MISSILES OF INDIA
What is Indian missile system? Indian missile arsenal includes both ballistic & cruise missile systems with large strategic & tactical importance. Over decades India has developed these systems through various missile programs most notable being Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. These advancements reinforce Indian commitment to maintaining regional stability, deterrence & great power status in Asia Pacific region. APTI PLUS IAS Coaching in Kolkata equips IAS aspirants empowering them to tackle complex subjects like security issues & excel in dynamic & evolving civil services exam. What is a missile? A missile is a guided airborne ranged weapon that is self-propelled using either a jet engine or a rocket motor. Missiles consist of five main components Guidance System that determines missile path using inertial, satellite or radar-based navigation. Targeting System that identifies & locks onto intended target using electronic, optical or infrared sensors. Flight System that controls aerodynamic stability & trajectory through fins, thrusters or vector control. Engine (Propulsion System) that provides necessary thrust either via solid, liquid or hybrid fuel technology. Warhead is destructive payload which may include conventional explosives or nuclear material. Key Features of Indian Missile Systems Indian missile programs emphasize indigenous technology, rapid response, high accuracy & formidable lethality. Precision & Accuracy Indian missiles utilize advanced guidance technologies such as inertial navigation systems, GPS, radar homing & optical seekers for pinpoint accuracy. Agni V & BrahMos have demonstrated high precision consistently hitting targets with minimal collateral damage. Quick Deployment & Readiness Most Indian missiles use solid fuel allowing for faster launch preparation & reaction time. Agni & Prithvi missiles mounted on transport erector launcher vehicles can be launched in under 15 minutes making sure of rapid response capabilities. High Lethality & Extended Range Indigenous propulsion systems grant extended range & powerful warheads increasing strike capability. BrahMos with its supersonic speed (Mach 2.8 to 3) is one of deadliest cruise missiles globally capable of evading enemy defences & inflicting massive damage. For more such articles, visit IAS GYAN Indian successful missile programs Missile Program Features Key Products Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) Launched in 1983 under DRDO, completed in 2008. Aimed at developing indigenous missile systems for India’s defensive & offensive needs. Focused on creating a comprehensive range of missiles for armed forces. Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Trishul, Agni (1, 2, 3) BrahMos Aerospace Joint Venture Established in 1998 as a joint venture between India’s DRDO & Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia. Developed one of world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program Started in 1999 to develop an anti-ballistic missile system. Consists of a two-tiered system for missile interception Endo atmospheric interception (within Earth’s atmosphere). Exo atmospheric interception (outside Earth’s atmosphere). Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) / Pradyumna Interceptor, Advanced Air Defence (AAD) / Ashwin Interceptor Independent Missile Development Projects Began in 2008, post IGMDP, focusing on next generation missile technologies. Includes long-range, nuclear capable & hypersonic missile development. Agni series (Agni IV, Agni V, Agni P), K Series (Sagarika/K 15, K 4, K 5, K 6), Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV under development) Types of Missiles in India Missiles based on their speed Type of Missile Speed (Mach Number) Description Examples Subsonic Missile Less than Mach 1 (< 1,235 km/h or < 767 mph) Travel slower than speed of sound. Typically low altitude missiles, making them harder to detect. Generally used for short- range attacks. U.S. Harpoon (anti-ship missile) Indian Prithvi (short-range ballistic missile) Supersonic Missile Mach 1 to Mach 5 (1,235 – 6,175 km/h or 767 – 3,836 mph) Travel faster than sound but slower than Mach 5. High speed impact with greater penetration power. Reduced reaction time for enemies. Used in tactical & strategic warfare. Russian Iskander (tactical ballistic missile) Indian BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile) Hypersonic Missile Above Mach 5 (> 6,175 km/h or > 3,836 mph) Travel at hypersonic speeds, at least five times speed of sound. Extremely maneuverable & hard to intercept. Can be glide vehicles or scramjet powered cruise missiles. Used for long-range strategic strikes. China’s DF ZF (hypersonic glide vehicle) Russia’s Avangard (hypersonic glide missile) Indian Shaurya/Sagarika (Max speed – Mach 7.5) APTI PLUS UPSC Coaching in Bhubaneshwar provides comprehensive guidance & strategic insights helping IAS aspirants navigate complex topics like cybersecurity ensuring they are well prepared for evolving demands of civil services exam. Missiles based on trajectory Type of Missile Description Examples Ballistic Missiles Follow a ballistic (arched) trajectory. Powered only during boost phase, then follow an unpowered free fall flight towards target. Generally used for long-range strategic attacks. India’s Agni series (Agni I to Agni VI) India’s Prithvi series (Prithvi I, II, III) Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) A type of ballistic missile that attains hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+) during re entry phase. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, HGVs can maneuver to avoid interception. China’s DF 17 (HGV mounted missile) Russia’s Avangard (boost glide system) India is in “Technology Demonstration” stage for HGVs Cruise Missiles Guided missiles designed to stay within atmosphere for their entire flight. Maintain a constant speed & fly at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. Used for precision strikes on terrestrial or naval targets. India’s Nirbhay (subsonic cruise missile) India’s BrahMos (supersonic cruise missile) Subsonic Cruise Missiles Travel at less than Mach 1 (slower than sound). Typically long-range & used for stealth attacks. U.S. BGM 109 Tomahawk (long-range subsonic cruise missile) India’s Nirbhay Supersonic Cruise Missiles Travel at speeds between Mach 1 & Mach 5. Faster & harder to intercept than subsonic missiles. Used for high speed precision strikes. India Russia BrahMos (fastest supersonic cruise missile, Mach 2.8 3) Hypersonic Cruise Missiles Powered by scramjet engines, enabling speeds above Mach 5. Capable of evading missile defense systems. Still in development phase in India. Russia’s 3M22 Zircon (Mach 8+ hypersonic cruise missile) India’s BrahMos II (under development, based on Zircon, expected to reach Mach 8+) Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) Uses low Earth orbit for warhead delivery. Instead of following a predictable ICBM trajectory, it can approach targets from unconventional angles, avoiding