SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently unveiled the BM-04 Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), a cutting-edge addition to its missile arsenal that promises to redefine strategic capabilities. Officially stated to have a range of 400 to 1,500 km, the BM-04 incorporates a third-stage Hypersonic Glide Vehicle (HGV), which has sparked discussions among defence analysts about its true potential.
Speaking to idrw.org, experts have suggested that the DRDO may have understated the missile’s range, a practice seen in previous missile programs, and estimate that the BM-04 could achieve ranges of 2,500 to 3,000 km in real-world conditions.
The BM-04 SRBM, showcased at the Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 exhibition, is a solid-fuelled, road-mobile missile designed for high accuracy and rapid deployment. Weighing 11,500 kg and carrying a 500 kg conventional warhead, the missile features a two-stage booster system with a third-stage HGV as its payload delivery mechanism. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles that follow a predictable parabolic trajectory, the BM-04’s HGV allows it to maneuver at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5 and above), making it harder to detect and intercept.
The DRDO has a history of developing advanced missile systems, including the Agni series, BrahMos, and the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV). The BM-04 appears to build on this expertise, combining ballistic missile technology with hypersonic glide capabilities to create a versatile and potent weapon system.
At the heart of the BM-04’s extended range potential lies its third-stage Hypersonic Glide Vehicle. To understand why analysts believe the missile can exceed its stated range, it’s crucial to grasp the mechanics of a hypersonic boost-glide system.
The BM-04 begins its journey like a traditional ballistic missile. The first and second stages, powered by solid-fuel rocket motors, propel the missile into the upper atmosphere or low Earth orbit. This phase provides the initial velocity and altitude needed for the HGV to operate effectively.
Once the booster stages burn out, the third-stage HGV separates. Unlike a conventional re-entry vehicle that follows a ballistic trajectory back to Earth, the HGV is designed to glide through the upper atmosphere at hypersonic speeds. It uses aerodynamic lift—generated by its shape and control surfaces—to “skip” or glide along the edge of the atmosphere, much like a stone skipping across water.
Even without powered propulsion, the HGV retains significant momentum from the boost phase. Its aerodynamic design, featuring control surfaces and a low radar cross-section (RCS), allows it to maintain speed and stability while performing maneuvers. Pull-up maneuvers, where the HGV adjusts its angle of attack to gain altitude before diving again, further extend its range by optimizing its flight path.
The ability to glide unpowered over long distances is a hallmark of HGVs. By leveraging momentum and aerodynamic forces, the vehicle can travel thousands of kilometers without additional propulsion. This capability allows it to cover greater distances than a traditional ballistic missile of similar size and weight.
Defence analysts Ranesh Rajan speaking to idrw.org have pointed out that the DRDO has a history of understating the ranges of its missiles, possibly for strategic or diplomatic reasons. For example, earlier missiles like the Agni series were initially reported with conservative ranges, only for later tests to reveal greater capabilities. The BM-04, with its advanced HGV technology, is believed to follow a similar pattern.
The stated range of 400 to 1,500 km likely reflects a conservative estimate based on a standard ballistic trajectory or limited glide maneuvers. However, the HGV’s ability to perform aerodynamic controlling and pull-up maneuvers significantly enhances its range. Rajan argue that by optimizing its glide path and exploiting atmospheric lift, the BM-04’s HGV could extend its reach to 2,500–3,000 km in real-world conditions.
This extended range is not speculative but grounded in the physics of hypersonic glide vehicles. The HGV’s ability to maintain speed and altitude over long distances, combined with its maneuverability, allows it to cover far greater distances than a purely ballistic projectile. Furthermore, the DRDO’s advancements in materials science—such as heat-resistant composites and thermal barrier coatings—ensure that the HGV can withstand the extreme temperatures generated during hypersonic flight, enabling prolonged glide phases.
If the BM-04 indeed achieves ranges of 2,500–3,000 km, it would significantly enhance India’s strategic deterrence capabilities. Such a range would allow the missile to target key locations across a broader geographical area, providing greater flexibility in operational planning. The hypersonic speed and maneuverability of the HGV also make it a formidable challenge for existing missile defense systems, as its unpredictable flight path complicates interception.
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