Indian Missile System
Table of Contents
Missile Systems
A missile is a self-propelled, guided weapon system designed to deliver a payload to a specific target. Missiles can vary greatly in size, speed, range, and payload capacity, and they are used for various purposes including military, Attack, strategic warfare etc.
Key components of a missile include:
- Propulsion System: Most missiles are propelled by either rocket engines or jet engines, providing the necessary thrust for flight.
- Guidance System: Missiles are equipped with guidance systems to navigate towards their intended target. This can include inertial navigation systems, GPS, radar, or optical guidance systems.
- Warhead: The payload carried by a missile can vary depending on its intended use. Warheads can be conventional explosives, nuclear weapons, chemical or biological agents, or other specialized payloads.
- Control Systems: Missiles often have control surfaces or fins that allow them to maneuver during flight, adjusting their trajectory to reach the target accurately.
Historical Context And Evolution Of Missile System In India
The genesis of India’s missile program can be traced back to the 1980s with the inception of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), spearheaded by eminent scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This program aimed to achieve self-reliance in missile technology and resulted in the development of a diverse range of missiles catering to various operational requirements.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam created the IGMDP to help India achieve self-sufficiency in missile technology. The IGMDP was created in response to the Missile Technology Control Regime’s (MTCR) decision to prohibit access to any technology that could aid India’s missile development program.
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was a landmark initiative launched by India in 1983 with the aim of developing a comprehensive range of indigenous guided missile systems. Spearheaded by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India, the program aimed to reduce India’s dependence on foreign countries for missile technology and enhance the country’s defense capabilities.
The IGMDP was conceptualized to develop five missile systems:
- Prithvi: A surface-to-surface tactical missile designed for use by the Indian Army and Air Force. Prithvi has several variants with different ranges and payloads.
- Trishul: A short-range surface-to-air missile designed for use by the Indian Army and Air Force to defend against enemy aircraft and helicopters.
- Akash: A medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed for air defense against enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones. Akash has been inducted into the Indian Army and Air Force.
- Nag: An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed for use by the Indian Army to destroy enemy armored vehicles and tanks.
- Agni: A family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles designed for nuclear deterrence and strategic strike capabilities. The Agni series includes missiles like Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III, Agni-IV, and Agni-V.
The IGMDP achieved significant success, with the development and induction of several indigenous missile systems into the Indian armed forces. These missiles have enhanced India’s strategic and tactical capabilities and reduced its dependence on imports for critical defense technologies. The program officially concluded in 2008 after achieving its objectives, but the DRDO continues to work on further advancements and upgrades to existing missile systems as well as the development of new ones.
Classification Of Missiles
India’s current missile capabilities serve to strengthen conventional military readiness, provide credible nuclear deterrence and secure national interests in line with geopolitical realities.
Types of Missiles Based on Speed
Missiles are classified based on their speed with respect to that of sound, expressed as Mach.
- Subsonic missile: Missiles that travel slower than speed of sound (approximately 343 meters per second) are known as “subsonic. Example: Prithvi
- Supersonic missile: Missiles that travel faster than the speed of sound Mach 1 but less than Mach 5 are called “supersonic. Example: BrahMos
- Hypersonic missile: The term “hypersonic” means that the speed of missiles should be at least five times faster than the speed of sound (over Mach 5). Example: Shaurya/Sagarika
Types of Missiles Based on Trajectory
In India, missiles can be classified based on trajectory into two main types:
Ballistic Missiles
Ballistic missiles follow a ballistic trajectory, which means they are initially powered and guided during the boost phase, then follow a free-fall trajectory under the influence of gravity towards their target. They can be further classified based on their range and purpose:
Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM):
- Typically have a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
- Used for tactical operations and close-range engagements.
- Examples: Prithvi series (Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II).
Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM):
- Range extends from 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers.
- Suitable for intermediate-range engagements and regional deterrence.
- Example: Agni-II.
Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM):
- Have a range between 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers.
- Provide strategic reach and capability to strike targets across neighboring regions.
- Example: Agni-III.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM):
- Range exceeds 5,500 kilometers, capable of reaching targets on different continents.
- Serve as a key component of nuclear deterrence.
