Missiles in Indian history Tipu Sultan's troops rout the British using rockets in 1780 at the Battle of Guntur.

The closely massed, British troops broke and ran when the Mysore army laid down a rocket barrage in their midst. The use of rockets and missiles by Indians in modern times dates back to the 18th century, during the period of ruler Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Fighting the British East India company, Tipu Sultan's Army used variety of rockets in supporting role (see Tipu Sultan). It was the world's first use of rockets for fighting modern wars which was later developed further by the British against French. In the Second Anglo-Mysore war, at the Battle of Pollilur (10 September 1780), an entire British detachment led by Colonel Baillie was destroyed resulting in 3,820 soldiers being taken prisoner including Colonel Baillie. At the Battle of Srirangapattana in 1792, Mysorean soldiers launched a barrage of rockets against British troops, followed by an assault of 36,000 men. Later at the battle of Srirangapattana during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war, in April 1799, British forces retreated from the battlefield when attacked by rockets and musket fire of Tipu Sultan's army. Tipu's rockets had been fully integrated into his Army, which were under special Rocket Brigades called Kushoons. These were extremely effective in battle, inflicting losses on British forces. These rockets were later re-engineered by William Congreve and known in Britain as Congreve Rockets. Twentieth century In the twentieth century, the government of independent India embarked on a number of plans to develop missiles which would strengthen India's defences. In 1958, the government constituted the Special Weapons Development Team which would later become the Defence Research and Development Laboratories (DRDL), to undertake the development of first-generation anti-tank missiles. In the 1970s, the Indian government decided to manufacture anti-tank missiles under license from France. At the same time, DRDL was entrusted with two other projects: Project Valiant, which involved the development of a long-range ballistic missile; and Project devil, which was aimed at reverse engineering the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile. Both projects were terminated prematurely; Project Valiant was terminated in 1974 and Project Devil met the same fate in 1980. However, by this time, DRDL had developed some infrastructure and facilities to undertake the design and development of missiles. In 1983, under the experience and leadership of Dr. Abdul Kalam, who had previously been the project director for the SLV-3 programme at ISRO, the Indian government revived the missile program as an Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). As part of this program, the Interim Test Range at Balasore in Orissa was developed for missile testing. India on Tuesday 07 may, 2008 announced the closing of the strategic integrated guided missile programme, and said the development and production of most of futuristic weapons systems would henceforth be taken up with foreign partnerships. The main aim of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program was to develop, a missile in five different categories simultaneously, namely: a short-range surface-to-air missile (codenamed Trishul), a
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medium-range surface-to-air missile (codenamed Akash), a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (codenamed Nag), a short-range surface-to-surface missile (codenamed Prithvi), and an intermediate-range surface-to-surface missile (codenamed Agni). In 1998, the Government of India, signed an agreement with Russia to design, develop, manufacture and market a Supersonic Cruise Missile System which has been successfully accomplished by 2006. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. At speeds of Mach 2.5 to 2.8, it is the world's fastest cruise missile and is about three and a half times faster than the American subsonic Harpoon cruise missile. BAPL is contemplating a hypersonic Mach 8 version of the missile, named as the BrahMos II. BrahMos II will be the first hypersonic cruise missile and is expected to be ready by 2012-13. Integrated Guided Missile Development Program

