India has studied, produced and used various strategic and tactical missile systems since its independence. Decades long projects have realised development of all types of missile systems including ballistic, cruise, anti-ship, air-defence, air-to-air and anti-missile systems. India is one of seven countries in the world with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and one of four countries with anti-ballistic missile systems. Since 2016, India has been a member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The use of rockets for warfare in India has been recorded in as early as the 18th century. Mysorean rockets were the first iron-cased rockets in world that were successfully deployed for military use. Mysore's conflict with East India Company exposed British to the technology leading to development of Congreve rockets and introduction of rocketry in Europe. [1]
Research in missile technology resumed again after India's independence along with the weapons of mass destruction. Development of nuclear weapons was followed by various missile programs in 70s with development of various ballistic, cruise, surface-to-air, anti- ballistic missile and orbital launch systems. India conducted its first nuclear test and initiated with Project Devil as an attempt to reverse engineer Soviet surface-to-air missile SA-2 Guideline and Project Valiant to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile. However, it could not succeed and experience gained led to development of Prithvi series of short-range ballistic missiles. [2] [3] In early 80s, India conducted its first successful orbital launch [4] and synchronized its research institutions under IGMDP and successfully developed a series of strategic missile systems. [5] The project began in early 1980s and ended in 2008, after these strategic missiles were successfully developed. The last major missile developed under the program was the Agni 3 intermediate-range ballistic missile which was successfully tested on 9 July 2007. Since then, India has developed, tested, operationalized, and is developing several missile systems that are limited to only a handful of countries including ICBMs, ASATs, SLBMs and hypersonic weapon systems. Threats posed by enemy missile systems led to the pursuit of Indian Ballistic Missile Defense Programme.
In 2017, India produced most of defined MTCR defined missile technologies required to be integrated to produce most missile systems. [6] As per G Satheesh Reddy, India achieved complete self reliance in missile technology. [7]
Mysorean rockets were the first iron-cased rockets that were successfully deployed for military use. Kingdom of Mysore utilised them effectively in the conflicts against the British East India Company. In addition, wheeled rocket launchers capable of launching five to ten rockets almost simultaneously were used in war. These rockets were re-engineered as Congreve rockets by British opening the door of development of advanced rocketry further in Europe. [1]
Indian government constituted a teamd Special Weapons Development Team in 1958 to study guided missile systems. [8]
The phase-I of missile program was limited to development of a first generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) by DRDO. Liquid fuel rocket engines based on Soviet missile system SA-2 were developed. Despite the overall failure of DRDO to develop a reliable ATGM, Indian laboratories had established facilities useful for machining and fabricating various parts of missile systems including gyroscopes, actuators, silver oxide-zinc batteries, booster and sustainer motors, air frame hard- ware such as fiberglass wings, ground launcher mechanisms, and wire spool winding and reeling mechanisms. India later excepted the French offer to produce SS-11B anti-tank guided missiles in 1970s. In another phase initiated in 1970s, Project Devil to reverse engineer Soviet SA-2 Guideline and Project Valiant to develop an Inter-continental ballistic missile too ended up with limited success but imparting experience and facilities for further research on missiles and space rockets. DRDO simultaneously focused on building a guidance package – an essential part of a long-range missile that determines its path and accuracy to hit a target. A platform-based inertial navigation system (INS) was developed and tested, on board an Avro aircraft, in 1974–75. Subsequently, an INS was built for both missiles and an aircraft, and this was tested in 1979 on board a Canberra aircraft. [9] [8] Decade of 1980s witnessed India gaining significant grounds in rocket technology and various technology demonstration programs began which became the basis of modern rocket systems in India. DRDL had developed competencies in the fields of propulsion, navigation and manufacture of materials. Indian Space Research Organisation had successfully tested India's first orbital rocket SLV-3 in 1980 whose first stage was used in Agni-TD ballistic missile for technological demonstration of Agni missile family. This subsequently led to the birth of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program and Dr. Abdul Kalam, who had previously been the project director for the SLV-3 programme at ISRO, was inducted as the DRDL Director in 1983 to conceive and lead it. He decided that DRDL would pursue multiple projects in this area simultaneously. Thus, four projects were born under the IGMDP; Short-range surface-to-surface missile (code-named Prithvi), Short-range low-level surface-to-air missile (code-named Trishul), Medium-range surface-to-air missile (code-named Akash) and Third-generation anti-tank missile (code-named Nag). [10]
