On May 8, 2026, India successfully flight-tested an advanced Agni-5 missile equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. This test (a Mission Divyastra sequel) enables a single missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets, significantly enhancing India’s strategic deterrence.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had earlier given the Agni-V ballistic missile a devastating upgrade with bunker-buster capability to achieve penetration through a combination of high mass, hardened casings, and advanced guidance systems. It will reportedly carry a massive 7,500-kilogram conventional warhead, at hypersonic speeds (Mach 8–20), and is designed to penetrate 80–100 metres of reinforced concrete or rock.
India has some of the world-class weapons programmes, driven by DRDO and private industry; they are rapidly advancing indigenous defence capabilities and taking India towards self-reliance. Key programmes include the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Agni Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), and the two-tiered Ballistic Missile Defence system, placing India among the top global military technology powers. India ran an Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) to build basic capabilities and create a technology development launchpad. The Astra air-to-air missile (AAM) programme is developing world-class variants.
India’s indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems feature the versatile Akash series for medium-range defence and various specialised systems for short-range and quick-reaction needs.
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
The IGMDP was India’s ambitious, indigenous effort starting in the 1980s, led by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the “Missile Man of India”, to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. Managed by DRDO, it successfully birthed strategic missiles and significantly advanced India’s defence capabilities, despite facing challenges like technical complexities and cost overruns.
The objective was to create a comprehensive range of missiles for India’s defence needs, reducing reliance on foreign technology and enhancing national security and deterrence. The programme focused on five core systems: the Prithvi surface-to-surface tactical missile (SSM); the Agni surface-to-surface strategic missile (longer range); the Trishul short-range SAM; the Akash medium-range SAM; and the Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The programme conferred significant capabilities and technological prowess, making India a major missile power, culminating in advanced missiles like Agni-V and BrahMos.
With its objectives largely met, the IGMDP was wound down in 2008, and India transitioned into further advanced missile programmes.
Agni Missile Program
The Agni missile program is India’s premier long-range, nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile series. It provides a critical deterrent with missiles ranging from 700 km to over 5,000 km. The missiles are solid-fuelled, road-mobile, and designed for high precision, with later versions featuring canisterisation for faster launch capabilities. The Agni-V and beyond provide ICBM capabilities, with the ability to carry MIRV payloads.
The Agni missile variants are Agni-I (700-800 km, short-range, single-stage missile); Agni-II (2,000+ km medium-range, two-stage missile); Agni-III (3,000+ km intermediate-range, heavier payloads); Agni-IV (3,500+ km, modern avionics, road-mobile); Agni-V (5,000+ km ICBM, three-stage solid propellant); and Agni-P (Prime) (1,000-2,000 km, advanced next-gen, canister-based), which are all operational. Agni-VI is under development and will have a near 12,000 km range and enhanced payload. The programme has made India part of an elite group with advanced, long-range, and MIRV-capable strike capabilities.
Countries with operational ICBMs (range 5,500+ km) include the United States, Russia, China, India, France, the United Kingdom, and North Korea, with some sources also mentioning Israel, while other nations like Iran possess long-range missiles but do not have nuclear warheads.
India’s Indigenous Tactical SSM
India has developed a robust arsenal of indigenous tactical SSMs to ensure battlefield dominance and credible deterrence. These systems focus on high precision, quick reaction times, and the ability to carry conventional or tactical nuclear warheads. The Prithvi series includes Prithvi-I (150 km for the Indian Army) and Prithvi-II (350 km), a single-stage liquid-fuelled missile used primarily by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Dhanush (1,000 kg, 750 km) is a ship-launched, sea-worthy version of the Prithvi missile. Shaurya is a canister-launched hypersonic surface-to-surface missile capable of manoeuvring at speeds above Mach 5, offering a rapid strike capability.
Pralay (150–500 km) is a canisterised, solid-fuel, battlefield missile developed to replace older tactical systems like the Prithvi. Prahaar (150 km) is a quick-reaction, all-weather, high-precision missile meant to fill the gap between multi-barrel rocket systems and long-range ballistic missiles.
The operational focus is on “Cold Start” capabilities, providing rapid, high-accuracy strikes in low-intensity conflicts. There is an ongoing transition from liquid to solid fuel for faster deployment and enhanced stealth in cruise missiles.
BrahMos Variants
The BrahMos is a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, and fighter aircraft. It is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles, operating at Mach 2.8. It is a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, which together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. The missile is based on the P-800 Oniks. Land-launched, ship-launched, as well as air-launched versions have been inducted across the Indian Armed Forces. The missile guidance system has been developed by BrahMos Aerospace. In 2016, after India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the range of the missile was gradually enhanced. The future hypersonic missile (Mach 8), designated as the BrahMos-II, is based on the Russian 3M22 Zircon. Ship- or land-based missiles have a range of 800–900 km, the air-launched variant has 450–500 km, and the export variant has 290 km. Accuracy is less than 1 m CEP. Missiles with a 1,500 km-plus range are currently evolving.
