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Missiles of India, History, List, Types, And Range

Missiles of India represent the nation's defense capabilities. Explore the history, types, and range of missiles of India, including the first missile, and India's missile programs like IGMDP.

Deeksha Dixit18 Nov, 2024

Missiles of India : Over the years, India has made substantial progress in missile technology, producing a wide range of advanced missiles capable of performing various military functions. With advancements like testing indigenous long-range hypersonic missile , India has joined global leaders like the US, Russia, and China.

The missiles of India serve as a key component of the nation's defense strategy. These missiles enhance India's ability to safeguard its borders, project military power, and maintain national security. Keep reading to know the history, types, and range of missiles of India!

Indian Missile Program

India's missile development journey began in the 1960s , with the formation of the DRDO and the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which laid the foundation for missile research. The first significant breakthrough came with the establishment of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) in 1983, under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This program aimed to develop a series of missiles, which would make India self-reliant in missile technology. The successful development of a wide range of missiles under IGMDP helped India secure its place as a major missile power. Some key milestones include the development of the following missiles of India:

Agni: A series of short to medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
Prithvi: Indigenously developed surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Trishul: A short-range low-level surface-to-air missile.
Nag: An advanced, third-generation anti-tank guided missile.
Akash: A medium-range surface-to-air missile system.

First Missile of India: India’s first indigenous missile was Prithvi-I, developed under the IGMDP. It was tested in 1988 and was a short-range ballistic missile with a range of about 150 km. The Prithvi series laid the foundation for India’s missile program, and over time, it was followed by the development of Agni, Akash, and BrahMos which have made India a significant player in global defense technology.

Types of Missiles of India

India’s missiles are categorized based on their launch platform, range, and purpose. The main types include:

Cruise Missiles : Unmanned, self-propelled guided vehicles that sustain flight through aerodynamic lift. They are categorized into:
1. Subsonic Cruise Missiles
2. Supersonic Cruise Missiles
3. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (e.g., BrahMos-II)
Ballistic Missiles: Follow a ballistic trajectory and can carry large payloads. They are classified by range:
1. Short Range
2. Medium Range
3. Intermediate-Range
4. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from the ground to strike ground targets.
Surface-to-Air Missiles: Designed to intercept aerial threats.
Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from aircraft targeting other aircraft or ground/sea targets, respectively.
Sea-to-Sea and Sea-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from ships targeting other ships or land targets.
Anti-Tank Missiles: Specifically designed to destroy armored vehicles.

Other than these, missiles of India can also be classified as:

Category	Type
Propulsion Methods	Solid Propulsion: Uses solid fuel; easy to store and handle. Liquid Propulsion: Uses liquid fuel; allows for controlled thrust but is complex to manage. Hybrid Propulsion: Combines solid and liquid propulsion advantages. Ramjet and Scramjet Engines: Utilize air intake for propulsion but require high speeds for operation. Cryogenic Propulsion: Uses liquefied gases stored at low temperatures.
Warhead Types	Conventional Warheads: Contain high-energy explosives. Strategic Warheads : Incorporate radioactive materials for mass destruction.
Guidance Systems	Wire Guidance Command Guidance Terrain Comparison Guidance (TERCOM) Inertial Guidance Laser Guidance RF and GPS Reference

List of Missiles of India

India has developed a wide range of missiles under various categories to enhance its defense capabilities. The list of missiles of India along with the estimated range is as follows:

List of Missiles of India
Missile Type	Missile Name	Range	Key Characteristics
Ballistic Missiles	Agni-I	700-1,250 km	Medium-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-II	2,000–3,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-III	3,500–5,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-IV	3,000–4,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-V	5,000–8,000 km	Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface.
	Prithvi-I	150 km	Short-range, tactical, nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
	Prithvi-II	350 km	Short-range, tactical, nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
	Dhanush	350–600 km	Short-range, surface-to-surface missile, naval version of Prithvi.
	Shaurya	750–1,900 km	Medium-range, nuclear-capable, hypersonic surface-to-surface missile.
	Prahaar	150 km	Short-range, quick-reaction battlefield missile for tactical use.
Cruise Missiles	BrahMos	290 km	Supersonic, multi-platform cruise missile, high-speed, precision strike.
	BrahMos II	300 km	Hypersonic version of BrahMos, faster and more maneuverable.
	Nirbhay	1,000–1,500 km	Subsonic, long-range, terrain-hugging, precision strike missile.
	Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)	Varies	New cruise missile under development by DRDO, demonstrated in 2024.
Anti-Ballistic Missiles (ABM)	Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)	Altitude: 80 km	Exo-atmospheric ABM designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
	Advanced Air Defence (AAD)	Altitude: 120 km	Endo-atmospheric ABM for lower-altitude intercepts.
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)	Trishul	9 km	Short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), designed for quick-response air defense.
	Akash	30-35 km	Medium-range SAM, capable of intercepting aircraft and ballistic missiles.
	Barak-8	100 km	Long-range SAM, developed with Israel, intercepts a wide range of aerial threats.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)	Nag	4 km	Third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.
	Helina	7–8 km	Helicopter-launched variant of Nag, designed to target armored vehicles.
	Amogha	2.8 km	Short-range anti-tank missile, developed by DRDO.
	MPATGM	Short-range	Man-portable, quick-response anti-tank missile.
Tactical Missiles	Shaurya	750–1,900 km	Hypersonic, nuclear-capable, low radar signature, designed for tactical strikes.
	Prahaar	150 km	Quick-response, short-range missile for battlefield support.
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)	MICA	500 m–80 km	Short to medium-range, active radar-guided air-to-air missile.
	Astra	80–110 km	Beyond-visual-range (BVR), air-to-air missile with capability to target enemy aircraft.
	Novator K-100	300–400 km	Medium-range air-to-air missile, capable of targeting aircraft at long ranges.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM)	Sagarika	700–1,900 km	SLBM, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, part of India’s sea-based deterrence.
	K-4	3,500–5,000 km	Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), part of India's sea-based nuclear triad.
	K-5	6,000 km	Next-gen submarine-launched ballistic missile, extended range for strategic strike.
Defensive Missiles	Ashwin	150–200 km	Short-range, exo-atmospheric ballistic missile defense.
	Prithvi Defence Vehicle	Altitude: 30 km	Exo-atmospheric, low-altitude defense missile for intercepting incoming missiles.

