Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted two consecutive test flights of the Pralay missile from the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha’s coast.
About Pralay Missile:
- Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), led by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) with Indian industry support.
- Purpose: Tactical surface-to-surface missile for precision strikes along sensitive borders like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).
- Role: Enhances India’s conventional deterrence in short-range battlefield operations.
- Targets: Designed to destroy high-value assets—radars, command centers, airstrips, and military infrastructure.
Key Features:
- Type: Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile
- Range: 150–500 km
- Payload: 500–1,000 kg (conventional warheads)
- Propulsion: Solid-propellant rocket motor
- Launcher: Mobile platform for rapid deployment
- Guidance: Advanced inertial navigation with <10 m Circular Error Probable (CEP)
- Terminal Speed: Up to Mach 6.1
- Maneuverability: Capable of mid-air trajectory changes to evade interception
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, 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? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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