BrahMos-NG (Next Generation) is a shortened version. It will have a range of 290 km, a speed of Mach 3.5, and will weigh around 1.5 tonnes. The Su-30MKI will carry three of these. The Mikoyan MiG-29K, HAL Tejas Mk1A (and later Tejas Mk2), and Dassault Rafale will carry one each. The submarine-launched variant will be capable of being fired from the new Project-75I class of submarines.
Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
HELINA (Dhruvastra) is an abbreviation for Helicopter-launched NAG. It is a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) for helicopters like the HAL Rudra, which are equipped with twin launchers on either side, carrying a total of 8 missiles. HELINA is equipped with a High-Resolution Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR) capable of automatic target detection and tracking in adverse weather conditions. Manufactured by BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited), it has a maximum range of 7,000 m. The attack modes are top and direct.
The SANT (Stand-off Anti-Tank) missile is an advanced, 4th-generation, indigenous air-to-surface weapon developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) for the IAF. It is an upgraded, helicopter-launched version of the HELINA weapon system. It features a millimetre-wave (MMW) seeker, allowing for high-precision strikes against armoured targets from a safe stand-off distance of up to 10 km. It features both lock-on before launch and lock-on after launch capabilities.
Indian World-Class AAMs
India’s primary indigenous AAM is the Astra, a family of Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles with variants like the Astra Mk-1 (110 km range) and the upcoming longer-range Astra Mk-2 (160 km initially, to be upgraded to 240 km later) and Astra Mk-3 “Gandiva” (350 km). These are being integrated onto most Indian fighters and have already been cleared for the Su-30MKI, MiG-29, and Tejas Mk.1/1A. DRDO scientists have also reportedly assessed technology from the Chinese-origin PL-15E missile that was recovered intact by India during Op Sindoor, as it lacked self-destruct technology. The Mk-3 uses a Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR), utilises a two-way data link for mid-course guidance from the launch aircraft or friendly AEW&C aircraft, and also employs electronic counter-countermeasures.
Top global AAMs are the MBDA Meteor (200+ km), AIM-120D AMRAAM (160+ km), French MICA (80 km), Russian R-77-1/R-77M (110-150 km), and Chinese PL-15 (180-200 km). The Russian hypersonic R-37M (300 to 400 km) and American AIM-174B (400 km) are the longest-range AAMs. India is reportedly acquiring the R-37M missile from Russia, with a Make in India option.
Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
India utilises various indigenous and jointly developed SAMs like the Akash (medium-range) and Barak-8/MRSAM (jointly with Israel), and is developing Project Kusha (long-range). These complement the Russian S-400, Pechora (S-125), and SAM-8 in the Indian inventory. India is also developing the mobile quick-reaction QRSAM (Anant Shastra) for moving forces and upgrades to existing fleets, showcasing a mix of short-, medium-, and future long-range capabilities.
The Akash SAM, developed by India’s DRDO and produced by BDL and BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) for the IAF and Indian Army, can take on fighter jets, UAVs, and missiles. It has a range of up to 30-45 km, a speed of up to Mach 2.5-3.5, and uses a 60 kg high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead. The Akash-NG (New Generation) range is 30-80 km.
The Barak-8 LR-SAM and MR-SAM are an Indian-Israeli jointly developed SAM, designed to defend against any type of airborne threat,t including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles, UAVs, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. It is produced by Israel’s Directorate of Research and Development (DDR&D), Elta Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and India’s BDL, Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). There is an extended-range variant, the Barak-ER. Maximum ranges are 150 km.
Anant Shastra is an indigenous, highly mobile QRSAM system developed by DRDO, with production fast-tracked for the Indian Army to defend against aerial threats (drones, jets, missiles) on the move. Mounted on 8×8 trucks, it features 360-degree radar coverage, a 30 km range, and is intended to protect armoured columns, particularly along northern and western borders.
Project Kusha is a DRDO-led initiative to develop India’s indigenous, long-range air defence system, designed to create a multi-layered shield against stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise/ballistic missiles. Aiming for induction by 2028-2029, this system features three interceptor variants (M1, M2, M3) with ranges up to 350+ km, rivalling the Russian S-400.
The SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) is an indigenous, short-range air defence system developed by the IAF to counter low-flying aerial targets, including UAVs, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. It repurposes older Russian-origin Vympel R-73E and R-27 missiles with a 12-km range.
The top global SAM systems are led by Russia’s S-500 Prometheus (600 km) and S-400 Triumf (400 km), alongside the US Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD (200 km). Other elite systems include the Franco-Italian SAMP/T (100 km), Israel’s Iron Dome (70 km) and David’s Sling (300 km), the Indo-Israeli Barak-8, and China’s HQ-9/FD-2000 series (125 km). The HQ-9B reportedly has a range of 250 km.
India will soon procure 5 more units of the S-400 and is also considering the S-500 system.