Missile Man of India

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, fondly known as the "Missile Man of India," was instrumental in India’s missile advancements. He spearheaded the IGMDP, leading to the development of critical missile systems like Agni and Prithvi. He also served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007 and remains an inspiration for many, especially in the field of science and technology.

Missile Woman of India

Another crucial figure in India's missile program is Dr. Tessy Thomas , often referred to as the Missile Woman of India. Dr. Thomas was the project director for the development of India’s Agni-IV and Agni-V missiles. She became the first woman to head a missile project in India, breaking gender stereotypes and contributing significantly to the nation’s defense technology.

India Tested Long Range Hypersonic Missile

A long-range hypersonic missile is a type of missile that travels at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (about 6,174 km/h) and can carry multiple payloads over long distances. These missiles are characterized by their high speed, maneuverability, and ability to evade conventional defense systems. Hypersonic missiles can be launched from the ground, air, or sea and have both strategic and tactical military applications. Recently, India successfully tested a long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), it has a range exceeding 1,500 km and can carry multiple payloads. With this achievement, India is placed alongside global powers like the US, Russia, and China in hypersonic technology.

UPSC PYQs on Missiles of India

UPSC Prelims 2014: With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

It is surface-to-surface missile.
It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
It can deliver one ton nuclear warhead about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims 2023: Consider the following statements:

Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
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?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Explore Physics Wallah’s UPSC Courses to deepen your knowledge of India's missile systems and defense technology!

UPSC Related Articles
Gandhi Jayanti 2024	National Commission for Women	International Awards 2024
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Missiles of India FAQs

What was India’s first missile?

Prithvi-I was India’s first indigenous missile, developed under the IGMDP in 1988.

What are hypersonic missiles?

Hypersonic missiles are advanced weapons that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) and can maneuver mid-flight.

Who is the Missile Man of India?

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is known as the Missile Man of India for his role in advancing India’s missile programs.

What is the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)?

The IGMDP was launched in 1983 to develop five missile systems, including Agni, Prithvi, and Akash.

How many missiles are there in India?

The exact number of missiles in India's arsenal is classified; however, the country possesses a diverse range of missile systems. These include short, medium, and long-range ballistic missiles (such as the Agni and Prithvi series), and cruise missiles like BrahMos.

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Indian Missile Program

Agni: A series of short to medium-range surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
Prithvi: Indigenously developed surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
Trishul: A short-range low-level surface-to-air missile.
Nag: An advanced, third-generation anti-tank guided missile.
Akash: A medium-range surface-to-air missile system.

Types of Missiles of India

India’s missiles are categorized based on their launch platform, range, and purpose. The main types include:

Cruise Missiles : Unmanned, self-propelled guided vehicles that sustain flight through aerodynamic lift. They are categorized into:
1. Subsonic Cruise Missiles
2. Supersonic Cruise Missiles
3. Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (e.g., BrahMos-II)
Ballistic Missiles: Follow a ballistic trajectory and can carry large payloads. They are classified by range:
1. Short Range
2. Medium Range
3. Intermediate-Range
4. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from the ground to strike ground targets.
Surface-to-Air Missiles: Designed to intercept aerial threats.
Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from aircraft targeting other aircraft or ground/sea targets, respectively.
Sea-to-Sea and Sea-to-Surface Missiles: Launched from ships targeting other ships or land targets.
Anti-Tank Missiles: Specifically designed to destroy armored vehicles.

