Ballistic missiles

It utilizes projectile motion (gravity) to deliver warheads, powered only during the initial phase and follow a free-falling trajectory.

Comparison with Cruise Missiles

Cruise missiles are powered throughout their flight, traveling at low altitudes within the atmosphere for precise, guided targeting.

Warhead Types

Ballistic missiles can carry nuclear or conventional warheads.

India’s Capabilities

IGMDP: Developed Prithvi, Agni missiles.

Sea based Missiles: Dhanush, K 15 Sagarika, and under development K 4.

Defence System: Includes Prithvi Air Defence (PAD), Advanced Air Defence (AAD), and long range interceptors.

Regulatory Treaties

MTCR (1987): Limits missile and missile technology proliferation.

HCOC (2002): Curbs proliferation of WMD capable ballistic missiles.

Range

3,000–5,500 km (1,864–3,418 miles)

Classification

Between a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) and an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).

Range Definition

Range classification for convenience; slight overlap between low performance ICBMs and high-performance IRBMs.

History

Originated from the A4b rocket, based on the V-2 (used by Nazi Germany).

Developed to target New York from France or Spain (Amerika Bomber).

Progenitor Rocket

A4b rocket, which was an upgrade of the V-2 rocket, designed by Wernher von Braun.

A4b used liquid propellant and inertial guidance.

Current Operators

China, India, Israel, North Korea, and Russia.

Former Operators

United States, USSR, Pakistan, United Kingdom, and France.

Nomenclature

IRBM: Typically strategic weapon.

MRBM: Typically theatre ballistic missile.

Overlap exists in classifications between IRBM and MRBM.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following statements regarding Intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) is/are correct?

1. An IRBM has a range between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers.
2. IRBMs are typically classified as strategic weapons and are capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads.
3. The United States and the Soviet Union were the only countries to develop and deploy IRBMs during the Cold War.
4. IRBMs are primarily intended for use in theater-level military conflicts rather than strategic deterrence.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2, and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: a

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: An Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) has a range of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers, which places it between a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) and an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This range is consistent with the definition used by international bodies like the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

Statement 2 is correct: IRBMs are classified as strategic weapons due to their range and payload capabilities. They can carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, making them versatile tools for deterrence and military engagement.

Statement 3 is incorrect: the United States and the Soviet Union were major developers and deployers of IRBMs during the Cold War, other countries such as China, India, Israel, North Korea, and Russia currently possess or have developed IRBMs. It excludes other countries with current IRBM capabilities.

Statement 4 is incorrect:  IRBMs are classified as strategic weapons due to their long range and potential for use in large-scale deterrence scenarios. They are not intended for theater-level military conflicts, which are more suited to shorter-range missiles like MRBMs.