Missiles of India

Missiles of India - Strengthening the Nation’s Defence Power

India has emerged as one of the leading countries in missile technology, with a strong and indigenously developed arsenal designed to meet modern security challenges. From surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to anti-aircraft defence systems, the Indian missile program showcases technological excellence, strategic deterrence, and defence readiness.

This article provides a complete overview of the missiles of India, their types, and their significance in strengthening national security.

History of Missile Development in India

  • India’s missile journey began in the early 1980s with the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, popularly known as the “Missile Man of India.”

  • The program gave India a series of indigenous missile systems, including Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, and Nag.

  • Today, missile development is carried out under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with major support from the Indian Armed Forces.

Missiles of India Categories

Indian missiles can be classified based on their purpose and launch platforms.

1. Ballistic Missiles

Ballistic missiles follow a fixed trajectory after launch and are designed for long-range attacks.

  • Prithvi Series – India’s first indigenously developed ballistic missile.

  • Agni Series – Strategic long-range ballistic missiles, including:

    • Agni-I (Short range: 700–1,200 km)

    • Agni-II (Intermediate range: 2,000–3,000 km)

    • Agni-III (Up to 3,500 km)

    • Agni-IV (Up to 4,000 km)

    • Agni-V (Intercontinental: 5,000–8,000 km)

2. Cruise Missiles

Cruise missiles fly at low altitudes and are capable of precision strikes.

  • BrahMos – A supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, with a range of up to 450 km.

  • Nirbhay – An indigenous long-range subsonic cruise missile with a range of 1,000 km.

3. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)

These missiles are designed to target and destroy incoming enemy aircraft or missiles.

  • Akash Missile System – Medium-range surface-to-air missile (30 km range).

  • Barak-8 – Jointly developed with Israel, highly effective against aircraft and anti-ship missiles.

  • QR-SAM (Quick Reaction SAM) – Designed to protect moving armored columns.

4. Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)

Missiles developed to destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles.

  • Nag Missile – India’s first indigenously developed ATGM.

  • HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) – Advanced version of Nag, launched from helicopters.

5. Air-to-Air Missiles

These missiles are launched from aircraft to target enemy planes.

  • Astra Missile – Beyond visual range air-to-air missile with a range of 110 km.

  • Rudram-1 – India’s first anti-radiation missile designed to destroy enemy radars.

6. Anti-Satellite Missile (ASAT)

  • Mission Shakti (2019) – India successfully tested an ASAT missile, making it the fourth country in the world with this capability.

Strategic Importance of Indian Missiles

  • Self-Reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat): Most missiles are indigenously developed, reducing dependency on foreign technology.

  • Strategic Deterrence: The Agni series strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

  • Technological Advancement: India is among the few countries with both ballistic and cruise missile technology.

  • Enhanced Security: Protects the nation against aerial, land, and naval threats.

  • Global Recognition: India’s missile capabilities position it as a significant global military power.

Missiles of India - Future Missile Developments

India continues to upgrade its missile arsenal with:

  • Agni-VI (under development, expected range: 8,000–10,000 km).

  • Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) – To develop hypersonic cruise missiles.

  • Extended-range BrahMos (over 1,500 km).

India’s missile program stands as a symbol of strength, innovation, and determination. With continuous advancements in ballistic, cruise, surface-to-air, and anti-tank missiles, India has secured its position as one of the most advanced defence powers in the world.

From Mangal Pandey’s first spark of resistance in 1857 to today’s cutting-edge missile systems, India’s defence journey reflects courage, resilience, and technological brilliance.

As India moves forward with new innovations in missile technology, its defence forces remain ever-prepared to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty.

Also Read Indian Army Equipment List

FAQ's For Missiles of India

1. How many missiles does India have?

India has developed a wide range of missiles, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, and anti-tank guided missiles, with over 20 active missile systems in service.

2. Which is the most powerful missile of India?

The Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is considered the most powerful, with a range of 5,000–8,000 km and nuclear strike capability.

3. What is the BrahMos missile?

BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, with a range of up to 450 km, capable of being launched from land, sea, air, and submarines.

4. Who is called the “Missile Man of India”?

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, is known as the “Missile Man of India” for his contribution to the development of missile technology under the IGMDP program.

5. What are the future missile projects of India?

Future projects include Agni-VI ICBM, Hypersonic cruise missiles (HSTDV), and an extended-range BrahMos capable of striking over 1,500 km.