India modern missiles: India now has a powerful mix of modern missiles that guard the country on land, at sea, and in the sky. These weapons show India’s growing trust in its own technology.
Agni‑5 (ICBM, 5,000+ km range)
This missile can hit targets more than 5,000 km away. India tested it successfully from Chandipur on 20 August 2025. The test showed it can carry many warheads and launch from a sealed container, which keeps it safer from enemy attacks. It carries about 1.5 tonnes and uses NavIC guidance to hit targets accurately. Its long range covers China and Pakistan and helps India keep a strong nuclear second-strike power.
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BrahMos (Supersonic Cruise Missile, 800 km)
Agni-Prime is another important missile but works at shorter distances. It has a range between 1,000 km and 2,000 km and was tested from a rail-mobile launcher in September 2025. This missile is lighter and faster to deploy. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Because it stays inside a canister until launch, it can fire quickly and is harder for enemies to detect or destroy early.
Agni‑Prime (MRBM, 1,000-2,000 km)
India’s cruise missile strength comes mainly from BrahMos and Nirbhay. The BrahMos extended-range version can hit targets up to 800 km away and is expected to enter service around 2025-26. It flies at nearly Mach 3 speed and stays close to the sea surface, making it very hard to stop.
India can launch it from land, ships, submarines, and fighter jets like the Su-30MKI. The missile proved its value during Operation Sindoor and has also been exported to countries like the Philippines and Vietnam. It can carry nuclear warheads and shows India’s growing global defence role.
Nirbhay/Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRP2GM, 1,000 km)
Nirbhay, also called the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile, gives India a different type of power. It moves slower than BrahMos but flies very low to avoid radar. Tests in 2025 showed it can fly farther and wait before hitting its target. It is best for attacking fixed places like airbases and command centres. It uses Indian-made guidance and can launch from mobile vehicles, making it flexible and useful.
Astra Mk‑1/2
The Mk-2 version reached about 160 km range in 2025 trials and uses active radar guidance. These missiles cost less than imported options and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. They help Indian pilots fight enemy jets at long distances, including advanced aircraft from rival nations.
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K-15 Sagarika missile
India’s nuclear deterrence also extends to the sea through the K-15 Sagarika missile. This missile launches from ballistic missile submarines and has a range between 750 km and 1,500 km. Its main strength is survivability. Even if land bases face attacks, submarines can still respond. This ensures India always keeps a credible nuclear response ready.
Akash Prime system
Inducted in 2025, this surface-to-air missile can strike targets up to about 40 km away and protect areas in all directions. The Army and Air Force deploy it as part of layered air defence. It works alongside systems like the S-400 and offers a cost-effective way to stop mass attacks.
