military
February 26, 2026
India's Missile Arsenal: From Tactical Rockets to MIRVs and Nuclear Triad Capabilities
Explore India’s rise as a strategic missile power, from Prithvi and Agni systems to BrahMos and nuclear triad development, shaping regional security.
TL;DR
- India is assembling a large-scale missile arsenal to deter Pakistan and China simultaneously.
- Its capabilities span short-range tactical missiles to intercontinental-range ballistic missiles and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.
- Civilian space launch technology and indigenous industrial capacity have fueled missile development.
- The Prithvi and Agni missile programs have evolved over decades, expanding range and sophistication.
- The Agni-V, with a range of 8,000 km, incorporates MIRV technology.
- India is developing a maritime nuclear triad with the Arihant-class submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (K-15, K-4).
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is central to India's missile and defense programs, emphasizing technological sovereignty.
- The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a successful joint venture with Russia, adaptable for various platforms.
- Future developments may include hypersonic missile collaboration with Russia and further integration of advanced air defense systems like the S-400.
- India prioritizes local assembly and production in military-technical cooperation to gain access to foreign technologies.
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