Dhanush Missile, Range, Type, Specifications, Operational History

The Dhanush Missile, also referred to as Prithvi-III, is the naval variant of India’s indigenously developed Prithvi-II Missile. It features several modifications to adapt the original Prithvi platform for ship-based deployment, making it suitable for launch from naval vessels. Dhanush Missile is a short-range ballistic missile capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional warheads. With a length of 8.53 meters and a diameter of 0.9 meters, it can carry a 500 kg payload and is designed to engage both land and sea-based targets. 

Dhanush Missile Development

The Dhanush Missile is a naval variant of the Prithvi III missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was designed to be launched from warships, providing the Indian Navy with a credible sea-based strike capability. The missile system includes a stabilization platform to counteract the motion of the sea, ensuring accurate targeting from mobile naval platforms.

Also Read: Missiles of India

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Dhanush Missile Specifications

The Dhanush Missile supports ship-to-ship as well as ship-to-surface strike missions, providing the Indian Navy with operational flexibility. It has a declared strike range of 350 kilometers, significantly impacting India’s maritime strike capabilities. The below table includes the Dhanush Missile Specifications:

Dhanush Missile Operational History

The Dhanush Missile has undergone several successful test firings, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness which are discussed below:

1. October 5, 2012: Successfully test-fired from a naval ship in the Bay of Bengal.
2. November 23, 2013: Another successful launch validating its operational readiness.
3. April 9, 2015: Demonstrated precision strike capabilities.
4. November 24, 2015: Reaffirmed its reliability in various conditions.
5. February 23, 2018: Successfully test-fired from a naval ship off the Odisha coast, showcasing its readiness for deployment.

Dhanush Missile Significance

The Dhanush Missile enhances India’s maritime strike capabilities in several ways:

• Second-Strike Capability: By being deployable from naval platforms, Dhanush contributes to India’s nuclear triad, ensuring a credible second-strike capability. 
• Versatility: Its ability to carry various types of warheads makes it adaptable to different mission requirements.
• Mobility: Being ship-launched, it provides strategic flexibility and rapid deployment options in maritime scenarios.

Also Read: SCALP Missile

Dhanush Missile vs Other Missiles

India’s advancements in missile technology have led to the development of several indigenous systems tailored for various strategic needs. Among them, the Dhanush Missile, a ship-launched ballistic missile, holds a unique position due to its naval deployment capabilities and dual-role functionality. The below table includes the Dhanush Missile vs Other Missiles for the reference:

Dhanush Missile Limitations

While the Dhanush Missile significantly impact India’s naval capabilities, it does face certain limitations:

1. Liquid Propellant: The use of liquid fuel requires more complex handling and longer preparation times compared to solid-fuel missiles.

Range Constraints: Although its range can extend up to 750 km with lighter payloads, it is still considered a short-range missile, limiting its reach compared to intermediate or long-range systems.