Latest news with #IntercontinentalBallisticMissile
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Meet India's next-generation ICBM: A powerful weapon with advanced anti-ABM capabilities, it could...
(Image: New Delhi: In yet another leap towards developing next-generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has concluded design studies. The next generation ICBM from the stable of DRDO would be a next level game changer for India just like the previous versions and greatly augment India's strategic deterrence capabilities. Reports say that this new generation missile will integrate the latest and most efficient features like those of Agni-V MkII. What do we know about next-generation ICBM up till now? As would be expected from the up-to-date ICBM system, it will be packed with all the features that are required to counter the contemporary threats, especially in territories shielded by advanced ABM systems. Thanks to DRDO's latest venture, the ICBMs have yet again announced their importance, especially in the present set up and upgradation and this missile is poised to address modern threats. India's first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Agni-V has been India's most prominent nuclear deterrence. This land based nuclear MIRV with a range of 7000-8000 km is one of the fastest missiles in the world, reaching speeds up to Mach 24 (29,400 km/h). What should we expect from the next gen ICBM? We have every reason to reach the conviction that DRDO's next ICBM will significantly boost the current attributes and further incorporate the ones required by the new world order after the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran-Israel conflict, and India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor. The new world order will decide the platform, the policy, and the strategy along with making sure that the next-generation ICBM does not need to start afresh, rather utilises the latest and combines elements. For instance, miniaturized nuclear warheads, carbon-composite structures for thermal protection during re-entry, and a canisterized cold-launch system for rapid deployment. It has to overtake the current Agni-V's capabilities. With extremely powerful penetrating advanced anti-Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) systems like Russia's S-500, China's HQ-19, and America's THAAD, it goes without saying that the new one has to outsmart and outmanoeuvre the most advanced ABMs that are functional right now.
India.com
5 days ago
- India.com
Big threat for Pakistan, China as India is developing most advanced bunker buster missile, even US GBU-57, China's DF-15C are fail; name is..
In light of the ongoing conflicts occurring around the world, India is beefing up its defence structure in order to be prepared for developing security challenges and to be strategically prepared on all fronts. At present, India is in the process of developing a massively destructive Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), which is being called a next-generation bunker buster. This missile is characterized as extremely lethal due to its remarkable capabilities. This missile can penetrate 80 to 100 meters underground before detonating. This next-generation bunker buster will surely be incredibly lethal. What makes Agni-5 the most dangerous Bunker Buster ever built? This missile is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Named the Agni-5 Bunker Buster, this missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads with an approximate payload of about 7,500 to 8,000 kilograms. Just the payload capacity gives an indication of the size of destruction it's capable of. How does Agni-5 outperform the US GBU-57, Russia's KAB-1500, and China's DF-15C? The key feature of the Agni-5 missile is its hypersonic speed, which ranges between Mach 8 to Mach 20, and strike range of approximately 2,500 kilometers. With that depth of capability, Agni-5 is superior to some of the most sophisticated bunker buster weapons available, including America's GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and KAB-1500L-Pr from Russia. Several reports have stated Agni-5 is the most lethal deep-penetration weapon in the world, nearly impossible for adversaries to defend against. An exemplary feature of the Agni-5 Bunker Buster is that the new variant sacrifices range for payload, carrying a 7,500–8,000 kg warhead designed to penetrate 80–100 meters of reinforced concrete or rock before detonating, reported the Indian Defence Research Wing(IDRW). If media reports are to be believed, India is developing several different variants of Agni-5 missiles. Some of these variants began the development process earlier this year. According to the reports, one of these variants is likely to have a strike range of more than 5,000 km. In the new versions of the Agni-5, the payload has been maximized. While it may still hold a warhead ranging between 7,500 and 8,000 kg, the missile is built to penetrate as deep as 80 to 100 meters into solid rock before it detonates, allowing it to deep-strike. Another key feature of Agni-5 is its mobility—it can be launched from a mobile launcher (mobile trunk), which means it can be deployed from multiple terrains and locations. Agni-5's deep-penetration warhead variant can completely destroy heavily fortified underground sites, such as Pakistan's Kirana Hills nuclear storage facility, or China's missile silos on the Himalayan border. 