BM-04 Missile: India has introduced a powerful new weapon to its military arsenal. The DRDO has unveiled the BM-04, a short-range ballistic missile capable of hypersonic speeds, making it one of the world’s fastest and most advanced missiles. Hypersonic speed means it can travel at least five times faster than sound (Mach 5 or above). Only Russia, the US, and China possess such technology.
The BM-04 was showcased at the Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 defence exhibition in Hyderabad. Its design features a boost-glide vehicle, enabling it to evade enemy defences and strike targets with precision. According to IDRW, the missile is designed to neutralise enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems, ensuring Indian forces can operate freely in contested battlefields.
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Features of BM-04
The BM-04 missile has a range of 400 to 1,500 kilometres, which puts it in the category of intermediate-range ballistic missiles. However, the DRDO calls it a short-range missile. The missile is 10.2 metres long, 1.2 metres wide, and weighs 11,500 kilograms. It uses solid fuel and is launched from a canister, making it easier to transport and deploy. The missile can be carried on a six-axle Tatra truck, giving the Indian armed forces the ability to move it quickly to different locations.
The BM-04 is equipped with a 500-kilogram conventional warhead. It uses the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) and GPS to find its target with high accuracy. The missile’s precision is measured by something called circular error probability (CEP), which means at least 50% of the missiles fired will land within 30 metres of the target. This makes the BM-04 a highly accurate weapon.
The BM-04 is a big step forward for India’s defence capabilities. Its hypersonic speed and advanced technology make it harder for enemies to detect and stop. The missile’s design is like the Agni-I missile, which shows that India is building on its existing missile technology to create even more powerful weapons.
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A defence expert said, “The BM-04 will give India a significant edge in modern warfare. Its ability to fly at hypersonic speeds and hit targets with high accuracy makes it a game-changer.” The missile will help India counter threats from countries like China and Pakistan, which are also developing advanced military technologies.
India’s Growing Missile Program
The BM-04 is part of India’s efforts to strengthen its defence systems. Over the years, India has developed a range of missiles, including the Agni series, Prithvi, and BrahMos. The BM-04 adds to this list, showing that India is becoming a leader in missile technology.
The DRDO’s work on hypersonic missiles is a sign of India’s growing confidence in its defence research. With the BM-04, India joins a small group of countries that have hypersonic missile technology. This achievement not only boosts India’s military strength but also sends a strong message to its rivals.
