India's 5 Most Powerful Missiles That Keep Entire Pakistan Within Range — 3 So Deadly Even China Remains Cautious

India’s strategic missile arsenal is not only a symbol of military strength but a key deterrent to its adversaries, including Pakistan and China.

By Rakesh Ranjan Kumar | Updated: May 2, 2025, 05:01 IST

In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s firm response, the atmosphere in Pakistan is reportedly tense. Fearing a possible military strike by New Delhi, the top brass in Islamabad is increasingly alarmed — not least because India possesses a formidable missile arsenal capable of targeting the entire Pakistani territory. In fact, some of these weapons are so advanced that they also pose a strategic threat to China.

1. Agni-V: India’s Intercontinental Game-Changer

With a strike range between 5,000 to 5,500 kilometers, the Agni-V missile stands as one of India’s most powerful weapons. Classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), it is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and can be launched from road-mobile platforms. What makes Agni-V especially formidable is its reach—not only does it cover all of Pakistan, but it can also strike deep inside China, and even parts of Europe. The missile significantly enhances India’s second-strike capability and strategic deterrence.

2. Agni-IV: Precision With Power

The Agni-IV is an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers. Designed for carrying nuclear warheads, this missile gives India the capability to target any region within Pakistan. Equipped with highly advanced navigation and guidance systems, Agni-IV offers high accuracy and reliability in striking designated targets.

3. Agni-III: Mobility Meets Accuracy

With a strike range between 3,000 to 3,500 kilometers, the Agni-III missile adds another layer of strategic reach to India's arsenal. It has a payload capacity of around 1.5 tons, capable of carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads. What sets Agni-III apart is its versatile launch capability—it can be fired from both road- and rail-mobile platforms. Powered by inertial navigation systems and GPS, the missile can be deployed quickly and is highly accurate, capable of reaching deep into Chinese territory in addition to every corner of Pakistan.

4. Agni-II: Versatile Medium-Range Missile

The Agni-II is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with an effective range of 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers. As the second missile in the Agni series, it forms the backbone of India’s regional deterrence. Developed specifically for delivering nuclear payloads, it provides India with a strategic edge against neighboring adversaries, including Pakistan and western China. Its payload capacity is around 1,000 kilograms, and it can be deployed rapidly for targeted strikes.

5. BrahMos: The Fastest Cruise Missile in the World

Though its original range was between 400 to 800 kilometers, the latest versions of the BrahMos cruise missile now boast a strike capability of up to 1,500 kilometers. It is the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, with a speed of Mach 2.8 to 3.0. BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia and is renowned for its multi-platform launch capability—it can be deployed from land, sea, or air. This makes it an ideal weapon for rapid, precise, and devastating attacks on enemy targets.

Strategic Implications

India’s missile program, particularly the Agni and BrahMos series, plays a vital role in maintaining regional strategic balance. With these weapons, India not only deters hostile action but also secures its position as a dominant force in South Asia. As tensions rise with Pakistan and geopolitical competition with China intensifies, these missiles serve as both shield and sword.