India has developed an array of advanced missile systems to bolster its defense capabilities. These are not only strategically vital but also represent a formidable threat to neighboring countries, especially Pakistan.
Some of these missiles, with their incredible speed and accuracy, can target Pakistani cities within seconds. In this report, we delve into these missiles, exploring their features, range, speed, and impact.
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1. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Type:
Supersonic Cruise Missile
Range:
290-700 km (up to 1500 km with the latest upgrades)
Speed:
Mach 3.0 (approximately 3704 km/h)
Weight:
3000 kg (capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads)
Launch Platform:
Land, sea, air, and submarine
Feature:
Low flying, radar-evading capability with mid-flight maneuverability
Source: aajtak
Impact on Pakistani Cities
Lahore:
Just 55 km from Amritsar, BrahMos can target Lahore in under 72 seconds.
Islamabad:
At a distance of about 287 km from Amritsar, fixated by BrahMos in less than 5 minutes.
Karachi:
Bhuj to Karachi is 325 km, within BrahMos's range, targeting it within 5-6 minutes.
Jointly developed by India and Russia, BrahMos is recognized as one of the world's fastest cruise missiles. Its supersonic speed and pinpoint accuracy make it nearly invincible to enemy radar and air defenses. This missile is deployed in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The latest version enhances its range to 1500 km.
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2. Shaurya Missile
Type:
Quasi-ballistic missile (nuclear-capable)
Range:
700-1900 km
Speed:
Mach 7.5 (approximately 9266 km/h, hypersonic in the final phase)
Weight:
6.2 tons
Feature:
Mobile launch, radar evasion, precise targeting due to hypersonic speed.
Source: aajtak
Reach to Pakistani Cities
Lahore:
Shaurya can target Lahore within 20-30 seconds with its hypersonic speed.
Islamabad:
With a 1900 km range, it can destroy Islamabad in 3-4 minutes.
Karachi:
Karachi can be hit in 4-5 minutes.
Shaurya is a tactical missile designed for swift deployment on the battlefield. Its hypersonic speed and mobile launcher pose a significant threat to Pakistan's air defenses.
3. Pralay Ballistic Missile
Type:
Tactical short-range ballistic missile
Range:
150-500 km
Speed:
Over Mach 5 (hypersonic category)
Feature:
Multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRV), mobile launcher, radar evasion capabilities
Pakistani Cities in Crosshairs
Lahore:
Pralay can target Lahore in 30-40 seconds.
Islamabad:
It can destroy Islamabad in 2-3 minutes.
Karachi:
Targeting Karachi could take 3-4 minutes.
Pralay is specifically developed for deployment along the India-Pakistan (LoC) and India-China (LAC) borders. With hypersonic speed and MIRV technology, it can simultaneously destroy multiple targets, posing a substantial risk to Pakistan.
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4. Agni-5 Ballistic Missile
Type:
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Range:
5500-8000 km
Speed:
Mach 24 (approximately 29,652 km/h)
Weight:
50-56 tons
Feature:
MIRV technology, nuclear warhead capability, precise targeting.
Source: aajtak
Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi:
With Agni-5's range and speed, it can annihilate any Pakistani city in 2-3 minutes.
The MIRV technology allows Agni-5 to target multiple cities simultaneously. It is one of India's most advanced missiles, capable of targeting not only Pakistan but also major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, making it a strategic asset.
5. Hypersonic Missile
Type:
Hypersonic Cruise Missile
Range:
1000+ km
Speed:
Over Mach 5
Feature:
Scramjet technology, radar evasion capability, nuclear warhead potential.
Swift Targeting of Pakistani Cities
Lahore:
Targeted in 20-30 seconds.
Islamabad:
Precision strike in 2-3 minutes.
Karachi:
Targeted in 3-4 minutes.
Recently tested successfully, this hypersonic missile can fly at five times the speed of sound. This technology is possessed by only a few nations globally and will significantly enhance India's defense capabilities in the future.
India vs Pakistan
India's Missile System:
India's missiles, such as BrahMos, Shaurya, Pralay, and Agni-5, are more advanced and reliable. MIRV technology and hypersonic speed enable India to destroy multiple targets simultaneously.
Pakistan's Missile Arsenal:
Pakistan boasts Ghauri, Shaheen, and Ababeel missiles, with a maximum range of 2700 km. However, their MIRV technology is limited, and they are considered less precise and reliable than India's arsenal.
Source: aajtak
Strategic Importance and Challenges
Quick Response:
Missiles like BrahMos, Shaurya, and Pralay can deliver quick responses due to their speed and mobile launch, crucial in border tensions.
Nuclear Capability:
Missiles like Agni-5 and Shaurya, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, bolster India's nuclear policy.
Pakistan’s Concerns:
Tensions between India and Pakistan elevated post the Pahalgam terrorist attack (April 2025). Pakistan fears possible surgical strikes or a large-scale attack by India using these missiles.
Challenges:
Both nations being nuclear-armed raises the threat of nuclear weapon use in full-scale war. Despite India's military superiority, misjudgments or misunderstandings could exacerbate the situation.