The Agni missile was initially conceived in the IGMDP as a technology demonstrator project in the form of a re-entry vehicle, and was later upgraded to a ballistic missile with different ranges. [11] As part of this program, the Interim Test Range at Balasore in Orissa was also developed for missile testing. [12]
The fourth phase of India's missile program stretched from mid-1990s to early 21st century. The phase has witnessed limited series production of DRDO's missiles and their deployment in battlefields. DRDO further embarked on programs in developing submarine-launched ballistic missile Sagarika, cruise missiles BrahMos, naval variant of Prithvi Dhanush. Spanning from 1970s to 2000s, India's missile programs have transitioned into a self-sustaining character. [13] Over the period from then, India has made improvements in technology of its missile systems and has produced many missile systems including ICBMs, anti-ballistic missiles, air-to-air missiles, cruise missiles and other systems.
After India test-fired the first Prithvi missile in 1988, and the Agni missile in 1989, the Missile Technology Control Regime (then an informal grouping established in 1987 by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) decided to restrict access to any technology that would help India in its missile development program. Some of the major technology which was denied, included:
To counter the MTCR, the IGMDP team formed a consortium of DRDO laboratories, industries and academic institutions to build these sub-systems, components and materials. Though this slowed down the progress of the program, India successfully developed indigenously all the restricted components denied to it by the MTCR. [12]
In 2011, the DRDO Chief V K Saraswat had stated that "indigenous content" in India's strategic missiles had gone up to such a level, with ring-laser gyros, composite rocket motors, micro-navigation systems etc., that "no technology control regime" could derail them any longer. [14]
In 1959, Indian agencies conducted feasibility study to develop a first generation wire guided anti-tank missile.DRDO Anti Tank Missile. [15] Sino-Indian war in 1962 induced the government to fund the project. [16] [17] Designing and wind tunnel tests went on to develop an ATGM of a range of 0.5 to 2 km with flight speed of about 90 m/s. [15] The missile was terminated eventually in 1969 once Indian army upgraded its requirements of an ATGM of range from 1.6 km to 2 km. [15] [18]
The aim of Project Devil was to reverse engineer Soviet SA-2 Guideline missile to produce an indigenous short-range surface-to-air missile. The program initially waned in favour of Project Valiant but was revived later after 1974. Although DRDL had developed and tested various systems for the missile, it later was completely cancelled in 1980 due to disputes between officials and technologies were utilised in other missile programs. [19] [20]
Project Valiant was one of two early liquid-fuelled missile projects developed by India, along with Project Devil in the 1970s. The goal of Project Valiant was to produce an ICBM with 30 tonne engines and a range of 8,000 km (5,000 mi). Valiant missile was envisaged as an 85 tonnes liquid fueled three-staged ICBM. The missile although could reach near the stages of grounding testing, DRDO's interest in program waned due to internal disputes. ISRO was later approached with an offer to use missile for civilian uses which they declined leading to overall closure of the project. [21] [20] [3] Although discontinued in 1974 without achieving full success, Project Valiant, like Project Devil, helped in the development of the Prithvi missile in the 1980s. [22] Though never reached fruition, the projects were important precursors to the Prithvi missile developed in the 1980s. [23]
Trishul was a short-range surface-to-air missile to be used against low flying and sea-skimming targets. The range of the missile is 12 km and is fitted with a 15 kg warhead. The overall weight of the missile is 130 kg. Due to delay in development time and various deficiencies, Trishul could never enter production and service beyond testing and was substituted by Israeli Barak 1 missile. The project was officially closed in 2008 and DRDO embarked on more surface-to-air missile programs later. [24]
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was a Ministry of Defence (India) programme for the research and development of a comprehensive range of missiles. The program was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government research organisations. The program envisaged development of five strategic systems. Prithvi series of short ranged ballistic missiles, Trishul low altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile, Akash medium-range surface-to-air missile and Nag third generation anti-tank guided missile followed by Agni series of medium and long-range ballistic missiles. [5] [25] The project began in early 1980s and ended in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed. The last major missile developed under the program was the Agni 3 intermediate-range ballistic missile which was successfully tested on 9 July 2007. [26]
On 8 January 2008, the DRDO formally announced the successful completion of the IGMDP. [5] It added that the strategic integrated guided missile program was completed with its design objectives achieved since most of the missiles in the program had been developed and inducted by the Indian armed forces. [27]
Further variants of Prithvi missile, Akash-NG, Agni-IV, Agni-V, Agni-VI and Agni based K missile family went ahead later as independent projects.
