DRDO recently unveiled a mock-up of the BM-04 missile at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition in Hyderabad.
DRDO Unveils BM-04 SRBM
DRDO recently unveiled a mock-up of the BM-04 missile at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition in Hyderabad. Described as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), the BM-04 is designed to counter enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, which are strategic systems used by adversaries like China and Pakistan to restrict operational freedom in contested zones.
The BM-04 incorporates a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster, suggesting it may achieve speeds exceeding Mach 5, blending ballistic reach with hypersonic agility. This configuration allows for low-altitude, unpredictable flight paths that can evade radar and missile defences, making it ideal for penetrating A2/AD systems.
The BM-04 has a range of 400-1500 km, which places it within the short to medium-range category, though it is officially classified as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM). It uses two-stage solid propulsion, which provides reliability and quick response times. The BM-04 using inertial navigation system and satellite navigation as its guidance system.
Key Features of BM-04 SRBM
It is canister launched, which enhances its mobility and readiness. The diameter of the missile is 1.2 meters, slightly thicker than the Agni-I Prime (A1P).
The BM-04 features a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster, suggesting capabilities beyond conventional SRBMs, potentially allowing it to evade radar and missile defences.
India Becomes A Hypersonic Power
India has marked a significant milestone in its military capabilities by unveiling its latest advancements in hypersonic technology. The DRDO showcased a Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) and a Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) as part of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. This development positions India as a hypersonic power, alongside nations like the United States, China, and Russia, which have also made significant strides in this field.
Hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 3,800 mph or 6,100 km/h), represent a significant advancement in military technology.
Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV) plays a critical role, particularly in the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-ASHM) program. The HGV is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, positioning it as a potent tool in India’s anti-ship warfare strategy.
The successful test of India’s long-range hypersonic missile, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km, underscores the country’s growing technical prowess in advanced missile development.