Display of AGNI 2 missile during republic day The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was an Indian Ministry of Defence program between the early 1980s and 2007 for the development of a comprehensive range of missiles, including the intermediate range Agni missile (Surface to Surface), and short range missiles such as the Prithvi ballistic missile (Surface to Surface), Akash missile (Surface to Air), Trishul missile (Surface to Air) and Nag Missile (Anti Tank). The program was managed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in partnership with other Indian government labs and research centres. One of the most prominent chief engineers on the project, Dr. Abdul Kalam went on to become the President of India. Agni missile system The Agni missile (from Sanskrit Agn "Fire", one of the 5 elements of nature) is an IRBM developed under the IGMDP by India. It was first tested at the Interim Test Range in Chandipur in 1989, and is capable of carrying a conventional payload of 1000 kg (2,200 lb) or a nuclear warhead. It consists of one (short range) or two stages(intermediate range). It is rail and road mobile. It is powered by solid and/or liquid propellants. Agni-III is the third in the Agni series of missiles. The Agni I has a range of 700800 km while the AgniII as a range of 2,0002,500 km. They are claimed to be a part of the "credible deterrence"
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against Pakistan and China. The Agni-II can only reach some parts of western China and Asia. The last test (Agni-II) took place in May 2009. Agni III is expected to be India's nuclear deterrent against People's Republic of China. Agni III development began when relations with China were still negative. However, the rapid improvement in friendly relations between the two nations has reduced the need for rapid deployment of the missile. An operational Agni-III was tested on July 9, 2006 from Wheeler island off the coast of the eastern state of Orissa. After the launch, it was reported that the second stage of the rocket had failed to separate and the missile had fallen well short of its target. It can hit strategic targets deep inside China, including Shanghai and Beijing with a strike range of 3,500 km. It falls short of the range of ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) which have ranges over 5000 km. As reported earlier, a new type of steel that will help to increase the range from 15 to 30% was developed. On 12 April 2007 Agni-III missile was tested successfully and again on 7 May 2008. Agni III the ninth missile in the Agni series to have been tested. The first was tested in May 1989. Agni III has been successfully tested on 7th Feb 2010. The test has met all mission parameters. A new Agni-V missile with 5000 km range is being developed. By the legal way it is not a ICBM because ICBM has the range from 5500+ Km.This missile is the modified version of the Agni-III missile with another stage. This missile is called the Agni-III* (Agni-III star). Prithvi missile system The Prithvi missile (from Sanskrit p thv "Earth") is the tactical surface-to-surface short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The Prithvi was India's first indigenously developed ballistic missile. Development of the Prithvi began in 1983, and it was first test-fired on February 25, 1988 from Sriharikota, SHAR Centre, Pottisreeramulu Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. It has a range of up to 150 to 300 km. The land variant is called Prithviwhile the naval operational variant of Prithvi I and Prithvi II class missiles are codenamed Dhanush (meaning Bow). Both variants are used for surface targets. The Prithvi is said to have its propulsion technology derived from the Soviet SA-2 surface-to-air missile. Variants make use of either liquid or both liquid and solid fuels. Developed as a battlefield missile, it could carry a nuclear warhead in its role as a tactical nuclear weapon. Variants of Prithvi The initial project framework of the IGMDP envisioned the Prithvi missile as a short-range ballistic missile with variants for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. There have been 5 known variants of the missile over the years.


Prithvi I - First version developed in the 1990s for the Army (150 km range with a payload of 1000 kg) Prithvi II - Version for the Air Force developed in the 1990s (250 km range with a payload of 500 kg)
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Prithvi III - Versions for the Army and Air Force first tested in 2004 (350 km range with a payload of 1000 kg) Sagarika - Submarine-launched variant intended for nuclear-powered submarines Dhanush - Ship-launched version first tested in 2000 (350 km range with a payload of 1000 kg)

Prithvi I Prithvi I (SS-150) was a single stage liquid-fuelled surface-to-surface missile with a maximum warhead payload of 1000 kg and a range of 150 km. It had an accuracy of 10 50 metres and was launched from transporter erector launchers. This class of Prithvi missiles were inducted into the Indian Army in 1994. Prithvi II Prithvi II class was a single stage liquid-fuelled missile with maximum payload of 300 kg, but with an extended range of 250 kilometres. It was developed with the Indian Air Force being the primary user. It was first test-fired on January 27, 1996 and the development stages were completed in 2004. The Prithvi II class of missiles were inducted into the Army as well as the Air Force. Prithvi III Prithvi III class has a longer-range of 350 km, and was successfully test fired in 2004. Sagarika The K-15 Sagarika (Sanskrit: meaning Oceanic) missile is a submarine-launched variant of the Prithvi missile with a range of 700 km. Sagarika is a two-stage surface-to-surface missile for launch from submarines. The first stage is an underwater booster that powers the missile to 5 km above the surface of the ocean. A second solid-fueled stage with a 16 metric ton force (157 kN) thrust motor then propels the missile over 700 km. Dhanush Dhanush is a ship-launched variant of the Prithvi missile. The first test for the missile was conducted from a modified offshore patrol vessel INS Subhadra (P51) on 11 April 2000, which was unsuccessful. Further tests of the missile were successfully conducted between 2000 and 2004. In December 2005, the missile was test fired from the destroyer INS Rajput (D51) with a range of 150 km. An enhanced version with a range of 350 km was successfully test fired from INS Subhadra in December 2009. Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor

Prithvi Air Defense The Prithvi Air Defense missile has been named as Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor. It has an maximum interception altitude of 80 km and is capable of engaging the 300 to 2,000 km class of ballistic missiles at a speed of Mach 5. DRDO is currently working on an missile for intercepting targets of 5000+ km range and engaging them at altitudes of up to 150 km.The tests are expected to commence from 2010-11. Akash missile system

An Akash missile being test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Orissa. The launch platform is a BMP-2 vehicle Akash (Sanskrit: meaning Sky) is a medium range surface-to-air missile developed as part of India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Program to achieve self-sufficiency in the area of surface-to-air missiles. It is the most expensive missile project ever undertaken by the Union government in the 20th century. Development costs skyrocketed to almost US$120 million which is far more than other similar systems. Akash is a medium-range surface-to-air missile with an intercept range of 30 km. It has a launch weight of 720 kg, a diameter of 35 cm and a length of 5.8 metres. Akash flies at supersonic speed, reaching around Mach 2.5. It can reach an altitude of 18 km. A digital proximity fuse is coupled with a 55 kg prefragmented warhead, while the safety arming and detonation mechanism enables a controlled detonation sequence. A self-destruct device is also integrated. It is propelled by a solid fuelled booster stage. The missile has a terminal guidance system capable of working through electronic countermeasures. The entire Akash SAM system allows for attacking multiple targets (up to 4 per Battery). The Akash missile's use of ramjet propulsion system allows it to maintain its speed without deceleration, unlike the Patriot missiles.
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The missile is supported by a multi-target and multi-function phased array fire control radar called the 'Rajendra' with a range of about 80 km in search, and 60 km in terms of engagement. The missile is completely guided by the Radar, without any active guidance of its own. This allows it greater capability against jamming as the aircraft self protection jammer would have to work against the high power Rajendra, and the aircraft being attacked is not alerted by any terminal seeker on the Akash itself. Design of the missile is similar to that of the SA-6 with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. For pitch/yaw control four clipped triangular moving wings are mounted on mid-body. For roll control four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons are mounted before the tail. However, internal schema shows a completely modernised layout, including an Onboard computer with special optimized trajectories, and an all digital Proximity fuse. The Akash system meant for the Army uses the T-72 tank chassis for its launcher and radar vehicles. The Rajendra derivative for the Army is called the Battery Level Radar-III. The Air Force version uses an Ashok Leyland truck platform to tow the missile launcher, while the Radar is on a BMP-2 chassis and is called the Battery Level Radar-II. In either case, the launchers carry three ready-to-fire Akash missiles each. The launchers are automated, autonomous and networked to a command post and the guidance radar. They are slewable in azimuth and elevation. The Akash system can be deployed by rail, road or air. The first test flight of Akash missile was conducted in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997. The IAF has initiated the process to induct the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles developed as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. The Multiple target handling capability of Akash weapon system was demonstrated by live firing in a C4I environment during the trials. Two Akash missiles intercepted two fast moving targets in simultaneous engagement mode in 2005 itself. The Akash System's 3D central acquisition radar (3-D car) group mode performance was then fully established. In December,2007 Indian Air Force completed user trials for the Akash missile system. The trials, which were spread over ten days were successful and the missile hit its target on all five occasions. Before the ten day trial at Chandipur, the Akash system's ECCM Evaluation tests were carried out at Gwalior Air force base while mobility trials for the system vehicles were carried out at Pokhran. The IAF had evolved the user Trial Directive to verify the Akash's consistency in engaging targets. The following trials were conducted: Against low flying near range target, long range high altitude target, crossing and approaching target and ripple firing of two missiles from the same launcher against a low altitude receding target. Following this, the IAF declared that it would initiate the induction of 2 squadrons strength (each squadron with 2 batteries) of this missile system, to begin with. Once deliveries are complete, further orders would be placed to replace retiring SA-3 GOA (Pechora) SAM systems. In February 2010, the Indian Air Force ordered six more squadrons of the Akash system, taking orders to eight of the type. The Indian Army is also expected to order the Akash system.