Akash is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Ordnance Factories Board and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India. [28] [29] The missile system can target aircraft, cruise missiles, air to surface missiles and ballistic missiles up to 30 km to 60 km away, at altitudes up to 18,000 m. [30] [31] [32] [33] Variants like Akash-1S and Akash-NG have longer ranges, higher accuracy, higher mobility and lower reaction time. [34] [35]
Nag, also referred as Prospina, is the currently serving third generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank guided missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). Nag has been developed at a cost of ₹3 billion (US$35.9 million). [36] Nag has an operational range from 500 m to 20 km (12 mi) and first shot hit probability exceeding 90%. [37] Nag also has its man-portable, helicopter mounted, Stand-off and IFV mounted versions. [38]
Besides Nag, BDL's Amogha series is currently undergoing trials and will have land-attack, man-portable and air-launched variants. [39] [40] Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is testing a laser-guided, tank gun-launched SAMHO missile able to destroy tanks and low-flying helicopters. [41] Besides state-run programmes, Indian private firms have been emerging with ATGM systems.
Prithvi missiles were tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) and were first ballistic missiles to be developed and enter service in India. It goes from Prithvi-I (SS-150) with 150 km (93 mi) range to Prithvi-II (SS-250) and Prithvi-III (SS-350) with ranges of up to 350 km (220 mi). [42] Dhanush or navalised Prithvi is a system consisting of a stabilisation platform (Bow) and the Missile (Arrow). It is intended for the Indian Navy, to be fired from ships against other ships or land targets. Dhanush can fire modified versions of Prithvi-II or Prithvi-III with ranges high as 750 km (470 mi). [43]
Solid fueled Prahar and Pranash are being tested to replace existing Prithvi missiles. [44] Export variant "Pragati" was exhibited in South Korea in 2013 but didn't receive any orders. [45] [46] Pralay is another battlefield range ballistic missile with better range being developed from PDV anti-ballistic missile. [47]
The Agni missile series began as a "Re-Entry Vehicle" project (later rechristened as Agni Technology Demonstrator) in the IGMDP. It subsequently gave rise to the series of India's medium-range, intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Agni-I, Agni-II and Agni-III missiles were developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. [5]
Longer range Agni-IV and Agni-V with intercontinental ranges and MIRV emerged in early 2010s as separate projects. [48]
Agni-P, an upgraded successor of Agni-I and Agni-II, was tested in 2021 with ability to carry maneuverable reentry vehicle (MaRV). Agni-P has improved propellant, navigation and guided systems and reportedly can be used as an ASBM against aircraft carriers. [49]
Agni-VI is another Intercontinental ballistic missile reported to be in rudimentary stages of development by India, and until May 2012 was not officially confirmed by either the Government of India or the DRDO. [50] Reportedly, it will be able to be launched from submarines or from land and to strike a target of over 10,000 km (6,200 mi) [50] with MIRV-ed warheads. [51] Top DRDO scientists have previously asserted that India has almost all the equipment and technology needed to develop ICBMs, "but where the warhead should go or what the range should be will have to be a political call". [52] In 1995 in a report published by magazine Nonproliferation review, DRDO was working on an ICBM called Surya with a range of 12,000–16,000 km (7,500–9,900 mi). Although, the actual status of missile always remained unknown in public domain. [53] Sources have speculated that Agni-VI might be Surya under new codename. [54]
Later, Agni-V would go on to acquire MIRV capabilities [55] [56]
K (named after Abdul Kalam) are submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) of India. SLBM variants of Agni missiles meant to arm India's nuclear submarines, their ranges vary from medium-range K-15 to intercontinental range K-6 (missile). [57]
The Shaurya missile is a land attack variant of K-15 missile. The missile has a hypersonic speed and a hybrid ballistic-cruise trajectory. [58]
