INDIAN MISSILES: AN OVERVIEW

17th January, 2024

INDIAN MISSILES: AN OVERVIEW

 

India has a storied history in missile technology, dating back to the 18th century with the deployment of Mysorean rockets in warfare. Post-independence, research resumed, leading to nuclear weapons development and various missile programs in the 1970s. Despite initial challenges, experiences from projects like Project Devil contributed to the development of the Prithvi series.

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in the 1980s successfully synchronized research institutions and culminated in the testing of the Agni 3 ballistic missile in 2007.

Since then, India has continued to make significant strides, boasting a diverse range of missile systems, including ICBMs, ASATs, SLBMs, and hypersonic weapons.

In 2016, India achieved complete self-reliance in missile technology. This milestone coincided with India's membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

History of India’s Missile Program

Kingdom of Mysore:

  • During the 18th century, Mysorean rockets were the first iron-cased rockets successfully deployed for military use.
  • Tipu Sultan's forces utilized them effectively against the British East India Company. These rockets, including wheeled rocket launchers, played a crucial role in battles like the Battle of Guntur in 1780.
  • The Mysorean rockets were later re-engineered by the British as Congreve rockets, contributing to the development of advanced rocketry in Europe.

Post-independence:

  • 1958: The Indian government established a Special Weapons Development Team to study guided missile systems.
  • Phase-I (pre-1970s): Development of the first-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) by DRDO. Although the ATGM was not entirely successful, it laid the groundwork for missile system components.
  • 1970s: Projects Devil and Valiant aimed at reverse engineering Soviet SA-2 Guideline and developing an intercontinental ballistic missile. Limited success but provided experience and facilities for future research.
  • 1980s: Significant progress in rocket technology, marked by the successful testing of India's first orbital rocket, SLV-3, in 1980. Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) initiated, leading to the development of Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, and Nag missiles.
  • Late 1980s-1990s: Agni missile conceived as a technology demonstrator and later upgraded to a ballistic missile. India's missile programs transitioned into a self-sustaining character.
  • Mid-1990s to early 21st century: BJP's nuclearization policy boosted missile development, including limited series production and deployment of DRDO's missiles. Programs like Sagarika, BrahMos, and Dhanush were initiated.

Diplomatic and Technological Hurdles:

  • 1988-1989: Prithvi and Agni missile tests faced restrictions from the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) countries.
  • Denied Technologies Included:
    • Phase shifters for Akash's radars (USA)
    • Magnesium alloy for Prithvi's wings (Germany)
    • Servo-valves for Agni and Prithvi's control systems
    • Gyroscopes and accelerometers (France)
    • Processors for computers used in Prithvi and Agni (Intel)
  • MTCR Response: DRDO formed a consortium to indigenously develop the denied components, overcoming the technological hurdles.
  • 2011: DRDO Chief V K Saraswat highlighted the increased indigenous content in India's strategic missiles, claiming immunity to technology control regimes.

Abandoned Missile Programs in India

DRDO Anti Tank Missile:

  • Initiation: Feasibility study in 1959 for a first-generation wire-guided anti-tank missile.
  • Context: Funded after the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
  • Specifications: Initially designed for a range of 0.5 to 2 km with a flight speed of about 90 m/s.
  • Termination: Ceased in 1969 due to updated Indian Army requirements (1.6 km to 2 km range).

Project Devil (Surface to Air Missile):

  • Objective: Reverse engineer Soviet SA-2 Guideline missile for an indigenous short-range surface-to-air missile.
  • Development: Initiated in the 1970s, later overshadowed by Project Valiant but revived after 1974.
  • Cancellation: Halted in 1980 due to disputes between officials. Technologies were utilized in other missile programs.

Project Valiant (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - ICBM):

  • Objective: Develop an ICBM with 30-tonne engines and an 8,000 km range.
  • Characteristics: Envisaged as an 85-tonnes liquid-fueled three-staged ICBM.
  • Outcome: Discontinued in 1974 without full success. DRDO's interest waned due to internal disputes.
  • Closure: Offered to ISRO for civilian use, declined by ISRO, leading to the overall closure of the project.

