List of Important Missiles in India and its Types and Fact

List of Important Missiles in India: India boasts sophisticated missile defense with diverse missiles such as Agni series (700-5,000km). Check List of Important Missiles in India in this article.

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List of Important Missiles in India: India is actively engaged in enhancing its defense capabilities through collaborations with Russia, focusing on the development of cruise missiles and ship-launched ballistic missiles. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a robust nation in the modern era. The country’s ballistic missile arsenal serves as a crucial platform for delivering nuclear weapons to potential adversaries like China and Pakistan. India’s military requirements have propelled the development of longer-range ballistic missiles and the diversification of delivery systems beyond mobile land-based missiles. By expanding its missile capabilities, India seeks to maintain a credible deterrent and reinforce its national security. Collaboration with Russia in the field of missile technology underscores India’s commitment to staying at the forefront of defense innovation and ensuring its defense interests are effectively safeguarded.

Types of Missiles

India possesses a diverse range of missile systems, catering to various defense requirements. These include:

Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM): These missiles are designed to intercept and destroy hostile aircraft or other missiles in the air. SAM systems provide defense against aerial threats, safeguarding vital installations and military assets.
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM): AAMs are primarily used by fighter aircraft to engage and neutralize enemy aircraft in aerial combat. These missiles are designed for high maneuverability and speed to ensure effective engagement at varying distances.
Surface-to-Surface Missiles: These missiles are deployed on land-based platforms and can be launched to strike targets on land. They offer long-range precision strike capabilities and can be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads, depending on the mission objectives.
Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)/Interceptor Missiles: BMD systems consist of interceptor missiles designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles during their flight trajectory. These missiles play a critical role in protecting against potential ballistic missile threats.
Cruise Missiles: Cruise missiles are self-propelled, guided weapons that can be launched from various platforms, such as aircraft, ships, or submarines. They provide accurate and long-range strike capabilities against both land and sea targets.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles: These missiles are launched from submarines and are capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles provide a strategic second-strike capability, enhancing India’s deterrence posture.
Anti-Tank Missiles: These missiles are specifically designed to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles. They offer precision targeting and high penetration capabilities, providing infantry forces with an effective means of countering armored threats.

List Of Important Indian Missiles

Air-To-Air Missiles

Name of Missiles	Type of Missile	Operational Range	Speed
MICA	Air-to-Air Missile	50m to 80 km	Mach 4
Astra	Air-to-Air Missile	80-110 km	Mach 4.5+
Novator K-100	Medium range air to air missile	300-400 km	Mach 3.3

Surface to Air Missiles

Name of Missiles	Type of Missile	Operational Range	Speed
Trishul	Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile	9 km	Mach 2
Akash Missile	Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile	30-35 km	Mach 2.5-3.5
Barak-8	Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile	100 km	Mach 2

Surface-to-Surface Missile

Name of Missile	Type of Missile	Operational Range	Speed
Agni-I	Medium Range Ballistic Missile	700-1250 km	Mach 7.5
Agni-II	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	2000-3000 km	Mach 12
Agni-III	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	3500-5000 km	Mach 15
Agni-IV	Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile	3000-4000 km	Mach 7
Agni-V	Intercontinental Ballistic Missile	5000-8000 km	Mach 24
Prithvi-I	Short Range Ballistic Missile	150 km	—
Prithvi-II	Short Range Ballistic Missile	350 km	—

Cruise Missiles

Name of Missile	Type of Missile	Operational Range	Speed
BrahMos	Supersonic Cruise Missile	290 km	2.8-3 Mach
BrahMos II	Hypersonic Cruise Missile	300 km	Mach 7
Nirbhay	Subsonic Cruise Missile	1,000-1,500 km	Mach 0.8

Defense Missile

Name of Missile	Type of Missile	Operational Range	Speed
Prithvi Air Defence	Exo-atmospheric Anti Ballistic Missile	Altitude 80km	Mach 5+
Prithvi Defense Vehicle	Exo-atmospheric Anti Ballistic Missile	Altitude 30km	Mach 4.5
Advanced air Defence	Endo-atmospheric Anti Ballistic Missile	Altitude 120km	—

Indian Missiles and Important Facts for UPSC

The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was launched in 1983.
The IGMDP aimed to develop the Trishul, Akash, Nag, Prithvi, and Agni-I missile systems.
These missiles belong to the category of intermediate-range surface-to-surface missiles.
Tessy Thomas, known as the “Missile Woman” of India, is a prominent Indian scientist.
Tessy Thomas serves as the Director General of Aeronautical Systems and was the former Project Director for the Agni-IV missile in the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
Prithvi was India’s first surface-to-surface missile featuring a single stage and using liquid fuel.

General Studies Notes Links.
List of Forests in India: Important Forests in India Download PDF	List of Major Sites in Indus Valley Civilization and Findings
List of Lok Sabha Speakers	List of Technologies developed by DRDO

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FAQs

What is India's longest-range missile?

The Agni-V is the longest range missile in service with the Indian Army. It has a strike range of more than 5000 km and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

What is India's fastest missile?

The indigenously developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the fastest in service with any armed force around the world. It has a strike range of 290 km and can be launched from land, air and sea. It travels at a speed of Mach-22 (three times the speed of sound).