BrahMos (also known as PJ-10) are supersonic to hypersonic cruise missiles developed in collaboration between India and Russia. BrahMos have land attack, ship and submarine-launched and air-launched versions and are the fastest cruise missiles in world in operation. The existing versions of missiles include supersonic land-attack, anti-ship ship-launched versions meanwhile longer range, hypersonic and air-launched versions are under development. [59] [60]
Nirbhay is the Indian long-range subsonic cruise missile under development and testing, expecting its air and submarine-launched version after trials. It was successfully test fired for second time from Balasore Orissa. Able to travel at speed of 0.6-0.9 mach. However, its test on 12 October 2020 failed due to a technical snag. It has succeeded in other tests before and has been approved for limited production in 2020. An upgraded version of the missile is reportedly under development. It is currently deployed on LAC in limited numbers since 2020 due to 2020 China-India standoff. [61] [62]
Nirbhay project is now technically closed after completing six developmental trials. The next phase of tests will happen from April 2020 under a new name called Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM). It will include Short Turbo Fan Engine (STFE) developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and a Radio-frequency (RF) seeker from Research Centre Imarat (RCI). A separate air-launched variant and submarine-launched variant is under active development. Several cruise missile systems are expected to be introduced from experience gained with Nirbhay. [63]
Astra are India's fifth-generation beyond-visual-range active radar homing air-to-air missile series. [64] The current version in service has a range from 10 km (6.2 mi) to 110 km (68 mi) similar to AIM-120 AMRAAM while versions up to 350 km (220 mi) and intermediate ranges are being developed. [65]
A surface-to-air missile variant VL-SRSAM has also been developed from Astra to replace Indian navy's Barak 1 missiTN1 With supplementary Akash missile systems along, it forms a surface-to-air missile system similar to American NASAM 2. [65]
In wake of missile threats from China and Pakistan, the development of anti-ballistic missiles began in the late 1990s. The program consists of multiple phases and components. Phase-I of program is a double-tiered system consisting of two land and sea-based interceptor missiles, namely the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile for high altitude interception, and the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) Missile for lower altitude interception. The two-tiered shield should be able to intercept any incoming missile launched from 5,000 kilometres away. [66] The system also includes an overlapping network of early warning and tracking radars, as well as command and control posts. [67] Phase-I is awaiting government's approval for installation over national capital. [68] Phase-II would include more potent AD-1 and AD-2 anti-ballistic missiles capable of engaging without IRBMs, ICBMs and hypersonic cruise missiles. Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Mk. 1 and II are also under trials to intercept missiles at higher altitude and longer ranges and replace existing PAD. [69] PDV Mk. 2 has also demonstrated anti-satellite capability. [70]
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) is a technology demonstrator aimed to demonstrate autonomous flight of a Scramjet Integrated Vehicle using ethylene. The technology is expected to become the basis of India's hypersonic missiles and aircraft in future. [71] India has developed an Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) that will help to destroy enemy advance warning systems. This was named as Rudram-1, with a range of 100–250 km. [72] Production of the ARM is being done on a priority basis by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), which specialises in missile development. Such missiles can be mounted on the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter planes. [73]
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Astra (missile) | Astra Mk1 | active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile | 110 km (68 mi) | Mach 4.5 | High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead | 2018 | In Service | [74] [75] |
Astra Mk2 | active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile | 160 km (99 mi) | High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead | TBD | In trials | [76] [77] [78] | ||