'Its ability to burrow 80–100 meters underground before detonation positions it as a critical asset for pre-emptive strikes or counterforce operations, potentially neutralizing enemy nuclear assets without crossing the nuclear threshold. Additionally, a second variant with an airburst warhead is being developed for surface targets like airfields and radar stations, enhancing the missile's versatility,' reads the IDRW report. GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (United States) Weight: 13,600 kg (13.6 tonnes) Payload Capacity: Capable of carrying 2,400 kg of high explosives Penetration Capability: Can pierce up to 60 meters into rock before detonation Limitation: Failed to penetrate Iran's hard limestone terrain during tests Delivery Method: Requires deployment by a bomber aircraft (the U.S. has used B-2 stealth bombers for this purpose) Target Capability: Can penetrate 8–10 meters of steel-reinforced concrete roofs Designed For: Striking nuclear sites, deep underground bunkers, tunnel networks, and heavily fortified military headquarters The GBU-57/B is an American precision-guided bunker buster bomb, incorporating GPS guidance. The GBU-57/B is known for its high precision targeting, and its advanced fuzing system allows it to penetrate ground or hardened targets before detonation. Russia developed the KAB-1500L-PR for the destruction of enemy underground facilities. The 'PR' in the name KAB-1500L-PR stands for Penetrating/High-Penetration variant. It is classified as a laser-guided bomb, which means the accuracy of strikes can be enhanced at times. China has a strong bunker buster missile called the DF-15C, or Dong Feng-15C. The DF-15C is a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and is a type of bunker buster specifically derived from the DF-15 missile family. For comparison, India's Agni-5 bunker buster variant which penetrates a reported 80-100 meters deep. 'The Agni-5's 80–100-meter penetration and 7,500 kg payload far exceed the DF-15C's capabilities, making it a superior option for targeting China's underground missile silos. Its longer range (2,500 km vs. 900 km) and hypersonic speed enhance its strategic utility,' IDRW reported. In a piece in Dawn, defence analyst Rabia Akhtar described India's Agni-5 as a significant risk to Pakistan, and appealed to the international community to intervene and discontinue its production. She labelled the missile as a unsettling shocking development, and stated that it is a serious threat to not only surface-based targets but also deep underground command and control centres and nuclear facilities. With its 7,500 kg payload, the missile would have the capacity to excavate from 80 to 100 meters underground. Rabia Akhtar, a Lahore University professor, called this missile as a dangerous shift in India's military strategy. She was concerned that the Agni-5 could overlap conventional and nuclear warfare; this increases the chances of instability and miscalculations in the region. In her words, if India uses a missile like that to target Pakistan's nuclear command centers or hidden bunkers, Pakistan may see it as a nuclear threat, and in that situation, even if it was a conventional missile attack, it could very possibly turn into a nuclear war from a conventional missile strike causing an incredibly perilous chain reaction.
India.com
7 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Rocket for the world, but actually a missile, Iran pulls off another BIG move with ‘Qased', major concern for Israel and US
Rocket for the world, but actually a missile, Iran pulls off another BIG move with 'Qased', major concern for Israel and US Iran is slowly getting back on track. Despite threats from Israel and the United States, the country is not only responding strongly but also making progress in space research. Recently, Iran successfully tested a satellite launch rocket named Qased. This was Iran's first major achievement after Israel carried out 12 days of military attacks. Experts believe that while this rocket is officially for space use, its technology is actually based on ballistic missiles, which could become a major strength for Iran. At a time when Iran's missile program is being closely watched and the Middle East is facing instability, this rocket test is seen as a big step by Iran. According to Iran's official news agency Mehr, the launch will help test new technologies and improve the performance of satellite systems. Iran's rocket test could lead to future missile development The rocket that Iran recently tested uses a mix of solid and liquid fuel. According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War, this fuel combination gives the rocket the potential to be turned into an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) in the future. A similar view was shared in a Breaking Defense report, which said that space launch vehicles like Qased could be quickly adapted to develop long-range missiles. The test is also seen as a trial run for Iran's new technologies. These could be used later in both satellite launches and advanced rocket systems. The technology tested could improve missile control, accuracy, and guidance. In the past, such tests by Iran have faced strong criticism from Western countries. After this recent launch, U.S. Republican Senator Tom Cotton called Iran's move 'misleading' and raised concerns about its real purpose. Iran unbothered by pressure, moves ahead with rocket launch Despite growing tensions and close international monitoring of Iran's missile program, Tehran seems unfazed. Right after a period of conflict, Iran carried out a rocket launch, giving a fresh twist to the already tense situation. Many Western countries have already linked Iran's space program with its ballistic missile development. Some experts believe that this latest test might also become part of ongoing diplomatic talks related to Iran's nuclear program. Qased: A hybrid rocket Iran's Qased rocket is a hybrid-fuel satellite launch vehicle. Its first successful launch was in 2020, when it placed a military satellite into orbit. The most recent test did not include a satellite launch. Instead, it was focused on verifying improvements in the rocket's design. According to Iran's news agency IRNA, the goal of the test was to try out new technologies to further strengthen the country's space capabilities. Trump warns of strikes on Iran's nuclear sites US President Donald Trump has once again warned that the U.S. could attack Iran's nuclear sites if needed. He said that Tehran must stop its uranium enrichment program. In a recent social media post, Trump reacted to comments made by Iran's foreign minister. He wrote, 'If they're saying that American strikes destroyed Iran's major uranium enrichment facilities, then yes – I did that. And if necessary, I would do it again.'
