India has developed a diverse range of missiles, categorized based on their range, purpose, and propulsion systems. These can be broadly divided into ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, anti-tank guided missiles, and other specialized missiles. Below is a detailed explanation of each category and notable examples:
1. Ballistic Missiles
Ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory and are primarily used for delivering nuclear or conventional warheads.
Agni Series
- Agni-I: Short-range ballistic missile with a range of 700-1,200 km.
- Agni-II: Medium-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,000-3,500 km.
- Agni-III: Intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of 3,000-5,000 km.
- Agni-IV: Advanced missile with a range of 4,000 km, featuring better accuracy.
- Agni-V: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range exceeding 5,000 km, capable of MIRV (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles) technology.
- Agni-VI (under development): ICBM with a range of 8,000-10,000 km and advanced MIRV capabilities.
Prithvi Series
- Prithvi-I: Short-range ballistic missile (150 km range), primarily used by the Indian Army.
- Prithvi-II: Enhanced version with a range of 250-350 km, used by the Air Force.
- Prithvi-III: Naval variant with a range of 350-600 km.
K Series (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles - SLBM)
- K-15 (B05): SLBM with a range of 750 km, designed for Arihant-class submarines.
- K-4: Advanced SLBM with a range of 3,500 km.
- K-5 and K-6 (under development): Future SLBMs with ranges of 5,000-6,000 km and MIRV capabilities.
2. Cruise Missiles
Cruise missiles are designed to fly at low altitudes, evading radar, and delivering precision strikes.
BrahMos
- Type: Supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
- Range: Initially 290 km, extended to over 450 km, with plans to reach 1,500 km.
- Variants: Land, air, sea, and submarine-launched versions.
- Special Features: High speed (Mach 2.8 to Mach 3) and pinpoint accuracy.
Nirbhay
- Type: Subsonic cruise missile.
- Range: 1,000-1,500 km.
- Purpose: Capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.
- Special Features: Terrain-hugging capability for radar evasion.
3. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
These missiles are used to defend against aerial threats like enemy aircraft and missiles.
Akash
- Range: 25-30 km.
- Purpose: Medium-range SAM for intercepting aircraft, drones, and missiles.
- Special Features: High mobility and integration with the Indian Air Force and Army.
Barak-8
- Range: 70-100 km.
- Purpose: Jointly developed with Israel to counter aerial threats.
- Special Features: Advanced radar and tracking systems.
QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)
- Range: 25-30 km.
- Purpose: Quick response to close-range threats.
- Special Features: Can engage multiple targets simultaneously.
4. Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)
These are designed for aerial combat between fighter jets.
Astra
- Range: 110-160 km.
- Purpose: Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile for air superiority.
- Special Features: Advanced guidance and high accuracy.
Rudram-1
- Range: 250-350 km.
- Purpose: Anti-radiation missile to target enemy radars and communication systems.
- Special Features: Can be launched from fighter aircraft like the Su-30MKI.
5. Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)
ATGMs are used to destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
Nag
- Range: 4-7 km.
- Purpose: "Fire and forget" missile designed to target tanks.
- Special Features: Equipped with infrared seekers.
Helina (Helicopter-Launched Nag)
- Range: 7-10 km.
- Purpose: Air-launched ATGM for helicopters.
- Special Features: High accuracy and advanced targeting systems.
6. Other Specialized Missiles
Shaurya
- Type: Hypersonic surface-to-surface tactical missile.
- Range: 700-1,900 km.
- Special Features: High speed (Mach 7.5) and maneuverability.
Sagarika (K-15)
- Type: Submarine-launched tactical missile.
- Range: 750 km.
- Purpose: Part of India's nuclear triad.
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)
- Purpose: Prototype for future hypersonic missiles.
- Speed: Exceeds Mach 6.
India’s Missile Defense System
India is developing a multi-layered missile defense shield, which includes:
1. Prithvi Air Defense (PAD): Intercepts missiles at high altitudes (exo-atmospheric layer).
2. Advanced Air Defense (AAD): Intercepts missiles at lower altitudes (endo-atmospheric layer).
3. XRSAM (Extended Range SAM): Under development to enhance the defense system.
Strategic Significance
India's missile arsenal ensures robust defense, credible deterrence, and power projection. The mix of indigenous and collaborative efforts strengthens national security and self-reliance under the "Make in India" initiative.
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