A MISSILE TRIAD OF POWER AND PRECISION

The Agni, BrahMos, and Dhvani missiles have are reshaping India's strategic future

- JOSEPH P CHACKO

When Prime Minister Narendra announced Sudarshan Modi Mission Chakra in his Independence Day address, he unveiled India's most ambitious defence undertaking since independence a multi-layered air defence system designed to transform the nation into an impregnable fortress against aerial threats. Named after Lord Vishnu's divine discus weapon, this shield promises to protect India's 1.4 billion citizens and critical infrastructure from an increasingly complex array of modern threats.

Over the past four decades, India has moved from being a technology taker to a credible, largely indigenous missile power. India now has a family of ballistic and cruise systems that together underpin a credible deterrent, provide conventional strike options, and project regional power.

This article examines India's advances in missile development, focusing on three key aspects: the Agni ballistic missiles, which are crucial for India's nuclear deterrence and range; the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which has enhanced the military's ability to attack and defend areas; and the new Dhvani hypersonic programme.

If Dhvani succeeds, India will join the select group of countries with hypersonic weapon technology.

This article also addresses doctrine, industrialisation, export ambitions, and the strategic implications for regional stability and deterrence.

Missiles are not merely engineering feats; they are instruments of policy. They hold threefold significance for India.

Strategic stability and deterrence

Ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads are the most prominent component of India's strategic deterrent.

A credible, survivable missile force bolsters second-strike credibility and increases the costs of aggression.

Conventional precision strike and operational leverage