Trishul missile system

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Trishul (Sanskrit: meaning trident) is the name of a short range surface-to-air missile developed by India as a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. It has a range of 9 km and is fitted with a 5.5 kg warhead. Designed to be used against low-level (sea skimming) targets at short range, the system has been developed to defend naval vessels against missiles and also as a short range surface to air missile on land. Guidance consists of three different guiding beams, with the guidance handed over progressively to a narrower beam as the missile approaches the target. Development costs of the missile touched almost US$70 million to the taxpayers.India had Officially shut down Trishul Missile project on February 27, 2008. The programme of surface-to-air Trishul missile, one of the five missiles being developed by Defense Research and Development Organization, is being shelved. Defence Minister George Fernandes indicated in Rajya Sabha when he said Trishul missile had been delinked from user service, though it would be continued as a technology demonstrator. Nag missile system

Nag Missile Nag (Sanskrit: meaning cobra) is India's third generation "Fire-and-forget" anti-tank missile. It is an all weather, top attack missile with a range of 3 to 7 km. The missile uses an 8 kg tandem HEAT warhead capable of defeating modern armour including ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) and composite armour. Nag uses Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) guidance with day and night capability. Mode of launch for the IIR seeker is LOBL (Lock On Before Launch). Nag can be mounted on an infantry vehicle; a helicopter launched version will also be available with integration work being carried out with the HAL Dhruv. Separate versions for the Army and the Air Force are being developed. For the Army, the missiles will be carried by specialist carrier vehicles (NAMICA-Nag Missile Carrier) equipped with a thermal imager for target acquisition. NAMICA is a modified BMP-2 IFV licence produced as "Sarath" in India. The carriers are capable of carrying four ready-to-fire missiles in the observation/launch platform which can be elevated with more missiles available for reload within the carrier. For the Air Force, a nose-mounted thermal imaging system has been developed for guiding the missile's trajectory. The missile has a complete fiberglass structure and weighs around 42 kg. Nag was test fired for the 45th time on March 19, 2005 from the Test Range at Ahmednagar (Maharastra), signalling the completion of the developmental phase. It will now enter production phase, subject to user trials and acceptance by the Indian Army.
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Shaurya Missile System

The Shaurya Missile launched in November 2008 The Shaurya missile is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed by DRDO for use by the Indian Army. Capable of hypersonic speeds, it has a range of 600 km and is capable of carrying a payload of one-tonne conventional or nuclear warhead. It can hit targets deep inside Pakistan and China,both nations having unsettled disputes with India.[44] The Shaurya missile provides India with a significant second strike capability.[45] The missile was tested in November 2008 Shaurya missile is a land version of the under-water launched K-15 missile, Sagarika (missile). This missile is stored in a composite canister just like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The composite canister makes the missile much easier to store for long periods without maintenance as well as to handle and transport. It also houses the gas generator to eject the missile from the canister before its solid propellant motors take over to hurl it at the intended target. Shaurya missiles can remain hidden or camouflaged in underground silos from enemy surveillance or satellites till they are fired from the special storage-cumlaunch canisters. DRDO Defence scientists admit that given Shaurya's limited range at present, either the silos will have to be constructed closer to India's borders or longer-range canisterised missiles will have to be developed. The Shaurya system will require some more tests before it becomes fully operational in twothree years. Moreover, defence scientists say the high-speed, two-stage Shaurya has high manoeuvrability which also makes it less vulnerable to existing anti-missile defence systems.