India.com
24-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Bad News for Pakistan, China, India develops 'Bunker Buster' Version of Agni-5 Missile, it can destroy..., capable of carrying..
Image for representational purposes only DRDO News: With an aim to take India's defense capabilities to new heights, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working relentlessly on an advanced version of the Agni-5 missile. According to the reports, this upgraded Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is being developed as a 'bunker buster' variant. The missile will be able to penetrate reinforced concrete structures as deep as 80–100 metres, carrying a massive conventional warhead weighing 7,500 kilograms. It will strengthen India's strategic posture—particularly against neighbors like Pakistan and China, who possess deeply buried military facilities. The missile is inspired by the US military's use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) against Iran's nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While the US relies on B-2 stealth bombers for delivery, India is focusing on a missile-based delivery system, which is more cost-effective, faster, and flexible. Agni-5 Missile: Here are some of the key features The new variant will have a 2,500 km range and will carry a conventional bunker-buster warhead. This missile will travel at hypersonic speeds (Mach 8–20), making it capable of evading ballistic missile defense systems. DRDO is developing two variants: one equipped with an airburst warhead to destroy large surface areas, and another designed to target deep bunkers, missile silos, and command centers. Bad News for Pakistan: It is important to note that the Agni-5 Missile will give a new dimension to India's defense policy. These missiles are well capable of destroying deep bunkers and nuclear sites in areas like Pakistan's Kirana Hills and China's Hotan. During Operation Sindoor, India destroyed nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK with BrahMos and SCALP missiles, demonstrating India's expertise in precision strikes—but the bunker-buster variant of Agni-5 will make these strikes even more lethal.
India.com
12-07-2025
- India.com
What is Vishnu? A powerful missile which India is developing, which country owns most powerful hypersonic missile? Name is...
What is Vishnu? A powerful missile which India is developing, which country owns most powerful hypersonic missile? Name is... India is getting ready to test its powerful new hypersonic missile named Vishnu. This missile is expected to be one of the most dangerous in the world. What makes it special is that no radar system can track it, and no air defense system can stop it. But do you know which country currently has the world's most dangerous hypersonic missile? But if you are thing it to be American, you are wrong as the it is Russian made missile called Avangard. And even the United States doesn't have the technology to intercept Avangard. India's missile 'Vishnu' is still in development, but once completed, it could be a game-changer. It is expected to be almost three times faster than Russia's Avangard and will also be capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Russia's Avangard: A deadly hypersonic weapon The Avangard is not just any missile it's a hypersonic glide vehicle that works with an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. It can fly at an incredible speed of Mach 20 to Mach 27, which means 24,000 to 33,000 km per hour. Avangard was revealed it in 2019, and it can carry a nuclear warhead as powerful as 2 megatons. The missile has a range of up to 10,000 km, making it capable of hitting targets that are very far. What makes Avangard truly dangerous is that it can change direction mid-air, which makes it almost impossible for current anti-missile systems to track or stop. This allows it to dodge interception with ease, making it one of the most feared weapons in modern warfare. India's Vishnu missile: Fast, smart, and versatile India is now working towards its own advanced hypersonic missile called Vishnu which is designed as a multi-role hypersonic glide vehicle and will have a top speed of Mach 10, which is around 10,000 to 12,000 km per hour. Its range is expected to be around 5,000 km, and it will also be capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The full name of Vishnu is: Vehicle for Integrated and Strategic Hypersonic Navigation and Utility (VISHNU). One of the key strengths of Vishnu is its launch flexibility i.e. it can be launched from land, air, or sea. It is also being designed to evade modern defense systems, just like Avangard, with defense penetration capabilities that can bypass enemy radar and missile shields. Why it matters With weapons like Avangard and Vishnu, a new age of hypersonic warfare is emerging where speed, stealth, and smart maneuvering decide who stays ahead. While Russia leads with Avangard, India is quickly catching up with a missile that could soon join the list of the most advanced in the world. What will India gain from the Vishnu Hypersonic Missile? India's new hypersonic missile 'Vishnu' could become a game-changer in Asia. Once ready, it will place India in the same league as China and Russia, both of whom already have advanced hypersonic missile technology. Here's how India will benefit: Vishnu will boost India's nuclear deterrence, giving the country stronger defense power in case of serious threats. It will be far more advanced than any missile system currently used by Pakistan, helping India maintain a clear edge in the region. The missile's high speed and ability to dodge enemy defense systems means it can strike with great precision and almost no warning. Developing such high-tech weapons will show the world that India is among the top military technology powers. Right now, Vishnu is still in the development and testing phase, but DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is working hard to make it fully operational in the coming years. Once deployed, Vishnu could redefine India's position in global defense — not just as a regional power, but as a serious player on the world stage.
