India’s missile development program has been a cornerstone of the nation’s defense strategy, showcasing advancements in technology and contributing to the country’s military prowess. Over the years, India has developed a wide range of missiles, from surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to anti-tank guided missiles, each serving specific strategic purposes.
Below is a comprehensive list of key missiles developed and deployed by India, categorized by their type and capabilities.
1. Ballistic Missiles
1.1 Agni Series
- Agni-I: A short to intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of 700-1,200 km. Agni-I developed to enhance India’s strike capability in South Asia.
- Agni-II: An intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of 2,000-3,500 km. Agni-II is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and provides greater coverage within the region.
- Agni-III: A long-range ballistic missile with a range of 3,500-5,000 km, Agni-III enhances India’s strategic reach across the continent.
- Agni-IV: A two-stage intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of about 4,000 km. Agni-IV equipped with modern and improved technology compared to its predecessors.
- Agni-V: A long-range, three-stage solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km. Agni-V is India’s most advanced missile in the series, enhancing its deterrence capability.
1.2 Prithvi Series
- Prithvi-I: A surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile with a range of 150 km, primarily used by the Indian Army.
- Prithvi-II: An improved version with a range of 250-350 km, Prithvi-II designed for use by the Indian Air Force and can carry a nuclear warhead.
- Prithvi-III (Dhanush): A ship-launched ballistic missile with a range of 350-750 km, Prithvi-III designed for naval warfare.
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2. Cruise Missiles
2.1 BrahMos
- BrahMos: A supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, BrahMos can be launched from land, sea, and air, and is known for its speed, precision, and versatility. It has a range of about 290 km, and efforts are underway to extend its range to 450 km.
2.2 Nirbhay
- Nirbhay: A long-range, all-weather subsonic cruise missile with a range of 1,000-1,500 km, capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads. Nirbhay designed to be launched from multiple platforms, including land and sea.
3. Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
3.1 Nag
- Nag: An advanced anti-tank guided missile with fire-and-forget capability, Nag has a range of 4-7 km and is designed to destroy modern armored vehicles and main battle tanks.
3.2 HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag)
- HELINA: A helicopter-launched version of the Nag missile, HELINA is an air-to-surface missile with a range of 7-10 km, capable of engaging and destroying enemy tanks from a standoff distance.
3.3 MPATGM (Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile)
- MPATGM: A lightweight, man-portable anti-tank missile with a range of 2.5 km, designed for use by infantry units to destroy enemy tanks and armored vehicles.
4. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
4.1 Akash
- Akash: A medium-range surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km, Akash designed to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
4.2 Barak-8
- Barak-8: A surface-to-air missile developed jointly by India and Israel, Barak-8 has a range of 70-100 km and is designed to protect against airborne threats like aircraft and missiles.
5. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
5.1 K-15 (Sagarika)
- K-15: A submarine-launched ballistic missile with a range of 750 km, K-15 designed to provide a second-strike capability, allowing India to retaliate in case of a nuclear attack.
5.2 K-4
- K-4: A more advanced SLBM with a range of 3,500 km, K-4 intended to equip India’s nuclear-powered submarines with long-range strike capabilities.
India’s missile arsenal reflects the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and enhancing its strategic capabilities. The continued development and modernization of these missile systems ensure that India remains prepared to meet any external threats, while also contributing to global peace through a credible deterrence strategy.
As India’s missile technology continues to evolve, the country set to play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and ensuring a balanced power structure in South Asia.