Trishul (Short Range Surface to Air Missile):

  • Objective: Intercept low-flying and sea-skimming targets.
  • Specifications: Range of 12 km, 15 kg warhead, overall weight 130 kg.
  • Issues: Faced delays in development and various deficiencies.
  • Outcome: Never entered production or service, officially closed in 2008. Substituted by Israeli Barak 1 missile.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

The IGMDP, managed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Ordnance Factories Board, aimed to develop a comprehensive range of missiles. It included the Prithvi, Trishul, Akash, Nag, and Agni series.

  • Duration: Early 1980s to 2008
  • Completion announced on January 8, 2008, with most missiles inducted by the Indian armed forces.

Missile Systems:

Akash

  • Type: Medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile system
  • Developers: DRDO, Ordnance Factories Board, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
  • Capabilities: Targets aircraft, cruise missiles, air to surface missiles, and ballistic missiles.
  • Variants: Akash-1S and Akash-NG with extended ranges, accuracy, mobility, and lower reaction time.

Nag (Prospina)

  • Type: Third-generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank guided missile
  • Cost: ₹3 billion (US$37.6 million)
  • Capabilities: Operational range from 500 m to 20 km, first-shot hit probability exceeding 90%.

Tactical Ballistic Missiles

  • Examples: Prithvi series (I, II, III), Dhanush, Prahar, Pranash, Pralay
  • Capabilities: Varied ranges, from short-range ballistic missiles to naval systems.

Agni Series

  • Development: Started as a project under IGMDP
  • Evolution: Agni-I, II, III (medium range), Agni-IV, V (intercontinental range), Agni-P (tested in 2021 with maneuverable reentry vehicle), Agni-VI (reported in development)

K Series

  • Type: Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM)
  • Ranges: Medium-range K-15 to intercontinental range K-6
  • Variant: Shaurya (land-attack variant)

BrahMos

  • Type: Supersonic to hypersonic cruise missiles
  • Collaboration: India and Russia
  • Versions: Land attack, ship, and submarine-launched; air-launched versions under development.

Other Cruise Missile Programs

Nirbhay

  • Type: Long-range sub-sonic cruise missile
  • Status: Technically closed after six developmental trials; expected to lead to new cruise missile systems.

Astra

  • Type: Fifth-generation beyond-visual-range active radar homing air-to-air missile
  • Range: Current version: 10 km to 110 km; future versions up to 350 km.

Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme

AAD Anti-Ballistic Missile

  • Phases: Double-tiered system (PAD for high altitude, AAD for lower altitude)
  • Capabilities: Intercept any incoming missile launched from 5,000 kilometers away.
  • Future Phases: AD-1 and AD-2 anti-ballistic missiles with enhanced capabilities.

Other Systems

Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)

  • Type: Technology demonstrator for autonomous flight of a Scramjet Integrated Vehicle.

Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM) - Rudram-1

  • Range: 100–250 km
  • Deployment: Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter planes.

Air-to-Air Missiles

  • Astra (Missile)
    • Family: Astra Mk1
    • Type: Active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 110 km (68 mi)
    • Speed: Mach 4.5
    • Warhead: High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead
    • Introduction: 2018
    • Status: In Service
  • Astra (Missile)
    • Family: Astra Mk2
    • Type: Active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 160 km (99 mi)
    • Warhead: High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead
    • Status: In development (TBD)
  • Astra (Missile)
    • Family: Astra Mk3
    • Type: Active radar homing beyond visual range air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 350 km (220 mi)
    • Warhead: High-explosive pre-fragmented warhead
    • Status: In development (TBD)
  • Novator KS-172
    • Type: Beyond visual range air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 200 to 300 km (120 to 190 mi)
    • Speed: Mach 3.3
    • Warhead: High-explosive fragmentated directional warhead
    • Introduction: 2007
    • Status: In use
  • Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet
    • Type: Technology demonstration testbed for future beyond visual range missile air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 350 km (220 mi)
    • Speed: Mach 4.5
    • Warhead: TBD
    • Status: Developmental trials
  • MICA (Missile)
    • Type: Beyond visual range air-to-air missile
    • Maximum Range: 500 m to 60 km
    • Speed: Mach 4
    • Warhead: TBD
    • Status: In development

