Ballistic Missiles

India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system aims to create and deploy a multi-layered ballistic missile defence shield system to defend against ballistic missile assaults. The proposal to create Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) in India was made in response to the missile launch threat posed by Pakistan, which the Kargil War exacerbated in 1999.

What Are Ballistic Missiles?

A ballistic missile uses a projectile motion, i.e., a high arching flight path, to launch weapons on a target. A “ballistic trajectory” is the path taken by a ballistic missile or projectiles. This ballistic trajectory is just the route a missile system takes when thrusting factors (such as propulsion) have stopped, but only gravitation and resistance are acting upon that (drag forces).

Short-range ballistic missiles operate inside the atmosphere of the Earth, while intercontinental ballistic missiles are launched on a sub-orbital flight. The first part of the ballistic missile’s path, i.e., launch, is therefore directed, but this remaining path is gravity-dependent and requires minimum supervision.

What Are the Advantages of Ballistic Missiles?

• Ballistic missiles travel great lengths, as they go beyond the atmospheric pressure, incur minimal drag, and rely on gravitation and the motion of the planet earth.

• These are well-fueled and productive. Minimal fuel is needed during the launch phase and for trajectory adjustment.

• With ballistic missiles, numerous different deployable re-entry module capabilities can be accomplished.

• Its warhead holding capability is substantially higher than cruiser missiles due to its fuel economy.

India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System

The Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) technology is just a missile defence shield system that protects from ballistic missile assaults. The goal is security rather than assault (through interception of a ballistic missile). 

There are three stages to intercepting a ballistic missile:

• The terminal phase is also called the launch phase for the atmosphere.

• Interception in mid-course (through the interceptions) is the most common.

• Sophisticated radar systems are required during the orbital manoeuvres phase, including aiming at the launch location.

A BMD is a two-layered automated system that includes:

1. Immediate detection systems and sophisticated radar reflectors are also known as all sensor systems.

2. Management & control station that is integrated.

3. Installations of defender missiles must be quick, flexible, and tactically deployed on surface and groundwater resources.

Why Does India Need a Ballistic Missile Defence System?

• India has a “no first use” policy. Having a strong BMD system gives the country the ability to respond to military threats.

• Throughout history, extremist and non-state organisations in Pakistan have attempted to infiltrate the Indian defence systems. BMD will protect the country from dodging the potential annihilation hazard.

• India’s relations with China are currently not at their best, with the threat of war and military aggression looming at the LAC, a robust BMD is indeed a strategic defence plan.

• BMD lowers the risk of an adversary conducting a nuclear assault, promoting geopolitical security and peace.

• This indigenous system could lower the cost of importing military equipment from many other countries.

• BMD also helps in improving surveillance and recognising warning systems. BMD innovation can be utilised in various fields, particularly space technologies.

Components of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence System

1. The Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) is anti-ballistic weaponry designed to destroy approaching warheads from beyond the Earth’s atmosphere. PAD is a multiple rocket-based system with a potential interception altitude of 80 km. The very first phase is vital and uses solid fuel, whereas the latter flight uses liquid fuel.

2. Advanced Air Defence (AAD) is an anti-ballistic missile intended to neutralise intercontinental warheads at a height of 40 km in the endo-atmosphere. The AAD is a solid-fuelled missile system with siliconised carbon jet vanes. PAD offers similar assistance to indigenous radio wave searchers.

3. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is embarking on a project of Prithvi Defender Missiles, designated PDV. It’ll feature multiple missile systems, with solid propulsion systems powering both sections.

4. Prithvi Defence Vehicle Mark 2 is a three-stage missile that stands 13 metres tall and weighs 18.87 tonnes. The first two stages constitute rocket engine cylinders with extensible blades, the third phase is the Kill Vehicle.

5. The Swordfish RADAR is the BMD program’s target acquisition and fire control radar. The Super Swordfish or Very Long Range Tracking Radar (VLRTR) which is an upgraded variant with 1,500 km range was introduced in 2017 and is now operational.

Conclusion

In today’s volatile geostrategic environment, tactical readiness and strategic consciousness is the international language of defence. India’s Ballistic Missile Defence system meets all of these requirements and provides a defensive barrier that has both physical and psychological effects on enemy states. While there are concerns about its cost, efficacy, and scope, it can be widened considerably with technological advancements, including ‘Make in India’ assistance.