UPSC Prelims 2003 Q53: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
- (a) With the induction of Prithvi II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface - to - surface ballistic missiles under its command
- (b) Sukhoi - 30 MKI jet fighters can launch air - to - air and air - to - surface precision missiles
- (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface - to - air missile with a range of 30 km
- (d) The indigenously built INS Prabal can launch surface - to - surface missiles
Answer: (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface - to - air missile with a range of 30 km
Explanation
> Note for students: The exam asked which statement is NOT correct. Some keys circulate (a), but Trishul is a short-range missile of about 9 km, so the answer by facts is (c).
Indian defence statements (NOT correct)
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. IAF is the only air force with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command | Accepted as correct (Prithvi-II is inducted by the IAF) |
| b. Sukhoi-30 MKI can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles | Correct |
| c. Trishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km | Not correct — Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air missile with a range of about 9 km |
| d. INS Prabal can launch surface-to-surface missiles | Correct |
The question asks which statement is NOT correct: it is (c), since Trishul is a short-range missile of about 9 km and not a 30 km one. (The stored stem had dropped NOT and the stored key (a) was wrong; both are corrected.)
Answer: (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Prithvi-II is inducted by the IAF.
- (b) Incorrect. The Su-30 MKI carries both missile types.
- (c) CORRECT. Trishul's range is far less than 30 km.
- (d) Incorrect. INS Prabal is a missile vessel.
Key point
Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash, Nag.
Remember
Trishul is a short-range surface-to-air missile, not a 30 km one.
Common mistakes
- Reading the stem as asking for a correct statement.
- Mixing Trishul's range with Akash's 25 to 30 km.
- Taking Trishul as a supersonic missile.
Exam tip
Trishul: short-range, quick-reaction SAM of about 9 km.
Sources
- DRDO — Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
- Defence Research and Development Organisation — Missile systems: Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Nag and Trishul