- Example: Agni-V.
Cruise Missiles:
Cruise missiles maintain sustained flight throughout their trajectory by using aerodynamic lift (wing lift) and propulsion. They fly at relatively low altitudes and can maneuver to avoid detection and countermeasures. Cruise missiles can be further categorized based on their range and propulsion:
Short-Range Cruise Missiles:
- Typically have a range of up to 500 kilometers.
- Used for precision strikes against nearby targets.
- Example: Nirbhay.
Medium-Range Cruise Missiles:
- Range extends from 500 to 1,500 kilometers.
- Provide extended reach for strategic operations.
- Example: BrahMos.
Long-Range Cruise Missiles:
- Have a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers.
- Used for strategic missions and deep-strike capabilities.
- Example: BrahMos II.
Difference between Ballistic Missiles and Cruise Missiles
| Feature | Ballistic Missiles | Cruise Missiles |
|---|---|---|
|
Trajectory |
Follow a ballistic trajectory, initially powered and then follow a free-fall trajectory influenced by gravity. |
Maintain sustained flight throughout their trajectory, using aerodynamic lift and propulsion. |
|
Speed |
Can travel at extremely high speeds during the boost phase. |
Typically travel at subsonic or supersonic speeds, depending on the design and purpose. |
|
Altitude |
Reach high altitudes during the boost phase before descending towards the target. |
Fly at relatively low altitudes, typically below the detection range of radar systems. |
|
Maneuverability |
Limited maneuverability, primarily follow a predetermined trajectory. |
Greater maneuverability, can alter course and direction during flight to avoid detection and countermeasures. |
|
Guidance System |
Guided by internal navigation systems or pre-programmed trajectories. |
Guided by advanced navigation and control systems, such as GPS, radar, or inertial guidance. |
|
Purpose |
Often used for long-range strikes, strategic deterrence, and nuclear delivery. |
Employed for long range precision strikes against specific targets, including ground targets, ships, or fixed installations. |
|
Examples |
Agni series, Prithvi series. |
BrahMos, Nirbhay. |
Types of Missiles Based on the Launch Mode
| Launch Mode | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Surface-to-Surface |
Launched from a surface platform, typically land-based. |
Agni series (e.g., Agni-I, Agni-II), Prithvi series (e.g., Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II) |
|
Surface-to-Air |
Fired from surface platforms to intercept airborne threats. |
Akash Missile, Barak 8 |
|
Air-to-Air |
Launched from aircraft to engage and destroy enemy aircraft. |
MICA, Astra |
|
Submarine-launched |
Fired from submarines for strategic deterrence. |
Sagarika, K-4 |
|
Anti-Tank |
Designed to engage and destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles. |
Nag, Helina |
|
Air to Surface |
Launched from military aircrafts (from Air) to land or sea |
Rudram-1, BrahMos |
|
Anti-Ship |
Designed to target and destroy enemy ships and naval vessels. |
Harpoon, Exocet |
|
Anti-Radiation |
Seek and destroy enemy radar installations and surface-to-air missile systems. |
Kh-31P, AGM-88 HARM |
Types of Missiles Based on Guidance Systems
Guidance systems enable missiles to accurately reach targets. Various guidance technologies are:
- Command Guidance: External commands guide missiles through radio/wire links. Example: Nag anti-tank missile.
- Inertial Guidance: Onboard computers and motion sensors provide autonomous course correction. Example: Agni ballistic missiles.
- Terrain Mapping: This compares onboard terrain maps to radar altimeter data for accuracy. Example: Prithvi missiles.
- Laser Homing: It guides towards a target illuminated by a laser designator. Example: Helina anti-tank missile, Anti-Tank Guided Missile for MBT Arjun, etc.
- Radar/GPS: This updates position using satellite navigation and matches it to targeting data. Example: Brahmos cruise missile.
