BALLISTIC MISSILE
1. Context
The name Agni(Agni-5) originates from Sanskrit word for fire and is taken in the context of Agni being one five primary elements or Panch Mahabhutas. Others being Prithvi (Earth), Aapa (Water), Wayu (Air), Akash (Space). Of these names, Prithvi and Akash have been given to missiles developed by the DRDO
2.What is ballistic missile?
- A ballistic missile is a guided missile that follows a specific trajectory, or flight path, influenced primarily by gravity. The term "ballistic" refers to the physics of motion under the influence of gravity, and ballistic missiles are designed to reach their target through a free-fall trajectory.
- These missiles are powered during the initial phase of their flight, called the boost phase, where rocket engines or other propulsion systems propel them into space or a high altitude. After reaching the peak of their trajectory, the warhead or payload separates from the missile body and follows a ballistic trajectory back to Earth, guided by gravity. The descent phase is typically unpowered, relying on the missile's momentum gained during the boost phase
- Ballistic missiles are often associated with military applications, including strategic nuclear missiles, but they can also be conventionally armed for various purposes such as precision strikes, deterrence, and other strategic objectives. The development and deployment of ballistic missiles have been significant factors in the field of arms control and international security
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Ballistic missiles can be categorized based on their range and intended targets:
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3. What is the difference between a missile and a ballistic missile?
| Missile | Ballistic Missile |
| A missile is a generic term for a guided projectile that is designed to be launched and directed toward a specific target | A ballistic missile is a specific subtype of missile that follows a particular trajectory, primarily influenced by gravity |
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Missiles can come in various types and may have different propulsion systems, guidance mechanisms, and intended purposes
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Ballistic missiles are powered during the boost phase, where rocket engines or other propulsion systems propel them into space or a high altitude |
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Missiles can be categorized into different types, such as cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and more
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After reaching the peak of their trajectory, the warhead or payload separates from the missile body, and the payload follows a free-fall trajectory back to Earth, guided by gravity |
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Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow a specific trajectory influenced by gravity, the term "missile" does not inherently imply a specific flight path; it simply refers to a guided projectile
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Examples: Tomahawk cruise missile, AIM-120 AMRAAM (air-to-air), etc.
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Examples: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM), etc. |
4.Cruise Missiles and Ballistic Missiles-How Are They Different?
| Cruise Missile | Ballistic Missile |
| Low-altitude, level flight path within the Earth's atmosphere | Specific trajectory influenced by gravity, with a boost and ballistic descent phase |
| Flies at low altitudes, just above the Earth's surface | Reaches high altitudes during the boost phase, followed by a descending trajectory |
| Typically powered by jet engines or sustained propulsion systems | Powered during the boost phase, unpowered descent phase relying on momentum |
| Uses onboard navigation systems, sensors, and GPS for precision | Guided during the boost phase; may have additional guidance for accuracy during descent. |
| Operates at lower altitudes for shorter to medium ranges | Can achieve high altitudes; designed for short, medium, intermediate, and long ranges |
| Often used for precision strikes against specific targets | Various purposes, including strategic nuclear deterrence, precision strikes, and more |
5. What is the history of missile technology in India?
India's history of missile technology development is marked by significant achievements and milestones. The country has made substantial progress in the field of missiles for both civilian and military purposes. Here is an overview of the key developments in India's missile technology:
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1960s - 1980s: Initial Developments:
- India's missile program started in the 1960s with the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- In the 1970s, India began developing short-range surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), such as the Prithvi series.
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1983: Prithvi Missile Test:
- India conducted its first successful test of the Prithvi missile, a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), in 1983.
- Prithvi was designed for battlefield use and later evolved into different variants with varying ranges.
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1989: Agni Missile Program Begins:
- The Agni missile program was initiated in the late 1980s to develop intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs).
- Agni-I, with a range of around 700 km, was the first missile developed under this program.
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1998: Pokhran-II Nuclear Tests:
- India conducted a series of nuclear tests in May 1998 at Pokhran, including the testing of nuclear-capable missiles like Agni-II and Prithvi.
- These tests marked India's declaration of its nuclear capabilities.
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2003: Agni-II and Agni-III Tests:
- India successfully tested the Agni-II and Agni-III missiles with extended ranges.
