India’s Ballistic Missile Mission

Ballistic missile:

A ballistic missile is rocket-propelled self-guided strategic weapon system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target.

A Ballistic Missile Trajectory

India’s Ballistic Missile Mission:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The inter-continental Ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range >5500km designed for nuclear weapon delivery (thermonuclear warheads).
                     1. Agni-V à land based nuclear capable ICBM with range of 7000km and a payload capacity of ~1500 kg; speed of Mach 24 (29,401 kmph)
                  2. Ground based nuclear weapons programme consists of 4 operational ballistic missile systems and ~70 warheads.
                     1. Prithvi-II missiles à short range of 250km and Road mobile missile.
                     2. Agni-I à short range of 700km and Road & Rail mobile missile.
                  3. India is a part of the nuclear triad club à the 3-pronged military force structure consisting of
                     1. Land launched Nuclear missiles
                     2. Nuclear missile armed Submarines
                     3. Strategic Aircraft carrying nuclear bombs and missiles.
                  4. Multi-layered Ballistic missile defence system to protect from attacks.
                     1. Prithvi Air Defence System
                        1. An anti-ballistic missile developed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere.
                        2. A 2-stage missile capable of intercepting at a maximum altitude of 80km
                        3. Can engage 3000km-class of ballistic missiles at Mach 5.
                     2. Navy’s INS Dhruv can act as an early warning system to protect from enemy missiles aimed at urban areas and military instalments.

Link: How it works: India’s ballistic missile mission- The New Indian Express