Integrated Guided Missile Development Program

• The Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) was launched by India in 1983 with the aim of making the country self-sufficient in the field of missile technology. 
• This program was initiated to strengthen India’s defence capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. 
• Under this program, a range of advanced missiles was developed, significantly enhancing India’s strategic and defence posture.

The key missiles developed under IGMDP

Prithvi (Short-Range Surface-to-Surface Ballistic Missile):

• Type: Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM)
• Range: Approximately 150-350 km
• Purpose: Used for tactical strikes, designed to carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
• Significance: The first missile developed by India as part of the IGMDP.

Agni (Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile):

• Type: Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM)
• Range: Varies by variant (Agni V has a range of over 5,000 km)
• Purpose: Provides a strategic deterrent with the capability to strike long-range targets, including nuclear capabilities.
• Significance: The Agni series has evolved over the years, with Agni V being capable of striking intercontinental distances.

Trishul (Short-Range Low-Level Surface-to-Air Missile):

• Type: Short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM)
• Range: 15-25 km
• Purpose: Designed to intercept low-level targets such as aircraft and drones.
• Significance: Provides defence against air threats at close ranges, including near-surface threats.

Akash (Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile):

• Type: Medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM)
• Range: 25-30 km
• Purpose: Designed for defense against a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft and missiles.
• Significance: Provides air defense protection for military and civilian infrastructure.

Nag (Third-Generation Anti-Tank Missile):

• Type: Anti-tank guided missile (ATGM)
• Range: 3-4 km
• Purpose: Designed to destroy heavily armoured targets, especially enemy tanks.
• Significance: The Nag missile enhances India’s ground defense capabilities, especially in tank warfare.

Agni Prime

• The Agni Prime missile, a nuclear-capable, medium-range ballistic missile, has a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometres. 
  • Type: Agni Prime is a new-generation, advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles, a two-stage canisterized solid propellant ballistic missile. 
  • Range: The missile has a maximum range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. 
  • Purpose: It is designed as a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM). 
  • Significance: It is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles and is a key component of India's nuclear deterrence. 
  • Development: It was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as a successor for Agni-I and Agni-II missiles. 
  • Test: The Agni Prime missile was successfully flight-tested in June 2021. 
  • Canisterized: It is a canister launched missile, which means it can be launched from rail or road, stored for long periods, and transported as per operational requirements.

Key Achievements of IGMDP

• IGMDP played a critical role in India’s missile development by creating indigenous capabilities for missile technology, marking a significant advancement in the country's defense sector.
• It provided India with the capability to develop a variety of missiles, including surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and anti-tank systems.
• The successful development of missiles like Prithvi, Agni, Akash, Trishul, and Nag laid the foundation for India’s nuclear deterrence strategy and modernized its defense infrastructure.