List of Missiles of India: Check its Type, Range and Key Facts

India has made remarkable advancements in missile technology, showcasing its self-reliance and strategic capability. With a well-structured missile program, India has developed a wide range of missiles for defence and deterrence. 

These include ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and surface-to-air missiles, among others. Designed and developed by organisations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), these missiles are key to India’s national security. 

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Recently, India successfully tested the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from INS Arighaat. With a range of 3,500 km, it bolsters the nation’s second-strike capability. The K-4 can be launched from underwater, making it difficult to detect and intercept. 

India’s nuclear missile program emphasises credible deterrence while adhering to a no-first-use policy. It is a vital pillar of national security, ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Under PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s visionary leadership, #India scales new heights in defense! The successful K-4 ballistic missile test (3,500 km range)from INS Arighaat reinforces our nuclear triad’s sea leg.

Salute to brilliance of @DRDO_India scientists for historic feat! pic.twitter.com/n9txTJuthc

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— Zubin Ashara (@zubinashara) November 28, 2024

Missiles of India: Types and Range

India has primarily 7 types of missiles, as mentioned below:

Types of Missile	Description
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)	Designed to detect and neutralise airborne threats, these missiles enhance air defence capabilities.
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)	Launched from aircraft, these missiles are intended to engage and eliminate aerial targets during combat.
Surface-to-Surface Missiles	These missiles are engineered to strike land or maritime targets, serving both tactical and strategic roles.
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) / Interceptor Missiles	Developed to intercept and neutralise incoming ballistic missiles, bolstering national defence systems.
Cruise Missiles	Capable of long-range travel at low altitudes, these missiles are utilised for precise strikes on land or sea objectives.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles	These missiles are launched from submarines, allowing for stealthy strikes on land targets while remaining undetected.
Anti-Tank Missiles	Specifically designed to target and destroy armoured vehicles, these missiles enhance the effectiveness of ground forces.

Source:Defence Research and Development Organisation

List of Important Indian Missiles

Here is a list of important Indian missiles categorised by type:

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) are designed to detect, track, and intercept aerial threats, such as enemy aircraft and incoming missiles. These systems play a crucial role in national defence by providing a protective shield against airborne attacks. 

Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)

Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) are launched from aircraft to engage and destroy enemy aerial targets. These missiles have transformed modern aerial warfare by enabling fighters to engage threats beyond visual range. 

Surface-to-Surface Missiles

Surface-to-Surface Missiles are designed to strike targets located on land or at sea from ground-based platforms. These missiles serve various tactical and strategic purposes, including precision strikes against enemy installations or troop concentrations. 

Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) / Interceptor Missiles

Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems are designed to detect and intercept incoming ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. These interceptor missiles play a vital role in national security by providing a defensive layer against potential missile attacks from adversaries. 

 

