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Over the years, India has been able to build a strong defence infrastructure and is constantly improving its defence capabilities, particularly its diverse missile portfolio. The country devotes a significant portion of its annual budget to defence, with over 6.81 lakh crore allocated for 2025-26, according to Press Information Bureau. Rs 1,48,722.80 crore is set aside for Capital Acquisition, which will cover the purchase of weapons and missiles, while Rs 31,277.20 crore is set aside for R&D and the development of defence infrastructure.
The nation has been able to develop a variety of missiles to meet different tactical and strategic needs, thanks to the focus, strategy, and investment. From short-range tactical missiles to long-range Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), each of these has unique uses and purposes in defence.
Indian Missile Systems
India has a wide range of missiles that are designed to serve multiple purposes including offensive strikes, air defense, naval protection, and countering land threats. Here are the types of missiles India currently uses or developing with the technology behind them.
- Short-Range Tactical Missiles (Up to ~300 km)
India has a range of tactical missile lineup including the Prithvi-I and Prithvi-II, nuclear-capable missiles that offer a range of 150 km and 350 km, according to the TOI report. Another one on the list is Prahaar, with a rapid reaction capability and around 150 km range, the report added. The country also has Pralay, which has a range of up to 500 km and bridges the gap between short-range and medium-range systems. Additionally, the Shaurya, a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile with a 700 km range also supports the country as it offers quick deployment and high accuracy, as per TOI.
The missiles typically use solid propellant rocket motors for rapid thrust. Some of the missiles also get thrust vector control (TVC) for agility. These missiles feature advanced inertial and radar-guided systems, helping in accurate multi-target engagement and deployment.
- Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)
These missiles are known for taking on aerial threats including aircraft, drones, and missiles. The country has Akash, a medium-range missile that offers 25km, capable of engaging with multiple targets, according to the TOI report. The country also has a QRSAM, which is designed for quick deployment to protect high-value military assets with a range of 30km, as per TOI citing sources. VL-SRSAM is also an important part of the country's defense. It is a ship-based system with a ~80 km range, offering naval vessels protection from aerial threats, as per Naval News.
Usually, these systems use radar guidance, infrared homing, and rocket propulsion, alongside intelligent fire-control algorithms for precision engagement.
- Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs)
The Astra Mk-I and Astra Mk-II represent India’s push for air superiority. With ranges of ~100 km and up to 130 km, these AAMs are designed to neutralize enemy aircraft with pinpoint accuracy, according to the TOI report.
These missiles use solid-fuel rocket motors along with active or semi-active radar homing and imaging infrared seekers with advanced data links for mid-course updates. It is designed to operate in contested environments, they are equipped with electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to dodge jamming and decoys.
- Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs)
India also has Nag, a top-attack, fire-and-forget missile with a 10 km range along with HELINA, SANT, and MPATGM, which offer ranges from 2 to 20 km, usable from platforms including helicopters and infantry launchers, added TOI report. It uses imaging infrared guidance, laser targeting, and tandem warheads designed to defeat reactive armor.
- Long-Range Ballistic and Cruise Missiles (1,000+ km)
Yet another important part of the regiment is the long-range ballistic missiles. India has Agni-I to Agni-V, which ranges from ~700 km to over 5,500 km, with Agni-V classed as an ICBM, as per TOI. The country also has Subsonic Cruise Missile, which offers a range of 1,000–1,500 km and is capable of terrain-hugging flight profiles, nuclear payloads, and multi-platform launch capability, the report added.
These long-range missiles use solid/liquid propulsion, scramjet technology (for future hypersonics), inertial navigation, GPS, and terminal guidance systems. The aerodynamics of the missile also helps in enhancing the range and precision.
- Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
SLBMs such as the K-15 (Sagarika), K-4, and future K-5/K-6 provide India's nuclear triad with a second strike capability. Ranges range from 750 km (K-15) to more than 6,000 km (K-6), according to the Times of India.
These missiles use cold launch systems, in which pressurised gas ejects the missile before the engine is ignited, preserving submarine integrity. They are outfitted with solid-propellant boosters, inertial and satellite navigation, and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) for multi-target engagement.
