Abstract

National Defence and security is of prime importance for any Government or nation. National Defence
means the protection of a country against foreign invasion or aggression.
During the period of over 69 years of our countrys existence since Independence, there has been
many invasions and aggression. This also means that in spite of our countrys efforts to maintain peace
in the region, we have been forced to devote a great deal of thought to the necessity of National
Defence. We spend huge amount of money on strengthening defence, to protect ourselves from such
aggressions.
Missiles are capable of destroying any object/target at a designated point located at distant locations.
Hence they play an important role in defence of a nation. In the coming years there will be need for
comprehensive range of missiles against multiple threats. Thus there is need for indigenous missiles
in key areas of defence & it is necessary to equip the country with Missile Systems.

Introduction
History of Missile
The use of missiles dates back to the Vedic age in India. Indian warriors have used "Astras" as missiles
in various forms from that period in the subcontinent, proofs of which can be drawn from a number
of epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
In olden days, the Astra (a supernatural weapon) was controlled by Mantras (a sound, syllable, or
group of words that are considered capable of creating transformation) that could be correlated to
the mission control software of the modern day missiles.

Worlds first rocket

Fighting the British colonial army, Tipu Sultan and his army used thousands of rockets resulting in the
defeat of the troops in the Srirangapatna war in 1792. The rockets were attached with bamboo or
steel spears and powered by gun powder, propellant compacted in a cast iron chamber with nozzle
and igniters capable of attacking enemy cavalry and soldiers.
The modern day missiles have their roots in Germany as the country developed the first successful
Guided missiles V1 and V2. After World War II, several other nations developed a variety of missile
systems.

Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP)

India had mastered missile technology from olden days, but it was left behind in this field when the
Britishers ruled the country for hundreds of years, resulting in lack of resources, research environment
and capabilities.
This was the time when India decided to go ahead with its Integrated Guided Missile Development
Programme (IGMDP), headed by eminent scientist and former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
who launched the first Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV3 putting the Rohini Satellite in orbit.
The IGMDP project began on July 26, 1983 at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory
(DRDL) in Hyderabad. A host of missiles, including the strategic Agni Integrated Range Ballistic Missile
(IRBM), the tactical Prithvi, the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles and the Nag anti-tank guided
missile were developed under the programme. The project gave India the capability to produce
indigenous missiles in other key areas as well.
Today, India is one of the few countries in the world to have indigenously developed missile systems
including critical technologies like the re-entry tip for ballistic missiles.

Missile System
A missile is an intelligent unmanned rocket designed to carry the payload to a designated point with
an aim of destroying the object/target. The missile is designed keeping in mind its target, trajectory,
warhead, range, velocity and launch platform.
The major technologies/mechanisms used in a missile are:

Propulsion system
Guidance system
Aerodynamic features to include air frame, wings and fins
Terminal guidance in case of precision guided weapons
Warhead

Propulsion system : The propulsion system in a missile is required to achieve terminal conditions like
range, speed and warhead carrying capability. The missile is propelled either by rockets or jet engines
using solid or liquid fuel. Some missiles use hybrid technology for propelling it to its intended point.
Guidance system : The function of the guidance system is to maintain the missile in its desired flight
path by using altitude control mechanism. This is done by controlling the pitch, roll and yaw of the
weapon. The guidance system operates as an autopilot, damping out fluctuations that tend to deflect
the missile from its intended flight path.
In some missiles, the guidance commands are generated internally by the missiles computer. In
others, the commands are transmitted to the weapon by some external source.
Aerodynamic features : The aerodynamic features of a missile, also called controlling surfaces, are
used to control the missiles flight. The fins, wings and tail are the three major aerodynamic control
surfaces used to steer the missile. The missiles course can be altered by moving these controlling
surfaces.
Terminal Guidance : In case of precision weapons, the target seeker comes into picture when the
missile starts detecting its target. The mechanism also works to determine the time of activating the
warhead. After finding out the target, the device sends an electrical impulse to trigger the activation
system. The target seeker is based either on radar or infrared (IR) or laser devices.
Warhead : The warhead of a missile is selected keeping in mind its target type. It inflicts damage on
the target and hence determines the missiles lethality.