Astra Mk3 | active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile | 350 km (220 mi) | High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead | TBD | In trials | [76] | ||
Novator KS-172 | beyond visual range air-to-air missile | 200 to 300 km (120 to 190 mi) | Mach 3.3 | High-explosive fragmentated directional warhead | 2007 | In Service | [79] | |
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet | Technology demonstration testbed for future beyond visual range missile air-to-air missile | 350 km (220 mi) | Mach 4.5 [80] | TBD | In trials | [81] [82] | ||
MICA (missile) | beyond visual range air-to-air missile | 500 m to 60 km | Mach 4 | 2012 | In service | [83] |
Name | Type | Maximum range | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rudram-1 | Anti-radiation missile | 150 km (93 mi) [84] | Conventional | 2022 | In service | [85] |
Rudram-2 | Air to surface anti-radiation missile | 300 km (190 mi) | Conventional | TBD | Under development | [86] |
Rudram-3 | Air to surface missile | 550 km (340 mi) | Conventional | TBD | Under development | [87] |
Family | Name | Type | Interception altitude | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark II | Exo-atmospheric Hit-to-kill anti-ballistic missile | 1,200 km (750 mi) | Kinetic kill vehicle | Unknown | Being tested | [88] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NASM-SR | Short-range anti-ship missile | 55+ km | Conventional or nuclear 100 kg | TBD | In user trials | [89] [90] | ||
Naval anti ship missile -MR | Medium-range anti-ship missile | 150–250 km | Conventional 150 kg | TBD | In development | [89] [90] | ||
BrahMos | Brahmos-A | Anti-ship cruise missile | 400 km | Conventional or nuclear | In Service |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SMART | Long-range anti-submarine missile | 643+ km | Conventional 50 kg | TBD | In development | [91] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nag (missile) | Prospina | Third generation land-attack ATGM | 4 km (2.5 mi) | Tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank | 2016 | In service | [92] |
HeliNa/Dhruvastra | Air-launched ATGM | 10 km (6.2 mi) | TBD | Being Inducted | [93] | ||
Stand off Anti-Tank missile | Standoff air-launched ATGM | 20 km (12 mi) | TBD | Development trials | [94] | ||
MPATGM | Man-portable anti-tank missile | 2.5 km (1.6 mi) | TBD | Developmental trials | [95] | ||
Amogha missile | Amogha-1 | Second-generation anti-tank guided missile | 2.8 km (1.7 mi) | HEAT | TBD | Developmental trials | [96] |
Air-launched Amogha | Air-launched anti-tank missile | HEAT | TBD | Proposed | [97] | ||
Man portable Amogha | Man-portable anti-tank missile | HEAT | TBD | Proposed | [97] | ||
SAMHO | Cannon-launched ATGM | 5 km (3.1 mi) | Tandem HEAT | TBD | Developmental trials | [98] [99] [100] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prithvi (missile) | Prithvi-I (SS-150) | surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile | 150 km (93 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 1994 | Being withdrawn by 2030 | [101] |
Prithvi-II (SS-250) | surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile | 250 to 350 km (160 to 220 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2003 | Being withdrawn by 2030 | [102] | |
Prithvi-III (SS-350) | surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile | 350 to 600 km (220 to 370 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2004 | In Service | [103] | |
Dhanush | surface-to-surface anti-ship ballistic missile | 350 to 750 km (220 to 470 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2018 | In Service | [104] | |
Agni (missile) | Agni-I | surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile | 900 to 1,200 km (560 to 750 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2002 | In Service | [105] |
Agni-P | surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile | 1,000 to 2,000 km (620 to 1,240 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2021 | In development | [106] | |
Agni-II | surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile | 2,000 to 3,500 km (1,200 to 2,200 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2010 | In Service | [107] | |
Agni-III | surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missile | 3,500 to 5,000 km (2,200 to 3,100 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2011 | In Service | [108] | |
