List of Missiles of India: Types, Ranges, and Key Facts for Exams

India’s missile development program reflects the nation’s technological advancement and strategic defence capabilities. Spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Missiles of India are designed to meet a broad range of objectives — from nuclear deterrence to precision targeting, both on land and at sea.

India’s missile systems include a wide array of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and anti-aircraft defence systems, ensuring preparedness against threats from both China and Pakistan. The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), launched in 1983, laid the foundation for this impressive arsenal.

What is a Missile?

In military terminology, a missile (or guided missile) is a self-propelled weapon system equipped with a guidance mechanism to hit specific targets with high accuracy. Missiles can be launched from land, air, sea, or underwater platforms, and they may carry conventional or nuclear warheads depending on the mission.

Types of Missiles in India

India categorises its missile arsenal based on several factors including launch platform, trajectory, range, speed, guidance system, and warhead type.

Based on the Launch Platform

• Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM)
• Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
• Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM)
• Air-to-Surface Missiles (ASM)
• Sea-to-Sea Missiles
• Sea-to-Surface Missiles
• Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM)
• Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

Based on Trajectory

• Ballistic Missiles
• Cruise Missiles

Based on Range

• Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM)
• Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM)
• Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM)
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM)
• Tactical Missiles

Based on Speed

• Subsonic Missiles
• Supersonic Missiles
• Hypersonic Missiles

Based on Guidance System

• Inertial Navigation
• Active Radar Homing
• Infrared Homing
• Laser Guidance
• GPS/NavIC based Guidance

Based on Warhead Type

• Conventional (high-explosive)
• Strategic (nuclear-capable)

List of Major Indian Missiles by Type

Air-to-Air Missiles

Surface-to-Air Missiles

Surface-to-Surface Missiles (Ballistic Missiles)

Cruise Missiles

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM)

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)

Missiles of India: Key Facts for Exams

• The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was launched in 1983 to develop missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Trishul, and Nag.
• Tessy Thomas, known as the Missile Woman of India, was the former Project Director of Agni-IV and currently serves as Director General, Aeronautical Systems, DRDO.
• Prithvi was India’s first indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile, using liquid fuel technology.
• BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, known for being the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile.
• Agni-V marks India’s entry into the league of ICBM-capable nations, enhancing its strategic deterrence.