Unstoppable, deadly and precise: Meet India’s ballistic missiles that can strike anywhere on earth | World News

New Delhi: Today, India is one of the few countries with its own ballistic missile program that spans short, medium and long ranges, including those launched from submarines. This range of missile technologies has become an important part of India’s defense and security plan.

It all started decades ago when India chose to build its own guided missile expertise. The Defense Research and Development Organization led the effort under a government program created in the 1980s. The aim was to end dependence on external sources for advanced weapons and enable India to respond credibly to regional security challenges.

India’s defense and security approach includes a policy that centers on retaliation rather than the first use of nuclear weapons. In this approach, ballistic missiles aim to ensure reliable retaliation in case deterrence fails. Therefore, emphasis was placed on producing missiles that were not only powerful, but also responsive, able to withstand hostile conditions, and reliable under pressure.

At the tactical level, India is deploying missiles such as the Prithvi series and the newer Pralay gun. The Prithvi family was the first to enter service in the mid-1990s and included several versions with ranges of up to 600 kilometers and warheads of up to one tonne. These were among India’s first steps towards missile capability with solid and liquid fuel designs.

The Pralay missile, whose production started in 2022, is the most advanced tactical ballistic missile in India’s inventory. It flies at speeds over six times the speed of sound, uses solid fuel for faster readiness, and carries warheads designed for different situations.

Indian officials say its ability to change course at the end of its flight makes it very difficult for defenses to intervene.

Further on the map of India’s missile architecture is the Agni family, which forms the backbone of the country’s strategic deterrent. Its range includes short-range missiles as well as long-range systems that can reach targets thousands of kilometers away.

Early versions such as Agni I and Agni II entered service in the late 20th century with solid fuel, mobile launchers, and payload options that included conventional and nuclear types. Agni P is a more agile version designed for greater reach and precision. It can deliver multiple independently targetable payloads and uses advanced guidance systems for accuracy.

Agni III can go even further, carrying a heavy warhead for thousands of kilometers, guided by satellites, and with onboard navigation to ensure accuracy. Agni IV provides even longer reach and Agni V stands as India’s most potent member of the family, with ranges extending into the intercontinental region according to some assessments.

This level of capability puts India in the same league as other major powers capable of deep strike deterrence.

Beyond land-based missiles, India has built a third pillar of strategic power beneath the waves. The K-4 missile launched from submarines gives India the ability to engage distant targets at risk from the sea. It travels thousands of kilometers, carries a large load, and uses various steering technologies to stay on course.

Submarine-based systems are valued for their stealth and survivability, making them an important part of sustainable deterrence.

India’s multi-layered ballistic missile program demonstrates decades of effort, experimentation and sophistication.

From early tactical designs to long-range strategic weapons and missile systems hidden in submarines, India has built an arsenal aimed at strengthening deterrence and protecting its interests far from home. Each system announced adds capability not only to India’s military but also to its overall position as a country that is confident in its defense technology and strategic posture.