UPSC Prelims 2001 Q48: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
The range of Agni - II missile is around
- (a) 500 km
- (b) 2000 km
- (c) 3500 km
- (d) 5000 km
Answer: (b) 2000 km
Explanation
Range of the Agni-II missile
| Missile | Approximate range |
|---|---|
| Agni-I | 700-900 km |
| Agni-II | 2,000-2,500 km — first tested in April 1999 |
| Agni-III | About 3,500 km |
| Agni-V | Over 5,000 km |
Agni-II is a two-stage, solid-fuel medium-range ballistic missile with a range of about 2,000 km or more. It was tested in 1999, which is why it was in the news before the 2001 paper.
Answer: (b) 2000 km.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 500 km is closer to short-range missiles like Prithvi.
- (b) CORRECT. Agni-II has a range of about 2,000 km.
- (c) Incorrect. About 3,500 km is the range of Agni-III.
- (d) Incorrect. Over 5,000 km is the range of Agni-V.
Key point
Agni series developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (1983).
Remember
Agni-II: about 2,000 km, tested 1999.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Agni-II with Agni-III.
- Choosing 500 km by thinking of Prithvi.
- Not knowing Agni-II was tested in 1999.
Exam tip
Rough rule: Agni-I under 1,000; Agni-II 2,000; Agni-III 3,500; Agni-V over 5,000.
Sources
- DRDO — Agni missile series (drdo.gov.in)
- Ministry of Defence — Annual Report 1999-2000