| Country: |
India |
| Class: |
ICBM |
| Basing: |
Surface based |
| Length: |
40.00 m |
| Diameter: |
0.00 m |
| Launch Weight: |
80000 kg |
| Propulsion: |
First/second stage solid, third liquid |
| Range: |
8000/12000 km |
| Status: |
Development |
| In Service: |
Exp. 2008 |
Details
The Surya is an intercontinental-range, surface-based, solid- and liquid-propellant ballistic missile. Currently in development, the missile is based on the civil space launch technologies of the PSLV/GSLV programs. Once completed, it will be India's first ICBM.
A strategic weapon, the Surya will extend India's nuclear deterrent to targets deep within China. At present, Indian missiles can only hit a limited number of Chinese targets, even after the completion of the Agni-3. However, the development of a true ICBM such as the Surya will make almost any strategic target within China vulnerable, and decrease India's relative weakness. In this manner, the Surya will provide India with a strong deterrent against future Chinese aggression.
At present, India is developing two variants, the Surya-1 and the Surya-2. The Surya-1 is reported to be 40 m long and weigh 80,000 kg. It is expected to have a range of 8,000 km. The missile is believed to use a three-stage design, with one liquid-propellant and two solid-propellant stages. As the Surya-1 has yet to be developed, its payload and warhead are currently unknown. The Surya-2 will have a longer range of 12,000 km , which will most likely be accomplished by decreasing its payload.
The program has not been confirmed. If it does occur, the first flight test will be in 2008.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, ed., Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, July 200), 57; GlobalSecurity.org, “Surya,” available at http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/india/surya.htm, accessed on 21 May 2005.
