MISSILES

Published on 17 Feb 2025

Missile Systems and their classification

Missiles can be classified based on various criteria such as launch mode, range, propulsion, warhead type, and guidance system.

✔     Launch Mode: Determines the platform or environment from which the missile is launched;

●      Example: Akash is a surface-to-air missile used by the Indian Air Force to intercept incoming enemy aircraft.

✔     Range: Defines the maximum distance the missile can cover from its launch point to its target;

●      Example: Agni-V is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, developed by India.

✔     Propulsion: Describes the type of engine technology used to propel the missile;

●      Example: BrahMos utilizes a ramjet propulsion system, allowing it to reach supersonic speeds and maintain high manoeuvrability.

✔     Warhead: Refers to the type of destructive payload the missile carries, whether conventional or nuclear;

●      Example: Nirbhay is a long-range subsonic cruise missile that can carry a conventional warhead for precision strikes.

✔     Guidance System: Specifies the technology used to guide the missile accurately to its target;

●      Example: NAG missile employs an infrared imaging seeker guidance system for targeting enemy tanks in all-weather conditions.

Ballistic vs. Cruise Missiles

Features	Ballistic	Cruise
Trajectory and Flight Path:	Follow a parabolic trajectory that involves ascending into space and descending back to Earth, guided only during the initial phase.	Fly at a constant speed within the Earth's atmosphere, following a near-straight or terrain-hugging path, and are guided throughout their flight.
Speed	Travel at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above) during their descent phase, making them difficult to intercept.	Generally subsonic or supersonic, designed to be slower than ballistic missiles but highly accurate.
Range and Purpose	Have a longer range, capable of striking targets thousands of kilometres away.	Typically have a shorter range compared to ballistic missiles but are highly manoeuvrable, and suitable for tactical strikes.
Deployment	Typically launched from fixed silos, submarines, or mobile launchers.	Can be launched from aircraft, ships, submarines, or ground platforms.
Examples	Agni-V (India), Minuteman III (USA), RS-24 Yars (Russia), Dongfeng-41 (China), Trident II D5 (USA).	Tomahawk (USA), BrahMos (India-Russia), Kalibr (Russia), Storm Shadow (UK), Nirbhay (India).

India’s missile system

India has developed a range of missile systems to address various defence needs.

✔     Surface-to-Air Missiles: Designed to target and destroy enemy aircraft or missiles.

●       Example: Akash, which is capable of targeting aircraft up to 30 km away.

✔     Air-to-Air Missiles: Launched from aircraft to destroy enemy aircraft.

●       Example: Astra, India's first beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile.

✔     Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Used for targeting enemy positions on land.

●       Example: Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range exceeding 5,000 km.

✔     Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD): Provides defence against incoming ballistic missiles.

●       Example: Advanced Air Defence (AAD), part of India's BMD program.

✔     Cruise Missiles: Designed for precision strikes on ground targets.

●       Example: BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed in collaboration with Russia.

✔     Submarine-launched ballistic Missiles (SLBM): Launched from submarines, providing second-strike capability.

●       Example: K-4, a nuclear-capable missile with a range of 3,500 km.

✔     Anti-Tank Missiles: Used to destroy enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.

●       Example: Nag, a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.

Significance of Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)

The IGMDP was launched in 1983 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to achieve self-reliance in missile technology and bolster India's defence capabilities.

✔     Strategic Deterrence: Ensures India's ability to deter threats through a credible missile arsenal.

●       Example: Agni series - Medium to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles.

✔     Tactical Strike Capability: Provides the ability to conduct precision strikes on short to medium-range targets.

●       Example: Prithvi - Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.

✔     Air Defence: Strengthens protection against aerial threats through advanced missile systems.

●       Example: Akash - Medium-range surface-to-air missile.

✔     Anti-Tank Warfare: Enhances the capability to destroy enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.

●       Example: Nag - Third-generation anti-tank guided missile.

✔     Technological Advancement: Promotes the development of indigenous technologies and missile systems.

●       Example: Trishul - Short-range surface-to-air missile.

 

Challenges in India’s Missile Systems

✔     Technological Challenges: Development and integration of more precise and sophisticated guidance systems.

●       Example: Need for enhanced precision in Nag and Akash missiles.

✔     Strategic Challenges: Managing the balance between strengthening missile capabilities and avoiding regional arms races.

●       Example: Concerns over Agni-V missile tests creating tensions with neighbouring countries.

✔     Operational Challenges: Ensuring efficient deployment, upkeep, and operational readiness of missile systems.

●       Example: The Prithvi missile systems, due to their liquid propulsion, require regular maintenance checks to prevent fuel corrosion and leakage.

✔     International Pressures: Navigating restrictions imposed by international bodies like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

●       Example: Limitations on technology transfer for Agni and other missile systems.

✔     Infrastructure and R&D: Need for advanced testing facilities and continuous R&D to improve missile systems.

●       Example: Requirement for upgraded test ranges for new missile systems like BrahMos.

 

Way Forward

✔     Acquisition of Advanced Systems: Enhance interception capabilities against aerial threats and ballistic missiles.

●       Example: S-400 Air Defence System: Integrate the S-400 system to significantly bolster India's air defence capabilities.

✔     Development of Hypersonic Missiles

●       Example: BrahMos-II, a potential hypersonic cruise missile, to extend range and speed.

✔     Indigenous Production and Modernization: Strengthen indigenous production capabilities to reduce dependency on foreign technology.

●       Example: Modernization of Akash and Nag missiles with advanced electronics and sensors.

✔     International Collaboration: Engage in defence collaborations and joint ventures with global partners to enhance missile technology.

●       Example: Joint development of BrahMos with Russia, focusing on further technological enhancements.

✔     Multi-Layered Missile Defence: Develop a multi-layered missile defence system incorporating various missile types to cover all ranges.

●       Example: Integration of Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for a robust missile shield.

✔     Strengthening R&D Infrastructure: Invest in advanced testing facilities and innovation hubs to accelerate missile development.

●       Example: Upgrading test ranges for BrahMos and other future missile systems.

Technical Superiority of the S-400

✔     Multi-Layered Defence Capability: The S-400 can engage multiple targets simultaneously at different altitudes, providing a multi-layered defence.

✔     Extended Range and Versatility: The S-400 can target threats up to 400 km away and at altitudes of up to 30 km.

✔     Diverse Missile Options: The system can use different types of missiles to address various threats, from short-range to long-range missiles.

✔     Advanced Radar and Detection Systems: The S-400 is equipped with highly advanced radar systems that can detect and track up to 300 targets simultaneously.

✔     High-Speed Interception: The S-400's missiles can travel at speeds of up to Mach 14, allowing for quick engagement of high-speed threats.

✔     Stealth Detection: The S-400 is capable of detecting and engaging stealth aircraft, making it effective against modern, low-observable threats.

✔     Mobility and Deployment: The S-400 system is highly mobile and can be quickly deployed in different terrains, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Tags:
Security

Keywords:
Missiles Ballistic Missiles Cruise Missiles Integrated Guided Missile Development Program S-400 Hypersonic Missiles

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Internal Security