Decoding India's Missile Arsenal

1. Agni-V

India possesses its most sophisticated ICBM with a range over 5,000 km that it can use to target anywhere in Asia and Europe. Has MIRV technology, to accurately send multiple nuclear warheads. Road mobiles have launchers that are mobile and have high survivability. The three-stage, solid fueled missile, has a 1,500 kg payload. Its advanced navigation system incorporates satellite positioning and inertial navigation in order to give it high precision. Presently is in the process of upgrading to Agni-VI with 8,000-10,000 km range. Lays the foundation of the nuclear deterrence policy and second pillar against possible threats of India.

2. BrahMos

Supersonic cruise missile, the fastest in the world- co developed by the US and Russia, with a speed of 3 (3,700 km/h). After joining India into the MTCR, its range of operation was increased to 450-500 km. Multiple launch vehicles encompass the usage of the mobile launchers on land, warships, submarines and Su-30MKI planes. The missile with conventional warhead weighing 300 kg is enhanced with high precision (CEP <1m). Tests in the latest examples verify feasibility in sea-skimming at the height of 10 meters. The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) in development is smaller and faster and will increase India precision strike capability.

3. Prithvi-II

With a 350 km strike range, India developed the first in-country SRBM. The rapid launch is less than 510 minutes with a liquid fueled propulsion. Delivers conventional (500-1000kg) and nuclear warheads and has 50m CEP precision. Reinforced in large enough numbers since the year 2003 in the strategic missile forces. Unmatched flight control permits evasive flight moves. Recently modernized with better navigation and terminal guidance equipment. It can be used as an effective tactical deterrent in regional threats, west and north borders especially.

4. Akash-NG

New-generation long-range surface-to-air missile with an engagement radius of 80 km against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. Come with a dual-pulse solid rocket motor, which provides sustained propulsion. It is highly probabilistic to kill (over 88% in tests) active radar homing. Its weight is 35 percent lower than the earlier version and it is able to intercept targets that are at an altitude of 20 km. Provided together with centralized command systems of network-centric warfare. The launchers’ round load is 3 ready-to-fire missiles, and they have a 360 coverage. An important element in the many-layered air defense field of India which is on guard of important installations.

5. Shaurya

Combined-technology missile with many hypersonic surface to surface missile capabilities. Flies at, and at, Mach 6+ range of 1,500 km powered by solid fuels. It has a rapid response through canister-launches on mobile platforms. Special quasi-ballistic flight at 40-50 km altitude can hardly be picked up. Equipped with conventional warheads (1,000kg weight) and nuclear ones. Successfully tested in the year 2020 on APJ Abdul Kalam Island. Gives deep-strike penetration into hardened objects and facilities deep in hostile territory.

6. Nirbhay

The first long-range subsonic cruise missile (1000+ km) built in India. Powered by turbofan with the ability to fly close to the terrain at 50-100m. Conveys 450 kg conventional or nuclear warhead of 5m CEP. Ability to loiter and reassess targets. Ratified in 2022 after a brief problem with technical difficulties. Developing a sea launch version that can be deployed into the navy. Complements BrahMos with cost effective long range area target attack and infrastructure options.

7. K-4

Submarine-launched ballistic missile 3,500 km range, closing the nuclear triad of India. Launched underwater on Arihant-class SSBNs. Liquid-fueled having payload-carrying capacity of 2 tons of nuclear mass. Advanced INA has <40m CEP accuracy. Launched at depth to 50m. Operational readiness was achieved and successfully tested in 2020. Ensures second strike capability with unmanned stealthy underwater launch platform. Upgraded to K-5 version of 5,000+ km range.