Classification of Missile
Missiles are generally classified on the basis of their Type, Launch Mode, Range, Propulsion, Warhead
and Guidance Systems.

Type:

Cruise Missile
Ballistic Missile

Launch Mode:

Surface-to-Surface Missile
Surface-to-Air Missile
Surface(Coast)-to-Sea Missile
Air-to-Air Missile
Air-to-Surface Missile
Sea-to-Sea Missile
Sea-to-Surface(Coast) Missile
Anti-Tank

Missile Range:

Short Range Missile

Medium Range Missile
Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Propulsion:

Solid Propulsion
Liquid Propulsion
Hybrid Propulsion
Ramjet
Scramjet
Cryogenic

Warhead:

Conventional
Strategic

Guidance Systems:

Wire Guidance
Command Guidance
Terrain Comparison Guidance
Terrestrial Guidance
Inertial Guidance
Beam Rider Guidance
Laser Guidance
RF and GPS Reference

On the basis of Type:

(i)

Cruise Missile: A cruise missile is an unmanned self-propelled (till the time of impact)
guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of its flight path and
whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target. They fly
within the earths atmosphere and use jet engine technology. These vehicles vary greatly
in their speed and ability to penetrate defences. Cruise missiles can be categorised by size,
speed (subsonic or supersonic), range and whether launched from land, air, surface ship
or submarine.

Depending upon the speed such missiles are classified as:

1. Subsonic cruise missile
2. Supersonic cruise missile
3. Hypersonic cruise missile
Subsonic cruise missile flies at a speed lesser than that of sound. It travels at a speed of around 0.8
Mach. Examples: Tomahawk cruise missile & Harpoon of USA and Exocet of France.
Supersonic cruise missile travels at a speed of around 2-3 Mach i.e. it travels a kilometre
approximately in a second. The combination of supersonic speed and warhead mass provides high
kinetic energy ensuring tremendous lethal effect. BRAHMOS is the only known versatile supersonic
cruise missile system which is in service.
Hypersonic cruise missile travels at a speed of more than 5 Mach. Many countries are working to
develop hypersonic cruise missiles. BrahMos Aerospace is also in the process of developing a
hypersonic cruise missile, BRAHMOS II, which would fly at a speed greater than 5 Mach.
(ii)

Ballistic Missile: A ballistic missile is a missile that has a ballistic trajectory over most of
its flight path, regardless of whether or not it is a weapon delivery vehicle. Ballistic missiles
are categorised according to their range, maximum distance measured along the surface
of earth's ellipsoid from the point of launch to the point of impact of the last element of
their payload. The missile carry a huge payload. Ballistic missiles can be launched from
ships and land based facilities. For example, Prithvi I, Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II and Dhanush
ballistic missiles are currently operational in the Indian defence forces.

On the basis of Launch Mode:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)
(iv)
(v)

Surface-to-Surface Missile: A surface-to-surface missile is a guided projectile launched

from a handheld, vehicle mounted, trailer mounted or fixed installation. It is often
powered by a rocket motor or sometimes fired by an explosive charge since the launch
platform is stationary.
Surface-to-Air Missile: A surface-to-air missile is designed for launch from the ground to
destroy aerial targets like aircrafts, helicopters and even ballistic missiles. These missiles
are generally called air defence systems as they defend any aerial attacks by the enemy.
Surface(Coast)-to-Sea Missile: A surface(coast)-to-sea missile is designed to be launched
from land to ship in the sea as targets.
Air-to-Air Missile: An air-to-air missile is launched from an aircraft to destroy the enemy
aircraft. The missile flies at a speed of 4 Mach.
Air-to-Surface Missile: An air-to-surface missile is designed for launch from military
aircraft and strikes ground targets on land, at sea or both. The missiles are basically guided

