Ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile: What is the difference between the three and which one is most dangerous? Does India have all three?

New Delhi: Ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile are used for different purposes. Let us know what is the difference between ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missile?

Ballistic Missile

Ballistic missiles are designed for long-range attack. Their minimum range is 1000 kilometers. After launching, these missiles first go out of the earth’s atmosphere, then fall towards the target under the effect of gravity. Their speed is very fast while moving towards the target. They can achieve a speed of Mach 5 or five times the speed of sound (6174 km/h).

Ballistic missiles can carry both nuclear and conventional weapons. India’s Agni-V, Russia’s SS-26 Iskander and America’s Minuteman III are some of the most powerful and dangerous ballistic missiles in the world.

Hypersonic Missile

Hypersonic missiles are those that attack at a speed 5 times faster than the speed of sound or Mach 5. It is very difficult to intercept them. The range of hypersonic missiles can be up to 5000 kilometers. These missiles fly low and attack so fast that the enemy does not get a chance to detect and destroy it.

Hypersonic missiles can carry both conventional or nuclear warheads. Due to their speed, they dodge defense systems. Hypersonic missiles can also be fired from fighter aircraft. However, hypersonic technology is very complex, so only selected countries of the world have these missiles. India is also developing its indigenous hypersonic missiles.

Cruise Missile

These missiles are powered by jet engines. They fly at very low altitudes. Cruise missiles are the most dangerous weapons to destroy short-range targets. They can strike from 200 to 1000 kilometers. Cruise missiles are also used to destroy enemy warships in the sea.

Cruise missiles can also fire both conventional and nuclear weapons. They are equipped with navigation systems, so their attack is the most accurate. India’s Brahmos, America’s Tomahawk and Russia’s Kalibr are the most dangerous cruise missiles in the world.

Used for different purposes

Ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles are used for different purposes. Ballistic missiles can hit targets at very long distances. Hypersonic missiles are very fast and it is almost impossible to stop them. Cruise missiles are known for their accuracy.

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