Question

Which of the following missile systems was developed to address gaps in India’s 'No First Use' nuclear doctrine?

• A. Agni-V
• B. Pralay
• C. Shaurya
• D. Nirbhay

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Pralay

• Correct Ans: Option B) Pralay

• India's "No First Use" nuclear doctrine means that India commits not to use nuclear weapons first against any country, only as a response to a nuclear attack. This created a need for conventional missile systems that could provide strategic deterrence without crossing the nuclear threshold.

• The Pralay missile was specifically developed to address this gap in India's defense strategy. It is a short-range, surface-to-surface tactical missile with a range of 150-500 km that can carry conventional warheads. Pralay allows India to respond to threats with precision conventional strikes while maintaining its "No First Use" nuclear posture.

• Key features of Pralay:

• It's a conventional (non-nuclear) ballistic missile

• Has high maneuverability to evade enemy air defenses

• Provides quick response capability for tactical situations

• Can be deployed from mobile launchers

• Offers strategic deterrence without nuclear escalation

• The other options:

• Agni-V: A long-range nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

• Shaurya: A nuclear-capable medium-range ballistic missile

• Nirbhay: A nuclear-capable subsonic cruise missile

• While these other missiles are important parts of India's defense arsenal, Pralay specifically addresses the gap between conventional weapons and nuclear options, allowing for powerful conventional responses while maintaining the "No First Use" nuclear doctrine.