(vi)
(vii)
(viii)

via laser guidance, infrared guidance and optical guidance or via GPS signals. The type of
guidance depends on the type of target.
Sea-to-Sea Missile: A sea-to-sea missile is designed for launch from one ship to another
ship.
Sea-to-Surface (Coast) Missile: A sea-to-surface missile is designed for launch from ship
to land based targets.
Anti-Tank Missile: An anti-tank missile is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and
destroy heavily armoured tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles. Anti-tank missiles
could be launched from aircraft, helicopters, tanks and also from shoulder mounted
launcher.

On the basis of Range:

This type of classification is based on maximum range achieved by the missiles. The basic classification
is as follows:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)

Short Range Missile: <1000 km

Medium Range Missile: 1000 3000 km
Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile: 3000 5500 km
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile: >5500 km

On the basis of Propulsion:

(i) Solid Propulsion: Solid fuel is used in solid propulsion. Generally, the fuel is aluminium
powder. Solid propulsion has the advantage of being easily stored and can be handled in
fuelled condition. It can reach very high speeds quickly. Its simplicity also makes it a good
choice whenever large amount of thrust is needed.
(ii) Liquid Propulsion: The liquid propulsion technology uses liquid as fuel. The fuels are
hydrocarbons. The storage of missile with liquid fuel is difficult and complex. In addition,
preparation of missile takes considerable time. In liquid propulsion, propulsion can be
controlled easily by restricting the fuel flow by using valves and it can also be controlled even
under emergency conditions. Basically, liquid fuel gives high specific impulse as compared to
solid fuel.
(iii) Hybrid Propulsion: There are two stages in hybrid propulsion, solid propulsion and liquid
propulsion. This kind of propulsion compensates the disadvantages of both propulsion
systems and has the combined advantages of the two propulsion systems.
(iv) Ramjet: A ramjet engine does not have any turbines unlike turbojet engines. It achieves
compression of intake air just by the forward speed of the air vehicle. The fuel is injected and
ignited. The expansion of hot gases after fuel injection and combustion accelerates the
exhaust air to a velocity higher than that at the inlet and creates positive push. However, the
air entering the engine should be at supersonic speeds. So, the aerial vehicle must be moving
in supersonic speeds. Ramjet engines cannot propel an aerial vehicle from zero to supersonic
speeds.
(v) Scramjet: Scramjet is an acronym for Supersonic Combustion Ramjet. The difference between
scramjet and ramjet is that the combustion takes place at supersonic air velocities through
the engine. It is mechanically simple, but vastly more complex aerodynamically than a jet
engine. Hydrogen is normally the fuel used.
(vi) Cryogenic: Cryogenic propellants are liquefied gases stored at very low temperatures, most
frequently liquid hydrogen as the fuel and liquid oxygen as the oxidizer. The liquid fuel and

oxidizer are pumped from the storage tanks to an expansion chamber and injected into the
combustion chamber where they are mixed and ignited by a flame or spark. The fuel expands
as it burns and the hot exhaust gases are directed out of the nozzle to provide thrust.

On the basis of Warhead:

(i) Conventional Warhead: A conventional warhead contains high energy explosives. It is filled
with a chemical explosive and relies on the detonation of the explosive and the resulting metal
casing fragmentation as kill mechanisms.
(ii) Strategic Warhead: In a strategic warhead, radio-active materials are present and when
triggered they exhibit huge radio-activity that can wipe out even cities. They are generally
designed for mass annihilation.

