Q31. The Akash missile system is deployed to counter which of the following threats?
Defence and Space Technology in India: RAS Prelims MCQs
195 RAS Prelims MCQs on defence and space technology in India cover DRDO, the missile programme, nuclear policy and space missions. The founding year of DRDO, its motto, the five missiles of the IGMDP, Agni-V, the Nuclear Doctrine and the major ISRO missions are asked as facts, and each explanation connects the system to its purpose.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 195 questions
Q32. Which of the following is a correct statement about the Nag missile?
Explanation
This weapon system is designed to destroy modern main battle tanks equipped with heavy armor. It features a sophisticated imaging infrared seeker that allows it to operate autonomously after being fired, a capability often described as fire-and-forget. It can be launched from both land-based vehicles and helicopters. This system ensures that ground forces can effectively neutralize enemy armored threats without needing to remain exposed during guidance.
Q33. What was the intended range and purpose of the Trishul missile as defined under the IGMDP?
Explanation
This project was intended to create a fast-response missile system capable of intercepting low-flying aerial targets at close distances. Its primary role was point defense for naval ships and army units against incoming missiles and aircraft. Although it incorporated advanced technology for its time, it faced significant development challenges. It was eventually closed as a formal project after serving as a technology demonstrator for subsequent systems.
Q34. The sustained supersonic speed of the Akash missile during its flight is facilitated by the application of which technology?
Explanation
The ability of this air defense missile to maintain high speeds throughout its flight is due to its specialized engine design. Unlike conventional rockets, this system uses atmospheric oxygen for combustion, which improves efficiency and sustained thrust. This technology allows the missile to travel at supersonic speeds to intercept fast-moving aerial targets effectively. It represents a significant indigenous achievement in aeronautical engineering and missile propulsion.
Q35. Consider the following statements:
Statement I: HELINA is a helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile.
Statement II: The IAF version of HELINA is designated as Dhruvastra.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Statement I: HELINA is a helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile.
Statement II: The IAF version of HELINA is designated as Dhruvastra.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This helicopter-launched anti-tank weapon is an advanced adaptation of the Nag missile system. It is designed for integration with indigenous helicopters to provide an airborne strike capability against armored targets. While the army uses the standard version, the variant developed specifically for the air force carries a different name. Both versions utilize the same infrared imaging technology to ensure high accuracy and lethality during combat missions.
Q36. Which of the original five IGMDP missile projects was officially closed/delinked without entering full-scale operational service?
Explanation
Among the five original projects, this short-range surface-to-air missile encountered several technical difficulties that delayed its induction. While it achieved some success in trials, the project was eventually officially delinked from full-scale operational service. It served more as a technology demonstrator, providing valuable insights into radar and guidance systems that were later used to improve other indigenous missile programs and subsequent air defense developments.
Q37. Identify the correctly matched pair regarding the user variants of the Prithvi missile:
Explanation
This ballistic missile series was adapted for use by different branches of the armed forces. The first version was designed for the army, while the second version was optimized for the air force. The third variant is a naval version launched from ships, commonly referred to by its own unique name. These adaptations ensure that all services possess a reliable short-range strike capability for tactical defense.
Q38. The most appropriate strategic role of the Akash weapon system is to provide:
Explanation
This weapon system is primarily deployed to provide a defensive umbrella against aerial attacks. It protects high-value assets and ground troops by intercepting enemy aircraft and missiles before they can reach their targets. Its mobility allows it to move alongside army units, ensuring continuous protection during operations. This role is essential for maintaining air superiority and safeguarding critical infrastructure from diverse and evolving aerial threats.
Q39. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a joint venture between the DRDO of India and which foreign entity?
Explanation
This supersonic cruise missile is the result of a successful international collaboration between the Indian defense research organization and a Russian aerospace entity. This partnership combined expertise in missile design and propulsion to create one of the world’s fastest cruise missiles. The name itself reflects the fusion of two prominent rivers from both nations, symbolizing the deep strategic and technical cooperation involved in this project.
Q40. Match the following platforms in List I with their respective BrahMos integration capabilities in
List II:
List I: (Platform)
A. Surface Ships
B. Submarines
C. Aircraft
D. Land Mobile Launchers
List II: (Integration Capability)
i. Integrated on Su-30 MKI
ii. Fired from vertical launch systems or inclined launchers
iii. Launched via autonomous heavy-duty trucks
iv. Can be launched submerged from torpedo tubes
List II:
List I: (Platform)
A. Surface Ships
B. Submarines
C. Aircraft
D. Land Mobile Launchers
List II: (Integration Capability)
i. Integrated on Su-30 MKI
ii. Fired from vertical launch systems or inclined launchers
iii. Launched via autonomous heavy-duty trucks
iv. Can be launched submerged from torpedo tubes
Explanation
This versatile cruise missile can be deployed from various military platforms. On naval ships, it is launched from vertical or inclined systems. Submarines can fire it while submerged through specialized tubes. For aerial operations, it is integrated with heavy fighter jets like the Su-30 MKI. Additionally, land-based versions are operated from heavy-duty mobile trucks, providing a flexible and powerful strike capability across different domains.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (b) Enemy aircraft and aerial drones |
| 32 | (a) It is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). |
| 33 | (c) Short-range quick reaction surface-to-air engagement. |
| 34 | (d) Ramjet propulsion |
| 35 | (c) Both statements are correct. |
| 36 | (b) Trishul |
| 37 | (d) Prithvi-III : Indian Navy (Dhanush) |
| 38 | (a) Area air defence for mobile army formations and vulnerable areas. |
| 39 | (c) NPO Mashinostroyenia, Russia |
| 40 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
Key facts from Defence and Space Technology in India
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958; its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam.
- The five core missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme are Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash, remembered as PATNA.
- The IGMDP was reinforced by the limits of the Missile Technology Control Regime; Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is called the Missile Man of India.
- Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the Prithvi is a surface-to-surface battlefield missile.
- India formally adopted its Nuclear Doctrine in 2003.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Defence and Space Technology in India?
This page has 195 practice MCQs on Defence and Space Technology in India (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
When was DRDO established?
In 1958. It is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, and its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning the source of strength is science.
What does PATNA stand for?
The five core missile systems of the IGMDP: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The programme was led by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and launched in 1983.
What is the category of the Agni-V missile?
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), with a range of more than 5,000 km. It can carry a payload of around 1,500 kg, and it can carry multiple warheads, which makes it a strategic weapon.