Anti-Radiation Missiles

  • Rudram-1
    • Type: Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
    • Maximum Range: 150 km
    • Warhead: Conventional
    • Introduction: TBD
    • Status: To be inducted by 2023
  • Rudram-2
    • Type: Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
    • Maximum Range: 300 km
    • Warhead: Conventional
    • Introduction: TBD
    • Status: To be inducted by 2024
  • Rudram-3
    • Type: Air-to-surface anti-radiation missile
    • Maximum Range: 550 km
    • Warhead: Conventional
    • Introduction: TBD
    • Status: To be inducted by 2025

Anti-Satellite Missiles

Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark 2

  • Type: Exo-atmospheric Hit-to-kill anti-ballistic missile
  • Interception Altitude: 1,200 km
  • Warhead: Kinetic kill vehicle
  • Introduction: Unknown
  • Status: Being tested

Anti-Ship Missiles

NASM-SR

  • Type: Short-range anti-ship missile
  • Maximum Range: 55+ km
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear (100 kg)
  • Introduction: TBD
  • Status: In user trials

Naval Anti-Ship Missile - MR

  • Type: Medium-range anti-ship missile
  • Maximum Range: 150–250 km
  • Warhead: Conventional (150 kg)
  • Introduction: TBD
  • Status: In development

BrahMos

  • Type: Anti-ship cruise missile
  • BrahMos-A
    • Maximum Range: 400 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Status: In Service

Anti-Submarine Missile

SMART (Supersonic Missile Assisted Release of Torpedo)

  • Type: Long-range anti-submarine missile
  • Maximum Range: 643+ km
  • Warhead: Conventional (50 kg)
  • Introduction: TBD
  • Status: In development

Anti-Tank Missiles

  • Nag (Missile) - Prospina
    • Type: Third-generation land-attack ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile)
    • Maximum Range: 4 km
    • Warhead: Tandem-charge high-explosive anti-tank
    • Introduction: 2016
    • Status: In service
  • HeliNa/Dhruvastra
    • Type: Air-launched ATGM
    • Maximum Range: 10 km
    • Warhead: TBD
    • Status: Being inducted
  • Standoff Anti-Tank Missile
    • Type: Standoff Air-launched ATGM
    • Maximum Range: 20 km
    • Warhead: TBD
    • Status: Development trials
  • MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Missile)
    • Type: Man-portable anti-tank missile
    • Maximum Range:5 km
    • Warhead: TBD
    • Status: Developmental trials
  • Amogha Missile - Amogha-1
    • Type: Second-generation anti-tank guided missile
    • Maximum Range:8 km
    • Warhead: HEAT
    • Status: Developmental trials
  • Air-launched Amogha
    • Type: Air-launched anti-tank missile
    • Warhead: HEAT
    • Status: Proposed
  • Man-portable Amogha
    • Type: Man-portable anti-tank missile
    • Warhead: HEAT
    • Status: Proposed
  • SAMHO (Cannon-launched ATGM)
    • Type: Cannon-launched ATGM
    • Maximum Range: 5 km (3.1 mi)
    • Warhead: Tandem HEAT
    • Status: Developmental trials

Ballistic Missiles

Prithvi (Missile) Family

  • Prithvi-I (SS-150)
    • Type: Surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile
    • Maximum Range: 150 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 1994
    • Status: Being withdrawn
  • Prithvi-II (SS-250)
    • Type: Surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 250 to 350 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2003
    • Status: In service
  • Prithvi-III (SS-350)
    • Type: Surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 350 to 600 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2004
    • Status: In service
  • Dhanush
    • Type: Surface-to-surface Anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM)
    • Maximum Range: 350 to 750 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2018
    • Status: In service