Name of the Missile	Sub Category of Missile	Types of Missiles	Launch Date	Operational Range	Speed
MICA	Air-to-Air Missile	Air-to-Air Missile	11 June 2007	500 m to 80 km	Mach 4
Astra Missile	Air-to-Air Missile	Air-to-Air Missile	23 August 2023	80-110 km	Mach 4.5 +
Novator K-100	Medium Range Air to Air Missile	Air-to-Air Missile	1993	300-400 km	Mach 3.3
Trishul (Precision issues led to the import of Barak Missiles from Israel.)	Short Range Surface to Air Missile	Surface-to-Air Missile	27 March 2004	9 km	–
Akash Missile (3 Variants)	Medium Range Surface to Air Missile	Surface-to-Air Missile	3 August 2014	Akash 1-S: 18-30 km Akash Mark-II: 35-40 km Akash-NG: >50 km	Mach 2.5-3.5
Barak 8	Long Range Surface to Air Missile	Surface-to-Air Missile	20 September 2016	100 km	Mach 2
See more : Brain Teaser IQ Test: Who Will Sink First? Test Your Observation Skills in 5 Seconds! Prithvi Air Defense	Exo-Atmospheric Interceptor Missile	Surface-to-Air Missile	22 December 2010	2000 km	Mach 8
Agni I	Medium Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	1989	700-1250 km	Mach 7.5
Agni II	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	30 September 2011	2000-3000 km	Mach 12
Agni III	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	7 May 2008	Around 3000 km	5-6 km/sec
Agni IV	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	2011	Around 4000 km	Mach 7
Agni V	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	19 April 2012	Around 5000 km	Mach 24
Prithvi I	Short Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	27 January 1996	150 km	–
Prithvi II	Short Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	21 February 2018	350 km	–
Dhanush	Short Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	24 April 2012	350-600 km	–
Shaurya	Medium Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	24 September 2011	750-1900 km	–
Prahaar	Short Range Ballistic Missile	Surface-to-Surface Missile	21 July 2011	150 km	–
BrahMos	Supersonic Cruise Missile	Cruise Missile	12 June 2001	290 km	Mach 2.8-3
BrahMos II	Hypersonic Cruise Missile	Cruise Missile	See more : Observation Skills Test: If you have Eagle Eyes find the number 233 among 283 in 9 Seconds? May 12, 2022	1000 km	Mach 7
Nirbhay	Subsonic Cruise Missile	Cruise Missile	15 April 2019	1000-1500 km	Mach 0.8
Prithvi Air Defense (PAD)	Exo-Atmospheric Anti-Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile Defence	22 December 2010	Altitude – 80 km	Mach 5 +
Prithvi Defense Vehicle (PDV)	Exo-Atmospheric Anti-Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile Defence	11 February 2017	5000 km	Mach 4.5
Advanced Air Defense (AAD)/Ashwin	Endoatmospheric Anti-Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile Defence	2 December 2007	Altitude – 30 km	–
Sagarika (K-15)	Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile	11 March 2012	Around 750 km	–
K – 4	Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile	27 November, 2024	Around 3500 km	–
K – 5	Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile	Ballistic Missile	2022	Around 5000-6,000 km	–
Amogha (III)	Anti-Tank Guided Missile	Anti-Tank Missile	March 26, 2023	2.8 km	–
Nag	Anti-Tank Guided Missile	Anti-Tank Missile	19 July 2019	500 m – 4 km	230 m/s
Helina	Anti-Tank Guided Missile	Anti-Tank Missile	11 April 2022	7 – 10 km	–

Cruise Missiles

Cruise missiles are characterised by their ability to fly at low altitudes over long distances, allowing for precise strikes on land or maritime targets. These missiles are typically powered by jet engines and can be guided using GPS or inertial navigation systems. 

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) are designed to be launched from submarines, providing a stealthy and mobile platform for delivering nuclear or conventional payloads. This capability enhances a nation’s second-strike capability in nuclear deterrence strategies. 

Anti-Tank Missiles

Anti-Tank Missiles are specifically engineered to target and destroy armoured vehicles such as tanks and personnel carriers. These missiles incorporate advanced guidance systems that enhance their accuracy and effectiveness in combat situations. 

India has approximately 29 different types of missiles under various categories, including ballistic, cruise, air-to-air, and surface-to-air systems. Among its missiles, the Agni V is notable for being India’s longest-range nuclear-capable ballistic missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 km.

Exploring India’s Strategic Missile Defense Framework

India’s missile defence system is a critical component of its national security, designed to protect the country from potential missile threats. 

It includes a range of sophisticated systems, such as the Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program, which consists of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Advanced Air Defence (AAD), and the Agni series of missiles.

These systems are capable of intercepting both short-range and long-range missiles, ensuring India’s strategic defence. 

The country’s missile defence strategy also includes naval and air defence systems like the S-400 Triumf and Barak-8, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure and maintaining deterrence capabilities.

Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) System

• Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) is a crucial component of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at high altitudes, specifically in the exo-atmospheric region. 

• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the PAD operates within an altitude range of 50 to 80 kilometres and is capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 2,000 kilometres. 

• The missile features a two-stage design, utilising solid fuel in the first stage and liquid fuel in the second. 