Agni-IV | surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missile | 4,000 km (2,500 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2014 | In Service | [109] | |
Agni-V | surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile | 5,500 to 8,000 km (3,400 to 5,000 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2018 | In Service | [110] | |
Agni-VI | surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile | 10,000 to 12,000 km (6,200 to 7,500 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In development | [111] | |
Surya missile | surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile | 16,000 km (9,900 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | Unknown | Unconfirmed | [112] | |
K missile family | K-15 (Sagarika) | short-range submarine-launched ballistic missile | 750 km (470 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | 2018 | In Service | [113] |
K-4 | medium-range submarine-launched ballistic missile | 3,500 km (2,200 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In Service | [114] | |
K-5 | intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (IR-SLBM) | 5,000 km (3,100 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In development | [115] | |
K-6 | intercontinental submarine-launched ballistic missile (IC-SLBM) | 6,000 to 8,000 km (3,700 to 5,000 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In development | [115] | |
Prahaar | Prahaar | surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile | 150 km (93 mi) | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In trials | [116] |
Pragati | surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile | 170 km (110 mi) | Conventional | — (For export) | In development | [117] [118] | |
Pranash | surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile | 200 km (120 mi) | Conventional | TBD | In development | [119] | |
Pralay | surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) | 500 km (310 mi) | Conventional | TBD | In service | [120] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BrahMos | BrahMos Block I | Supersonic ship-launched anti-ship / land-attack cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | Mach 3 | Conventional or nuclear | 2007 | In service | [121] |
Supersonic land-launched land-attack / anti-ship cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | 2008/2010 | In service | |||||
BrahMos Block II | Supersonic land-launched land-attack cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | 2012 | In service | ||||
BrahMos Block III | Supersonic land-launched land-attack cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | 2013 | In service | ||||
BrahMos-A | Supersonic air-launched land-attack / anti-ship cruise missile | 400 km (250 mi) | 2020 | In service | ||||
Submarine-launched BrahMos | Supersonic submarine-launched anti-ship / land-attack cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | 2013 | In service | ||||
BrahMos ER | Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile | 600 km (370 mi) | 2022 | In service | ||||
BrahMos NG | Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile | 290 km (180 mi) | TBD | In development | ||||
BrahMos-II | Hypersonic cruise missile | 600–1,000 km (370–620 mi) | Mach 8 | Conventional or nuclear | TBD | In development | [60] | |
Nirbhay (missile) | Subsonic land-attack cruise missile | 1,000–1,500 km (620–930 mi) | Mach 0.9 | Conventional or nuclear | 2019 | In service | [122] [61] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Interception altitude | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VSHORAD (India) | Very short-range surface-to-air missile | 6 km (3.7 mi) | 3.5 km (2.2 mi) | Mach 1.5 | High explosive | In development trials | [123] | ||
Trishul (missile) | Short-range surface-to-air missile | 9 km (5.6 mi) | Mach 1+ | High explosive | 1983 | Retired | [24] | ||
Akash (missile) | Akash Mk I | Medium-range surface-to-air missile | 30 km (19 mi) | 18 km (11 mi) | Mach 2.8-3.5 | High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead | 2009 | In service | [124] |
Akash Mk II | 40 km (25 mi) | 20 km (12 mi) | High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead | TBA | Developmental trials | [125] | |||
Akash-NG | 70 km (43 mi) | 20 km (12 mi) | High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead | TBA | Developmental trials | [126] [127] [128] | |||
Maitri (missile) | Quick reaction surface-to-air missile | 30 km (19 mi) | The proposal has been shelved and superseded by the QRSAM and VL-SRSAM missiles for the use of the Indian Army and Indian Navy respectively. | ||||||
