Difference between Ballistic vs Cruise Missile, Comparison, Range
Deeksha Dixit9 May, 2025
Share
Ballistic vs Cruise Missile: Missile technology is a powerful part of any country's defence system. Among them, ballistic and cruise missiles are the most common. Both serve different purposes and have unique features. While ballistic missiles are known for their long-range attack capabilities, cruise missiles excel at low-altitude flight and precision targeting. Find out more about Ballistic vs cruise missile!
Ballistic Missile
A Ballistic Missile is a weapon that follows a fixed path to hit its target. It is powered at the beginning of its flight, but then follows a curved path, like a ball thrown in the air. After launch, it leaves the Earth's atmosphere and then falls back to hit the target at high speed.
The word “ballistic” comes from the missile’s flight path, which looks like a parabola. These are of two types:
-
Short Range
-
Medium Range
-
Intermediate-Range
-
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Ballistic Missiles are often used for long-range attacks. Some can travel thousands of kilometres. These missiles can carry nuclear or conventional warheads. They are launched from land, sea, or mobile platforms. Ballistic missiles have three main stages of flight:
-
Boost Phase: This is when the missile is powered by rockets and accelerates towards space.
-
Midcourse Phase: After the rockets stop firing, the missile follows an unpowered, arched path in space for up to 20 minutes.
-
Terminal Phase: When nearing the target, the warhead reenters Earth's atmosphere at high speed.
Examples of Ballistic Missiles include India’s Agni series (Agni-V can travel over 5000 km). These missiles play a major role in strategic deterrence, and countries use them to protect their national interests and maintain balance in global power.
Cruise Missile
A Cruise Missile is a guided missile that flies at low altitudes and travels like an unmanned aircraft. It uses jet engines and can change direction during flight. Unlike ballistic missiles, it stays within the Earth's atmosphere.
Cruise Missiles are used for precision attacks as they are slower than ballistic missiles but harder to detect on radar. Since they fly close to the ground, radar systems find it difficult to track them. These missiles can be launched from the air, sea, or land.
Cruise missiles are highly guided, using multiple systems to reach their target:
-
Terrain Mapping: They scan the landscape to stay on course.
-
GPS: They use satellite navigation for accurate targeting.
-
Inertial Guidance: Sensors and gyroscopes help maintain the flight path.
-
Remote Control: Operators can see what the missile "sees" and guide it manually if needed.
Examples of cruise missiles include India’s BrahMos (supersonic, with a range of 300-500 km). Cruise Missiles are widely used in modern warfare for surgical strikes and targeted missions. Their ability to avoid radar and hit targets precisely makes them valuable for any military.
Also Read, Missiles of India, History, List, Types, And Range
Ballistic vs Cruise Missile
Now, let’s compare ballistic and cruise missiles to understand their main differences:
| Aspect | Ballistic Missile | Cruise Missile |
| Flight Path | Follows a high, parabolic (ballistic) trajectory; most of flight is outside atmosphere | Flies within the atmosphere on a straight or guided path, hugging terrain |
| Propulsion | Rocket-powered during initial boost phase; unpowered for most of flight | Air-breathing engines (jet or turbojet); powered throughout flight |
| Speed | Supersonic to hypersonic (much faster) | Subsonic or supersonic (generally slower) |
| Altitude | Very high; often enters space before descending | Low altitude, close to Earth's surface |
| Guidance | Guided only during boost phase; follows preset trajectory thereafter | Guided throughout flight (GPS, terrain mapping, inertial guidance) |
| Maneuverability | Limited, especially after boost phase | Highly maneuverable, can change course during flight |
| Range | Typically long-range (can be intercontinental, >5,500 km for ICBMs) | Usually short to medium range, some long-range variants |
| Accuracy | Less precise due to ballistic trajectory | High precision, designed for targeted strikes |
| Payload | Can carry nuclear or conventional warheads; larger warhead capacity | Can carry conventional or nuclear warheads; generally smaller payloads |
| Detectability | Easier to detect during boost phase (heat, smoke, high altitude) | Harder to detect due to low altitude and smaller radar cross-section |
| Launch Platforms | Land-based, submarine-based, some mobile launchers | Ships, submarines, aircraft, ground-based launchers |
| Tactical Use | Strategic, long-range attacks on cities, bases, or nations | Precision strikes on specific targets (e.g., military installations, infrastructure) |
| In-Flight Updates | Generally pre-programmed, no updates during flight | Can receive updates and change course mid-flight |
| Examples | Prithvi I/II, Agni I/II, Dhanush | BrahMos, Nirbhay |
Ballistic vs Cruise Missile List
Ballistic and cruise missiles serve different roles in modern defense. Here is the list of some of the Ballistic and cruise missiles with India:
|
Ballistic Missiles |
Range |
Cruise Missiles |
Range |
|
Agni Series (I-V) |
700–8,000 km |
BrahMos |
290 km |
|
Prithvi Series (I and II) |
150 km-350 km |
BrahMos II |
300 km |
|
Dhanush |
350–600 km |
Nirbhay |
1,000–1,500 km |
|
Shaurya |
750–1,900 km |
Indigenous Tech Cruise Missile (ITCM) |
Varies |
|
Prahaar |
150 km |
|
In summary, ballistic missiles are suited for strategic long-distance strikes, while cruise missiles excel at precision and low-altitude navigation.
Want to explore more such topics and crack UPSC? Join PW’s UPSC Courses today!
Ballistic vs Cruise Missile FAQs
What is the main difference between a ballistic and a cruise missile?
Which missile is more difficult to detect?
Can ballistic missiles carry nuclear warheads?
What is the range of a typical cruise missile?
Which countries possess both missile types?
UPSC Coaching
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