• Its guidance system incorporates inertial navigation complemented by mid-course updates from long-range tracking radars, enabling it to effectively detect threats during their mid-course phase. 

• The PAD’s successful tests have demonstrated its capability to intercept various missile types, enhancing India’s strategic defence posture against potential adversaries.

Advanced Air Defence (AAD) System

• The Advanced Air Defence (AAD) system serves as the second tier of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence architecture, focusing on lower-altitude interception of incoming ballistic missiles. 

• This system is designed to operate within an altitude range of 15 to 30 kilometres and employs a single-stage solid-fuelled missile for interception. 

• Like the PAD, the AAD is equipped with advanced guidance systems that utilise inertial navigation and terminal active radar homing for precision targeting. 

• The AAD’s primary role is to intercept missiles that penetrate the lower atmosphere, providing a critical layer of defence against aerial threats. 

• It complements the capabilities of the PAD by ensuring a comprehensive shield against various ballistic missile threats, thereby bolstering India’s national security framework.

India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System

• India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system represents a sophisticated multi-layered defence initiative aimed at safeguarding the nation from potential ballistic missile attacks. 
• Launched in response to regional security challenges, particularly from neighbouring countries, the BMD system integrates both the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) systems to provide a robust protective shield. 
• The BMD framework allows interception during multiple phases of a missile’s flight—boost phase, mid-course, and terminal phase—thereby maximising its effectiveness. 
• With ongoing advancements in technology and successful testing of interceptor missiles, India aims to enhance its deterrence capabilities further. 
• This strategic program not only aims to protect against conventional threats but also reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining a credible second-strike capability under its no-first-use nuclear policy.

S-400 Triumf

• The S-400 Triumf is an advanced air defence system acquired by India from Russia, known for its high-tech capabilities in detecting and neutralising various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles. 

• This system can engage targets at ranges of up to 400 kilometres and at altitudes of up to 30 kilometres, making it one of the most formidable air defence systems globally. 

• The S-400 employs multiple types of missiles tailored for different threat profiles, allowing it to adapt to various combat scenarios effectively. 

• Its advanced radar systems can track up to 100 targets simultaneously while engaging six at once, providing comprehensive situational awareness. 

• The induction of the S-400 into India’s defence arsenal significantly enhances its air defence capabilities, contributing to regional stability and deterrence against potential aerial threats from adversaries.

10 Key Facts About Missiles of India

• Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP): Launched in the 1980s, this initiative laid the foundation for India’s missile capabilities, resulting in the development of iconic missiles like Prithvi and Agni.
• Diverse Missile Types: India has developed a wide range of missiles, including ballistic missiles (Agni and Prithvi series), cruise missiles (BrahMos and Nirbhay), and anti-tank missiles (Nag).
• Nuclear Capability: Several Indian missiles, particularly the Agni and Prithvi series, are capable of delivering nuclear warheads, enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.
• BrahMos Missile: A joint venture with Russia, BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile known for its speed and precision, capable of being launched from land, sea, and air platforms.
• Agni Series: This family of ballistic missiles ranges from 700 km to over 5,000 km, with Agni-V being India’s longest-range missile designed for nuclear delivery.

According to the media sources, the #IndianNavy successfully conducted a test firing of the 3,500 km-range K-4 ballistic missile from its newly inducted nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighaat.

(File Pic) pic.twitter.com/YsYxfzMJ1D — DD India (@DDIndialive) November 28, 2024

 

• Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs): The K-series missiles (K-15 and K-4) enhance India’s second-strike capability, contributing to its sea-based nuclear deterrent.
• Advanced Air Defence Systems: The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) systems provide a multi-layered defense against incoming ballistic threats.
• Astra Missile: An advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, Astra enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities with a range of 80-110 km.
• Indigenous Development: Most Indian missiles are developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), focusing on self-reliance in defense technology.
• Future Programs: India is actively pursuing advancements in hypersonic missile technology and improved space defense systems to keep pace with global developments in military technology.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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