On the basis of Guidance Systems :

(i) Wire Guidance: This system is broadly similar to radio command, but is less susceptible to
electronic counter measures. The command signals are passed along a wire (or wires)
dispensed from the missile after launch.
(ii) Command Guidance: Command guidance involves tracking the projectile from the launch site
or platform and transmitting commands by radio, radar, or laser impulses or along thin wires
or optical fibres. Tracking might be accomplished by radar or optical instruments from the
launch site or by radar or television imagery relayed from the missile.
(iii) Terrain Comparison Guidance: Terrain Comparison (TERCOM) is used invariably by cruise
missiles. The system uses sensitive altimeters to measure the profile of the ground directly
below and checks the result against stored information.
(iv) Terrestrial Guidance: This system constantly measures star angles and compares them with
the pre-programmed angles expected on the missiles intended trajectory. The guidance
system directs the control system whenever an alteration to trajectory is required.
(v) Inertial Guidance: This system is totally contained within the missile and is programmed prior
to launch. Three accelerometers, mounted on a platform space stabilised by gyros, measure
accelerations along three mutually perpendicular axes these accelerations are then
integrated twice, the first integration giving velocity and the second giving position. The
system then directs the control system to preserve the pre-programmed trajectory. This
systems are used in the surface-to-surface missiles and in cruise missiles.
(vi) Beam Rider Guidance: The beam rider concept relies on an external ground or ship based
radar station that transmits a beam of radar energy towards the target. The surface radar
tracks the target and also transmits a guidance beam that adjusts its angle as the target moves
across the sky.
(vii) Laser Guidance: In laser guidance, a laser beam is focused on the target and the laser beam
reflects off the target and gets scattered. The missile has a laser seeker that can detect even
miniscule amount of radiation. The seeker provides the direction of the laser scatters to the
guidance system. The missile is launched towards the target, the seeker looks out for the laser
reflections and the guidance system steers the missile towards the source of laser reflections
that is ultimately the target.
(viii)
RF and GPS Reference: RF (Radio Frequency) and GPS (Global Positioning System) are
examples of technologies that are used in missile guidance systems. A missile uses GPS signal
to determine the location of the target. Over the course of its flight, the weapon uses this
information to send commands to control surfaces and adjusts its trajectory. In a RF reference,
the missile uses RF waves to locate the target.

BRAHMOS- The Ultimate Power against any adversary

Joint Venture
BrahMos Aerospace was formed as a joint venture between Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) of India and Joint Stock Company Military Industrial Consortium NPO
Mashinostroyenia (earlier known as Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPOM of Russia). The company
was established in India through an Inter-Governmental Agreement signed on February 12, 1998,
between The Republic of India and The Russian Federation.
BrahMos the name represents the fury of Brahmaputra and the grace of Moskva rivers. The company
was established with an authorised capital of $250 million with 50.5% from Indian side and 49.5%
from Russian side. The company is responsible for designing, developing, producing and marketing
the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile with active participation of a consortium of Indian and Russian
industries.
The collaboration was made possible by sharing technological strength of both partners, DRDO and
NPOM. DRDO had developed crucial systems like inertial navigation systems, mission software, mobile
launchers for Prithvi and Agni missiles. NPOM had expertise in the area of ramjet engines together
with a number of technologies for space systems, launch vehicles and cruise missiles. Thus, the
combination of the capabilities and competencies of both institutions gave birth to a world class
product BRAHMOS, in a short time.

History of BrahMos
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) was initiated in the year 1983. The
project was aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in missiles programme by developing and producing a
comprehensive range of missiles, including the intermediate range and short range ones.
However, after the Gulf War of 1990s, it was felt increasingly necessary to equip the country with a
cruise missile system. It was at that time when Indias decades old bonhomie with Russia, without
disturbing the unique balance in the Non-alignment policy, came to the forefront in developing the
new missile system.
As a result, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India, also a missile technologist, and N V
Mikhailov, Russias first Deputy Defence Minister, signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement in
Moscow on February 12, 1998. It paved the way for BrahMos Aerospace the joint venture entity
between Indias Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russias NPO
Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).
The aim of the partnership was to design, develop, manufacture and market worlds only supersonic
cruise missile system BRAHMOS.
The first successful launch of BRAHMOS took place on June 12, 2001. The missile was test fired from
its land based launcher at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa.
The missile has undergone a number of test trials, meeting the requirements of its potential users.
The system is in service with the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile

