India has systematically built an original missile production capability, using its commercial space-launch program to develop the skills and infrastructure needed to support an offensive ballistic missile program. Most of these launches put light satellites into near-earth orbit. Elements of the SLV-3 were subsequently incorporated into two new programs. In the first, the new polar-space launch vehicle PLSV was equipped with six SLV-3 motors. The Agni technology demonstrator uses the SLV-3 booster as its first stage. The different types of missile are given below:
Prithvi. The Prithvi-1 is a mobile liquid-fueled 150-kilometer tactical missile currently deployed with army units. It is claimed that this missile is equipped only with various conventional warheads. Based on the same design a modified Prithvi, the Prithvi-2 is essentially a longer-ranged version of the Prithvi-1. Currently, the Prithvi-2 has completed development and is now in production. For Indian Navy, a 350-kilometer version of the Prithvi is under development. It is unclear whether or not this system will be deployed on India’s new nuclear missile submarine.
Agni. The 1500-kilometer Agni technology demonstrator uses the SLV-3 booster for its first stage and a liquid-fueled Prithvi for its second stage. India has also developed the carbon-carbon composite materials needed for long-range missile components and reentry vehicle ablative coatings. India has recently inducted Agni-2 missiles that have a range of the 2500 to 3500-kilometers. Unlike the Agni I, the Agni II will have a solid-fueled second stage. It is believed that the Agni can only be equipped with a conventional warhead. India recently tested the Agni-3 with a range between 3500 and 5000 kilometers.
Surya. Surya is the codename for the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Officials of the Indian government have repeatedly denied the existence of the project. According to news reports, the Surya-1 is an intercontinental-range, surface-based, solid and liquid propellant ballistic missile. The Surya-1 and -2 will be classified as strategic weapons, extending the Indian nuclear deterrent force to targets around the world. The Surya-1 will have an expected range of 10,000 km. It reportedly has a length of 40 m and a launch weight of 80,000 kg. Some reports indicate as much as 275,000 kg. Still the missile has developed. The Surya-2 is a longer-ranged variant of the Surya-1. It has a reported range of 20,000 km. The first test flight is expected in 2008, and it is expected to be operationally ready by 2015.