Missile Man of India: How powerful were the missiles developed by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam?

Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam wasn’t just any scientist; he was the driving force behind some of the most critical advancements in India's defense technology, earning him the well-deserved nickname, “Missile Man of India.” But how did a humble son of a boat owner from Tamil Nadu rise to revolutionise India’s missile capabilities?

It all began when he joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and later the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was here that Kalam's deep understanding of rocketry and aerospace engineering began to take shape. His work with India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-III, laid the foundation for his transition into missile development.

Kalam's pivotal role in leading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) is where he truly made history. This program was responsible for the creation of several of India’s most powerful missiles — some of which are still considered game-changers in the defense world today. Under his leadership, India’s missile defense strategy went from practically nonexistent to highly capable, establishing the country as a force to be reckoned with.

Agni missiles

Among his most notable creations is the Agni series. Considered the big leagues in the world of short to medium range ballistic missiles, the first within its series was developed after the Indo-Pakistan Kargil war. The Agni I, for example, has a range of about 700 to 1,200 kilometers. That’s comparable to firing a missile from Mumbai and hitting targets well into Pakistan. The real kicker? It can carry a 2,500 kg nuclear warhead, what India has affectionately termed a “credible deterrent”.

The weight of the warhead directly correlates to the missile's destructive potential. A heavier warhead usually contains more explosive material or larger payloads, which increases its ability to cause widespread damage. This is particularly important for missiles like the Agni series, where the intent is to act as a deterrent.
Building upon the success of the first iteration, the Agni II boasted an even more impressive range of 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers. This nuclear-equipped missile was capable, fast, terrifyingly accurate, and likely helped significantly affect the strategic dynamics of India with neighbouring countries such as China. With a warhead of 1000kg, it was deadly — if needed to be. Both of these missiles are rail and road-mobile, meaning that they can be transported across the country for launch.

Prithvi close-range missiles

But it wasn't just long-range nukes that Kalam worked on. He also turned his attention to tactical, battlefield missiles like the Prithvi series. The Prithvi missiles are somewhat different — they're designed for close-range engagements, acting almost like a heavyweight punch in a tactical fight. The Prithvi I can travel 150 kilometers and is perfect for battlefield dominance, carrying a huge 1,000-kilogram payload. That’s the equivalent of launching an entire small car into enemy territory at speeds of Mach 2.

Meanwhile, the Prithvi II, with its slightly extended range of 250 kilometers, helped provide additional flexibility to the Indian Air Force. These missiles might not have the range of the Agni series, but they hit hard and fast — similar to the Russian Iskander missile system in terms of their tactical role on the battlefield.

Akash SAM

The Akash missiles are a surface-to-air missile (SAM) that operates like a protective umbrella for India’s skies. This missile can engage multiple targets at once and hit them from 25 kilometers away, and was made agile enough to shoot down incoming enemy planes, helicopters, or even drones. So far, the Indian forces have built over 3,500 of them.
While some compare the Akash missiles to Israel’s Iron Dome system, there are some notable differences. Both systems are designed to neutralise aerial threats before they can hit their targets, but their primary roles differ slightly. The Iron Dome is specifically optimised for intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells, with a success rate that has exceeded 90% in combat situations. Many compare it akin to a highly responsive shield that reacts quickly to immediate missile threats, particularly in urban areas.

In contrast, while the Akash missile also intercepts aerial threats, it focuses more on engaging enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The Akash's strength lies in its ability to handle multiple threats simultaneously with a rapid response time, similar to the Iron Dome, but with a broader focus on a variety of high-speed airborne targets rather than just short-range rockets.

Nag anti-tank missiles

One of the more specialised missiles Dr. Kalam worked on was the Nag, designed for taking out tanks. Its fire-and-forget technology locks onto an armored tank, flies up, and dives down to strike the tank’s weakest spot from above, punching through even the most advanced armor.
With a range of about 4 kilometers, the Nag is perfect for day or night use, and its laser-guided precision makes it a must-have for the Indian Army. When compared to international anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), such as the US's Javelin or Israel’s Spike, the Nag is just as deadly — albeit with a shorter range — providing India with a cutting-edge weapon for modern warfare. However, the Nag's specific design for India’s diverse battlefield conditions, including its deployment on the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), provides it with excellent mobility and flexibility, especially in rough terrains.

Dr. Kalam’s genius lay not just in the missiles he helped develop, but in his strategic vision. Today, India stands as one of the few nations with highly capable, indigenously developed missile technology, largely thanks to Kalam’s contributions.