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

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Cruise missiles are jet-propelled and travel at subsonic speeds throughout their flight. In contrast, ballistic missiles are rocket-powered only during the initial boost phase, after which they follow an arcing trajectory to their target.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Agni-5 missiles are intercontinental ballistic missiles created by DRDO. It uses a three-stage solid-fuelled engine. It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The latest Agni variant features technology. MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle). The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed through a joint venture between India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Medium