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The defence is an important and dynamic segment in most of the competitive exams with the General knowledge section. Questions about missiles are very commonly asked in these exams. Hence we have prepared a list of missiles of India that you can easily learn for your MBA GK section.
India's missile program is a testament to its advanced technological capabilities and its commitment to ensuring national security. Over the years, India has developed an extensive arsenal of missiles through organizations such as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). These missiles serve various purposes, including strategic deterrence, battlefield support, and defense against external threats. Here's an in-depth look at the different types of missiles developed by India.
1. Ballistic Missiles
Ballistic missiles are designed for long-range targets and deliver payloads in a parabolic trajectory. India’s ballistic missile arsenal includes:
- Agni Series:
- Agni-I: Short-range ballistic missile with a range of 700-1,200 km.
- Agni-II: Medium-range missile with a range of 2,000-3,000 km.
- Agni-III: Intermediate-range ballistic missile with a 3,500-5,000 km range.
- Agni-IV: Enhanced range and accuracy, capable of striking targets up to 4,000 km away.
- Agni-V: India’s first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, ensuring a strategic reach.
- Prithvi Series:
Short-range ballistic missiles, Prithvi variants serve as tactical weapons:- Prithvi-I: Army version with a range of 150 km.
- Prithvi-II: Air Force version with a range of 250-350 km.
- Prithvi-III: Naval variant with a range of 350-600 km.
2. Cruise Missiles
Cruise missiles are precision-guided and fly at low altitudes, making them difficult to detect. India's key cruise missiles include:
- BrahMos: Developed in collaboration with Russia, BrahMos is the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile. It has a range of about 400-500 km and can be launched from land, sea, air, and underwater platforms.
- Nirbhay: India’s subsonic cruise missile with a range of 1,000-1,500 km, designed for precision strikes.
3. Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
SAMs are critical for air defense, capable of neutralizing incoming threats like enemy aircraft and missiles. Notable examples are:
- Akash: A medium-range missile system with a range of 25-30 km.
- Barak-8: Jointly developed with Israel, it provides defense against aircraft and drones, with a range of 70-100 km.
- QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile): Designed for short-range air defense, this missile is highly mobile and agile.
4. Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
India has developed a range of ATGMs to strengthen its ground forces:
- Nag: A "fire-and-forget" missile designed to destroy enemy tanks and fortified positions.
- Helina: Helicopter-launched version of Nag, used for precision strikes.
5. Anti-Ship Missiles
India’s anti-ship missiles enhance its naval capabilities:
- Dhanush: Naval variant of the Prithvi missile, designed to target enemy ships.
- BrahMos: Versatile and highly effective against naval targets.
6. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
SLBMs are vital for a robust nuclear triad. India’s SLBMs include:
- K-15 Sagarika: A missile with a range of 750 km, deployed on the INS Arihant.
- K-4: An intermediate-range missile with a range of 3,500 km, ensuring second-strike capability.
7. Hypersonic Missiles
India is also working on hypersonic technology, such as:
- Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV): A platform for testing hypersonic cruise missiles, capable of achieving speeds over Mach 5.
