Army Day Highlights India’s Missile Strength

India observes Army Day every year on January 15 to commemorate the appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. On the eve of the occasion, attention has turned to the missile systems that form the backbone of India’s military deterrence, reflecting decades of indigenous development and strategic planning.

Army Day and Strategic Context

Army Day honours the professionalism, discipline, and sacrifices of the Indian Army under the leadership of pioneers such as K. M. Cariappa. In the contemporary security environment, missile capabilities are central to safeguarding national sovereignty, enabling credible deterrence across land, sea, and air domains.

Long-Range Strategic Missile Systems

India’s strategic deterrence is anchored by the Agni-5 intercontinental ballistic missile, with a range exceeding 5,000 km and multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle capability. Complementing it is Agni-Prime, a new-generation medium-range ballistic missile with a 1,000–2,000 km reach, designed for rapid deployment and enhanced survivability through canisterisation.

Cruise Missiles and Precision Strike Capability

BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile jointly developed with Russia, represents India’s premier precision-strike weapon, with an extended range variant of up to 800 km nearing induction. Alongside it, the Nirbhay long-range land attack cruise missile offers subsonic, terrain-hugging penetration for deep strikes against high-value infrastructure and command centres.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15.
• Agni missiles form the core of India’s ballistic missile deterrent.
• BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile with land, sea, and air launch options.
• India follows a policy of credible minimum nuclear deterrence.

Air, Naval and Defensive Missile Systems

India’s air combat edge is strengthened by the Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, with ranges extending up to 160 km. At sea, the K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic missile underpins the country’s sea-based nuclear deterrent through assured second-strike capability. For air defence, Akash Prime provides indigenous surface-to-air missile protection with 360-degree coverage against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, reinforcing layered defence of critical assets.