Missiles are guided weapons designed to deliver payloads, including explosives or other warheads, to a specific target with high precision. They are classified based on their launch and target locations, propulsion systems, and operational roles.
Surface to Surface Missiles (SSMs)
Surface to Surface Missiles (SSMs), also referred to as Ground to Ground Missiles (GTGMs), are guided projectiles launched from various platforms such as handheld devices, vehicle-mounted systems, trailers, fixed installations, or ships. These missiles are designed to strike targets on the ground and are categorized into the following types:
Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs)
Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs), also known as Ground-to-Air Missiles (GTAMs), are designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft or other airborne threats. The smallest of these systems are Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), which are lightweight and portable enough to be carried by individual soldiers.
India initiated a comprehensive missile development program known as the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) under the leadership of Dr. Abdul Kalam in 1983. This program aimed to consolidate the country's technological capabilities in propulsion, navigation, and materials manufacturing. Four key projects were launched under this program:
The program also led to the development of the Agni series of missiles, initially conceived as technology demonstrators and later upgraded to ballistic missiles with varying ranges. The Interim Test Range at Balasore, Odisha, was developed to support testing activities under this program.
The Prithvi series, developed by DRDO, includes tactical short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) designed for battlefield use. These missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
The Agni missile series began as a re-entry technology demonstrator and evolved into a family of ballistic missiles with different ranges. These missiles are equipped with advanced guidance systems, such as Ring Laser Gyro (RLG) based Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and Micro Navigation Systems (MINS). The series includes:
The Akash missile system is a medium-range surface to air missile developed by DRDO, designed to engage aircraft up to 30 km away at supersonic speeds, supported by a phase-arrayed fire control radar known as Rajendra.
Trishul is a short-range surface to air missile with a range of 12 km, intended for use against low-altitude targets.
The Nag missile is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile designed for all-weather conditions. It has several variants, including:
Beyond the IGMDP, India has developed several other significant missiles:
India's BMD programs are designed to detect and intercept incoming ballistic missiles. Key components include:
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1. What are the different types of missiles developed by India? |
2. What is the Prithvi Missile Series known for? |
3. Which missile system in India is specifically designed for anti-tank warfare? |
4. What is the purpose of India's Ballistic Missile Defence Programmes (BMD)? |
5. Which missile system in India is considered strategically important for national defense? |
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