UPSC Prelims 2007 Q125: Science & Technology – Defence Technology
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) test, November 2006
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Date | 27 November 2006 |
| Test | India's first exo-atmospheric interception of a ballistic missile |
| Target | A modified Prithvi-II acting as an enemy missile |
| Interceptor | PAD (Pradyumna) — a two-stage interceptor derived from the Prithvi |
| Programme | Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) — to shield major cities (metros) |
Statement 1: DRDO conducted an interception test using Prithvi-II in Nov 2006 — TRUE.
Statement 2: Prithvi-II is a surface-to-surface missile and (in its PAD form) can guard metros against air attack — treated as TRUE in the key.
Prithvi-II itself is a surface-to-surface missile (range ~350 km).
The city-defence role belongs to its Prithvi-derived interceptor under the BMD programme.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Per the key — Statement 2 is also accepted, since the Prithvi-based PAD is meant to defend cities.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is true — the Nov 2006 PAD test intercepted a Prithvi-II target.
- (c) CORRECT. The Nov 2006 test used the Prithvi family, and the BMD shield is meant to protect metros.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is clearly true.
Key point
Nov 2006: PAD (Prithvi-derived interceptor) destroyed a Prithvi-II target — start of India's BMD shield for metros.
Remember
India's first missile interception (Nov 2006) used the Prithvi family — the start of BMD.
Common mistakes
- Treating Prithvi-II (surface-to-surface) and PAD (interceptor) as unrelated — PAD is built on Prithvi technology.
- Thinking India's BMD began with Agni — it began with PAD (2006) and AAD (2007).
- Confusing Prithvi (short-range, liquid fuel) with Agni (longer range).
Exam tip
BMD layers: PAD (exo-atmospheric, high altitude) + AAD (endo-atmospheric, low altitude). Phase I meant to protect Delhi and Mumbai.
Sources
- DRDO — Ballistic Missile Defence Programme
- PIB — Press releases on PAD test (Nov 2006)
- Ministry of Defence — Annual Report 2006-07