Only Statement 1

• Statement 1 is correct. The primary goal of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was to develop a comprehensive range of missiles, including both nuclear and conventional warhead capabilities. The program successfully developed several missile systems such as Prithvi, Agni, and Akash, which were designed to carry both types of warheads.

• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Nirbhay missile is a subsonic cruise missile, not a supersonic one. It was developed after the IGMDP concluded, and therefore it was not part of the IGMDP. The Nirbhay missile is designed for long-range strikes with both conventional and nuclear warheads but was developed as a part of DRDO's ongoing missile development programs after IGMDP.

Hence, Option A Is Correct.

Nirbhay Missile

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was an ambitious project launched by the Indian government in the early 1980s, with the goal of developing a range of indigenous missile systems for defense. The program, managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), resulted in the development of several key strategic and tactical missiles. Let's go through each option to understand why Nirbhay Missile was not part of IGMDP.

Missiles Developed Under IGMDP:

1. Agni Missile:

   • Type: Intermediate-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
   • Role: Part of India's strategic deterrence force.
   • Details: Developed under the IGMDP, the Agni missile is one of the most significant outcomes of the program. It has multiple variants, and its development marked a significant leap in India's missile capabilities.

2. Prithvi Missile:

   • Type: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
   • Role: Tactical battlefield missile, used for quick, targeted strikes.
   • Details: The Prithvi missile was one of the first missiles developed under the IGMDP. It was designed as a short-range missile with versions for both the Army and Air Force, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads.

3. Trishul Missile:

   • Type: Surface-to-air missile.
   • Role: Short-range missile designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles.
   • Details: The Trishul missile was developed as part of IGMDP to provide air defense capabilities, especially for India's naval and army forces.

Missile Not Part of IGMDP:

4. Nirbhay Missile:
   • Type: Long-range subsonic cruise missile.
   • Role: Air-launched cruise missile, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads.
   • Details: The Nirbhay missile is a long-range cruise missile, developed by DRDO after the IGMDP concluded in 2007. It was not part of the original IGMDP. The missile is designed to be launched from both air and ground platforms, and it can hit targets at a range of up to 1,000 km. It is an important part of India’s strategic capabilities but was developed after the conclusion of the IGMDP.

Why Nirbhay Was Not Part of IGMDP:

• The Nirbhay missile is a cruise missile, whereas the missiles developed under the IGMDP, such as Agni, Prithvi, and Trishul, were primarily ballistic missiles (except for Akash, which is a surface-to-air missile).
• The IGMDP focused on ballistic and surface-to-air missile systems, with no mention of developing cruise missiles like Nirbhay.
• Nirbhay's development began after the conclusion of IGMDP, and it was part of subsequent missile development programs undertaken by DRDO.

Conclusion:

The Nirbhay missile is not part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It was developed after the IGMDP had concluded, with a focus on long-range cruise missile technology, which was not part of the original scope of the IGMDP. The IGMDP primarily focused on surface-to-surface ballistic missiles like Agni, Prithvi, and Trishul.

Hence, Option C Is Correct.

Agni

The Agni missile is a Surface-to-Surface missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Agni series of missiles are designed to deliver a wide range of payloads over long distances, making them key components of India’s strategic defense capabilities.

Agni Missile Series:

1. Agni-I:

   • The first in the Agni series, Agni-I has a range of approximately 700-800 km and is capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads. It was developed to target enemy military infrastructure.

2. Agni-II:

   • With a range of 2,000 km, Agni-II was developed as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). It was designed to target distant adversary positions, making it a powerful addition to India’s strategic defense arsenal.

3. Agni-III and Agni-IV:

   • The later versions, Agni-III and Agni-IV, increased the missile range to 3,000-5,000 km, further enhancing India’s ability to strike targets at long distances. These missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and are part of India’s deterrence strategy.

4. Agni-V:

   • The most advanced of the series, Agni-V, has a range of over 5,000 km and is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). This makes it a long-range strategic missile.

Key Features of Agni Missile:

• Surface-to-Surface Role:
  Agni is a ballistic missile launched from the ground (surface-to-surface). It is used for attacking land-based targets, such as military bases or enemy infrastructure, making it an essential weapon in India’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

• Indigenous Development:
  The development of the Agni missile under IGMDP was a major step in making India self-sufficient in missile technology, reducing its dependence on foreign arms suppliers.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Akash:

The Akash missile is a Surface-to-Air missile designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy aircraft or missiles, not a Surface-to-Surface missile. It is used in India’s air defense systems.

C. Trishul:

The Trishul missile is also a Surface-to-Air missile, designed for short-range defense against aerial threats. It was developed as part of India’s air defense systems, not for surface-to-surface strikes.

D. Nag:

The Nag missile is an anti-tank missile, designed specifically to target and destroy armored vehicles like tanks. It is not a surface-to-surface missile.

Conclusion:

The Agni missile (Option B) is the correct answer as it is a Surface-to-Surface missile developed under the IGMDP. It is part of India’s strategic defense system, with various versions having different ranges and payload capabilities. The Agni missile plays a crucial role in India’s ability to respond to threats from distant adversaries.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.