QRSAM | Quick reaction surface-to-air missile | 30 km (19 mi) | 10 km (6.2 mi) | 2022 | Being inducted | [129] | |||
VL-SRSAM | Short-range surface-to-air missile | 50 km (31 mi) | High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead | Being tested | [130] | ||||
SAMAR Air Defence System | Short-range surface-to-air missile | 12–40 km (7.5–24.9 mi) | High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead | In use | [131] [132] | ||||
Barak 8 | MRSAM | Medium-range surface-to-air missile | 70 km (43 mi) | 16 km (9.9 mi) | Mach 2+ | Proximity censor based | 2020 | In service | [133] |
LRSAM | Long-range surface-to-air missile | 100 km (62 mi) | 16 km (9.9 mi) | Proximity censor based | 2019 | In service | [134] | ||
S-400 | 400 km | ||||||||
ER-SAM | Extended-range surface-to-air missile | 250 km (160 mi) | High explosive | TBD | In development | ||||
XR-SAM | Long-range surface-to-air missile | 400 km (250 mi) | High explosive | TBD | In development | [135] [136] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Interception altitude | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase I of Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme | Prithvi Air Defence | Exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile | 300 km (190 mi)-2,000 km (1,200 mi) | 50 km (31 mi)-180 km (110 mi) [137] | Mach 5+ | Proximity fuze | 2006 | Being inducted | [138] |
Advanced Air Defence | Endo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile | 150 km (93 mi) | 15 km (9.3 mi)-40 km (25 mi) [137] | Mach 4.5 | Hit-to-kill | 2007 | Being inducted | [139] | |
Prithvi Defence Vehicle [ broken anchor ] | Exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile | 2,000 km (1,200 mi) | 150 km (93 mi) | Hit-to-kill | 2019 | In trials | [140] | ||
Phase II of Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme | Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II | Exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile | 1,200 km (750 mi) | Hit-to-kill | TBD | Developmental trials | [141] | ||
AD-1 | Anti-ballistic missile | 5,000 km (3,100 mi) [142] | TBA | Hit-to-kill | TBD | In development | [143] [144] | ||
AD-2 | Anti-ballistic missile | TBA | TBA | Hit-to-kill | TBD | In development |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K missile family | Shaurya (missile) | Hypersonic surface to surface tactical missile | 700 km (430 mi) | Mach 7.5 | Conventional or nuclear | 2011 | In service | [145] |
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle | Testbed for development of hypersonic systems | Mach 12 | — | 2019 | Being tested | [146] |
Family | Name | Type | Maximum range | Speed | Warhead | Introduction | Status | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher | Pinaka Mk I | Multiple rocket launcher | 40 km (25 mi) | Various | 1998 | In service | [147] | |
Pinaka Mk II/Guided Pinaka | 90 km (56 mi) | Various | TBA | In trials | [148] | |||
Indian long-range MRL | Multiple rocket launcher | 120 km (75 mi) | Various | TBD | In development | [149] | ||
Current missile research and development in India happens under the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), and a group of laboratories collectively called the Missile Complex Laboratories. [150]
The Agni-III is an Indian intermediate-range ballistic missile inducted into service in 2011 as the successor of the Agni-II. It has a range of 3,500 to 5,000 kilometres and can reach targets deep inside neighbouring countries including Pakistan & China.
The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), sometimes called Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). It is responsible for the management and administration of the country's tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile. It was created on 4 January 2003 by the Vajpayee Government. Air Marshal Teja Mohan Asthana became its first commander-in-chief.
Prithvi is a tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). It is deployed by India's Strategic Forces Command.
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of the comprehensive range of missiles. The programme was managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board in partnership with other Indian government political organisations. The project started in 1982–83 under the leadership of Abdul Kalam who oversaw its ending in 2008 after these strategic missiles were successfully developed.
