What is a Ballistic Missile?
A ballistic missile is a long-range missile that follows a ballistic (parabolic) trajectory after being launched, similar to a projectile, and is mainly used to deliver conventional or nuclear warheads.
Key Features
Powered only during initial boost phase
Travels outside the atmosphere (exo-atmospheric) in mid-course
Falls on target under gravity
Very high speed, difficult to intercept
Can carry nuclear, chemical or conventional warheads
Phases of a Ballistic Missile
Boost Phase – Rocket engines fire (most vulnerable)
Mid-Course Phase – Travels in space (longest phase)
Terminal Phase – Re-entry & target strike
Classification of Ballistic Missiles (By Range)
Type
Range
SRBM
5,500 km
Ballistic Missiles of India
Agni Series
Agni-I: Short range
Agni-II & III: Medium range
Agni-IV: Intermediate range
Agni-V: ICBM (5,000+ km), canister-launched
Prithvi Series
Prithvi-I: Army
Prithvi-II: Air Force
Prithvi-III (Dhanush): Navy
Ballistic Missiles vs Cruise Missiles
Ballistic Missile
Cruise Missile
Parabolic path
Terrain-hugging
Extremely fast
Slower
Long range
High precision
Strategic weapons
Tactical & strategic
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
Designed to detect, track & destroy incoming missiles
India’s two-tier BMD system:
PAD (exo-atmospheric interceptor)
AAD (endo-atmospheric interceptor)
Strategic Importance for India
Forms backbone of nuclear deterrence
Ensures second-strike capability
Counters threats from China & Pakistan
Enhances national security & strategic autonomy
