At the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence show in Hyderabad, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently displayed a BM-04 missile mock-up. The BM-04, referred to as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), is intended to counter adversary anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities. Enemies such as China and Pakistan employ these strategic systems to limit operational freedom in disputed areas.
By combining ballistic reach and hypersonic agility, the BM-04’s Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) on top of a two-stage booster suggests it might reach speeds higher than Mach 5. This structure is perfect for breaking into A2/AD systems because it permits low-altitude, unpredictable flight routes that can avoid radar and missile defences.
The design of the BM-04 complements DRDO’s growing hypersonic portfolio, which includes long-range hypersonic missile tests that were successful. A landmark flight test of a long-range hypersonic missile that can transport a variety of payloads over 1,500 km was carried out by DRDO in November 2024.
The BM-04 may be able to use similar scramjet or booster technology, scaled for SRBM operations, as this technology is identical to the BM-04’s C-HGB.
The BM-04’s debut represents a major milestone in India’s missile development, potentially providing a quick and accurate strike capability within a 1,000 km radius, even though DRDO has not provided exact information on its range, payload, or timescale.
Analysts have speculated about the BM-04’s unveiling, believing that its hypersonic glide body makes it more than a typical SRBM.
This characteristic makes the missile
The BM-04’s potential to supplement current systems like Pralay and hypersonic missiles for layered deterrence is being examined in relation to India’s aspirations for an Integrated Rocket Force. The BM-04 is a promising addition to India’s defence capabilities, especially in fending off regional threats, despite the paucity of specific details.
The following are some of this missile system’s salient characteristics and implications:
Although the BM-04 is technically classed as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), its 400–1500 km range puts it in the short- to medium-range category.
Its two-stage solid propulsion system offers dependability and fast reaction times.
The BM-04’s guidance system consists of satellite navigation and inertial navigation.
The missile is highly precise, with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of fewer than 30 meters.
Its canister launch improves its readiness and mobility. The missile has a 1.2-meter diameter and is somewhat thicker than the Agni-I Prime (A1P).
The BM-04’s Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) on top of a two-stage booster suggests that it has capabilities beyond those of traditional SRBMs, possibly enabling it to get past missile defences and radar.
By incorporating cutting-edge technology like hypersonic glide bodies, the BM-04 helps India’s Rocket Force become more adaptable and competitive on a global scale. This strengthens India’s defences against adversary-deployed anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) devices.
Targeting enemy radar stations, missile batteries, or naval vessels within a 1,000 km radius is possible because to its accuracy and range, which helps to address regional security issues, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The ability to travel at hypersonic speeds
With the successful launch of a long-range hypersonic missile in November 2024, the addition of a C-HGB complements India’s growing hypersonic repertoire. This implies that a larger plan to create a family of hypersonic devices may include the BM-04. The hypersonic capabilities of the BM-04 SRBM greatly increases its efficacy in a number of ways:
Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, which have a predetermined trajectory, hypersonic missiles, such as the BM-04, can alter their course while in flight, making them more difficult to intercept. The efficacy of the enemy’s air defences is diminished by this manoeuvrability.
Usually operating at low altitudes, hypersonic missiles evade radar systems’ detection. Because of this, enemies have less time to react, which makes interception more difficult.
Increased Defence Penetration
Conventional ballistic missiles are less successful than the BM-04’s hypersonic glide body at penetrating anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems. Targeting vital enemy assets like radar stations and missile batteries, its speed and mobility enable it to sneak past layered defences.
The initial high speeds of hypersonic missiles provide them a large kinetic energy advantage, which improves their ability to pierce fortified targets, even though they may lose speed throughout the glide phase.
India’s military deterrent is strengthened by the BM-04’s hypersonic capability, which offers a quick and accurate strike option against targets that must be hit quickly. In contemporary warfare, where quickness and adaptability are essential, this flexibility is vital.
India’s dedication to improving its military capabilities is demonstrated by the development of hypersonic technology, which is in line with international trends in the creation of hypersonic weapons.
The purpose of the BM-04 SRBM is to combat specific threats, especially those involving anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems used by enemies such as China and Pakistan. These A2/AD tactics limit operational freedom in contested areas by utilising radar networks, anti-ship missiles, and layered air defences.
The Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) in the BM-04’s design enables it to avoid missile defences and radar. Permeating A2/AD “bubbles” and aiming for enemy radar sites, missile batteries, or naval vessels within a 1,000-kilometer radius requires this capacity.
The Indian forward bases and naval assets are seriously threatened by these missiles. The BM-04 provides quick, accurate attacks against these threats, acting as a counterpunch.
Particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the BM-04 tackles regional security issues. It is effective against multilayer defences because of its hypersonic glide body, which allows for low-altitude, unpredictable flight trajectories.
By thwarting these dangers, the BM-04 strengthens India’s operational adaptability and military deterrence, resulting in a more diverse and competitive Rocket Force.
India’s missile capabilities have advanced significantly with the BM-04 SRBM, which combines advanced hypersonic technology with classic SRBM features to improve military deterrence and operational flexibility.
India’s Rocket Force benefits greatly from the BM-04’s hypersonic capability, which strengthens its capacity to fend off contemporary threats and preserve strategic primacy.