BRAHMOS is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine as its first stage which brings
it to supersonic speed and then gets separated. The liquid ramjet or the second stage then takes the
missile closer to 3 Mach speed in cruise phase. Stealth technology and guidance system with advanced
embedded software provides the missile with special features.
The missile has flight range of up to 290km with supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to
shorter flight time, consequently ensuring lower dispersion of targets, quicker engagement time and
non-interception by any known weapon system in the world.
It operates on Fire and Forget Principle, adopting varieties of flights on its way to the target. Its
destructive power is enhanced due to large kinetic energy on impact. Its cruising altitude could be up
to 15 km and terminal altitude is as low as 10 meters. It carries a conventional warhead weighing 200
to 300 kgs.
Compared to existing state-of-the-art subsonic cruise missiles, BRAHMOS has:

3 times more velocity

2.5 to 3 times more flight range
3 to 4 times more seeker range
9 times more kinetic energy

The missile has identical configuration for land, sea and subsea platforms and uses a Transport Launch
Canister (TLC) for transportation, storage and launch.

Special Features

Universal for multiple platforms

Fire and Forget principle of operation
High supersonic speed all through the flight
Long flight range with varieties of flight trajectories
Low radar signature
Shorter flight times leading to lower target dispersion and quicker engagement
Pin point accuracy with high lethal power aided by large kinetic energy on impact

Status
BRAHMOS is the first supersonic cruise missile known to be in service. Induction of the first version of
BRAHMOS Weapon Complex in the Indian Navy commenced from 2005 with INS Rajput as the first
ship. All future ships being built and ships coming for midlife upgradation will be fitted with the missile.
The Indian Army has also inducted three regiments of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile.

In Service

Ship based Weapon Complex (Inclined & Vertical Configuration)

Land based Weapon Complex (Vertical Launch Configuration from Mobile Autonomous
Launcher)

In Progress

Air launch version

The cannisterised missile is capable of being launched vertically from underwater and had been
successfully flight tested from a submerged platform. Deployment depends on the requirement of the
Indian Navy or navies of friendly countries.
The air launched version has been developed and has lesser weight and additional rear fins for
aerodynamic stability during separation from the aircraft during launch. The missile has gone through
complete cycle of ground trials.

BrahMos System on Different Platforms

Ship-based Weapon Complex System
BRAHMOS is the leading supersonic cruise missile capable of hitting sea based targets beyond radar
horizons. The missile with pinpoint accuracy can be launched as far as 290km from the target. It can
be launched in either inclined or vertical configuration based on the type of the ship or user
requirements. The potential carriers are Frigate, Corvette, Offshore patrol vessel and any other type
of ships.
The missile has successfully demonstrated its speed, precision and power a number of times from
Naval ships. The launches have been carried out in sea-to-sea and sea-to-land configurations
successfully. The recent launch in the inclined configuration in sea-to-land mode was carried out from
sea to a designated target built on an isolated island at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It precisely hit
the target, thus demonstrating its capabilities.
BRAHMOS has also been tested in vertical configuration from a moving warship. This has proved the
missiles vertical launch capabilities from a moving platform and also that of the Universal Vertical
Launcher Module (UVLM).
The Indian Navy began inducting the first version of BRAHMOS Missile System in all of its frontline
warships from 2005.

