UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

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?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Both statements are incorrect/reversed: it is ballistic missiles that are rocket-powered only in the initial phase and then follow a ballistic trajectory, while cruise missiles use jet propulsion throughout their flight. Also, Agni-V is actually an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), and BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile—the descriptions were swapped.

Topics: ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, defence, missile technology