The foundation of each nation’s strategic ballistic missile capability is represented by the Agni and Ghauri missile series, however there are notable differences between them in terms of technology, payload, range, and operating philosophy.
India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is responsible for the development and production of the Agni missiles, which are mainly solid-fuelled ballistic missiles with a variety of ranges, ranging from short-range (Agni-I, 700 km) to intercontinental (Agni-V, 7,000–10,000 km).
The Agni-V, for instance, has a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. Agni missiles are renowned for their sophisticated guidance systems, which include ring laser gyroscopes and inertial navigation, which give excellent precision.
The most recent versions, like Agni-V, are road-mobile, cannister-based, and have the ability to transport multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), which allows them to launch numerous nuclear warheads to several targets at once. Because of these technological developments, the Agni series is extremely resilient, deploys quickly, and can be used in a variety of ways.
A world where almost all nuclear-armed nations have substantial MIRV capacity appears to be significantly more dangerous than the current geostrategic situation, according to a statement by the Federation of American Scientists. This is because MIRVs are both prospective first-strike weapons and attractive first-strike targets due to their extremely destructive capability.
Pakistan’s Ghauri (Hatf-5) missile, on the other hand, is a road-mobile, medium-range, liquid-fueled ballistic missile that can carry a nuclear warhead up to 700 kg and has a maximum range of 1,500 km.
There are some foreign-made Ghauri missiles in Pakistan’s arsenal. Its design and engineering changes were made in Pakistan, and it is based on the North Korean Nodong-1 missile. The design, propulsion mechanism, and general configuration of the missile, which is a variation of the Soviet Scud, point to a process of technology transfer or reproduction rather than a wholly indigenous creation.
With a stated CEP of 2,500 meters, the Ghauri’s guidance system is less sophisticated, though it has been proposed that with Chinese help, it could be improved. Because Ghauri missiles use liquid fuel rather than solid fuel, they need more time to prepare before launch, which reduces their responsiveness and may make them more vulnerable in an emergency.
The Ghauri can deliver both nuclear and conventional warheads, but its range limits it to targets within India, excluding the far south and east.
While road mobility provides some survivability, the overall technological sophistication and operational flexibility are lower compared to India’s Agni series.
In terms of range, accuracy, payload versatility, and technological complexity, India’s Agni missiles outperform Pakistan’s Ghauri.
The Agni series gives India a reliable and strong second-strike capability, extending deterrence beyond the immediate neighborhood to cover strategic targets deep into China and beyond, particularly with the addition of MIRV capability and solid-fuel propulsion.
The Ghauri is an essential part of Pakistan’s deterrence posture, although its range, liquid-fuel technology, and less sophisticated guidance limit its operational responsiveness and strategic reach to the Indian subcontinent.
