Launch Mode

Description

Examples

Surface-to-Surface

Launched from ground platforms to engage land targets

Prithvi, Agni, BrahMos

Surface-to-Air

Launched from the ground to intercept aerial threats such as aircraft, helicopters, and drones

Akash, MRSAM

Air-to-Surface

Air-launched missiles to attack ground targets

Helina anti-tank missile (fired from Rudra helicopter)

Air-to-Air

Aircraft-launched missiles against enemy air targets

Astra BVR air-to-air missile (fired from Tejas)

Ship-to-Ship

Naval anti-ship missiles launched from warships or submarines

BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile (launched from ships)

Ship-based Surface-to-Air

Naval surface-to-air missiles deployed for fleet air defense

Barak-8 LR-SAM

Submarine-Launched

Missiles launched from submerged submarines

K-15 ballistic missile

Portable Missiles

Missiles fired from portable infantry launchers or shoulder-fired systems

FIM-92 Stinger, Igla SAMs

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to the R-360 Neptun missile, consider the following statements:

1. The R-360 Neptun is a subsonic cruise missile developed by Ukraine and was initially designed as an anti-ship missile before being modified for land attack.
2. The missile is based on the Russian Kh-35 guided missile, which is known by NATO as AS-20 Kayak.
3. The missile has a maximum range of 500 km and a combat weight of 450 kilograms.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The R-360 Neptun is a subsonic cruise missile developed by Ukraine, originally designed as an anti-ship missile and later modified for land attack.

Statement 2 is correct: The missile is based on the Russian Kh-35 guided missile, which NATO designates as AS-20 Kayak.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The missile has a maximum range of 400 km, not 500 km, and a combat weight of 350 kilograms, not 450 kg.