Context
The Agni-4 missile was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha.
About Agni-4 Missile Launch:
- Supervision: Conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC).
- Development: Fourth in the Agni series , developed by DRDO.
- Name: Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Agni‘, meaning fire, representing one of the five elements.
- Type: Intermediate-range ballistic, surface-to-surface missile.
- Launch Capability: Can be launched from both ground and sea.
- Range: Capable of hitting targets up to 4,000 km.
- Length: Measures 20 metres.
- Payload: Can carry up to 1,000 kg.
About Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
- SFC is a part of India’s Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
- Responsibility:
- Manages and administers India’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile.
- Operationalizing NCA Orders: Executes the decisions of the NCA under the leadership of a Commander-in-Chief (Senior Officer).
- Nuclear Weapon Delivery: Has sole responsibility for initiating the delivery of nuclear warheads after clear NCA approval.
- Target Selection: SFC selects targets through a calibrated process, which involves multiple decision-making levels and formal NCA approval
- Nuclear Command Authority (NCA):
- Political Council: Chaired by the Prime Minister, sole authority to authorise nuclear use.
- Executive Council: Chaired by the National Security Advisor, provides inputs and executes directives from the Political Council.
Source:
PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