Types of Missiles Based on Propulsion
| Propulsion | Description | Examples | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Solid-fueled Missiles |
Propelled by solid rocket fuel, offering simplicity and reliability. |
Agni series (e.g, Agni-I , Agni-II), Prithvi series (e.g., Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II) |
Solid Propellant like
Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB)
|
|
Liquid-fueled Missiles |
Use liquid propellants for propulsion, offering flexibility. |
Dhanush, Akash |
Liquid Propellants like Hydrazine - N2H4, Liq. hydrogen, etc |
|
Ramjet-powered Missiles |
Employ air-breathing engines for sustained supersonic flight. |
BrahMos |
Liquid Fuel (Kerosene) |
|
Turbojet-powered Missiles |
Use turbojet engines for propulsion, offering high speed and efficiency. |
Nirbhay |
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) |
|
Scramjet-powered Missiles |
Utilize supersonic combustion ramjet engines for sustained hypersonic flight. |
HSTDV |
Hydrogen or Hydrocarbon Fuels |
Types of Missiles Based on Warhead
Missiles can be classified based on the type of warhead they carry. Here are the main types:
- Conventional Warhead Missiles: These missiles carry conventional explosives and are designed to inflict damage through explosive force upon detonation. They are commonly used for precision strikes against military targets, infrastructure, or other specific objectives.
- Nuclear Warhead Missiles: Missiles equipped with nuclear warheads are designed to deliver nuclear explosions upon reaching their target. They are primarily used as a deterrent against potential adversaries and possess immense destructive power.
- Chemical Warhead Missiles: These missiles carry chemical agents, such as nerve agents or blister agents, which can inflict casualties and disrupt enemy forces through chemical contamination upon impact.
- Biological Warhead Missiles: Missiles equipped with biological warheads carry biological agents, such as bacteria or viruses, intended to cause disease or other harmful effects among enemy personnel or populations.
- Cluster Warhead Missiles: Cluster munitions release multiple submunitions, or bomblets, upon detonation. Each bomblet can cover a wider area, making cluster warhead missiles effective against dispersed or multiple targets.
- EMP Warhead Missiles: Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) warhead missiles are designed to generate electromagnetic pulses upon detonation, which can disrupt or damage electronic systems and infrastructure, including communication networks and electrical grids.
Major Missiles of India
Cruise Missiles
Brahmos Missiles
- BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPOM. It is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world, flying at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0.
- BrahMos can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, and it has both anti-ship and land-attack
- The Brahmos are named after the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva.
Nirbhay
- It is an indigenously developed long-range subsonic cruise missile system of India.
- It is possible to launch from land, sea, or air (Cruise missile)
- A laser gyroscope for high-accuracy navigation and a radio altimeter for height determination is included.
- SFC’s strike range is 1500 kilometers.
Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)
- ASAT (anti-satellite) system is a missile-based system used to attack moving satellites in the orbit. These weapons can be ground-based, air-launched, or space-based. ASAT weapons pose a significant threat to space assets and can disrupt communication, navigation, reconnaissance, and other critical functions that rely on satellites.
- India successfully tested its ASAT missile in March 2019.
- A live satellite in low Earth orbit was destroyed by the ASAT missile (283km)
- According to the DRDO, the missile can fire down objects traveling at a speed of 10 km per second from an altitude of 1200 km.
Pinaka Missile System
- Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launch system developed for the Indian Army by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
- Its weapon system includes a cutting-edge guidance package, as well as an advanced navigation and control system.
- The Pinaka Mark-II Rocket is converted into a missile by integrating with the navigation, control, and guidance system, which improves accuracy and range.
- The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System assists the missile’s navigation system (IRNSS).
- It is an artillery missile system capable of striking enemy land with pinpoint accuracy up to a range of 75 kilometers.
- The weapon system’s first version, known as Mark I, had a range of 40 kilometers. The upgraded version of Pinaka Mark II has an extended range of 70 to 80 km.
