RAS question
Pralay missile is a:
Correct answer: (C) Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile.
Pralay is a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface short-range missile with a range of 150-500 km.
Explanation
Pralay is classified as a quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile because DRDO's maiden flight test recorded it following the desired quasi-ballistic trajectory and reaching the designated target accurately. The PIB release also identifies it as an indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile with a range of 150-500 km and launch capability from a mobile launcher. The quasi-ballistic tag matters for RAS defence technology: Pralay is based on Prithvi Defence Vehicle technology and can perform mid-flight manoeuvres to evade interceptors, making it harder to defend against than a simple predictable ballistic path.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Anti-satellite capability refers to Mission Shakti, whereas the DRDO-PIB release describes Pralay as a surface-to-surface missile following a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
- (B) Submarine-launched missiles are associated with the K-series, while Pralay is launchable from a mobile launcher, not from a submarine.
- (D) A cruise missile is a different category, exemplified by BrahMos, while Pralay is a surface-to-surface missile with a quasi-ballistic trajectory.
Concept
Indian defence technology includes the classification of missile systems by launch platform, trajectory and role. RAS often covers such defence tests because they appear in official releases and current affairs compilations.