Consider the following statements : 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement 1 reverses the facts: ballistic missiles are rocket-powered only in the boost phase and then follow an unpowered, arcing trajectory, often at hypersonic speed; cruise missiles are jet-propelled throughout their flight at low altitude, usually subsonic or supersonic.
• Statement 2 also reverses the facts: Agni-V is a solid-fuelled intercontinental-range ballistic missile (over 5,000 km), while BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed with Russia.
• Both statements are therefore wrong.
• India's arsenal includes both types, with Agni for strategic deterrence and BrahMos for precision strike.
• Hence neither 1 nor 2, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 only
- Statement 1 swaps the propulsion characteristics of ballistic and cruise missiles.
- (b) 2 only
- Statement 2 swaps the identities of Agni-V and BrahMos.
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- Both statements are wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.