Defense Missile
| MISSILE | TYPE | RANGE |
|---|---|---|
|
Prithvi Air Defense |
Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |
Altitude- 80km |
|
Prithvi Defense Vehicle |
Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |
Altitude- 30km |
|
Advanced Air Defense |
Endo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic missile |
Altitude- 120km |
Submarine-launched Ballistic Missiles
A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is a ballistic missile capable of being launched from submarines.
| MISSILE | TYPE | RANGE |
|---|---|---|
|
Ashwin |
Ballistic Missile |
150-200 km |
|
Sagarika |
Ballistic Missile |
700 - 1900 km |
|
K-4 |
Ballistic Missile |
3,500 - 5,000 km |
|
K-5 |
Ballistic Missile |
6,000 km |
Anti-Tank Missile
An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), anti-tank missile, anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW), or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily armored military vehicles.
| MISSILE | TYPE | RANGE |
|---|---|---|
|
Amogha |
Anti-Tank Guided Missile |
2.8 km |
|
Nag |
Anti-Tank Guided Missile |
4 km |
|
Helina |
Anti-Tank Guided Missile |
7 - 8 km |
Some Important Missions & Milestones
Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) – April 2024
- Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on April 18, 2024.
- The missile performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path.
- The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
- The missile is developed by Bengaluru-based DRDO laboratory Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) along with contributions from other laboratories and Indian industries.
Mission Shakti
Mission Shakti was launched to build highly effective anti-satellite weaponry (ASAT). It is a collaboration between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
The primary objective of Mission Shakti was to demonstrate India’s capability to safeguard its space assets by developing the technology to shoot down satellites in orbit. The successful test showcased India’s anti-satellite missile technology.
- The successful test made India the fourth country in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to possess the capability to shoot down satellites in space.
- The test raised discussions and concerns about the militarization of space and the need for international norms and agreements regarding space activities.
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and India
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) stands as a pivotal international arrangement aimed at curbing the proliferation of missiles and related technologies capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
- It was established in April 1987 by G-7 countries – USA, UK, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, and Japan, to check the spread of unmanned delivery systems capable of carrying nuclear weapons of above 500kg for more than 300km. In 1992, it was extended for all types of weapons of mass destruction.
- MTCR has evolved into a multilateral framework with 35 full members including India and 4 “non-adherent members” – Israel, Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia – committed to preventing the spread of missile capabilities that could destabilize regional and global security.
- China is not a member of this regimebut it had verbally pledged to adhere to its original guidelines but not to the subsequent additions.
- These efforts of non-proliferation of ballistic missile systems had further been strengthened by “The International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation”, also known as the Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC), which was established on 25 November 2002 as an arrangement to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles with 136 UN member countries including India.
(MTCR): Benefits to India
- India has joined MTCR as a full member and also agreed to join the Hague Code of conduct made it bolster its position as a responsible nuclear stateand strengthen its case for the membership of other multilateral export control regimes like Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, and Wassenaar arrangement.
- India can buy high-end missile technology and run joint programs for development of unmanned aerial vehicles with other countries. eg. Procurement of theater missile interceptor “Arrow II” from Israel, military drones like “Avenger” from the USA etc.
- India can sell its missiles to other non-member countries with comparative ease.eg. Supersonic cruise missile, “BrahMos”, to Vietnam.
- ISRO can access the forbidden cryogenic technology from Russia which is required for the space exploration operations.
- MTCR membership can be used as a bargaining chip against China which is not a full member of the regime and aspiring to be one as it has blocked India’s way to NSG.
(MTCR) Membership – Obligations for India
- MTCR membership does not guarantee any special technological entitlement from other members or adherent countries.
- India needs to align its national laws dealing with development, transfer, and procurement of the nuclear technologies and export policies as per the guidelines of the MTCR regime which could be stricter and stringent as compared to the existing ones and likely to have implications for the stakeholders.
- It is unlikely to give an immediate boost to the export of the India missiles.
- India being a member of the regime will have some obligations like sharing critical information about its military and technological assets, consulting other member countries regarding the export of any MTCR items, especially those notified or denied by another partner.
Multiple Independently Targetable Re-Entry Vehicle
MIRV stands for Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle. It’s a technology used in ballistic missile systems that allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of being independently targeted to different locations.
Here’s how MIRV works:
- Payload: A MIRV-equipped missile carries multiple warheads, known as reentry vehicles, on a single rocket body. These warheads are typically nuclear, but they can also be conventional.
- Dispersion: Upon reaching the designated point in its trajectory, the missile releases the reentry vehicles, which disperse in different directions. Each reentry vehicle follows its own ballistic path towards its intended target.