Agni (Missile) Family

  • Agni-I
    • Type: Surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 900 to 1,200 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2002
    • Status: In service
  • Agni-P
    • Type: Surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 1,000 to 2,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 28 June 2021
    • Status: In development
  • Agni-II
    • Type: Surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 2,000 to 3,500 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2010
    • Status: In service
  • Agni-III
    • Type: Surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 3,500 to 5,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2011
    • Status: In service
  • Agni-IV
    • Type: Surface-to-surface intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)
    • Maximum Range: 4,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2014
    • Status: In service
  • Agni-V
    • Type: Surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
    • Maximum Range: 5,500 to 8,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2018
    • Status: In service
  • Agni-VI
    • Type: Surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
    • Maximum Range: 12,000 to 16,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Status: In development
  • Surya Missile
    • Type: Surface-to-surface intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
    • Maximum Range: 16,000 km
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Status: Unconfirmed

K Missile Family (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles)

  • K-15 (Sagarika)
  • Type: Short-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (SR-SLBM)
  • Maximum Range: 750 km
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Introduction: 2018
  • Status: In service
  • K-4
  • Type: Medium-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (MR-SLBM)
  • Maximum Range: 3,500 km
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Status: In service
  • K-5
  • Type: Intermediate-range submarine-launched ballistic missile (IR-SLBM)
  • Maximum Range: 5,000 km (3,100 mi)
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Status: In development
  • K-6
  • Type: Intercontinental submarine-launched ballistic missile (IC-SLBM)
  • Maximum Range: 6,000 to 8,000 km
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Status: In development

Other Ballistic Missiles

  • Prahaar
  • Type: Surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile
  • Maximum Range: 150 km
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Status: In trials
  • Pragati
  • Type: Surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile
  • Maximum Range: 170 km
  • Warhead: Conventional (For export)
  • Status: In development
  • Pranash
  • Type: Surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile
  • Maximum Range: 200 km
  • Warhead: Conventional
  • Status: In development
  • Pralay
  • Type: Surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
  • Maximum Range: 500 km
  • Warhead: Conventional
  • Status: In service

Cruise Missiles

BrahMos Family

  • BrahMos Block I
    • Type: Supersonic Ship-launched anti-ship / land-attack cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 290 km
    • Speed: Mach 3
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2007
    • Status: In service
  • BrahMos Block II
    • Type: Supersonic Land-launched land-attack cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 290 km
    • Introduction: 2012
    • Status: In service
  • BrahMos Block III
    • Type: Supersonic Land-launched land-attack cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 290 km
    • Introduction: 2013
    • Status: In service
  • BrahMos-A
    • Type: Supersonic Air-launched land-attack / anti-ship cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 400 km
    • Speed: Mach 3
    • Introduction: 2020
    • Status: In service
  • Submarine-launched BrahMos
    • Type: Supersonic Submarine-launched anti-ship / land-attack cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 290 km
    • Introduction: 2013
    • Status: In service
  • BrahMos ER (Extended Range)
    • Type: Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 600 km
    • Introduction: 2022
    • Status: In service
  • BrahMos NG (Next Generation)
    • Type: Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 290 km
  • BrahMos-II
    • Type: Hypersonic cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 600–1,000 km
    • Speed: Mach 8
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Status: In development

Nirbhay (Missile)

  • Nirbhay
    • Type: Subsonic land-attack cruise missile
    • Maximum Range: 1,000–1,500 km (620–930 mi)
    • Speed: Mach 0.9
    • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
    • Introduction: 2019
    • Status: In service

Surface-to-Air Missile Systems

VSHORAD (India)

  • Type: Very Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile
  • Maximum Range: 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Interception Altitude:5 km (2.2 mi)
  • Speed: Mach 1.5
  • Warhead: High explosive
  • Introduction: In development trials

Akash (Missile)

