RAS question
Akash missile is a:
Correct answer: (B) Surface-to-air missile.
Akash is a surface-to-air missile system used for air defence.
Explanation
Akash is not a missile meant to strike ground targets from the surface; its defining role is air defence. The DRDO product page describes AKASH as a surface-to-air missile system built to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks. Therefore, option B is correct. Akash is a mobile missile defence system, with Akash-1 having a range of 25 km and Akash-NG 35 km; it uses ramjet propulsion and can engage multiple targets simultaneously. DRDO also states that the weapon system can engage multiple targets in group or autonomous mode, is configured on mobile platforms, and is operational with both the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Surface-to-surface describes missiles such as Prithvi, whereas Akash is defined here by its surface-to-air air-defence role.
- (C) Air-to-air missiles are launched from aircraft against aerial targets; Astra is an air-to-air comparison, while Akash is launched from the surface for air defence.
- (D) Anti-tank missiles are designed against armoured ground targets; Nag is in that category, while Akash is meant to counter air attacks.
Concept
This tests the defence technology part of Science and Technology, especially classification by launch platform and target. RAS repeats such items because one-word missile names are easy to confuse unless the role--surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, air-to-air, or anti-tank--is clear.