Ballistic Missiles are advanced, long-range weapons designed to deliver warheads over great distances with extreme speed and destructive power. They follow a steep, curved trajectory called a ballistic path. During the boost phase, powerful rocket engines lift the missile into the upper atmosphere or even into space. Once the engines stop, the missile enters the midcourse phase, where it travels freely under the force of gravity, often outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Finally, in the terminal phase, the warhead re-enters the atmosphere at hypersonic speed and strikes its target with tremendous kinetic energy.

These missiles can carry conventional, nuclear, or specialized warheads and are used for strategic deterrence, battlefield precision strikes, and national defense. Depending on their range and mission, they are launched from land-based platforms, submarines (SLBMs), ships, or aircraft, forming a crucial part of modern military arsenals. Their speed, altitude, and long reach make them difficult to intercept, which is why they play a major role in global security and power balance.

Types of Ballistic Missiles

1. Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM)

Range: Up to 1,000 km

Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) are missiles with a range of 300–1,000 km, used for quick, high-impact strikes in nearby conflict zones. They launch using rocket boosters and follow a ballistic path. SRBMs are mobile, solid-fuelled, accurate, and ideal for fast battlefield operations.

Examples: Prithvi-1, Prithvi-2, Prithvi-3, Prahaar, Agni-I, Shaurya missile.

2. Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM)

Range: 1,000 to 3,000 km

MRBMs are a category of ballistic missiles capable of striking targets at medium distances—beyond short-range systems but below intermediate-range missiles.

Examples: Agni-II and Agni-P (Agni Prime Missile)

3. Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM)

Range: 3,000 to 5,500 km                   

IRBMs are ballistic missiles designed to strike targets at long distances—beyond MRBMs but below Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). They are primarily used for regional strategic deterrence and can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads.

Examples: Agni-III, Agni-IV, K-4 / Kalam‑4

4. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM / ICBM-Class)

Range: 5,500 km and above

ICBMs are the longest-range ballistic missiles in the world, designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads across intercontinental distances

Example: Agni-V, Agni-VI

5. Advanced / Manoeuvrable Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSMs)

Advanced  SSMs are modern missiles that can change direction during flight, travel at high or hypersonic speeds, and evade missile defence systems. They use advanced guidance for high accuracy and quick-strike capability.

Example – Agni-P (Agni Prime), Pralay, Dhanush, Shaurya, Agni-I Prime.

6. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)

Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) are powerful, long-range ballistic missiles fired from submarines. They form a crucial part of a nation’s second-strike capability, ensuring that even if land-based systems are destroyed, the country can still retaliate.

Examples: K-15 missile, K-4 missile, K-5 missile, K-6 missile 

How Ballistic Missiles operate

A ballistic missile’s flight has three phases:

1. Boost Phase

• The missile’s rocket engines fire.
• It climbs upward, leaving the atmosphere.
• This phase lasts a few minutes.

2. Midcourse Phase

• The missile travels in space.
• This is the longest phase.
• Warheads may separate from the main rocket body.

3. Terminal Phase

• At very high speed, Warhead returns to the atmosphere.
• Moves toward the target.
• Hardest to intercept due to high velocity.

Conclusion

Ballistic missiles play a crucial role in modern military strategy by providing a nation with long-range, high-impact strike capabilities. Their ability to travel at extreme speeds, reach distant targets, and deliver powerful warheads makes them a key element of national defense and deterrence systems. Classified into types such as SRBM, MRBM, IRBM, and ICBM based on their range, these missiles are designed for different tactical and strategic purposes. Together, they strengthen a country’s security, maintain power balance, and serve as a strong warning against potential threats. for more updates and knowledge visit Education Masters.