RAS question
Dhanush ballistic missile is the naval variant of:
Correct answer: (D) Prithvi-III.
Dhanush is the naval variant of the Prithvi missile family and is based on Prithvi-III.
Explanation
Dhanush is a ship-launched short-range ballistic missile tied to the Prithvi family. It is based on Prithvi-III, with a 350 km range, a 500 kg warhead capacity, nuclear capability, and launch from INS Subhadra-class patrol vessels. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence reported DRDO's successful test-firing of the 350 km range Dhanush missile from INS Subhadra and stated that Dhanush is the naval version of Prithvi. That is why Prithvi-III is the only option that matches the missile lineage and role. Dhanush is not a general naval missile; it is the specific Prithvi-linked ballistic missile used for a naval surface-launched capability.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Akash is a surface-to-air missile, whereas Dhanush is a ship-launched ballistic missile linked to the Prithvi family.
- (B) BrahMos has its own naval version, but Dhanush belongs to the Prithvi missile family and is based on Prithvi-III.
- (C) Agni-I is not the parent for Dhanush; Dhanush is linked to Prithvi-III, while the Agni line has separate naval variants.
Concept
India's missile programme under Science and Technology includes important distinctions between ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and naval variants. It recurs in RAS because defence technology questions often ask candidates to match missile systems with their platform, range, or parent family.