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?

Option (D) is correct because both statements swap the fundamental characteristics of the missiles: ballistic missiles are rocket-powered and follow a parabolic trajectory, while cruise missiles are jet-propelled and fly within the atmosphere. Statement 2 is false as Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile, not vice versa. The most tempting error is misidentifying the propulsion phases, but ballistic missiles are typically powered only in the initial stage, whereas cruise missiles are powered throughout their flight. This question tests the core concept of missile technology classification and the specific profiles of India’s strategic defense assets.