbai

Phase-I of India's Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme AD aims to provide protection to two key cities — Delhi and Mumbai. The two-tier system (PAD for exo-atmospheric + AAD for endo-atmospheric) would intercept incoming ballistic missiles targeting these cities. Phase-II aims to extend coverage to other cities.

Correct Answer: C. USSR/Russia

The Soviet Union (USSR)/Russia provided significant technical assistance and technology transfer for India's early missile and space programmes. The SLV (Space Launch Vehicle) technology that Dr Kalam worked on fed into Agni development. However, Agni was largely indigenously developed with minimal foreign assistance, which is why it's called an IGMDP success.

Correct Answer: B. 1500 kg

Agni-V has a payload capacity of approximately 1,500 kg. This allows it to carry a single large thermonuclear warhead or multiple MIRV warheads (in the MIRV-capable variant tested in 2024). The combination of 5,000+ km range and 1,500 kg payload makes Agni-V India's most capable strategic missile.

Correct Answer: B. Enemy satellites in low earth orbit

India's ASAT (Anti-Satellite weapon) capability was demonstrated on March 27, 2019 under 'Mission Shakti.' India used a modified PDV (Phase Defence Vehicle — a BMD interceptor) to destroy its own satellite Microsat-R in low earth orbit. India became the fourth country after USA, Russia, and China to test ASAT capability.

Correct Answer: B. It is a precision-guided bomb (glide bomb)

SPICE 2000 (Smart Precise Impact and Cost-Effective) is a precision-guided bomb (also called a glide bomb or stand-off weapon). It is not a missile — it has no propulsion engine but uses GPS and EO/IIR guidance to glide to its target after being dropped from an aircraft. Israel's Rafael manufactures it.

Correct Answer: C. Can be carried by more aircraft including HAL Tejas

BrahMos NG (Next Generation) is being developed as a smaller, lighter version that can be integrated with lighter fighter aircraft including HAL Tejas and other platforms that cannot carry the heavier standard BrahMos. Standard BrahMos weighs approximately 3 tonnes, while BrahMos NG aims to weigh approximately 1.5 tonnes.

Correct Answer: B. No First Use (NFU) — India will not use nuclear weapons first

India's Nuclear Doctrine (2003) specifies a No First Use (NFU) policy — India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons. India will only retaliate with nuclear weapons after being attacked by nuclear weapons. The doctrine promises 'massive retaliation' against any nuclear attack on India or Indian forces anywhere.