The BM-04 Missile: India’s Next-Generation Conventional Counterforce Weapon

Final month, the Protection Analysis and Growth Group (DRDO) unveiled a next-generation short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) at a protection exhibition in Hyderabad. Dubbed because the BM-04, the brand new missile is akin to the already deployed Agni-P nuclear-armed missile, with a variety particular to placing Pakistan. The BM-04 displays the continued efforts undertaken by India to develop and deploy superior conventionally armed ballistic missiles with enhanced pace, maneuverability, and precision. The missile’s existence signifies that New Delhi seeks to develop a sturdy standard counterforce functionality. 

The BM-04 is 10.2 meters lengthy, 1.2 meters in diameter and weighs 11,500 kg. The missile has a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system; it might interact targets positioned at a most distance of as much as 1,500 km, with a 500 kg standard warhead, and has a 30-meter round error chance (CEP). It may be deployed utilizing a six-wheel indigenous transport erector launcher (TEL). Like the prevailing missiles within the Indian arsenal, the BM-04 is canisterized, which permits the warheads to be mated with the supply methods prematurely, thus lowering the time required to fireplace the projectile. 

As soon as deployed, the BM-04 will probably be distinct from the earlier missiles, as evident within the phrases of G.A. Srinivasa Murthy, who at the moment leads the Protection Analysis and Growth Laboratory (DRDL), a sub-unit of the DRDO. Murthy said that the DRDL efficiently produced a hypersonic missile with synthetic intelligence (AI) help in December 2024. This means that the BM-04 missiles will be repeatedly upgraded with new warheads, sensors, and propulsion methods because the risk matrix evolves. It will make the BM-04 a sturdy and dependable system that may face up to future threats. 

In accordance with its design and options, the BM-04 seems to be like a spinoff of the Agni-P, solely the newer model will probably be used for standard strike roles. As well as, the missile re-entry automobile seems just like a lift glide automobile, which is anticipated to achieve hypersonic pace based mostly on its outlook. This maneuverable re-entry automobile can evade the adversary’s air protection methods. With its brisk pace, the BM-04 will interact time-sensitive targets, similar to multi-launch rocket methods, ground-based missile launchers, and cellular surface-to-air missile methods. If these assertions are upheld, it should undoubtedly improve the Indian navy’s standard counterforce functionality.

Main Common Roopesh Mehta, at the moment serving as further director common (ADG) for Functionality Growth on the Built-in Headquarters of the Indian Military, hinted on the BM-04’s existence in his June 2023 article. Within the article, he additionally emphasised establishing a brand new standard rocket drive. The BM-04’s growth has reaffirmed India’s plans to ascertain an Built-in Rocket Power (IRF), because it was reported two years in the past that the Indian navy was contemplating equipping the newly proposed IRF with a ballistic missile with a variety of 1,500 km. 

There may be extra to the BM-04 that meets the attention. New Delhi’s broader goal is to undertake a pre-emptive strike posture. In doing so, India goals to retain an choice to conduct precision strikes towards Pakistani standard counterforce targets with high-speed standard projectiles. It would enhance India’s shoot-and-scoot capabilities as a result of the rocket drive could have stable gasoline missiles in its arsenal, saved in canisters, permitting the navy to launch them instantly. As well as, the BM-04 is tailor-made to neutralize the adversary’s vital infrastructure, together with air bases, ammunition dumps, command-and-control facilities, cantonments, and logistics nodes.

Why develop a longer-range standard SRBM, though the Indian navy has already developed the Pralay, able to destroying targets at a variety of as much as 500 km? With the operationalization of the BM-04, India can retailer these weapons deep into its territory, thus making it difficult for Pakistan’s standard floor and air-based platforms to hit the missile launchers and storage websites. 

If a missile regiment geared up with the BM-04 is stationed within the periphery of India’s XXI Corps (Strike Corps) headquarters, for instance, it might simply take out targets positioned on Pakistan’s western borders. For Pakistan to strike potential BM-04 launch websites in Bhopal, Pakistan’s air drive plane must journey some 100-150 kilometers deep into Indian territory earlier than they will launch a Taimoor air-launched cruise missile with a attainable vary of 600 km. Pakistan’s ground-launched long-range standard system, the Fatah-II, can solely goal a most distance of 400 km. The situation implies that India’s BM-04 methods could have the luxurious to strike potential targets in Pakistan from a safer distance. 

Missiles will be constructed anytime, relying on the management’s approval. Nonetheless, New Delhi’s mindset to successfully interact Islamabad’s standard counterforce is harmful. The BM-04 missile growth confirms a navy doctrine aimed toward conducting restricted operations below the nuclear umbrella at standard and subconventional ranges. The area’s strategic stability is just not threatened by the BM-04, per se, however by the mindset that prevails in New Delhi.

Up to date South Asian dynamics depict a rising navy disparity between India and Pakistan. The BM-04 growth signifies New Delhi’s try to diversify its standard missile drive and improve its strike capabilities, aiming to focus on the adversary’s standard counterforce targets. The missile growth confirms a shift in New Delhi’s drive posture, a harbinger that the Indian navy appears set to rely extra on ballistic missiles for standard counterforce focusing on in future conflicts. In a nutshell, with the BM-04’s existence, the dangers of India initiating violence on the subconventional or standard degree stay believable.