- Agni-II had a range of over 2,000 km, while Agni-III had a range exceeding 3,000 km.
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2008: Operationalization of Agni-I and Agni-II:
- Agni-I and Agni-II were officially inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, enhancing India's strategic capabilities.
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2012: Agni-V Test:
- India successfully tested the Agni-V, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
- Agni-V marked a significant milestone in India's missile capabilities, providing a credible deterrent.
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2019: ASAT Test - Mission Shakti:
- India conducted an Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test, known as Mission Shakti, demonstrating its ability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit.
6.What kind of missiles does India have?
India has developed and deployed a variety of missiles across different categories, including strategic missiles, tactical missiles, cruise missiles, and anti-ballistic missiles. Here are some of the key types of missiles in India's arsenal:
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Agni Series:
- Agni-I: A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of around 700 km.
- Agni-II: An intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of over 2,000 km.
- Agni-III: An intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range exceeding 3,000 km.
- Agni-IV: An intermediate-range ballistic missile with an extended range compared to Agni-III.
- Agni-V: An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km.
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Prithvi Series:
- Prithvi-I: A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of around 150 km.
- Prithvi-II: A tactical surface-to-surface missile with a range of around 350 km.
- Prithvi-III: An intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of over 300 km.
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BrahMos Missile:
- A supersonic cruise missile developed in collaboration with Russia, featuring both land-attack and anti-ship capabilities. It has a range of around 300 to 500 km.
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Nirbhay Cruise Missile:
- A subsonic cruise missile designed for long-range land-attack missions. It is an all-weather, low-flying missile with a range of around 1,000 km.
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Akash Missile:
- A medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed for air defense against aircraft and drones. It has a range of around 25 km.
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Barak Missile:
- A medium-range surface-to-air missile designed for defense against aircraft, helicopters, and anti-ship missiles.
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Prahaar Missile:
- A solid-fueled tactical ballistic missile designed for quick deployment with a range of around 150 km.
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Dhanush Missile:
- A naval variant of the Prithvi missile, designed for ship-based deployment with a range of around 350 km.
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Nag Missile:
- An anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed for use by infantry and helicopter platforms.
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Sagarika Missile (K-15):
- A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of around 750 km.
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A-SAT Missile (Mission Shakti):
- An anti-satellite missile system, showcasing India's capability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit.
7.What about hypersonic technology?
Hypersonic technology involves vehicles and systems that can travel at speeds significantly faster than the speed of sound, typically exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) or approximately 6,174 kilometers per hour (3,836 miles per hour). These hypersonic speeds present unique challenges and advantages in terms of military applications, space exploration, and transportation. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, India has also been actively working on developing hypersonic technology. Here are some key points related to India's efforts in hypersonic technology:
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Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV):
- India has been working on the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV), a project aimed at developing and testing indigenous hypersonic technology.
- HSTDV is designed to operate at hypersonic speeds and serve as a testbed for various technologies associated with hypersonic flight.
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Successful Test Flights:
- India conducted successful test flights of the HSTDV. In September 2020, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that the HSTDV had completed its first successful flight.
- During the test, the HSTDV demonstrated sustained flight at hypersonic speeds for a certain duration.
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Applications:
- Hypersonic technology has potential applications in both military and civilian domains. In the military context, hypersonic missiles and vehicles can provide advantages in terms of rapid response, increased maneuverability, and the ability to penetrate advanced defense systems.
- Civilian applications may include high-speed transportation and space exploration, leveraging the capability to reach orbit or travel between distant locations in a fraction of the time compared to conventional methods.
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International Context:
- Hypersonic technology has gained global attention, with several countries investing in research and development to harness its strategic and technological advantages.
- The United States, Russia, China, and other technologically advanced nations are also actively pursuing hypersonic capabilities
8.Way Forward
The acquisition of MIRV technology by India was keenly awaited after China developed it in the last decade. With Pakistan also claiming to have tested a missile with this technology, integrating this in Agni missiles had become an imperative. The next generation Agni-6 missile, currently under development, is also expected to be equipped with MIRV
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
For Mains: General Studies III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements :(UPSC CSE 2023)
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (D)
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Source: Indianexpress
