Introduction to Tactical Missiles :
Tactical Missiles, A tactical guided missiles are shorter-range weapons designed for use in the immediate combat area. The warheads that they can carry are diverse and can be chemical, biological, conventional, or nuclear. Their intended objectives include enemy troop formations, infrastructure, and artillery.
Tactical missiles are a vital part of modern warfare. They can be used to destroy enemy forces, disrupt their operations, and provide support for friendly troops. The use of tactical missiles can also have a devastating impact on civilians and infrastructure.
Types of Tactical Missiles:
- Tactical Ballistic Missiles
- Cruise Missiles
- air-to-surface
- air-to-air
- surface-to-air
Tactical Ballistic Missiles:
A tactical ballistic missile (TBM), or battlefield range ballistic missile (BRBM), is a ballistic missile designed for short-range battlefield use.
Tactical ballistic missiles are usually mobile to ensure survivability and quick deployment, as well as carrying a variety of warheads to target enemy facilities, assembly areas, artillery, and other targets behind the front lines. Warheads can include conventional high explosive, chemical, biological, or nuclear warheads.
It is generally a ballistic missile that can be used in the largest corps-level echelon and is not often used for reasons other than operational techniques. As can be seen from the range and operator, it is used for tactical purposes, such as enemy command posts, troop concentration areas, multiple tank units, or firepower warfare such as artillery fire.
Tactical ballistic missiles fill the gap between conventional rocket artillery and longer-range short-range ballistic missiles. Tactical missiles can carry heavy payloads deep behind enemy lines in comparison to rockets or gun artillery while having better mobility and less expense than the more strategic theatre missiles.
Cruise Missiles:
Cruise missiles are defined as an unmanned self-propelled guided vehicle that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift for most of their flight path and whose primary mission is to place an ordnance or special payload on a target.
Cruise missiles offer an alternative to ballistic missiles in terms of swiftly and precisely delivering a deadly payload to a target. Cruise missiles are not like ballistic missiles in that they travel through the Earth’s atmosphere while approaching their target at a lower height.
Cruise missiles come in several variations and can be launched from submarines, destroyers, or aircraft. The hallmark of a cruise missile is its incredible accuracy. A common statement made about the cruise missile is It can fly 1,000 miles and hit a target the size of a single-car garage. Cruise missiles are also very effective at evading detection by the enemy because they fly very low to the ground.
Air-to-Air Missile:
Air to Air Missile is a type of guided military missile that is used in aerial combat to destroy enemy aircraft. It is a powerful weapon system that has changed aerial warfare completely since its introduction.
AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid-fueled but sometimes liquid-fueled.
Air-to-Surface missiles
An air-to-surface (ASM) missile, or air-to-ground (AGM) missile, is a type of missile that is launched from a bomber, fighter jet, helicopter, drone, or any manned or unmanned military aircraft. The missiles can be deployed to strike targets on land or at sea.
A primary function of air-to-surface missiles is to establish dominance in the airspace over enemy territory. A military force can command a huge advantage over its foe by using air-to-surface missiles to destroy its adversary’s weapons, military installations, and other strategic ground targets.
Surface-to-Air Missiles:
A missile that is intended to be launched from the ground to destroy airplanes or other missiles is known as a surface-to-air missile (SAM) or ground-to-air missile (GTAM). In today’s armed forces, it is one kind of antiaircraft defense system.
The purpose of surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) is to defend ground installations from air threats, particularly from high-altitude bombers that can fly above the reach of traditional antiaircraft artillery.
Surface-to-air missile (SAM), radar or infrared-guided missile fired from a ground position to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft or missiles.
Some of the popular cruise Missiles are as follows
- BrahMos-II
- Hypersonic cruise missiles
- Air-to-air missile
- Nirbhay
- Tomahawk block IV cruise missile
Army Tactical Missiles Systems:
ATACMS is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles. ATACMS missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270 platforms.
Advancements in Tactical Missiles:
The stealth technology of tactical missiles provides a vital orientation for the future advancement of weapons and equipment technology. The introduction of cutting-edge technologies has dramatically impacted the tactical missile.
Innovations in propulsion systems, guidance mechanisms, and materials science have led to the development of more efficient, accurate, and versatile missiles. Propulsion technology has advanced to include solid and liquid propulsion systems that offer improved thrust and maneuverability.
Guidance systems have evolved from basic radar and infrared homing to sophisticated GPS and satellite-based systems, allowing for pinpoint accuracy even in challenging environments. These advancements have not only enhanced the operational capabilities of tactical missiles but also expanded their applications across different military branches.
Surface-to-air missiles cannot be used against tactical ballistic missiles. Advances in technology, however, have recently made it practical to consider the development of anti-tactical ballistic missile weapons (ATBM).
Conclusion
In conclusion, tactical missiles represent a vital component of contemporary military strategy, offering precision, flexibility, and strategic advantage in a range of operational contexts. The future of tactical missiles involves ongoing advancements in technology, including increased automation, enhanced targeting precision, and integration with other systems such as drones and cyber capabilities. These developments will continue to shape the role of tactical missiles in modern and future conflicts.