  • Akash Mk I
    • Type: Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile
    • Maximum Range: 30 km
    • Interception Altitude: 18 km
    • Speed: Mach 2.8-3.5
    • Warhead: High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead
    • Introduction: 2009
    • Status: In service
  • Akash Mk II
    • Maximum Range: 40 km
    • Interception Altitude: 20 km
    • Warhead: High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead
    • Status: Developmental trials
  • Akash-NG
    • Maximum Range: 70 km
    • Interception Altitude: 20 km
    • Warhead: High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead
    • Status: Developmental trials

Maitri (Missile)

  • Type: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
  • Maximum Range: 30 km
  • Introduction: 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)

  • Maximum Range: 30 km
  • Interception Altitude: 10 km
  • Introduction: 2022
  • Status: Being inducted

VL-SRSAM (Vertical Launch - Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile)

  • Maximum Range: 50 km
  • Warhead: High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead
  • Status: Being tested

SAMAR Air Defence System

  • Type: Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile
  • Maximum Range: 12–40 km
  • Warhead: High-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead
  • Status: In use

Barak 8

  • Type: Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile
  • Maximum Range: 70 km
  • Interception Altitude: 16 km
  • Speed: Mach 2+
  • Warhead: Proximity censor-based
  • Introduction: 2020
  • Status: In service

LRSAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile)

  • Maximum Range: 100 km
  • Interception Altitude: 16 km
  • Warhead: Proximity censor-based
  • Introduction: 2019
  • Status: In service

ER-SAM (Extended Range Surface-to-Air Missile)

  • Maximum Range: 250 km
  • Warhead: High explosive
  • Status: In development

XR-SAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile)

  • Maximum Range: 350 km
  • Warhead: High explosive
  • Status: In development

Ballistic Missile Defence Systems

Phase I of Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme

  • Prithvi Air Defence
    • Type: Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Maximum Range: 300 km - 2,000 km
    • Interception Altitude: 50 km - 180 km
    • Speed: Mach 5+
    • Warhead: Proximity fuze
    • Introduction: 2006
    • Status: Being inducted
  • Advanced Air Defence
    • Type: Endo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Maximum Range: 150 km
    • Interception Altitude: 15 km - 40 km
    • Speed: Mach 4.5
    • Warhead: Hit-to-kill
    • Introduction: 2007
    • Status: Being inducted
  • Prithvi Defence Vehicle
    • Type: Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Maximum Range: 2,000 km
    • Interception Altitude: 150 km
    • Warhead: Hit-to-kill
    • Introduction: 2019
    • Status: In trials

Phase II of Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme

  • Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark-II
    • Type: Exo-atmospheric Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Interception Altitude: 1,200 km
    • Warhead: Hit-to-kill
    • Status: Developmental trials
  • AD-1
    • Type: Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Maximum Range: 5,000 km
    • Warhead: Hit-to-kill
    • Status: In development
  • AD-2
    • Type: Anti-ballistic Missile
    • Warhead: Hit-to-kill
    • Status: In development

Other Missile Systems

Shaurya (Missile)

  • Type: Hypersonic Surface-to-Surface Tactical Missile
  • Maximum Range: 700 km
  • Speed: Mach 7.5
  • Warhead: Conventional or nuclear
  • Introduction: 2011
  • Status: In service

Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle

  • Type: Testbed for Development of Hypersonic Systems
  • Speed: Mach 12
  • Introduction: 2019
  • Status: Being tested

Guided and Unguided Rocket Systems

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher

  • Pinaka Mk I
    • Type: Multiple Rocket Launcher
    • Maximum Range: 40 km
    • Warhead: Various
    • Introduction: 1998
    • Status: In service
  • Pinaka Mk II / Guided Pinaka
    • Maximum Range: 90 km
    • Warhead: Various
    • Status: In trials

Indian Long Range MRL (Multiple Rocket Launcher)

  • Type: Multiple Rocket Launcher
  • Maximum Range: 120 km
  • Status: In development

India's missile program, from its historical roots in the Kingdom of Mysore to post-independence developments, has overcome diplomatic and technological challenges. The nation has achieved self-sufficiency in missile technology, contributing to its defense capabilities and strategic advancements.

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