India Prepares for Test Launch of Long-Range Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile

India is gearing up to conduct a test of a new long-range anti-ship ballistic missile capable of striking moving enemy warships or aircraft carriers at distances exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is expected to carry out the test launch in the coming days, according to defence sources cited.

Versatile Launch Capabilities

The upcoming anti-ship ballistic missile is being designed for the Indian Navy, with a focus on enhancing its offensive capabilities against enemy vessels. The missile can be deployed from both naval warships and shore-based locations, providing flexible launch options in maritime operations, the sources added.

The new missile system aims to expand the Navy’s strike range, allowing it to target adversarial ships and carriers from a significant distance, thereby bolstering India’s maritime defense strategy. The addition of this weapon will complement the existing inventory of ballistic missiles used by Indian forces, including the Pralay missile, which has already been ordered by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

Expanding Ballistic Missile Inventory

India has been ramping up its stockpile of ballistic missiles across all three branches of its armed forces. The induction of short- and medium-range missiles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country’s capability to engage in sustained, long-term conflicts. This expansion reflects a growing focus on equipping the forces with diverse missile options to address various combat scenarios.

The increased emphasis on ballistic missiles comes in light of their extensive use in recent global conflicts, where both state and non-state actors have employed these weapons for rapid, large-scale attacks. The potential for such tactics has underscored the need for India to boost its own long-range strike capabilities.

The Indian military’s interest in creating a dedicated rocket force stems from its ongoing tensions with China along the northern borders. China boasts a significant inventory of long-range ballistic missiles and a well-established rocket force capable of conventional and non-nuclear strikes. In response, Indian defence forces have held extensive discussions on the formation of a similar organization equipped with a large arsenal of long-range missiles to counter regional threats and safeguard national security.

The development of the new anti-ship ballistic missile is a step towards addressing these strategic requirements and enhancing India’s deterrence capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges.