Ballistic Missiles

News: Russia has fired a Hypersonic Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) at the Ukranian city of Dnipro. This has brought ballistic missiles into the news.

1. Ballistic Missile is a type of missile that is rocket propelled during its initial phase and then follows a ballistic trajectory, governed primarily by gravity and inertia.

2. It employs a projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target.

3. Ballistic Missile travel at a variety of speeds, with Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) travelling at a speed of over Mach 20.

4. Ballistic Missiles are be categorised into five broad types based on their range. A) Tactical Ballistic Missile B) Short Range Ballistic Missile C) Medium Range Ballistic Missile D) Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile E) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.

5. They can be launched from land-based silos, submarines, or mobile platforms.

6. Prithvi and Agni Missile Series represent India’s ballistic missile capability.