February 8, 2012

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Surya-1 and 2

Country:  India
Class:  ICBM
Basing:  Surface based
Length:  40.00 m
Diameter:  Unknown m
Launch Weight:  80000 kg
Propulsion:  First/second stage solid, third liquid
Range:  8000/12000 km
Status:  Unknown

Details

Assuming that the Surya missile exists at all, it is probably an intercontinental-range, surface-based, solid and liquid-propellant ballistic missile. Reports suggest that the missile is currently in development and is based on the civil space launch technologies of the PSLV/GSLV, satellite rocket boosters from the Indian Space Research Organization, programs.

A strategic weapon, the Surya will extend India's nuclear capability to targets within and beyond 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 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 believed to be 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 8000 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 uncertain but reports suggest that the payload will be 2500 kg and employ MIRVs with penetration aids. The Surya-2 will have a longer range of 12000 km, a range which will likely be reached by decreasing the payload.


 

If the missile is actually in the planning stages, flight tests can be expected by 2015 with the missile entering service around 2020. Indian officials deny that the program exists, however, and the program is probably of a lower priority than development of the Agni 4/5.1



Footnotes

  1. Jane's Strategic Weapons Systems, Issue 50, ed. Duncan Lennox, (Surrey: Jane's Information Group, January 2009) 60.

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