Madhavi Gaur
July 24, 2023 01:26
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In military terminology, a guided missile is often referred to simply as a missile. It is a self-propelled airborne weapon that typically operates using a fighter jet engine or rocket motor. In everyday language, a missile is any object that can be launched, shot, or propelled towards a target. Defense-related topics, including missiles, are crucial components of various competitive tests and are often included in the General Knowledge section. In this article we will look at the Types and List of Indian Missiles.
India’s missile program serves multiple defense-related purposes. Its ballistic missiles form the basis for delivering nuclear weapons to both China and Pakistan. India’s focus on developing longer-range ballistic missiles and diversifying delivery methods beyond mobile land-based platforms is driven by military requirements.
To keep up with modern warfare, India has collaborated with Russia to develop cruise missiles and ship-launched ballistic missiles, aiming to bolster its military capabilities and establish itself as a strong nation.
India has made significant advancements in missile technology, bolstering its defense capabilities and strategic deterrence. With a diverse range of missile systems, the country has achieved self-reliance in this crucial area of defense. From surface-to-air missiles for aerial defense to submarine-launched ballistic missiles for maritime security, India’s missile arsenal encompasses various categories that play a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s interests. This article explores the different types of missiles deployed by India, highlighting their roles and contributions to the country’s defense strategy.
1. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
2. Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)
3. Surface-to-Surface Missiles
4. Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)/Interceptor Missiles
5. Cruise Missiles
6. Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles
7. Anti-Tank Missiles
Look at the table to know each type of missiles used in India with description:
Types of Indian Missiles |
|
|---|---|
| Type of Missile | Description |
| Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) | Missiles designed to intercept and destroy airborne threats. |
| Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) | Missiles launched from aircraft to engage aerial targets. |
| Surface-to-Surface Missiles | Missiles designed to strike targets on land or at sea. |
| Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) / Interceptor Missiles | Missiles designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. |
| Cruise Missiles | Missiles with long-range capabilities, flying at low altitudes, used for precision strikes on land or sea targets. |
| Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles | Missiles launched from submarines to strike targets on land. |
| Anti-Tank Missiles | Missiles specifically designed to target armored vehicles. |
India’s missile arsenal plays a crucial role in its defense strategy, primarily serving as a nuclear deterrent against its main adversaries, Pakistan and China. To bolster its capabilities, India has been focused on developing longer-range missiles and expanding its delivery platforms, including ship- and sub-launched ballistic missiles in collaboration with Russia.
While these efforts align with India’s minimum deterrence doctrine, the ongoing development of its missile arsenal may also lead to potential changes in its nuclear doctrine. Notably, India’s investment in multiple independently-guided reentry vehicle (MIRV) technology indicates a possible evolution in its nuclear strategy. However, despite these advancements, there is no substantial discussion in India about deviating from its declared no-first-use policy.
Air-to-Air missiles are guided missiles launched from aircraft to engage enemy airborne targets. They ensure aerial superiority and come in various types, equipped with advanced guidance systems and warheads for maximum effectiveness. These missiles play a crucial role in modern air combat, enhancing the capabilities of fighter aircraft to neutralize airborne threats.
| Name of the Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Astra | Air-to-Air Missiles | 80-110 km |
| MICA | Air-to-Air Missiles | 500 m to 80 km |
| Novator K-100 | Medium Range air-to-air missile | 300–400 km |
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) are defensive weapons designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, missiles, or drones. They are launched from the ground and equipped with radar and guidance systems to track and engage aerial threats. SAMs are essential for protecting military installations, cities, and key assets from airborne attacks.
| Name of the Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | Medium-range ballistic missile | 700-1250 km |
| Agni-II | Intermediate-range ballistic missile | 2,000–3,000 km |
| Agni-III | Intermediate-range ballistic missile | 3,500 km – 5,000 km |
| Agni-IV | Intermediate-range ballistic missile | 3,000 – 4,000 km |
| Agni-V | Intercontinental ballistic missile | 5000 – 8000 km |
| Dhanush | Short-Range Ballistic Missile | 350 – 600 km |
| Prahaar | Short-Range Ballistic Missile | 150 km |
| Prithvi I | Short-Range Ballistic Missile | 150 km |
| Prithvi II | Short-Range Ballistic Missile | 350 km |
| Shaurya | Medium-Range Ballistic Missile | 750 to 1,900 km |
Cruise missiles are self-propelled, guided missiles designed for long-range precision strikes against fixed and mobile targets. They can travel at subsonic or supersonic speeds, and their advanced navigation systems allow them to follow a pre-programmed flight path or adjust in real-time based on target coordinates. Cruise missiles are highly versatile, capable of carrying conventional or nuclear warheads and used in various military operations for strategic and tactical purposes.
| Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| BrahMos | Supersonic cruise missile | 290 km |
| BrahMos II | Hypersonic cruise missile | 300 km |
| Nirbhay | Subsonic cruise missile | 1,000 – 1,500 km |
Defense missiles are advanced weapon systems designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy threats, such as missiles, aircraft, or projectiles. They form a critical part of a country’s defense strategy, providing protection against potential attacks and enhancing national security. Defense missiles come in different types, including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), surface-to-surface missiles, and ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems, each tailored for specific defense needs. These sophisticated weapons use advanced tracking, guidance, and propulsion technologies to ensure accurate targeting and successful interception of potential threats.
| Missile | Type of Missile | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Air Defence | Endoatmospheric Anti-ballistic missile | Altitude – 120 km |
| Prithvi Air Defence | Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile | Altitude – 80 km |
| Prithvi Defence Vehicle | Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile | Altitude – 30 km |
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) are ballistic missiles deployed on submarines, providing nations with a second-strike nuclear capability. These missiles can be launched from underwater, making them difficult to detect and giving submarines strategic importance in nuclear deterrence. SLBMs have the ability to carry nuclear warheads over long distances, adding to a nation’s overall defense capabilities.
| Name of the Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ashwin | Ballistic Missile | 150-200 km |
| K-4 | Ballistic Missile | 3,500–5,000 km |
| K-5 | Ballistic Missile | 6,000 km |
| Sagarika | Ballistic Missile | 700 – 1900 km |
Anti-Tank Missiles are precision-guided munitions designed to destroy armored vehicles and tanks. These missiles are highly effective against heavily armored targets and are usually launched from ground-based platforms or helicopters. They play a vital role in modern warfare, providing infantry and armored units with a powerful and versatile weapon to counter enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
| Name of the Missile | Type | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Amogha | Anti-Tank Guided Missile | 2.8 km |
| Helina | Anti-Tank Guided Missile | 7-8 km |
| Nag | Anti-Tank Guided Missile | 4 km |
India, as a nation, has always been committed to ensuring its security and sovereignty. In the pursuit of this goal, the country has made significant strides in developing advanced missile technology. India’s indigenous missile program has been pivotal in strengthening its defense capabilities and ensuring deterrence against potential threats. In this article, we will explore the various categories of Indian missiles, each designed to serve specific purposes and bolster the nation’s defense.
Ballistic missiles are propelled in a high trajectory and rely on gravity to strike their intended target. India has made remarkable progress in developing ballistic missiles, both short and long-range.
Agni Series: Agni missiles are long-range ballistic missiles and form the backbone of India’s nuclear deterrence. The series includes Agni-I (700 km range), Agni-II (2,000 km range), Agni-III (3,000 km range), Agni-IV (4,000 km range), and Agni-V (5,000 km range). Agni-V, with its Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) capability, is a testament to India’s advanced missile technology.
Prithvi Series: The Prithvi missiles are short-range ballistic missiles and come in various variants like Prithvi-I (150 km range), Prithvi-II (250 km range), and Prithvi-III (350 km range). These missiles are known for their tactical advantages and quick deployment.
Cruise missiles are guided missiles that can travel at low altitudes and can be programmed to follow specific flight paths. India has been actively developing cruise missiles for its tactical and strategic needs.
BrahMos: The BrahMos missile, developed jointly with Russia, is one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world. With its versatile land, sea, and air variants, BrahMos has significantly enhanced India’s precision strike capabilities.
Nirbhay: Nirbhay is India’s indigenously developed subsonic cruise missile with a range of over 1,000 km. It offers the flexibility of striking multiple targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles are designed to destroy armored tanks and fortified structures. India has actively developed and deployed ATGMs to counter any armored threats.
Nag: Nag is a third-generation fire-and-forget ATGM with top-attack capability. It has been successfully integrated into India’s armored forces.
Surface-to-Air Missiles are designed to intercept and destroy incoming enemy aircraft, missiles, or drones.
Akash: Akash is a medium-range SAM system capable of engaging multiple aerial targets simultaneously. It is an essential component of India’s air defense network.
Trishul: Trishul is a short-range SAM system designed to intercept low-flying enemy aircraft and missiles. However, it was discontinued after initial development.
India’s journey in missile development has been a testament to its commitment to safeguarding its national security. The list of Indian missiles showcases the nation’s indigenously developed and cutting-edge technology, which has earned it a place among the top missile-capable countries in the world. With ongoing research and development, India continues to reinforce its defense capabilities, ensuring a secure future for its citizens and the nation as a whole.
1. Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was launched in 1983.
2. The program aimed to develop Trishul, Akash, Nag, Prithvi, and Agni-I missile systems.
3. Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile Woman” of India, served as the Project Director for Agni-IV in DRDO.
4. Prithvi was India’s first surface-to-surface missile with single-stage and liquid fuel technology.
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