SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sparked intrigue at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav’ defence exhibition, held from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, by showcasing a mock-up of a previously unseen ballistic missile system labeled “BM-04.”
This debut, part of a sprawling display of India’s defense technologies, has left analysts and enthusiasts speculating about its role in the nation’s missile arsenal. Described by DRDO as a Short-Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM), the BM-04 appears to be designed to counter enemy anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, incorporating a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) atop a two-stage booster—a configuration hinting at hypersonic ambitions. While the model is a dummy, its unveiling marks a tantalizing glimpse into DRDO’s evolving missile strategy.
The BM-04’s appearance at Gachibowli Stadium showcasing DRDO’s cutting-edge systems, caught many by surprise. Labeled simply “BM-04” on its sleek, aerodynamic frame, the mock-up suggests it might be the fourth in a “BM” series—yet no prior missiles bearing this designation (BM-01, BM-02, or BM-03) have been publicly acknowledged by DRDO. This secrecy fuels speculation that “BM” is a new classification, or does it tie into existing programs like Agni or Prithvi? The mock-up, lacking propulsion or warhead details, offers few concrete clues, but its design—featuring a delta-wing glide body and a robust booster—aligns with hypersonic technology trends.
DRDO officials at the exhibition, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 28, described the BM-04 as an SRBM, a category typically denoting ranges of 300-1,000 km. murmurs among attendees suggest it’s more than a conventional SRBM. “DRDO officials are saying BM-04 is an SRBM,” one user noted, “but that glide body screams hypersonic.” The presence of a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB)—a reusable, maneuverable warhead atop a two-stage booster—hints at speeds exceeding Mach 5, blending ballistic missile reach with hypersonic agility.
Analysts see the BM-04 could be in response to regional threats, particularly anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems deployed by adversaries like China and Pakistan. A2/AD strategies—using layered air defenses, anti-ship missiles, and radar networks—aim to deny adversaries operational freedom in contested zones, such as the Indo-Pacific or along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China’s DF-21D “carrier killer” and DF-17 hypersonic missile, with ranges up to 2,500 km, exemplify this challenge, threatening Indian naval assets and forward bases.
The BM-04’s design suggests a counterpunch. The C-HGB, a concept also pursued by the U.S. for its hypersonic programs, enables low-altitude, unpredictable flight paths that evade radar and missile defenses—ideal for penetrating A2/AD bubbles. Paired with a two-stage booster, likely derived from Agni or Prithvi tech, it could deliver rapid, precise strikes within a 1,000 km radius, targeting enemy radar sites, missile batteries, or naval vessels.
The BM-04’s unveiling follows DRDO’s November 2024 test of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile—a 1,500+ km system with a delta-wing HGV—launched from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island. That trial, hailed as a “historic achievement” by Rajnath Singh, showcased terminal maneuvers and accuracy, joining India to the U.S., Russia, and China in hypersonic mastery. The C-HGB displayed in Hyderabad mirrors this technology, suggesting the BM-04 could be a shorter-range sibling or a variant tailored for specific missions.
DRDO’s hypersonic portfolio is expanding rapidly. Wind tunnel models of the C-HGB, Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRAShM), and other HGVs were displayed at its Hyderabad facility in December 2024, hinting at a family of systems. The BM-04’s SRBM tag might understate its potential—its glide body and booster hint at speeds exceeding Mach 5, overlapping with hypersonic definitions. “Calling it just an SRBM feels like a misnomer,” an analyst on X remarked. “This is a hypersonic strike platform in disguise.”
Yet, the BM-04 remains a mystery. Is it a prototype nearing trials, or a conceptual tease? DRDO’s silence on its range, payload, or timeline fuels speculation. If tied to the 2024 hypersonic test, it could leverage the same scramjet or booster tech, scaled for SRBM duties. Its A2/AD focus aligns with India’s Integrated Rocket Force ambitions, blending Pralay (500 km) and hypersonic systems for layered deterrence.
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