Launch Platforms:
INS Rajput: INS Rajput is one of Indias frontline naval warships of destroyer class. The warship has
been installed with four BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles, two on each side in inclined
configuration in 2003.
INS Ranvir: INS Ranvir belongs to the Rajput class guided missile destroyers. On December 18, 2008,
the first launch of the supersonic cruise missile took place from this launch platform.
BRAHMOS has also been installed in number of front line warships of Indian Navy

Land-based Weapon Complex System

BRAHMOS is a formidable weapon system with its unmatched speed, precision and devastating
power. The Land based Weapon Complex comprises of four to six Mobile Autonomous Launchers
(MAL) controlled by a Mobile Command Post (MCP), and a Mobile Replenishment Vehicle (MRV). MAL
is an autonomous vehicle with its own communication, power supply and fire control system. Three
BRAHMOS missiles placed in three independent containers are installed on the MAL. The missiles can

be fired on three different targets or in a variety of other combinations near simultaneously. The land
based version is also equipped with Inertial Navigation System and Global Positioning System.

Launch Platform:
Mobile Autonomous Launcher (MAL) is a state-of-the-art Land based Weapon Complex. It consists of
three missiles in ready to launch configuration housed in containers, most modern means of
communications, Radar receivers for Target information, and an ultra advanced Fire Control System
for coordinating the launch.

Air Launch Weapon System

BRAHMOS air launched version is getting ready to be soon test flown from the Sukhoi SU30MKI fighter
of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The development work related to the Air launch version of the missile is complete. Integration of the
air launched version of BRAHMOS is currently at an advanced stage.

Submarine Launch Version

BRAHMOS missile is capable of being launched from submarine from a depth of 4050 metres. The
missile has identical configuration similar to the ship based system.
The canisterised missile is launched vertically, the nose cap prevents water from entering the 'airintake' during the underwater flight. Once the missile emerges from the water, the sensors provide
the out of water command and the nose cap is fired for turning the missile in the desired direction
to hit the target.
BRAHMOS installation in submarine will increase manyfold the 'offensive power' of the vessel without
compromising on its 'defensive power' as the torpedo tubes can be fully utilized for defence. All
studies and simulation trials related to underwater launch have been completed.
On 20 March 2013, the submarine launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was
successfully test fired from a submerged platform in Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam.
Creating history, the missile took off vertically from the submerged platform for its full range of 290
km. All the telemetry and tracking stations confirmed the pinpoint accuracy of the mission. BRAHMOS
is now ready for fitment in submarines for vertical launch.

BRAHMOS Hypersonic Cruise Missile

In the coming years there will be need for much faster missiles against threats terrorists, pirates, low
intensity conflicts and also in war theatre.
Effort is on in a number of countries to achieve hypersonic speeds. BrahMos, India and Russias Joint
Venture, is also moving ahead with its hypersonic version BRAHMOS II which will have a scramjet
engine in place of ramjet. As a variation of the ramjet, scramjets allow combustion to occur in a
supersonic airflow, thereby expanding the operating range above 4 Mach.
The hypersonic weapons immense destructive power will result from kinetic energy. An object
striking a target at 6 Mach will generate 36 times the force of an object of the same mass striking the
target at 1 Mach. This phenomenon makes hypersonic weapons well suited to attacking hardened or
deeply buried targets such as bunkers or nuclear and biological weapon storage facilities.

Conclusion
India has come a long way since the launch of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
(IGMDP) in the year 1983, which aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in missiles programme by
developing and producing a comprehensive range of missiles. Now India indigenously manufactures a
host of missiles, including the strategic Agni Series Ballistic Missiles, the tactical Prithvi, the Dhanush,
the Nirbhay Cruise Missile, the Akash and Trishul surface-to-air missiles and the Nag anti-tank guided
missile. Today, India is one of the few countries in the world to have indigenously developed missile
systems including critical technologies like the re-entry tip for ballistic missiles. India and Russia jointly
developed BRAHMOS, the worlds only supersonic cruise missile system. Now BrahMos Aerospace is
moving ahead with its hypersonic version BRAHMOS II. With the continuous efforts of defense
scientists, India can hope for more destructive missiles in its arsenal.