- Independently Targetable: One of the key features of MIRV technology is that each reentry vehicle is independently targetable. This means that each warhead can be programmed to strike a different target, allowing for precise and simultaneous strikes on multiple locations.
- Penetration Aids: MIRV-equipped missiles often include penetration aids such as decoys or jammers to confuse or evade enemy defenses. These countermeasures help improve the effectiveness of the warheads in reaching their intended targets.
MIRV technology enhances the offensive capabilities of ballistic missiles by increasing the number of warheads they can deliver in a single launch. This capability poses significant challenges for missile defense systems, as they must contend with multiple incoming warheads, each requiring interception.
It’s important to note that MIRV technology is subject to international arms control agreements such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which seek to limit the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including MIRV-equipped missiles.
Mission Divyastra – AGNI 5
This is the first flight test of an indigenously developed 5,000-km range Agni-5 nuclear missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology.
Advanced Missile Defence System Of Other Countries
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
| MISSILE NAME | TYPE |
|---|---|
|
Tomahawk |
Cruise Missile |
|
THAAD |
Missile Defense System |
|
AGM-183A ARRW |
Hypersonic Missile |
|
Minuteman III |
ICBM |
|
Trident II (D5) |
SLBM |
CHINA
| MISSILE NAME | TYPE |
|---|---|
|
DF-41 |
ICBM |
|
DF-26 |
Medium-range Ballistic Missile |
|
DF-17 |
Hypersonic Missile |
|
DF-21D |
Anti-ship Ballistic Missile |
|
CJ-10 |
Cruise Missile |
RUSSIA
| MISSILE NAME | TYPE |
|---|---|
|
RS-28 Sarmat (Satan-2) |
ICBM |
|
RS-24 Yars |
ICBM |
|
Bulava |
SLBM |
|
Kh-101/102 |
Cruise Missile |
|
Zircon |
Hypersonic Missile |
|
Iskander-M |
Short-range Ballistic Missile |
Missile Development – India’s Position W.R.T Other Countries
India’s position with respect to other countries regarding missile development is multifaceted and influenced by various factors including national security concerns, technological capabilities, strategic partnerships, and diplomatic relations. Here’s an overview of India’s stance in relation to different countries:
- United States: India’s relationship with the United States has evolved significantly in recent years, including in the realm of defense cooperation. While India and the US have traditionally maintained robust strategic ties, including defense collaboration, India’s indigenous missile development program has also progressed. However, India has engaged in defense deals with the US for specific technologies and equipment, and both countries have cooperated in areas such as missile defense technology.
- Russia: Historically, Russia has been a key partner in India’s defense sector, providing advanced military hardware and technology transfer. India has acquired various missile systems from Russia, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. Additionally, India has benefited from Russian expertise in areas such as missile defense and space technology.
- China: India’s missile development program has been influenced, to some extent, by regional security dynamics, particularly with China. India closely monitors China’s advancements in missile technology and has developed its indigenous missile capabilities as a deterrent. India has also bolstered its missile defense capabilities in response to perceived threats from China’s missile arsenal.
- Pakistan: India’s missile development program is also shaped by its strategic rivalry with Pakistan. Both countries have developed and deployed various missile systems, including short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and cruise missiles. India’s missile development efforts are partly driven by its need to maintain credible deterrence vis-à-vis Pakistan’s missile capabilities.
- Israel: India and Israel have cultivated a robust defense partnership, including cooperation in missile development and defense technology. The two countries have collaborated on projects such as the Barak missile defense system and the development of anti-tank guided missiles. India values Israel’s expertise in missile defense and seeks to leverage Israeli technology to enhance its own capabilities.
- European Countries: India has engaged with various European countries in defense collaboration and technology transfer. While India has pursued indigenous missile development, it has also explored partnerships with European nations for specific technologies and expertise. European countries have contributed to India’s missile development program through joint research projects, technology transfers, and defense cooperation agreements.
Overall, India’s position on missile development vis-a-vis other countries is influenced by a combination of strategic imperatives, technological considerations, and diplomatic relations. While India has prioritized indigenous development of missile technology, it has also engaged in defense collaboration and technology transfer with key partners to enhance its capabilities and strengthen its national security posture.
