DRDO Unveils BM-04 SRBM With Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB)

The Defence Analysis and Growth Organisation (DRDO) lately unveiled a mock-up of the BM-04 missile on the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition in Hyderabad. Described as a Brief-Vary Ballistic Missile (SRBM), the BM-04 is designed to counter enemy anti-access/space denial (A2/AD) capabilities, that are strategic methods utilized by adversaries like China and Pakistan to limit operational freedom in contested zones.

The BM-04 incorporates a Widespread Hypersonic Glide Physique (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster, suggesting it could obtain speeds exceeding Mach 5, mixing ballistic attain with hypersonic agility. This configuration permits for low-altitude, unpredictable flight paths that may evade radar and missile defences, making it splendid for penetrating A2/AD methods.

The BM-04’s design aligns with DRDO’s increasing hypersonic portfolio, which incorporates profitable checks of long-range hypersonic missiles. In November 2024, DRDO performed a historic flight trial of a long-range hypersonic missile able to carrying numerous payloads over 1,500 km.

This expertise mirrors the BM-04’s C-HGB, suggesting that the BM-04 may leverage related scramjet or booster expertise, scaled for SRBM duties.

Whereas DRDO has not disclosed particular particulars on the BM-04’s vary, payload, or timeline, its unveiling marks a major step in India’s missile growth, probably providing a speedy and exact strike functionality inside a 1,000 km radius.

The BM-04’s unveiling has sparked hypothesis amongst analysts, who see it as greater than a traditional SRBM on account of its hypersonic glide physique.

This characteristic permits the missile to manoeuvre throughout flight, evading standard missile defence methods.

The BM-04’s position in India’s Built-in Rocket Pressure ambitions can also be being thought of, because it may complement present methods like Pralay and hypersonic missiles for layered deterrence. Regardless of the shortage of concrete info, the BM-04 represents a promising growth in India’s defence capabilities, significantly in countering regional threats.

Listed here are some key options and implications of this missile system:

Key Options of BM-04 SRBM

The BM-04 has a variety of 400-1500 km, which locations it throughout the quick to medium-range class, although it’s formally labeled as a Brief-Vary Ballistic Missile (SRBM).

It makes use of two-stage strong propulsion, which offers reliability and fast response occasions.

The BM-04 utilizing inertial navigation system and satellite tv for pc navigation as its steering system.

The missile has a Round Error Possible (CEP) of lower than 30 meters, indicating excessive precision.

It’s canister launched, which boosts its mobility and readiness. The diameter of the missile is 1.2 meters, barely thicker than the Agni-I Prime (A1P).

The BM-04 includes a Widespread Hypersonic Glide Physique (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster, suggesting capabilities past standard SRBMs, probably permitting it to evade radar and missile defences.

Implications And Strategic Position

Versatility And Modernisation: The BM-04 contributes to creating India’s Rocket Pressure extra versatile and world-class by integrating superior applied sciences like hypersonic glide our bodies. This enhances India’s means to counter anti-access/space denial (A2/AD) methods deployed by adversaries.

Regional Safety: Its vary and precision make it appropriate for focusing on enemy radar websites, missile batteries, or naval vessels inside a 1,000 km radius, addressing regional safety challenges, significantly alongside the Line of Precise Management (LAC) with China.

Hypersonic Functionality

The inclusion of a C-HGB aligns with India’s increasing hypersonic portfolio, following the profitable take a look at of a long-range hypersonic missile in November 2024. This means that the BM-04 could possibly be a part of a broader technique to develop a household of hypersonic methods. The BM-04 SRBM’s hypersonic functionality considerably enhances its effectiveness in a number of methods:

Enhanced Survivability

Manoeuvrability And Unpredictability: Hypersonic missiles just like the BM-04 can change course throughout flight, making them tougher to intercept in comparison with conventional ballistic missiles, which comply with a predictable trajectory. This manoeuvrability reduces the effectiveness of enemy air defences.

Low-Altitude Flight: Hypersonic missiles sometimes function at low altitudes, which delays detection by radar methods. This reduces the response time obtainable to adversaries, making interception tougher.

Improved Penetration of Defences

A2/AD Countermeasures: The BM-04’s hypersonic glide physique can penetrate anti-access/space denial (A2/AD) methods extra successfully than standard ballistic missiles. Its pace and manoeuvrability permit it to evade layered defences, focusing on important enemy property like radar websites and missile batteries.

Velocity And Power: Though hypersonic missiles might lose pace throughout the glide section, their preliminary excessive speeds present a major kinetic vitality benefit, enhancing their means to penetrate hardened targets.

Strategic Benefits

Deterrence And Flexibility: The BM-04’s hypersonic functionality provides to India’s navy deterrence by offering a speedy, exact strike possibility towards time-critical targets. This flexibility is essential in trendy warfare, the place pace and adaptableness are key.

Technological Development: The event of hypersonic expertise demonstrates India’s dedication to advancing its navy capabilities, aligning with world developments in hypersonic weapon growth.

Particular Threats And Countermeasures

The BM-04 SRBM is designed to counter particular threats, significantly these associated to anti-access/space denial (A2/AD) methods deployed by adversaries like China and Pakistan. These A2/AD methods contain utilizing layered air defences, anti-ship missiles, and radar networks to limit operational freedom in contested zones.

A2/AD Programs: The BM-04’s design, that includes a Widespread Hypersonic Glide Physique (C-HGB), permits it to evade radar and missile defences. This functionality is essential for penetrating A2/AD “bubbles” and focusing on enemy radar websites, missile batteries, or naval vessels inside a 1,000 km radius.

Chinese language DF-21D And DF-17 Missiles: These missiles pose a major menace to Indian naval property and ahead bases. The BM-04 serves as a counterpunch by providing speedy, exact strikes towards such threats.

Regional Safety Challenges: The BM-04 addresses regional safety challenges, significantly alongside the Line of Precise Management (LAC) with China. Its hypersonic glide physique permits low-altitude, unpredictable flight paths, making it efficient towards layered defences.

By countering these threats, the BM-04 enhances India’s navy deterrence and operational flexibility, contributing to a extra versatile and world-class Rocket Pressure.

The BM-04 SRBM represents a major development in India’s missile capabilities, combining conventional SRBM traits with cutting-edge hypersonic expertise to boost its navy deterrence and operational flexibility.

The BM-04’s hypersonic functionality makes it a formidable asset for India’s Rocket Pressure, enhancing its means to counter trendy threats and preserve strategic superiority.

IDN