India is continuously making advancements in missile technology as demonstrated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) recent successful tests. This article will detail an overview of India’s missile technology, its evolution, and a discussion of its standing in comparison with other countries.
Recent Developments in Missile Technology
The DRDO recently test-fired the new generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile ‘Agni Prime’. This was the second successful test of the missile following its initial launch in June 2021. The missile’s development is aimed at enhancing India’s credible deterrence capabilities.
Agni-P, a two-stage canisterised solid propellant missile, has dual redundant navigation and guidance systems and improved parameters including manoeuvrability and accuracy. The canisterisation of missiles improves the speed of deployment and facilitates better storage and handling. The missile has a range between 1,000 to 2,000 km.
The Agni Class of Missiles
Agni class of missiles are crucial to India’s nuclear launch capability. This class includes the Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km that has been tested and validated for induction multiple times. This Agni series traces back to the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), introduced by former DRDO chief and ex-Indian president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the early 1980s.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP)
Launched by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to help India attain self-sufficiency in missile technology, the IGMDP was approved by the Indian Government in 1983 and completed in March 2012. Under this programme, five types of missiles were developed: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag, and Akash.
Evolution of Missile Technology in India
Before Independence, Indian kingdoms used rockets for warfare. The use of iron-cased rockets began with Mysore ruler Hyder Ali in the mid-18th century. But after Independence, India did not possess indigenous missile capabilities. To build these capabilities, the Special Weapon Development Team was created in 1958, which later evolved into the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL). The DRDL pioneered Project Devil in 1972 for developing a medium-range Surface-to-Surface Missile and later introduced several missile technologies under IGMDP.
Overview of Indian Missiles
India is equipped with a variety of surface-launched and air-launched missile systems. Surface-Launched Systems include the Anti-Tank Guided Missile: Nag and Surface-to-Air Missile: Akash. Air-Launched Systems include the Air-To-Air: Astra and Air-to-Ground: Rudram BrahMos.
India’s Most Significant Missiles
Among India’s vast arsenal, the Agni series, specifically Agni with a range of around 5,000 km, is India’s primary contender for an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which only a few countries possess. The Prithvi, a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a 350 km range, also has strategic importance.
Hypersonic Technology in India
India is advancing rapidly in hypersonic technology, trailing closely behind the US, Russia, and China. The DRDO successfully tested a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrated Vehicle (HSTDV) in September 2020, showcasing its hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology.
Comparison of Indian Missile Technology with Pakistan and China
In comparison to Pakistan and China, India has made impressive strides in missile technology under the IGMP, starting with Prithvi and then Agni. The BrahMos, which travels 2.5-3 times the speed of sound, was one of the world’s fastest missiles at the time of its development. While China is technologically ahead, India does not lag far behind, steadily working on further advancements such as Agni VI and Agni VII. As for Pakistan, while they have received technology from China, practical application and policy implementation remain challenges.
Last Modified: February 14, 2024