India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
India’s BMD program was initiated post-Kargil in 2000. The DRDO-developed two-tiered, multi-layered shield is designed to intercept incoming missiles. The Long-Range Tracking Radar (LRTR) “Swordfish” is based on Israeli EL/M-2080 Green Pine radar technology and built under license in India. This AESA radar can simultaneously track 200 targets at 1,500 km and relay crucial early warning and target acquisition data for interceptor missiles. The BMD system, utilising the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for 50-80 km high-altitude (exo-atmospheric) and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for low-altitude (endo-atmospheric) interception, is evolving into a more robust three-layer defence via Phase-II AD-1 and AD-2 missiles to counter advanced threats such as long-range interception of IRBMs and ICBMs. The network provides data to the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). India is developing sea-based BMD, deploying AD-1 and AD-2 interceptors on frontline warships to provide a mobile, tri-domain defence.
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Mission Sudarshan Chakra is an Indian defence initiative to develop an interlocked, multi-layered, all-encompassing, AI-enabled networked architecture that combines enhanced monitoring, cyber protection, and physical defence to protect the Indian population and infrastructure against terrorist attacks, military strikes, and other high-value threats. The idea behind the defence barrier is similar to the Iron Dome of Israel and the Golden Dome of the United States. The DRDO is spearheading the project.
Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM)
The Rudram missile series (Rudram-I, Rudram-II, Rudram-III), developed by DRDO for the IAF, is evolving rapidly. Rudram-I is in production. Rudram-II (300 km range) was flight-tested in May 2024 and is expected to gain production clearance by 2026. The long-range Rudram-III (550-600 km) has also completed successful tests in 2025. DRDO has also involved Adani Defence & Aerospace under the Development cum Production Partner programme for mass production. Launch platforms are the MiG-29UPG, Dassault Mirage 2000, Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk.1/1A, and Tejas Mk2 (Planned).
These missiles are vital for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) missions, utilising passive homing heads to identify, classify, and engage targets.
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV)
The HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet demonstration aircraft developed by DRDO to achieve hypersonic flight at speeds around Mach 6.5. Successfully tested, it utilises a solid rocket motor to reach high altitudes and speeds, validating technologies like scramjet ignition, air-breathing propulsion, and high-temperature material resistance. The HSTDV has demonstrated Mach 6 speed and can reach altitudes of 30–32 km, crucial for high-speed cruise. The vehicle uses an indigenous air-breathing scramjet engine, which compresses air before combustion, making it more efficient and cost-effective than conventional rockets.
The technology is intended for developing long-range cruise missiles (like BrahMos-II) and low-cost, reusable satellite launch vehicles. With its successful test, India became the fourth country (after the USA, Russia, and China) to demonstrate this technology, enhancing capabilities against missile defence systems. The vehicle utilises advanced materials and thermal barrier coatings to withstand temperatures exceeding 2,500 degrees Celsius. The HSTDV programme marks a significant leap in India’s defence, surveillance, and space launch capabilities.
To Summarise
DRDO follows the principle “Balasya Mulam Vigyanam”, that is, “The source of strength is science”, on the premise for India that scientific development is fundamental to national security. India has a great and growing package of indigenous missiles. India is using leading-edge technologies and employs a blend of indigenous missiles (Astra, Rudram) and imported systems (like Russian and Israeli missiles) for comprehensive air defence and offensive options.
India continues to develop advanced AAMs, focusing on longer ranges (BVRAAM), faster engagement, and specialised roles like anti-radiation, ensuring its air combat capabilities remain potent. The range and accuracy are catching up with the best in the world.
Indian missiles can operate in dense electronic warfare (EW) environments, and their no-escape zones are increasing. It is a matter of time before India reduces dependence on foreign weapons. Israel and Russia have been particularly supportive and have shared technologies through the joint venture route (BrahMos, MRSAM).
India is gradually switching from being a large arms-importing country to an inspiring defence manufacturer and exporter. India is rapidly expanding its defence footprint, driven by the export of indigenously developed, high-tech systems like the supersonic BrahMos cruise missile ($375M deal with the Philippines) and the Akash air defence system to Southeast Asian and African nations. Other nations interested in BrahMos include Malaysia, the UAE, Chile, and South Africa. The Akash missile system is actively being exported, with Armenia being the first confirmed buyer in a major 2022 deal, and significant interest shown by countries like the Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, and Vietnam. India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore ($4.1 billion) in the financial year 2025-26, marking a 62.66% surge from the previous year.
Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is most important in defence technologies. Indigenisation prevents supply chain vulnerabilities. While India has some distance to cover in aircraft, stealth, and aero-engines, India has done well in missiles. It is hoped that soon missiles will go on the Positive Indigenisation List (PIL).
As of 2026, the Indian Military is transitioning from the “Cold Start” doctrine to the “Cold Strike” doctrine, focusing on proactive, multi-domain operations, and rapid, precise punitive strikes rather than just seizing shallow territory. India’s missile program supports such actions.
Note: The article was originally written by the Author for Aditi on 28th August 2026; it has since been updated.
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