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What is a missile?
A missile is a self-propelled, guided flying weapon designed to hit a specific target. It is typically propelled by a fighter jet engine or rocket motor and can carry an explosive payload called a warhead. Missiles are guided by various systems such as GPS, radar, or infrared sensors to ensure they reach their intended target. They can be launched from various platforms such as aircraft, ships, submarines, or ground-based launchers.
Missiles of India List with Their Range
Ballistic missiles
Ballistic missiles are missiles that travel in a parabolic trajectory towards their target. India has developed a variety of ballistic missiles such as:
| Missile | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Agni-I | 700-800 km | Short-range ballistic missile |
| Agni-II | 2,000-3,000 km | Intermediate-range ballistic missile |
| Agni-III | 3,500-5,000 km | Intermediate-range ballistic missile |
| Agni-IV | 4,000 km | Long-range ballistic missile |
| Agni-V | 5,000-8,000 km | Intercontinental ballistic missile |
Cruise missiles
Cruise missiles are guided missiles that travel at low altitudes and are designed to strike a specific target. India has developed a variety of cruise missiles such as:
| BrahMos | 290 km | Supersonic cruise missile jointly developed with Russia |
| Nirbhay | 1,000 km | Subsonic cruise missile |
Anti-tank missiles
Anti-tank missiles are designed to penetrate and destroy armored vehicles. India has developed a variety of anti-tank missiles such as:
| Nag | 4-7 km | Third-generation anti-tank missile |
| Milan-2T | 2 km | Second-generation anti-tank missile |
Surface-to-air missiles
Surface-to-air missiles are designed to shoot down enemy aircraft and missiles. India has developed a variety of surface-to-air missiles such as:
| Akash | 25 km | Medium-range surface-to-air missile |
| Barak 8 | 70 km | Long-range surface-to-air missile jointly developed with Israel |
Anti-ship missiles
Anti-ship missiles are designed to target and destroy enemy ships. India has developed a variety of anti-ship missiles such as:
| BrahMos | 290 km | Supersonic cruise missile jointly developed with Russia |
| Klub | 300 km | Subsonic cruise missile |
Tactical missiles
Tactical missiles are designed for use in short-range combat situations. India has developed a variety of tactical missiles such as:
| Prahaar | 150 km | Solid-fueled tactical missile |
| Pinaka | 40 km | Multi-barrel rocket launcher system |
Air-to-air missiles
Air-to-air missiles are designed to shoot down enemy aircraft. India has developed a variety of air-to-air missiles such as:
| Astra | Up to 110 km | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |
| Derby | Up to 50 km | Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile |