Shaurya Missile

Full Specifications

Shaurya Missile: India’s Hypersonic Surface-to-Surface Strike System

The Shaurya Missile represents a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities. Developed as a hypersonic, canister-launched surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missile, it offers rapid deployment and high survivability against modern air defense systems. Its quasi-ballistic trajectory and maneuverability in the terminal phase make it particularly difficult to intercept, providing a credible deterrent in regional security scenarios. Designed for both conventional and nuclear roles, Shaurya strengthens India’s nuclear triad and tactical strike options.

Manufacturer

The Shaurya Missile was developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with production involvement from Bharat Dynamics Limited. It draws on technologies from the Research Centre Imarat, particularly in navigation and guidance systems. As a homegrown system, it aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in critical defense technologies.

Speed and Range

Shaurya achieves hypersonic speeds of up to Mach 7.5 (approximately 9,190 km/h). Its operational range varies between 700 and 1,900 km, depending on payload configuration, allowing flexible employment from mobile launchers or silos. This performance enables rapid engagement of time-sensitive targets while maintaining low-altitude flight profiles for enhanced stealth.

Cost/Price

Exact unit costs for the Shaurya Missile are not publicly disclosed due to its strategic nature. Estimates for similar Indian ballistic missile systems typically range in the low tens of millions of dollars per unit, factoring in development, production, and integration expenses. As an indigenous program, it offers cost advantages over imported equivalents while supporting domestic industry.

The missile’s two-stage solid rocket propulsion enables quick launch readiness from canisterized transporter erector launchers (TELs) or underground silos. It features a ring laser gyroscope (RLG) and inertial navigation system (INS) for high accuracy, with a reported Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 20-30 meters. Payload capacity spans 200–1,000 kg, supporting conventional high-explosive or nuclear warheads. Physical dimensions include a length of approximately 10 meters, diameter of 0.74 meters, and launch weight around 6.2 tons.

Shaurya has undergone successful user trials and is operational with India’s Strategic Forces Command. Its design emphasizes maneuverability, making it suitable for countering advanced missile defenses.