Context:
India has launched Operation Sindoor in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.
Operation Sindoor:
- A major military offensive targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Execution – Strikes were measured, calibrated, and non-escalatory, ensuring precision without provoking further conflict.
- Technology Used – Indian forces deployed advanced precision-strike weapons for maximum effectiveness.
- Pakistan’s Response – Pakistan stated that it reserves the right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows self-defense measures.
India’s Precision Strike Weapons:
- SCALP (Storm Shadow) Missile – Air-launched, long-range cruise missile.
- Range: ~450 km.
- Purpose: Designed for deep-strike operations against high-value targets2.
- HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) – Precision-guided, stand-off munition.
- Range: 50-70 km.
- Purpose: Used for targeting hardened structures like bunkers2.
- Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones) – Hover over designated areas and autonomously or remotely identify and neutralize threats.
- METEOR Missile – Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
- Purpose: Effective in dense electronic warfare environments.
- BRAHMOS Missile – Supersonic cruise missile.
- Principle: Operates on a ‘Fire and Forget’ mechanism, ensuring precision strikes
Source: ET
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)
Explanation:
Ballistic missiles are powered by rocket engines throughout their entire trajectory. The engine operates for the first few minutes of flight, and then the missile follows a trajectory guided by gravity. On the other hand, cruise missiles are jet-propelled and they maintain powered flight for the entirety of their journey, not just the initial phase.
BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia. It uses a two-stage propulsion system, with solid propellant in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second stage.