The Agni missile is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles developed by India, named after one of the five elements of nature. Agni missiles are long-range, nuclear weapons capable, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The first missile of the series, Agni-I was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (lGMDP) and tested in 1989. After its success, the Agni missile programme was separated from the GMDP upon realizing its strategic importance. It was designated as a special programme in India's defence budget and provided adequate funds for subsequent development. As of November 2019, the missiles in the Agni series are being inducted into service. The family comprises the following:
Dr. Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island, is an island off the coast of Odisha, India, approximately 150 kilometres (93 mi) east of the state capital Bhubaneswar. The island was originally named after English commandant Lieutenant Hugh Wheeler. On 4 September 2015, the island was renamed to honour the late Indian president, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The Integrated Test Range missile testing facility is located on the island, and serves as the test facility for most of India's missiles such as the Akash, Agni, Astra, BrahMos, Nirbhay, Prahaar, Prithvi, Shaurya Missile, Advanced Air Defence, Prithvi Air Defence, SMART missile and ASAT missiles.
Agni-IV ("Fire") is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles which was earlier known as Agni II prime. It has been developed by India's DRDO and displayed a number of new technologies and significant improvement in missile technology. The missile is light-weight and has two stages of solid propulsion and a payload with re-entry heat shield. With 4,000 km range, it is capable of striking targets in nearly all of mainland China, if launched from northeastern part of India.
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is one of India's manufacturers of ammunitions and missile systems. It was founded in 1970 in Hyderabad, India. BDL was established to be a manufacturing base for guided weapon systems and begun with a pool of engineers drawn from Indian Ordnance Factories, DRDO and aerospace industries, it began by producing a first generation anti-tank guided missile - the French SS11B1. While fulfilling its basic role as a weapons system manufacturer, BDL has built up in-house R&D capabilities primarily focusing on design and engineering activities. BDL has three manufacturing units, located at Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad; Bhanur, Medak district, and Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence system to protect India from ballistic missile attacks. It was launched in 2000 after the Kargil War by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Testing was carried out and continuing as of 2006, and the system was expected to be operational within four years according to the head of the country's missiles development programme, Vijay Kumar Saraswat.
Agni-I is a short-range ballistic missile that was developed by DRDO of India in the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It is a single-stage missile that was developed after the Kargil War to fill the gap between the 250 km (160-mile) range of the Prithvi-II missile and the 2,500 km (1,600-mile) range of the Agni-II. It was first launched from a road mobile launcher at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Wheeler Island, on 25 January 2002. Less than 75 launchers are deployed.
Prahaar ("Strike") is an Indian solid-fuel road-mobile tactical ballistic missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Prahaar is expected to replace the Prithvi-I short-range ballistic missile in Indian service.
The K family of missiles, is a family of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) developed by India to boost its second strike abilities and thus augment its nuclear deterrence. Information about this family of missiles has mostly been kept classified. It is reported that 'K missiles' are faster, lighter and stealthier than their Agni missile counterparts. High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) developed a new formulation of composite propellant that is more efficient and provide greater thrust compare to Agni missile series. The objective behind the development is to make K missile family faster and lighter without compromising on operational range.
Prahlada Rama Rao is an Indian missile scientist, former vice chancellor of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology and a former director of Defence Research and Development Laboratory, the largest of the Defence Research and Development Organization laboratories in India, known for his contributions to Indian space programme. He was honoured by the Government of India in 2015 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) is a missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics Limited for the Indian Army, meant for protecting moving armoured columns from aerial attacks.
Pralay is a canisterised surface-to-surface, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) for battlefield use developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India. The missile is an amalgamation of technologies developed for exoatmospheric interceptor missile Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) from the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme, and the Prahaar tactical missile. The project to develop Pralay was sanctioned in March 2015 with a budget of ₹332.88 crore.
Akash - New generation abbreviated as Akash-NG is a mid-ranged mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics (BEL).
The Vertical Launch – Short Range Surface to Air Missile, or VL-SRSAM is a quick reaction surface-to-air missile developed by the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
This article consists of projects of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.
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