Which of the following is India first indigenously designed and developed long range subsonic cruise missile that can be deployed from multiple platforms?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to defence technology and general science. It focuses on an Indian missile that is both indigenously designed and developed and is classified as a long range subsonic cruise missile capable of being deployed from multiple platforms. Learners preparing for competitive exams are often expected to recognise the names and basic characteristics of major Indian missiles, including their type and role.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The missile in question is long range and subsonic.
• It is a cruise missile, not a simple surface to air or air to air missile.
• It is indigenously designed and developed in India.
• The options given are Astra, Akash, Nirbhay, and Shankhnaad.

Concept / Approach:
Different missile systems serve different roles. Astra is known as a beyond visual range air to air missile. Akash is a surface to air missile system. Nirbhay is an Indian long range subsonic cruise missile. Shankhnaad is not recognised as a major Indian missile system in standard exam references. Therefore, by matching the description to the known roles and capabilities of these systems, we can identify the correct answer as the one that is specifically a long range subsonic cruise missile.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider Astra. It is an air to air missile designed to be fired from fighter aircraft, not a long range subsonic cruise missile. Step 2: Consider Akash. It is a medium range surface to air missile system designed for air defence, not classified as a cruise missile. Step 3: Recall that Nirbhay is described as a long range, all weather, subsonic cruise missile, capable of being launched from different platforms. Step 4: Shankhnaad does not match standard descriptions of an Indian long range subsonic cruise missile in mainstream defence references. Step 5: Therefore, the missile that fits the description in the question is Nirbhay.

Verification / Alternative check:
A further check can be made by remembering the classification of missiles by guidance and propulsion. Cruise missiles travel within the atmosphere, usually at subsonic or supersonic speeds, and are guided throughout their flight. Nirbhay fits this profile and has been frequently mentioned in news and defence documents as India indigenous long range subsonic cruise missile. In contrast, Astra and Akash are explicitly air defence or air to air missiles, confirming that they are not the answer the question is seeking.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Astra: A beyond visual range air to air missile, not a long range subsonic cruise missile.
• Akash: A surface to air missile system for air defence, again not a cruise missile.
• Shankhnaad: Not widely recognised as an Indian long range subsonic cruise missile, and does not match the standard description used in defence questions.

Common Pitfalls:
A typical mistake is to confuse different missile systems because of similar sounding names or because all are associated with defence. Some candidates may guess Akash or Astra simply because they are more commonly mentioned in exam questions. To avoid this, learners should memorise the basic classification of Indian missiles: air to air, surface to air, surface to surface, ballistic, and cruise types. Associating Nirbhay specifically with long range subsonic cruise capability helps prevent confusion.

Final Answer:
India first indigenously designed and developed long range subsonic cruise missile that can be deployed from multiple platforms is Nirbhay.