RAS question
Which Indian defence system provides a multi-layered ballistic missile defence shield?
Correct answer: (C) Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD).
India's multi-layered ballistic missile defence shield is provided by the Prithvi Air Defence and Advanced Air Defence interceptor system.
Explanation
India's ballistic missile defence programme is built as a two-tier shield, not as a single missile type. The PAD layer, now referred to as the Prithvi Defence Vehicle, is meant for exo-atmospheric interception, while AAD, now referred to as Ashwin, handles endo-atmospheric interception. The Indian Express report identifies PAD and AAD as the two layers of the Indian missile defence system: PAD for interceptions above 30 km and AAD for endo-atmospheric interception. Together, PAD and AAD provide the multi-layered ballistic missile defence shield. BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash have different roles and do not describe this two-tier BMD architecture.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) BrahMos is an offensive cruise missile system, so it does not form the defensive two-layer ballistic missile shield.
- (B) Pinaka is a rocket launcher system, not an interceptor architecture for destroying incoming ballistic missiles in separate atmospheric layers.
- (D) Akash is a surface-to-air missile system, whereas India's ballistic missile defence shield is based on PAD and AAD interceptors.
Concept
Defence technology under Science and Technology requires a clear distinction between offensive missiles, surface-to-air systems and ballistic missile defence. RAS often covers Indian strategic systems through functional distinctions rather than just names.