Other than these, missiles of India can also be classified as:

Category	Type
Propulsion Methods	Solid Propulsion: Uses solid fuel; easy to store and handle. Liquid Propulsion: Uses liquid fuel; allows for controlled thrust but is complex to manage. Hybrid Propulsion: Combines solid and liquid propulsion advantages. Ramjet and Scramjet Engines: Utilize air intake for propulsion but require high speeds for operation. Cryogenic Propulsion: Uses liquefied gases stored at low temperatures.
Warhead Types	Conventional Warheads: Contain high-energy explosives. Strategic Warheads : Incorporate radioactive materials for mass destruction.
Guidance Systems	Wire Guidance Command Guidance Terrain Comparison Guidance (TERCOM) Inertial Guidance Laser Guidance RF and GPS Reference

List of Missiles of India

India has developed a wide range of missiles under various categories to enhance its defense capabilities. The list of missiles of India along with the estimated range is as follows:

List of Missiles of India
Missile Type	Missile Name	Range	Key Characteristics
Ballistic Missiles	Agni-I	700-1,250 km	Medium-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-II	2,000–3,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-III	3,500–5,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-IV	3,000–4,000 km	Intermediate-range, nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile.
	Agni-V	5,000–8,000 km	Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface.
	Prithvi-I	150 km	Short-range, tactical, nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
	Prithvi-II	350 km	Short-range, tactical, nuclear-capable ballistic missile.
	Dhanush	350–600 km	Short-range, surface-to-surface missile, naval version of Prithvi.
	Shaurya	750–1,900 km	Medium-range, nuclear-capable, hypersonic surface-to-surface missile.
	Prahaar	150 km	Short-range, quick-reaction battlefield missile for tactical use.
Cruise Missiles	BrahMos	290 km	Supersonic, multi-platform cruise missile, high-speed, precision strike.
	BrahMos II	300 km	Hypersonic version of BrahMos, faster and more maneuverable.
	Nirbhay	1,000–1,500 km	Subsonic, long-range, terrain-hugging, precision strike missile.
	Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM)	Varies	New cruise missile under development by DRDO, demonstrated in 2024.
Anti-Ballistic Missiles (ABM)	Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)	Altitude: 80 km	Exo-atmospheric ABM designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
	Advanced Air Defence (AAD)	Altitude: 120 km	Endo-atmospheric ABM for lower-altitude intercepts.
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)	Trishul	9 km	Short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), designed for quick-response air defense.
	Akash	30-35 km	Medium-range SAM, capable of intercepting aircraft and ballistic missiles.
	Barak-8	100 km	Long-range SAM, developed with Israel, intercepts a wide range of aerial threats.
Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)	Nag	4 km	Third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.
	Helina	7–8 km	Helicopter-launched variant of Nag, designed to target armored vehicles.
	Amogha	2.8 km	Short-range anti-tank missile, developed by DRDO.
	MPATGM	Short-range	Man-portable, quick-response anti-tank missile.
Tactical Missiles	Shaurya	750–1,900 km	Hypersonic, nuclear-capable, low radar signature, designed for tactical strikes.
	Prahaar	150 km	Quick-response, short-range missile for battlefield support.
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)	MICA	500 m–80 km	Short to medium-range, active radar-guided air-to-air missile.
	Astra	80–110 km	Beyond-visual-range (BVR), air-to-air missile with capability to target enemy aircraft.
	Novator K-100	300–400 km	Medium-range air-to-air missile, capable of targeting aircraft at long ranges.
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM)	Sagarika	700–1,900 km	SLBM, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, part of India’s sea-based deterrence.
	K-4	3,500–5,000 km	Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), part of India's sea-based nuclear triad.
	K-5	6,000 km	Next-gen submarine-launched ballistic missile, extended range for strategic strike.
Defensive Missiles	Ashwin	150–200 km	Short-range, exo-atmospheric ballistic missile defense.
	Prithvi Defence Vehicle	Altitude: 30 km	Exo-atmospheric, low-altitude defense missile for intercepting incoming missiles.

Missile Man of India

Missile Woman of India

India Tested Long Range Hypersonic Missile

UPSC PYQs on Missiles of India

UPSC Prelims 2014: With reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

It is surface-to-surface missile.
It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
It can deliver one ton nuclear warhead about 7500 km away.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

UPSC Prelims 2023: Consider the following statements:

Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
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?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Explore Physics Wallah’s UPSC Courses to deepen your knowledge of India's missile systems and defense technology!

UPSC Related Articles
Gandhi Jayanti 2024	National Commission for Women	International Awards 2024
Kumbh Mela 2025	PM Matsya Sampada Yojana	Indus Waters Treaty

Missiles of India, History, List, Types, And Range

Indian Missile Program

Types of Missiles of India

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

List of Missiles of India

Missile Man of India

Missile Woman of India

India Tested Long Range Hypersonic Missile

UPSC PYQs on Missiles of India

Missiles of India FAQs

What was India’s first missile?

What are hypersonic missiles?

Who is the Missile Man of India?

What is the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)?

How many missiles are there in India?

Missiles of India FAQs

What was India’s first missile?

What are hypersonic missiles?

Who is the Missile Man of India?

What is the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)?

How many missiles are there in India?

Missiles of India, History, List, Types, And Range

Indian Missile Program

Types of Missiles of India

Enroll Now for UPSC Online Course

List of Missiles of India

Missile Man of India

Missile Woman of India

India Tested Long Range Hypersonic Missile

UPSC PYQs on Missiles of India