Q: The original five IGMDP missiles had the internal codenames that together form which acronym?
Answer: PANTA
Explanation: 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.
Q: Which year was the IGMDP formally launched?
Answer: 1983
Explanation: 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.
Q: The DRDO laboratory working specifically on missiles in Hyderabad has a complementary laboratory for propellants in:
Answer: Pune
Explanation: 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.
Q: India's Programme AD (Ballistic Missile Defence) — what does Phase-I of the BMD programme aim to protect?
Answer: Delhi and Mumbai
Explanation: 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.
Q: Which nation's technical assistance was sought for the Agni technology development in the early 1980s before India developed indigenous capability?
Answer: USSR/Russia
Explanation: 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.
Q: What is the warhead capacity (payload) of Agni-V?
Answer: 1500 kg
Explanation: 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.
Q: India's SAINT (Spacecraft Anti-satellite weapon Technology) programme aims to develop capability against:
Answer: Enemy satellites in low earth orbit
Explanation: 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.
Q: The SPICE 2000 bomb used in Balakot strikes — is it a missile or a bomb?
Answer: It is a precision-guided bomb (glide bomb)
Explanation: 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.
Q: The BrahMos NG (Next Generation) is a smaller, lighter version. What is its primary advantage over the standard BrahMos?
Answer: Can be carried by more aircraft including HAL Tejas
Explanation: 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.
Q: India's current nuclear doctrine (2003) specifies what regarding the use of nuclear weapons first?
Answer: No First Use (NFU) — India will not use nuclear weapons first
Explanation: 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.